This Precious Life: Tibetan Buddhist Teachings on the Path to Enlightenment
Khandro, a Buddhist nun and daughter of a well-known meditation master, has written a thoughtful introduction to Tibetan Buddhist practice. She lucidly summarizes the Four Thoughts central to Tibetan Buddhist teaching: the preciousness of human existence, with its potential for enlightenment and potential to benefit others; the impermanence of life and inevitability of death, recognition of which inspires an urgency to live each moment meaningfully; the reality of suffering and the need to develop compassion for the suffering of others; and the role of karma, the law of cause and effect, in perpetuating suffering. Khandro then explains the practice of Tibetan meditation in relationship to the Four Thoughts and how the practice of meditation can lead to understanding of the preciousness of life and how to use this life to alleviate the suffering of others. Khandro discourages dabbling in Buddhism and so delves deeply into Buddhist philosophy and provides useful contemplations to help the reader understand core concepts.Jane TumaCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved