Buddhist Study Recommendations

2,500 years ago, the Buddha taught a system of self-examination and self-transformation, that all our experience — outward and inward — is determined by our minds. Further, he taught that by changing our minds, we can change our experience. When we first approach the buddhadharma, study helps us to understand the teachings and discover for ourselves whether they are true for us. Study also serves as an intellectual framework for the experience of meditation. Study is important, but meditation is equally important –if not more so– because while study provides intellectual understanding, only with meditation practice can one have direct experience. Karma Thegsum Choling (San Diego) strives to serve as a doorway to the Buddha’s teachings by offering regular practice and study, meditation instruction and special events. We also hope you will find the resources below helpful.

Meditation Instruction

Meditation Instruction is available free of charge for individuals or groups. We are glad to assist. We have instructors empowered by our teachers and through them by KTD faculty to guide you in Shinay, also known as Shamata or “calm abiding” meditation. This is the core meditation practice for calming and understanding the mind. If you have any questions or would like to speak with us about meditation instruction, please contact us and a qualified meditation instructor will get back with you as soon a possible.

Reading List

We’ve created a short list of books, DVD’s and other dharma materials we hope will be helpful to you. You can also contact us for suggestions on specific topics. For a more expansive reading list, please click here to visit Karma Triyana Darmachakra website’s list.

Introduction to Buddhism
Title Author Publisher Media
Dharma Paths Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche Snow Lion Publications Book
Ground, Path and Fruition Tai Situ Rinpoche Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Book
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation Gampopa Snow Lion Book
The Great Path of Awakening Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye Shambala Book
Living in Compassion Bardor Tulku Rinpoche Rinchen Book
Home Shrine and Practice Lama Kathy Wesley Vajra Echoes DVD
A Guide to Shamatha Meditation Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Book
Devloping a Spiritual Mind Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche Vajra Echoes DVD
Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche Shambala Book
Meditation and Basic Practice
Title Author Publisher Media
The Heart of Mindfulness Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche KTD Transcript
The Practice of Tranquility and Insight Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche Snow Lion Book
A Guide to Shamatha Meditation Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Book
Biographies
Title Author Publisher Media
The Awakened One Sherab Chodzin Kohn Shambala Book
Tilopa (Some Glimpses of his life) Tai Situ Rinpoche Dzalendara Book
The Life and Teaching of Naropa Herbert Guenther, trans. Shambala Book
The Life of Marpa the Translator Tsangnyon Heruka Shambala Book

 

Helpful Downloads

Buddhism Terms
Buddhism Terms
Buddhism Terms.pdf
32.8 KiB
10 Downloads
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Step by Step: The Practice Path of a Kagyu Buddhist
Step by Step: The Practice Path of a Kagyu Buddhist
step_by_step-a_summary_of_the_karma_kagyu_path.pdf
66.9 KiB
15 Downloads
Details...
The Practices of Tibetan Buddhism
The Practices of Tibetan Buddhism
Practices_of_Tibetan_Buddhism.pdf
109.5 KiB
13 Downloads
Details...
The Teacher-Student Relationship: Choosing a Teacher
The Teacher-Student Relationship: Choosing a Teacher
The_Teacher-Student_Relationship-_Choosing_a_Teacher.pdf
67.9 KiB
13 Downloads
Details...