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Summary: Rapture and happiness within our reach......
Review: What a pleasant surprise to find this book by Ayya Khema in my local bookstore. I have several other books by her which I treasure because her voice is so clear and inspiring. I have many books on Buddhism, and it seems like it is the Western voices which speak most clearly to me. Ayya's is one of the clearest, most gentle, most compassionate of these.The present book invites us, just as the Buddha did, to come and see for ourselves. It is based on talks that Ayya gave at a Buddhist community in southern Germany in 1994. The talks have been translated and transcribed in this book. Each is based on traditional Buddhist scriptures. Each chapter starts with the scripture extract, and is followed by an extended discussion elaborating, elucidating, unwrapping, explaining, and guiding the reader on how to practically implement the teachings in the scripture. Ayya reminds us on page 164, ``...the Buddha's words are only pointers to the right path; we have to take every step on that path for ourselves.'' All of Ayya's books are great guides to following the right path, and are extremely inspiring. The chapter titles here are 1.) Insight into impermanence leads to happiness 2.) The thirty-eight blessings 3.) And end to all suffering 4.) The faults of others 5.) Two kinds of treasure 6.) Five ways to overcome anger and resentment 7.) What should we believe 8.) The seven fetters 9.) Four fundamental teachings 10.) Loving-kindness 11.) Gaining insight 12.) The heart of perfect wisdom From Chapter 3, Keep the company of noble friends Who live a pure life, who are not lethargic. Be friendly wherever you are. Always be prudent in all your actions. Then, filled with bliss you will Make an end to all suffering. ---Dhammapada 376
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