Dharma Paths

by Khenpo Karthar, Laura M. Roth, Ngödup Burkhar

Since its initial publication, Dharma Paths has quietly gained a reputation as one of the most useful introductory texts on Tibetan Buddhism. Assuming no prior background or knowledge of Buddhist terminology, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche presents Buddhist ways of working with anxiety and frustration, the nature and development of love and compassion, and the profound methods of the vajrayana. The Four Noble Truths, taking refuge, and the Stages of the Path are concisely explained, and clear instructions for shamatha ("calm abiding") meditation are provided. Question-and-answer sections follow each chapter, anticipating common problems and addressing them in a direct, accessible style.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

289 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

The Venerable Khenpo Karma Tharchin Rinpoche, published as Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, was a senior lama and ordained monk of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. As a Khenpo—which is loosely equivalent to a Western D.Div. degree—he served as abbot of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery in Woodstock, NY, where he hosted Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje on several occasions. He spent the last several years of his life teaching extensively on the works of Karma Chagmé.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism written by the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage in the Americas, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. It assumes no prior knowledge so a good introduction to those interested in Buddhism.

Each chapter covers one of the philosophical pillars of Buddhism, with a list of questions and answers following the text. It also covers each of the 3 major paths or denominations of Buddhism and includes a section on meditation.

Our local lama recommends this as the first book to read for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism.

[Alex Lemus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who wants to start in the Kagyu Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism would greatly benefit from reading this book, the information is clear and when you have finished it, you will have a good idea whats in store for your path in the tradition.

[Marzi Pecen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good beginners book on dharma. From the Karma Kagyu point of view, the respected Khenoo Kharthar explains the basic concepts that the philosophy is founded on. Excellent translation. I don’t know if newer editions have any updates.

[pavao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great, especially if you're a relative beginner like me. Gives you a good base for further study.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide to the Sutra system of Buddhist practice. I like this book because it is very specific about the steps or stages to Calm Abiding (Tranquility) meditation.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very helpful and gave a very useful overview of the path. I was even able to tell where I am on that path.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource, clearly written - a foundational book.