In a time of particularly strong violence and conflict, whole regions of the globe are engaged in ideological struggles, rooted in widespread ignorance and fear. How do we free ourselves from this situation? How can we learn to heal our wounds and to live in harmony with our neighbors? How can we truly achieve lasting peace and happiness? It is exactly these questions that have been asked for thousands of years by many of the world’s great sages. Their profound wisdom has made its way from generation to generation in the form of a diverse range of spiritual traditions that provide ongoing support and inspiration to millions of people.
In this book, Khentrul Rinpoche presents a unique set of practical tools that we can all use to tap into the great diversity of wisdom and methods that this world has to offer. Through the development of a broad view that encompasses all of this diversity, we can each find a path that is capable of leading us forward towards the peace that we seek. Then by probing deeper and deeper into that path, we are able to uncover our most profound inner truth. In this process, we learn that diversity does not have to divide us. Instead, it can be a powerful force to bring us together.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Editor’s Preface
Introduction
PART ONE: WORKING WITH DIVERSITY
1 The Nature of Belief
2 The Rimé Philosophy
PART TWO: THE WORLD'S BELIEF SYSTEMS
Systems with an Extrinsic Focus
3 Ancient Wisdom Traditions
4 Hinduism
5 Judaism
6 Christianity
7 Islam
Systems with an Intrinsic Focus
8 Jainism
9 Buddhism
10 Taoism
11 Scientism
PART THREE: THE SPIRITUAL LEGACY OF TIBET
12 The Land of Snows
13 Bön
14 Nyingma
15 Sakya
16 Kagyu
17 Jonang
18 Geluk
19 The Rimé Movement
Concluding Thoughts
About the Author
Rinpoche’s Vision