A jargon-free explanation of two central teachings of the Buddha: karma and rebirth. The Buddha’s teaching on karma (literally; “actionâ€) is nothing other than his compassionate explanation of the way things are: our thoughts and actions determine our future; and therefore we ourselves are largely responsible for the way our lives unfold. Yet this supremely useful teaching is often ignored due to the misconceptions about it that abound in popular culture; especially oversimplifications that make it seem like something not to be taken seriously. Karma is not simple; as Traleg Kyabgon shows; and it’s to be taken very seriously indeed. He cuts through the persistent illusions we cling to about karma to show what it really is—the mechanics of why we suffer and how we can make the suffering end. He explains how a realistic understanding of karma is indispensable to Buddhist practice; how it provides a foundation for a moral life; and how understanding it can have a transformative effect on the way we relate to our thoughts and feelings and to those around us.
#3987271 in Books The Narrative Press 2001-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .91 x 5.50l; .0 #File Name: 1589760646408 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Elizabeth A. KentGood13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Well worth the effortBy Ein KundeThe book is a detailed chronological account of nearly three years of difficult travel between Zanzibar and Lake Tanganyika; circa the late 1850's. Nothing escapes Burton's observation. He writes of everything from the local hairstyles to the price of pombe (African beer). He gives detailed descriptions of the landscape; geography; flora; and fauna. He writes of Arabs and the Eastern slave trade. He depicts safari life in the days of human porters and mules. He tells of the people he encounters; though his descriptions of Africans may be offensive to some. There is a wealth of information here; something for everyone with an interest in Eastern Africa; or exploration; or imperialism. The place names have sometimes changed from Burton's time to ours; as have the English spelling conventions of Swahili words. Anyone with any interest in Eastern Africa; especially the precolonial period; should arm themselves with a good atlas and reference book and read Burton.Burton led an amazing life of exploration and scholarship [he wrote "The Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah" after disguising himself as an Arab to travel to the sacred city; he visited Salt Lake City and wrote "City of the Saints"; after exploring in South America he wrote "Explorations of the Highlands of Brazil"; and he translated the "Arabian Nights" and poetry of LuÃs de Camões]; still he may not be an easy writer to come to terms with for many contemporary readers. He is far from what we would call "politically correct". But he wrote so much and so well; and is practically the only writer to travel in Eastern Africa in the 1850's that is in print today (except for John Hanning Speke who was with him on this trip; and who wrote "Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile").To put this book in context it is wise to read something about Burton; particulary Burton and Speke in Africa; know why in "Lake Regions" Burton never refers to Speke by name. (There are a few Burton biographies; and books about Burton and Speke; or see the movie: "Mountains of the Moon")25 of 26 people found the following review helpful. Comprehensive description of Eastern Africa in 1850'sBy Ein KundeBurton led an amazing life of exploration and scholarship [he wrote "The Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah" after disguising himself as an Arab to travel to the sacred city; he visited Salt Lake City and wrote "City of the Saints"; after exploring in South America he wrote "Explorations of the Highlands of Brazil"; and he translated the "Arabian Nights" and poetry of LuÃs de Camões]; still he may not be an easy writer to come to terms with for many contemporary readers. He is far from what we would call "politically correct". But he wrote so much and so well; and is practically the only writer to travel in Eastern Africa in the 1850's that is in print today (except for John Hanning Speke who was with him on this trip; and who wrote "Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile").To put this book in context it is wise to read something about Burton; particulary Burton and Speke in Africa; know why in "Lake Regions" Burton never refers to Speke by name. (Or see the movie: "Mountains of the Moon")The book is a detailed chronological account of nearly three years of difficult travel between Zanzibar and Lake Tanganyika. Nothing escapes Burton's observation. He writes of everything from the local hairstyles to the price of pombe (traditional beer). He gives detailed descriptions of the landscape; geography; flora; and fauna. He writes of Arabs and the Eastern slave trade. He depicts safari life in the days of human porters and mules. He tells of the people he encounters; his descriptions of Africans may be offensive to some. There is a wealth of information here; something for everyone with an interest in Eastern Africa; or exploration; or imperialism. The place names have sometimes changed from Burton's time to ours; as have the English spelling conventions of Swahili words. Anyone with any interest in Eastern Africa; especially the precolonial period; should arm themselves with a good atlas and reference book and read Burton.
