The Wisdom of the Buddha

Book excerpt: The Wisdom of the Buddha combines an in-depth introduction to Buddhism with the practicality of a spiritual self- help book. The first five chapters provide clear and insightful explanations of the foundation teachings of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, mindfulness meditation, and the nature of suffering and happiness.The next ten chapters bring Buddhist teachings to bear on transforming our lives: how to break the grip of habits, end arguments and power struggles, deal with difficult emotions and strong desires, see the essential nature of all addictions, deal with anxiety and depression, become more accepting, and cultivate compassion and reverence for all life. The final two chapters provide much needed insight into the Buddha's most difficult and freeing teachings of all: the true nature of the self (the "no self" teachings), relative and absolute truth, nirvana, impermanence, and our mistaken understandings of death.Simple and accessible language, practical techniques, numerous guided meditations, personal stories, and numerous quotations from master teachers are used to present an inspiring path toward deep personal transformation. About the Author:Dale Lugenbehl has for 14 years been the Principle Teacher for Ahimsa Acres Sangha, an affiliate of the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation. He has taught both Eastern and Western philosophy classes for 40 years in public colleges and universities, including 7 years of Buddhist Meditation Traditions at Lane Community College--the first college credit Buddhist meditation class ever offered in Oregon. He is also a member of Dharma Voices for Animals, Environmental Editor for American Vegan magazine, Director of Ahimsa Acres Educational Center, and the author of more than 50 published articles.Advance Praise for The Wisdom of the Buddha:This is a life-changing book! Buddhist teachings and practices presented... have the clarity and power to produce genuine and positive change. ---Joyce LeMieux Cameron, MS, MFCCDale Lugenbehl has written an accessible, personal, and eloquent introduction to Buddhism and mindfulness... that translates Buddhist teachings into intelligible suggestions for practice. ---Jonathan Seidel, Ph. D., Professor in Religious Studies and in Judaic Studies, formerly of the University of California at Berkeley, Stanford, and the University of Oregon. Rabbi and Spiritual Leader of Or haGan in Eugene, Oregon.The Wisdom of the Buddha, ...walks the reader through the core teachings of the Buddha, clears up common misconceptions in easy-to-understand terms, always with an eye toward personal application. Useful meditation exercises are offered throughout... The author also demystifies some of the more profound teachings of Buddhism about "no self," death and the "oneness" of everything. This book is ideal both as a guide for personal growth and as a college textbook. ---Jeffrey Borrowdale, Professor of Philosophy and Philosophy Program Director, Lane Community College.