Light on Enlightenment

by Christopher Titmuss

     This lucidly written guide is a practical introduction to the Buddha's teachings. Christopher Titmuss demonstrates how these teachings can affect our everyday lives, drawing on the experiences of real people. Each section concludes with questions to ask ourselves. Suggestions for practical exercises and tasks are included.

Genres: Buddhism, Meditation, Spirituality

232 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 1998

Reviews

[Ethan Rosenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since there are only two other reviews of this here on Goodreads, and they're both either fair or leaning toward negative, I want to throw my full-throated recommendation for Light on Enlightenment out there. I came across this via Daniel Ingram of MCTB fame (a decidedly non-introductory book to the teachings and practices of the Buddha) who recommends it in the first chapter of said book as a good primer on Buddhist morality.

And that's how I approach this book, not as an introduction to the teachings of the Buddha--although it does codify the Buddha's lists in a very handy and reachable way, making it something I volume will likely return to for reminders--but as a guide for how to live a Buddhist life in the modern age. His commentaries on the Buddha's teaching are unconventional and, occasionally, radical, and for those reasons it resonated with me deeply. To practice Buddhism sincerely, even as a layperson, requires serious contemplation on the choices we make to get by in the Western world, and decisions that lead to wellbeing may appear unorthodox to many who view the accumulation of wealth and power as the greatest aim. I certainly felt that it was the greatest aim, but Titmuss's book, and Buddhist practice in general, helps me to overcome that conditioning.

[Clay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Titmuss's version of the standard list-based Dharma book nearly every Buddhist teacher writes. He takes you through the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Five Aggregates, etc. His approach is highly formulaic and can get a bit exhausting. Still I felt compelled to read on because he does have a fresh perspective and, clearly, a deep knowledge of the Dharma. There is an attempt to present even the most advanced topics (like the formless jhanas) in a way relevant to the daily lives of everyone. Some might feel this is a dumbing down--I did at times--but I think newcomers will appreciate it.

Most importantly, I would say that if you prefer your teachers to be less of the warm and fuzzy kind, and more of the pull-yourself-together-and-get-to-work kind, then you'll enjoy this book more.

[Lukasz]

recommendation: Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha as good introduction to first training i.e. morality

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the weaker introductions to Buddhism that I've read. The intro is brilliant - what an amazing life Titmuss has lead - but once you get into the book it lacks coherence, and all the things explained don't really tie in to one coherent core message. Comes across as messy and, ultimately, unenlightening.