The Four Noble Truths: The Foundation of Buddhist Thought, Volume 1
"Although coming from a traditional Gelugpa presentation of the Buddhist path, these books are written for a modern western audience, and therefore 'happiness' is presented as a principle goal, alongside the more traditional goal of enlightenment. The author's personal tone and his fluent language, combined with his obvious mastery of the material help to make the series a tremendously valuable resource for the study of basic Buddhist teachings from a Tibetan perspective." (Buddhadharma)"In his first sermon, the Buddha famously laid the foundation for all of his teachings to follow with the doctrine of the Four Noble Truths. So it makes sense that the first volume of a six-volume set titledThe Foundation of Buddhist Thoughtshould be given the same name. The series is based on a popular course developed by the author, Geshe Tashi Tsering, as a systematic and comprehensive introduction to the core tenets of Buddhism. This volume's particular strength lies in Tsering's ability to harmonize the Mahayana and Theravada interpretations of theFour Noble Truths." (Tricycle)"Possibly one of the finest expositions of this all-important aspect of Buddhist doctrine. What makes this book special is that Geshe Tashi Tsering wrote it from the vantage-point of teaching Westerners over many years and encountering their constant need for logical explanations couched in terms that they could understand. Geshe Tashi Tsering's book summarizes in simple, lucid, and very user-friendly terms the traditional teaching on the four noble truths and offers the kind of practical guidance that one would need to take the first step on the spiritual path. For those who are already on the way, the book is a timely reminder to maintain beginner's mind." (Georg Feuerstein, Traditional Yoga Studies Interactive)"Geshe Tashi Tsering's explanations of the four noble truths are helpful and valuable to anyone interested in exploring these core teachings of the Buddha. This small and user-friendly book is filled with gems of insight from the vast Tibetan commentarial tradition on the first teaching the Buddha gave. Not a mere discussion or theory, the spirit of the book nudges the reader in the direction of realizing these truths in one's own life." (Mu Soeng, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies)"With this series of books drawn from his highly successful courses, Geshe Tashi's insights can be enjoyed by a wide audience of both specialists and newcomers to the Buddhist tradition. His presentations, never divorced from the basic humanity and warmth of his personality, combine rigor and accessibility." (Thupten Jinpa, principal translator for the Dalai Lama and director of the Institute of Tibetan Classics)"Geshe Tashi's systematic approach to Buddhist thought allows readers to gradually but surely enhance their knowledge of Buddhism without feeling overwhelmed." (Eastern Horizon)