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.
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.
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.
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.
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.