In the Footsteps of Bodhisattvas

Book excerpt: A complete path of meditation training framed by the Buddha's words in the King of Samadhi Sutra--one of the most important Mahayana sutras--from a contemporary, accessible voice. The term "meditation" is often spoken of as a single, uniform practice, but in fact there are innumerable techniques that can be employed to achieve different ends. However, to make real progress in any practice, the methods need to be paired with a view of how our minds and our experience of the world around us really work. In this uncommonly practical and experiential guide, Phakchok Rinpoche teaches us how to achieve this correct view so we can genuinely practice a meditation that will transform our lives by helping us abandon our own bad habits and hypocrisy. In this way, we will make real progress on the path to true freedom from the cyclic patterns we follow that only lead to unhappiness. Grounding this presentation is The King of Samadhi Sutra--one of the most important teachings in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition--which the author uses as a touchstone throughout. The simplicity will appeal to new and aspiring meditators, while the insightful approach based on living these practices will help seasoned practitioners get unstuck and make swift progress.