A calm place in the storm: Buddhist teachings on finding wisdom and compassion
Karma Thinley Rinpoche
ISBN 978-1-998248-08-7 / Paperback, 6.14x9.21 inches / 232 pages / Illustrated / includes notes & glossary / Hardcover edition also available
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Venerable Lama Karma Thinley Rinpoche (the Fourth Karma Thinleypa) is a recognised master in both the Karma Kagyu and Sakya schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He is one of the handful of remarkable teachers who first helped bring these teachings to the West, settling in Toronto, Canada, where he taught for over fifty years. Here, he distills the essence of the precious Buddhist teachings and path to enlightenment, and skillfully addresses some misconceptions. Dense with meaning and practical advice, like a delicious feast, these teachings provide invaluable support and guidance for the development and ripening of compassion and wisdom.
“Words seem inadequate, too confining, to describe Rinpoche’s unique way of presenting the teachings of the Buddha, illuminating them in a setting of both ancient history and modern living. Each chapter opens a door to an inexhaustible, multidimensional treasure trove of Rinpoche’s enlightened mind.” Jetsunma Rigdzin Khandro, Resident teacher at Marpa Gompa, Calgary
Contents
Foreword / Editor’s Preface / A Brief Biography of Karma Thinley Rinpoche / Introduction
1. Non-Sectarianism / 2. Milarepa / 3. Refuge / 4. General Points / 5. Bodhichitta / 6. Loving-Kindness / 7. Mahayana / 8. Meat Eating / 9. Lojong / 10. The Four Limitless Thoughts / 11. A Calm Mind / 12. Shamatha / 13. Vipashyana / 14. Emptiness / 15. The Spiritual Friend / 16. Devotion / 17. Vajrayana / 18. The Three Yanas / 19. Karma / 20. Mandala Offering / 21. Pilgrimage
Notes / Glossary / Editors’ Biographies / Acknowledgments / Dedication
About the author
Born in Tibet in 1931, Karma Thinley Rinpoche received his extensive education and training from some of the most revered teachers from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Known for his scholarship, wisdom and kindness, he is an authentic and inspiring teacher, who understands the western mind and acts ceaselessly as a guide to those aspiring to follow the path to enlightenment.
About the editors
LAMA JAMPA THAYE is an Englishman who has studied for over five decades under Karma Thinley Rinpoche and other Tibetan masters. Appointed as his dharma-regent by Karma Thinley Rinpoche, he is well-known for his teachings and writings on Buddhism. He holds a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies and is one of the few Westerners traditionally authorized to teach the Vajrayana.
KARMA NALJORMA has studied under Karma Thinley Rinpoche since 1977. Born and raised in England, she lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and their family. In this city where Rinpoche resided for over fifty years, they continue to help at Kampo Gangra Drubgyudling, the Tibetan Vajrayana meditation centre founded by Rinpoche in 1973. Karma Naljorma is a graduate of Durham University in the U.K. and the University of Toronto.
Illustrations by Karma Thinley Rinpoche and Christopher Banigan.
What readers are saying
“Venerable Lama Karma Thinley Rinpoche is the fourth and true reincarnation of the previous Karma Thinleypa. There is no doubt that his birth is intentional to lead practitioners on the path of “finding wisdom & compassion” through his own experience and realization to “A calm place in the storm”. This precious book is a compendium of those very profound realizations and instructions, which will be a sufficient guide to lead a practitioner to the spiritual goal. I extend my earnest prayer for that. Sarva Mangalam!” Lama Assi, spiritual director, Kagyu Choeyang Ling, New Zealand.https://kcl.org.nz/
“Rinpoche’s book is masterful – a bridge spanning the worlds of scholarship and practice, traditional wisdom and modern inquiry. For those new to Tibetan Buddhism, it offers a welcoming introduction; for the seasoned practitioner, it is a treasury of insight and reflection, and a resource to return to again and again. Its pages are alive, its teachings woven into the fabric of everyday life.” Norman Steinberg
“The book is absolutely wonderful. Rinpoche’s wisdom, compassion and special teaching style are conveyed perfectly. Can’t thank you enough for preserving these amazing teachings and making it possible for the world to have access to them. Every time I open the book I am in Rinpoche’s presence. Totally unique.” Kunga Gyaltsen, Dharma teacher, Kagyu Ling, UK
“When reading the words it is like hearing Rinpoche’s own voice. These teachings are Rinpoche’s activity extending out to the whole world.” Ani Tsultrim Zangmo
"... clear nectar. Every word on every line is the perfect dharma from the perfect master.” Ngakpa Senge Dorje
“… the most comprehensive account of Tibetan Buddhism I’ve ever read, particularly in how it connects so many elements and ideas together into a complete Buddhist world view.” Mike Rossiter
“To me it is like having Rinpoche speaking directly to me. I am thoroughly enjoying the book and finding the complete practice he taught laid out before me, exactly how I needed to hear it. It’s a great gift to the world, an invaluable benefit to all of the Sangha and beyond.” John DeLuca-Howard
“Reading Rinpoche’s book, and I wanted to say a big thank you for the amazing job you did. I can hear his voice in the words.” Gulshan Noorani, UK
“The book truly is a feast of teachings, and each chapter a banquet with enriching morsels carefully set before us in easy reach.” Orenzo Zivolak
“Karma Thinley Rinpoche was one of the greatest lamas to leave Tibet, joining the Dalai Lama and other revered teachers as refugees in India. I knew him well, and have always been amazed at the depth of his Buddhist learning and realization. Humble and understated in his presence, he nonetheless always seems to emanate the radiance of spiritual accomplishment in his every word and deed. I am absolutely delighted that a compilation of his teachings has finally been published in book form. It is an astounding testament to the wonders of enlightenment, and the richness of the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism.” Glenn H. Mullin, Tibetologist
"I have found myself jumping between chapters, which all seem to meet me where I am right now, and I recall and notice the teachings resonate at random moments throughout my day. As a complete beginner, I have found everything incredibly accessible, and the parts I don't understand are not overwhelming. I would absolutely recommend (this book) to any beginner to Buddhism looking for a deeper understanding without being overwhelmed with information." Jack Cleary, UK
