The Jewel Tree Of Tibet: The Enlightenment Engine Of Tibetan Buddhism [Anglais] [Relié]

Robert Thurman is probably best know for his translation of the sacred text The Tibetan Book of the Dead, although he has published many works of both translation and exploration of Tibetan Buddhism. The Jewel Tree of Tibet is a significant addition to Thurman’s contribution to this field of spiritual scholarship. His deep knowledge and devotion are in evidence on every page. His style is straightforward and inviting. He also provides a short introduction to the history of Buddhism which is as clear and straightforward as possible for what can be an exceptionally complex and entangled topic.

In short, Thurman writes for real people with an interest in (perhaps longing for) a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. In addition to a clear and inviting style and providing the reader with an accessible understanding of important spiritual matters, this book is exceptionally openhanded and openhearted. While Thurman wants us to share the dharma of the Jewel Tree he also wants the reader to know that they are already on their path- no matter what their faith or non-faith, political beliefs, no matter what manner of thinking may appear to divide, separate, or individualize us: Thurman presents a view of the self in which we can see that it is possible to overcome these limitations and alienations and to see ourselves as inhabiting common ground with the suffering, the joy, and the seeking of others. His bias is ecumenical in the best and most generous sense of the word.

This is an excellent book for the person just awakening to their spiritual path and for the seeker of many years.--Julian Riepe

Based on Thurman's six-lesson retreat on Tibetan Buddhism, this accessible book guides readers through the process of enlightenment. Throughout, Thurman (Inner Revolutions) draws from the Fourth Panchen Lama's text Mentor Devotion to ground his teachings, a surprising choice given that it's an advanced dharma that he concedes is "semiesoteric." Thurman successfully spins the text's interpretation so that it becomes more transparent to a Western audience. He describes Buddhist karma, for example, as "Darwinian evolution with an individual twist," and also cautions readers not to adopt some blissed-out, mind-emptying idea of Buddhism just because they imagine that it's Eastern and therefore superior. "When we seek to enter the path of enlightenment, we have to engage with society." On the other hand, he notes, we also need to embrace ascetics like monks and nuns, and invest generously in their work toward liberation. The book has some truly beautiful moments, as when Thurman encourages readers to meditate on the loving-kindness of their mothers (even the bad mothers, he says, made sacrifices to keep their children alive and fed), or when he offers 11 steps to compassion, love and happiness. Although there are a few hiccups - moments when it becomes obvious that the "root text" of Mentor Devotion is a tricky one indeed - this is a fine tool on the road to enlightenment.
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Thurman has been a key figure in bringing Buddhist thought to Western culture as a translator of Tibetan texts, a writer, and a teacher. In his newest treatise, he adapts his popular audio "retreat" series, Sounds True (2001), to book form. Here, Thurman presents the Tibetan jewel tree as a powerful image that can help individuals see the infinity of life and the interconnectedness of all things. Seeking enlightenment is the process of inward revolution, which should, eventually, make us realize that we must share our discoveries, and work toward the happiness of all beings. Clearly, this is Thurman's own life mission, which he accomplishes by making his books accessible to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike through clarity of expression and economy of ideas. Although more useful as a counterpart to the audiotapes than on its own, The Jewel Tree of Tibet offers readers a great deal of material that they can incorporate into their daily lives, include in meditative practice, or simply think deeply about, which has its own rewards. Janet St. John
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Tibetan Buddhism’s Abundant "Jewel Tree"

Tibetans call their cherished tradition of Buddhism a "wish-fulfilling jewel tree" for its power to generate bliss and enlightenment within all who absorb its teachings. This path to enlightenment, it is taught, requires more than a sitting meditation practice alone. With The Jewel Tree of Tibet, honored scholar and teacher Robert Thurman brings these insights to you as they were meant to be transmitted—through the spoken word.

As a young seeker almost 40 years ago, Thurman first journeyed to Dharamsala, where he became the first Westerner ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Now, Thurman guides you lucidly through the unifying principles of Tibetan Buddhism’s many branches. With him, you will discover Tibetan Buddhism’s detailed map of the "the bliss state of enlightenment"; the principles of tantra for opening the doors to "infinite compassion and continuity"; and how to overcome the dangers of the spiritual quest to discover states of consciousness that transcend even death.

Finally, here is Robert Thurman on audio, offering a rich and intellectually riveting retreat program—complete with many specific meditations and spiritual practices to fully immerse you in the mysteries of The Jewel Tree of Tibet. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.

Robert Thurman, Ph.D. teaches at Columbia University, where he holds the first endowed chair in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies in America. He received Upasika ordination in 1964 and Vajracharya ordination in 1971, both from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is a cofounder of Tibet House in New York. Robert Thurman has translated numerous sacred Tibetan texts, and is the author of Essential Tibetan Buddhism (HarperSanFrancisco, 1996), Inner Revolution (Riverhead, 1999), Infinite Life (Riverhead, 2004), and many other books on Tibetan Buddhism. --Ce texte fait référence à l'édition CD .