Stages of Meditation is a commentary by the Dalai Lama on a rare text by ninth-century Indian Buddhist scholar Kamalashila, written in Tibet to correct some Chinese misinterpretations of Buddhism that were influential at the time. Kamalashila's short work is not widely known today, but according to the Dalai Lama, it is a most important text, and worthy of study by those new to Buddhism, because "on the basis of this knowledge you will be able to understand other treatises without great difficulty. This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures."

Throughout the book, the Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of logical analysis of scriptures, even if they are in the Buddha's own words; some teachings, he stresses, "should not be taken literally, but need interpretation." And this is what he does in this clear and readable commentary, originally given in 1989 and now translated and published for the first time. Its 10 short chapters are on such familiar Buddhist themes as Training the Mind, Compassion, Identifying the Nature of Suffering, and The Practice of Calm Abiding.

"Through meditation," says the Dalai Lama, "we can train our minds in such a way that negative qualities are abandoned and positive qualities are generated and enhanced." Those who practice meditation, whether Buddhist or not, will find this a thoughtful and practical guide, written with the Dalai Lama's characteristic warmth and gentleness. --David V Barrett, Amazon.co.uk


From AudioFile
This powerful, far-reaching audio will require focused concentration but will offer much to listeners who are serious about meditative practice. The lesson is grounded in the writings of ninth-century Buddhist scholar Kamalashila, whom the author quotes and discusses with great familiarity. A logical thinking person's guide to meditation, this program will open doors for the Western mind that more esoteric and mystical approaches might not budge. The rich language of the Dalai Lama's writing is immeasurably enhanced by Ken McLeod's deep devotion to the material; McLeod is an acclaimed Buddhist writer and teacher in his own right. An essential resource for meditation students at all levels. T.W. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Review
"For the budding practitioner, there are few teachings more essential or indispensible than Kamalshila's Stages of Meditation" -Foreward Magazine



Book Description
The Dalai Lama explains the principles of meditation in a practice-oriented format especially suited for Westerners.


Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Tibetan

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This book is the Dalai Lama's teachings on how to meditate. It is the most extensive explanation His Holiness has given on a classic meditation handbook by Kamalashila Practice-oriented Westerners will find this favorite text of the Dalai Lama especially useful. In the Dalai Lama's own words, "This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures." Accordingly, His Holiness often teaches from it to diverse audiences throughout the world.

SYNOPSIS

The Dalai Lama explains the path to enlightenment and treats, in depth, the key practices of calm abiding meditation and penetrative insight. The book also serves as a meditation handbook for Mahayana Buddhism.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

The Dalai Lama has scarcely been silent or inaccessible; he is without a doubt the best-known representative of not only the plight of his country of Tibet under the hard rule of Communist China but of the practices of Tibetan Buddhism itself. is This brief work, aimed especially at the Western reader, expounds, in the master's typically unruffled style, how to recognize the nature of suffering and how to achieve wisdom and "calm abiding." While this is not the easiest or clearest introduction to Buddhist practice, any work from the hand of the Dalai Lama will arouse intense interest in Buddhist and non-Buddhist readers alike. Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

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