Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha: An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book

The very idea that the teachings can be mastered will arouse controversy within Buddhist circles. Even so, Ingram insists that enlightenment is an attainable goal, once our fanciful notions of it are stripped away, and we have learned to use meditation as a method for examining reality rather than an opportunity to wallow in self-absorbed mind-noise. Ingram sets out concisely the difference between concentration-based and insight (vipassana) meditation; he provides example practices; and most importantly he presents detailed maps of the states of mind we are likely to encounter, and the stages we must negotiate as we move through clearly-defined cycles of insight. Its easy to feel overawed, at first, by Ingram’s assurance and ease in the higher levels of consciousness, but consistently he writes as a down-to-earth and compassionate guide, and to the practitioner willing to commit themselves this is a glittering gift of a book.

Reviews

Taking at least one 10 day course will aid greatly in grasping the profound knowledge contained in this book. It doesn’t say “hardcore” on the cover for nothing. Despite some of the reviews on here that say that this book is also good for beginners, I would say that to truly embark on this path you need to have a committed determination equal to being able to make it through a 10-day course. (Just Google “10-day Vipassana meditation course.”) Otherwise, all of the valuable knowledge contained in this book will be nothing more to you than intellectual entertainment. In fact, I would dare say that a great deal of the material will go over your head if you haven’t at least tried Zazen or some form of formal meditation. As someone who has sat two 10 – day courses so far (so much to learn still!), this book energized my practice, gave me a greater understanding of what exactly is going on during the myriad changes in the body and mind during Vipassana meditation, and also offers a great bibliography for further learning.

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