A jargon-free, plain language introduction to the foundational ideas of Buddhism and real-world tips for practicing Buddhism while balancing life in the real, modern world. This book goes easy on the mystical mumbo-jumbo and simply introduces the ideas that will help you live in the present and feel different about the world and your place in it.
Geared towards people who were raised outside of Asia and people with a secular or Christian background who want to learn more of the philosophy that can change your life. This toolkit gives short lessons in what Buddhism is, and more importantly, how to apply it in situations with which you are already very familiar.
Section I: The Basics
What is Buddhism?
Who was Buddha?
What Buddhists Don't Believe
The Four Noble Truths
The Eightfold Path
Five Precepts
Five Faultless Gifts
Three Poisons
Theravada & Mahayana
Pure Land
Tantric Buddhism / Vajrayana
Tibetan Buddhism
Zen Buddhism
Buddhist Symbology
Lotus
Conch
Parasol
Golden Fish
Treasure Vase
Victory Banner
Endless Knot
Dharma Wheel
Buddha Jokes
Section II: Q&A And Special Topics
Vegetarianism
Beginner's Advice
Global Suffering
Souls, Karma and Moving On
Disappointment
Buddhist Movies
Zen Enough?
The Three Jewels include the Sangha
Self-Help Buddhism
Koan: A Diamond In The Road
Suicide?
What are Stupas?
Yama & Naraka: Death and Hell
Mara The Tempter
Bodhisattvas
Book Review: The Universe in a Single Atom by the Dalai Lama
Koan: Is That So?
Creation and Evolution
The Other Precepts
Koan: Obedience
Mandalas
Namaste
No-Self
Dependent Origination
So You Want To Be A Buddhist?
Buddhist Weddings
Dealing with the Family
Book Review: The Accidental Buddhist
Faith or Not?
The Pesky Fifth Precept
Koan: Great Waves
Do Christians Have Karma?
Buddhist Jargon and Terminology
Buddhist Pet Food
The Karma of Performance Reviews
Controlling Karma
Book Review: Buddhist Scriptures, by Edward Conze, Ed.
Buddhist Service Obligations?
Koan: A Buddha
Koan: The Muddy Road
Meditation
Breath Watching & Insight Meditation
Empty Mind Meditation
Walking Meditation and Kinhin
Mindfulness Meditation
Mantra Meditation
Conceptual Meditation
Other Forms of Meditation
The Forty Meditation Themes
Buddhist Rosary Beads
Book Review: Footprints in the Snow
Prayer in Buddhism
Fat Buddha, Skinny Buddha, Laughing Buddha
Zen Gardens
Maya
Pajapati / Mahapajapati
Kwan Yin
Koan: Not Far from Buddhahood
If You Meet the Buddha on The Road, Kill Him
Buddhism and Homosexuality
Book Review: The Method of No-Method: The Chan Practice of Silent Illumination
To Meat or Not to Meat?
The Four Seals
The Four Immeasurables
Koan: The Strawberry
Koan: The Sound of One Hand
A Sensitive Topic: Masturbation
Buddhist Parenting and Discipline
I, Cannibal: Horror and Buddhism
Buddhist Temples
Why Do Buddhists Pray To Idols?
Just Sitting or Just Goofing Off?
Rebirth, Death, Heaven and Nirvana
Am I Buddhist Enough?
War and Peace
Rebirth and Karma
Why Do Buddhists Fall In Love?
Koan: The Voice of Happiness
Hinduism and Buddhism
Does Nirvana Mean Death to Everything?
Compassion and Pity
How Can I Desire Enlightenment?
Stringing Us Along
Reincarnation, God, and Other Things You Don't Believe
Creation and the Origin of the Universe
Closet Buddhism
Being In the Present
Koan: The Dead Man's Answer
Learning Non-Materialism
Wishing Your Life Away
Attachment To Buddhism
Depression and Drugs
Koan: The Stingy Artist