Becoming the Compassion Buddha: Tantric Mahamudra for Everyday Life

by Thubten Yeshe, Robina Courtin (Editor), Lhundub Sopa (Foreword)

Not only was Lama Yeshe one of the most beloved Tibetan Buddhist masters of the late twentieth century, he was also a remarkably effective teacher and communicator. In Becoming the Compassion Buddha, just as he did with his bestselling Introduction to Tantra, he once again demonstrates his extraordinary ability to present practices that once were considered arcane or hidden in a way that is clear and understandable to the general reader.

In these pages, Lama Yeshe guides readers through the tantric practice of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, basing his instructions on a text written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama at age nineteen. He gives special emphasis to mahamudra, the emptiness of one's own mind, and demystifies these esoteric techniques, clearly showing them for what they are: highly developed psychology. Throughout, Lama Yeshe presents his approachable teachings by drawing on examples from daily life and introducing meditation practices that all can follow. Becoming the Compassion Buddha is an extraordinary book that opens new doors for countless readers.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2003

About the author

Lama Thubten Yeshe was a monastic teacher of Tibetan Buddhism most closely associated with the Gelug school of the Dalai Lamas. He established the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), and was succeeded in leadership of that organization by his heart-disciple Lama Thubten Zopa in 1984.

Reviews

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read this book, I knew so little about Guru Yoga. The only thing I did know was that I wanted to become more like the living Compassion Buddha, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and I hoped that Lama Yeshe could help me to become like that. I certainly wasn't wrong! This book is one of the essentials in my library and I often re-read it because it's almost like a guide for retreat practice on Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara. As you progress through the book, it gradually deepens the practice so not only provides a great guide and commentary to Tantra but is in many ways, highly practical. It also addresses many of the issues that arises when we first try to self-generate in Tantra and provides helpful techniques to overcome mental blocks & attitudes. While I never had the privilege to meet Lama Yeshe, this book often makes me feel very close to him and I greatly admire him for the excellent and kind teacher that he was.

[Karl Yong · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ratings that have been put by no means were reflections of the opinions of the Dear Teacher. Rather, it was the presentation and the style of the writing of the book that I have great difficulty in connecting at all. What I've read did not sink into my mind. I'm very sorry to say the way it was written poorly and does not bring out the profoundness of the Tibetan Buddhism, nor the teachings of Lama Yeshe from the other books that I've read of him. Having that said, this book might be suitable for some readers; in each stage of path, you may need a different teacher. This 'teacher', however, appears to be a representation of the fanaticism or attachment with being a "Compassion Buddha". I do think readers should read this for themselves, only 'you' know what you need.

[r0b · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Of course.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Lama Yeshe is an entertaining and clear teacher. The practice is amazing too.

[Salvatore Familia]

Lama Yeshe was both one of the most beloved Tibetan Buddhist masters of the late twentieth century and a remarkably effective teacher and communicator. iBecoming the Compassion Buddha/i is one of a series of his books that examine key Tantric deity practices in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. As with his book iIntroduction to Tantra,/i his teachings make coherent and understandable to the general reader practices that once were considered to be for highly-realized beings only. Lama Yeshe strongly believed practices that help develop compassion and wisdom should not be limited to advanced practitioners, but that the all beings could benefit from them. In this book he provides a commentary on a short guru yoga practice written by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This extraordinary book opens new doors for countless readers.