Table of Contents

Preface     1
Introduction     3
Buddha's Life and Teachings     13
Buddha's Life Story
Birth and Youth at Court     15
Disillusionment and Search for Meaning     16
Conditions in Northern India 2450 Years Ago     18
Enlightenment     19
Refuge     20
The Three Ways
The Small Way - The Four Noble Truths     23
The Great Way - Uniting Compassion and Wisdom
The Diamond Way - All Tools in Use     50
Goals of Buddha's Ways - Liberation and Enlightenment
Taking the Buddhist Path     71
Applying the Teachings to Life
The Significance of the Teacher     73
Going the Way Alone     78
Buddhist Lifestyles     81
The House of Buddha's Teachings     86
View - Meditation - Action     87
Overcoming One's Suffering - The Level of Seeking One's Own Liberation     91
Wisdom and Compassion for the Benefit of All - The Level of Altruists     100
Boundless Space and Joy - The Level of Accomplishing Yogis     110
Meditations     137
Rainbow Light Meditation     141
Meditation on the Breath     143
Meditation of Giving and Taking     145
16th KarmapaMeditation     147
Glossary     152
Diamond Way Buddhist Centers     181
Endnotes     191