Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #60993 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Synopsis
This influential spiritual classic offers a presentation of Buddhist teachings accessible to seekers of any faith. Tibetan meditation master Chgyam Trungpa presents an overview of the spiritual path and warns of common mistakes along that path. He describes the problem he calls 'spiritual materialism' - strengthening our egocentricity through spiritual techniques while deceiving ourselves into thinking we are developing spiritually.

Customer Reviews

A clear and eloquent transmission of how the mind works
Chogyam Trungpa, often referred to as one of the few oriental, Buddhist lamas who truly understood the Western mind, here transcends East and West by addressing simply and eloquently, the processes of the mind and ego. Trungpa illuminates how some of these processes can undermine an otherwise wholesome relationship to ourselves and our basic goodness (buddha nature) and our relationship with others. These processes can cause our suffering and the suffering of others and disrupt our efforts to be decent and skillful. The non-theistic text, transmitted by this extraordinarily gifted meditation master, is presented freely without prostelytizing and is offered clearly without judgment, blame, guilt, hope or fear. Cutting Through is an important stepping-stone towards developing self-awareness, fearlessness, friendship and loving kindness. A 'must-read' for any diver or warrior of heart and courage. Also recommended are Trungpa's: Shambhala, Path of the Warrior and/or Meditation in Action.

Die Laughing
Chogyam Trungpa, gives it to you straight no chaser. The first half of the book examines your motivations for embarking on the spiritual path. This no-nonsense master challenges us to understand that for most the path is too fraught with pain and isolation to embark upon.

Now if you can take this, and its relentless, maintain and cultivate your sense of humour, critical to Trungpa's teaching, then he willingly reveals the Buddhist vehicle for engaging on the spiritual path.

This is authentic Buddhism. Forget being good or bad, forget hoping to get anything, read Chogyam Trungpa and understand there is nothing to get and everything to attain.

Embrace this authentic practice, if your really fortunate you may die laughing!

You can almost taste enlightenment while reading this book!
THIS BOOK IS IDEAL FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS READ A NUMBER OF BUDHIST BOOKS AND BELIEVES HIMSELF TO UNDERSTAND THE INNER MEANING OF THE TEACHINGS. It will cut through your arrogance like butter and will help to keep your mind open and your spirit humble.

The book is a great and well rounded look at spirituality and the problems encountered. It gives a brief view of the proper attitude towards spirituality, then gives detailed account of how our attitudes obscure and constantly attempt to manipulate spirituality for personal gain. Also included are good overall views of the most basic budhist truths..ie. the Four Noble Truths and the Six Realms.