Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha

by Ingram, Daniel M., M.D.

• ISBN13: 9781904658405
• ISBN10: 1904658407
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-01-31
• Publisher: Aeon Books Ltd

Summary

The very idea that the teachings can be mastered will arouse controversy within Buddhist circles. Even so, Ingram insists that enlightenment is an attainable goal, once our fanciful notions of it are stripped away, and we have learned to use meditation as a method for examining reality rather than an opportunity to wallow in 'self-absorbed mindnoise'. Ingram sets out concisely the difference between concentration-based and insight (vipassana) meditation; he provides example practices; and most importantly he presents detailed maps of the states of mind we are likely to encounter, and the stages we must negotiate as we move through clearly-defined cycles of insight. It's easy to feel overawed, at first, by Ingram's assurance and ease in the higher levels of consciousness, but consistently he writes as a down-to-earth and compassionate guide, and to the practitioner willing to commit themselves this is a glittering gift of a book.

Author Biography

Dr. Ingram has an MD, a Master's degree in Public Health, and a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. He practices in the US as a board certified Emergency Medicine physician. He hopes that those on the path will practice well, aim high and become accomplished practitioners who will help to train others to do the same.

Table of Contents

Foreword and Warning	p. 11
The Fundamentals
Introduction to Part I	p. 21
Morality, the First and Last Training	p. 24
Concentration, The Second Training	p. 30
Wisdom, The Third Training	p. 33
The Three Characteristics	p. 37
Impermanence	p. 38
Suffering	p. 47
No-self	p. 49
The Five Spiritual Faculties	p. 55
Faith and Wisdom	p. 55
Energy and Concentration	p. 56
Mindfulness	p. 57
The Seven Factors of Enlightenment	p. 60
Mindfulness	p. 60
Investigation of the Truth	p. 63
Energy	p. 66
Rapture	p. 67
Tranquility	p. 68
Concentration	p. 69
Equanimity	p. 70
The Three Trainings Revisited	p. 74
The Four Noble Truths	p. 83
Truth Number One: Suffering	p. 83
Truth Number Two: "Desire"	p. 85
Truth Number Three: The End of Suffering	p. 88
Truth Number Four: The Path	p. 89
Practical Meditation Considerations	p. 90
When, Where and for How Long?	p. 90
Daily Life and Retreats	p. 92
Postures	p. 96
Objects for Insight Practices	p. 98
Resolve	p. 101
Teachers	p. 102
Summary	p. 107
Conclusion to Part I	p. 108
Light and Shadows
Introduction to Parts II & III	p. 113
Buddhism vs. The Buddha	p. 117
Content and Ultimate Reality	p. 122
What Went Wrong?	p. 127
A Clear Goal	p. 136
Harnessing the Energy of the "Defilements"	p. 144
Right Thought and the Augean Stables	p. 149
From Content to Insight	p. 153
Mastery
Concentration vs. Insight	p. 161
The Concentration States (Samatha Jhanas)	p. 167
The First Jhana	p. 167
The Second Jhana	p. 169
The Third Jhana	p. 170
The Fourth Jhana	p. 171
The "Psychic Powers"	p. 173
No-self vs. True Self	p. 182
The Formless Realms	p. 188
Boundless Space, The Fifth Jhana	p. 183
Boundless Consciousness, The Sixth Jhana	p. 190
Nothingness, The Seventh Jhana	p. 191
Neither Perception Nor Yet Non-Perception, The Eighth Jhana	p. 192
The Progress of Insight	p. 195
Mind and Body	p. 201
Cause and Effect	p. 201
The Three Characteristics	p. 202
The Arising and Passing Away	p. 204
Dissolution, Entrance to the Dark Night	p. 211
Fear	p. 220
Misery	p. 221
Disgust	p. 222
Desire for Deliverance	p. 222
Re-observation	p. 223
Equanimity	p. 233
Conformity	p. 240
Change of Lineage	p. 241
Path	p. 241
Fruition	p. 241
Review	p. 242
The Vipassana Jhanas	p. 246
Bill Hamilton's Model	p. 248
Fractals	p. 255
U Pandita's Model	p. 257
Inklings of One More Model	p. 257
How the Maps Help	p. 259
The Three Doors	p. 273
"Was That Emptiness?"	p. 278
Beyond First Path ("What Next?")	p. 285
Models of the Stages of Enlightenment	p. 294
The Non-Duality Model	p. 301
The Sudden Schools of Awakening	p. 302
The Fundamental Perception Models	p. 303
The Specific Perception Models	p. 304
The Emotional Models	p. 306
The Theravada Four Path Model	p. 307
A Revised Four Path Model	p. 313
A Simple Model	p. 316
The Action Models	p. 318
The Power Models	p. 322
The Tibetan Ten Bhumi Model	p. 323
The Tibetan Five Path Model	p. 324
The Energetic Models	p. 325
The Specific Knowledge Models	p. 326
The Psychological Models	p. 327
The Thought Models	p. 330
The God Models	p. 334
The Physical Models	p. 336
The Radiance Models	p. 336
The Karma Models	p. 339
The Perpetual Bliss Models	p. 340
The Three Kayas	p. 342
The Immortality Models	p. 347
The Transcendence Models	p. 349
The Extinction Models	p. 349
The Love Models	p. 350
The Unity Models	p. 351
The Social Models	p. 352
The Three Yanas	p. 354
Ditching our "Stuff" vs. Ditching the Split	p. 356
The "Nothing to Do" and "You are Already There" Schools	p. 357
Final Points	p. 361
So What's "Full Enlightenment"?	p. 363
Integration	p. 367
It is Possible!	p. 371
More on the "Mushroom Factor"	p. 373
So Who The Heck Is Daniel M. Ingram?	p. 381
Conclusion and Best Wishes	p. 387
Appendix: The Cessation of Perception and Feeling	p. 389
Index	p. 393
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.