The Truth of Suffering and the Path of Liberation

by Chögyam Trungpa, Judith L. Lief (Editor)

Chögyam Trungpa’s in-depth exploration of the Four Noble Truths—the foundational Buddhist teaching about the origin of suffering and its cessation—emphasizes their profound relevance not just as an inspiration when we set out on the path, but at every other moment of our lives as well, showing how we can join view (intellectual understanding) of the teaching with practical application in order to interrupt suffering before it arises.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction, Meditation

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2009

About the author

Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche (Tibetan: ཆོས་ རྒྱམ་ དྲུང་པ་ Wylie: Chos rgyam Drung pa; also known as Dorje Dradul of Mukpo, Surmang Trungpa, after his monastery, or Chökyi Gyatso, of which Chögyam is an abbreviation) was a Buddhist meditation master, scholar, teacher, poet, and artist. He was the 11th descendent in the line of Trungpa tulkus of the Kagyü school of Tibetan Buddhism. He was also trained in the Nyingma tradition, the oldest of the four schools, and was an adherent of the rimay or "non-sectarian" movement within Tibetan Buddhism, which aspired to bring together and make available all the valuable teachings of the different schools, free of sectarian rivalry.

Trungpa was a significant figure in the dissemination of Tibetan Buddhism to the West, founding Naropa University and establishing the Shambhala Training method, a presentation of the Buddhadharma largely devoid of ethnic trappings. In 1963, he moved to England to study comparative religion, philosophy, and fine arts at Oxford University. During this time, he also studied Japanese flower arranging and received an instructors degree from the Sogetsu school of ikebana. In 1967, he moved to Scotland, where he founded the Samye Ling meditation centre.

Shortly thereafter, a variety of experiences—including a car accident that left him partially paralyzed on the left side of his body—led him to give up his monastic vows and work as a lay teacher. In 1969, he published Meditation in Action , the first of fourteen books on the spiritual path published during his lifetime. The following year he married Diana Pybus and moved to the United States, where he established his first North American meditation centre, Tail of the Tiger (now known as Karmê-Chöling) in Barnet, Vermont.

In 1986, he moved to Nova Scotia, Canada, where hundreds of his students had settled. That Autumn, after years of heavy alcohol use, he had a cardiac arrest, and he died of heart failure the following Spring. His legacy is carried on by his son, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, under the banner of Shambhala International and the Nalanda Translation Committee.

Reviews

[C. Varn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of Chögyam Trungpa 's teaching and presentation of the four noble truths. Trungpa presents the understanding of the four noble truths from both a general Buddhist perspective and from his development in the Kagyu lineage which some of his schemas coming directly from Jamgon Kongtrul. A good introduction to the four noble truths.

[Matthew Lewellyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that this book, as an in depth description of the noble truths, would begin with a lighter explanation, slowly growing more in depth as the reader continued. Instead, I felt like I was just thrown in at the deep end, struggling to understand as thoughts were spewed at me.
It also seemed quite opinionated rather than an objective look at the four noble truths.

[Mariela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Al inicio es fácil de leer y comprender, pero a medida que el camino avanza, los términos y análisis se hacen más complejos. Pese a esto, es un libro bastante interesante y pese a que me considero creyente, hay bastantes puntos que rescatar y aplicar a la vida diaria.

[Alper Çuğun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading one book like this beats countless hours of headspace. This is a very concise and readable introduction into Buddhist practice.

[Jeni Turton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to the dharma. I love the study guide at the end, helpful as the author provides a lot of information.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for those interested in enlightenment

[EIJANDOLUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Six Root Kleshas (Conflicting Emotions)

A. Desire
B. Anger
C. Pride
D. Ignorance
E. Doubt
F. Opinion.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book. An excellent overview of the Four Noble Truths and beyond. My only criticism is that certain parts are less readable, but I think this is because the book is covering a broad spectrum and doesn't have as much time to delve in depth with some of the concepts it touches on. All in all a good book and a useful reference resource.

[Elyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good overview of the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and how to apply the teachings and wisdom of Buddhism to everyday life.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illuminates the four noble truths in a way that's original and profound but not oversimplified.

[Hollis Fishelson-holstine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book quickly became more 'advanced' than I'm ready for - something it would be good to read again

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explained a series of lists.

[K.S.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pithy, as one expects from CTR. Also, the only Hinayana based text I've read. Really good review of foundational teachings.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bellissimo libro che aiuta a fare chiarezza sul percorso della crescita spirituale in chiave buddista

[Helen Carter]

Reading for the IDproject's meditation teacher training