The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Volume 2) (The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path, the Lamrim Chenmo) Paperback – December 9, 2014

This book is filled to the brim with great knowledge and information. However be warned that you may not resonate with the in depth logical explanation and reasoning if you are someone who resonates with a more experiential approach to this way of life. All in all, this is a pretty good translation, not the best, but pretty good. I would recommend this book to anyone.

In short, this is THE manual for life.Based on ancient findings and universal laws, the most in depth exploration of the mind by Indian and Tibetan masters, it provides the A to Z 'operational guidelines' for every human being. That includes the ones with lesser, as well the ones with greatest capacity.If you're sincerely interested in developing your potential to any degree - ultimately fully to enlightenment - this is the ultimate and perfect instruction, provided you've found yourself a qualified teacher. If you haven't, the text provides instructions on how to find one and identify the fonies out there.And one final advice - yes, find a qualified teacher ASAP. We're reluctant on this issue, but it's obvious to us to have teacher when learning a new language, music instrument etc. So, a person with higher capacities and exemplary conduct and attainments is inevitable to lead us on the path of our personal/spiritual development.Finally, the text is best studied with the original Atisha's work and the commentaries. Also, try to attend the teachings on this subject you can find online. H.H. Dalai Lama's recent teaching in Mundgod, Southern India is a good start.The knowledge will expand your consciousness to a new extent that will be visible to you, and that you'll be able to use in your daily life. Which, honestly, is the most important after all :)(This review concerns all three volumes of the text)

This last volume contains a great presentation of śamatha practice (Part 1): very clear, technical and practical; that lasts for less than 100 pages. The rest of the book is on vipaśyana. Part 2 is much more difficult and academic, I'd say. The final chapters are discussing the actual practice, but before that there's a great deal of refutation of contrary views, etc.You need to have a good basis of Madhyamaka philosophy and some knowledge of other schools' points of view can help understanding this work, so I wouldn't recommend it for beginners.But clearly this whole Treatise presents the complete Sutrayana and I think it is very important for anyone practicing both Sutra or Tantra to have a clear view of the entire path!

As a practicing Mahayana Buddhist this treatise has provided the level of detail I was looking for when compared to many other titles on the path which are more generalistic in their deliveryA major addition to my library. One I can't see being very far from handAlso, recommended to those whose interest in Buddhism is more scholarly than spiritual. A great resource tool

The first book changed my life and perspective on how I view the world and people I surround myself with. I purchased this second volume to continue learning along with the others in my English Lamrim class, and as long as you have an awesome teacher to go over every page in detail, it works wonders!

Want to know more about Buddhism? This is the book for you. These books are the lessons of buddha in a course type of structure. It explains what it will talk about, tells about it, then summarizes it. Must have for those wanting to go deeper into their own mind.

You need all three volumes if you are a serious student of Buddhism. This volume take you through the great scope of the lamrim (excluding the details of the last two perfections) and is a brilliant text. Despite the fact that it was written 6 centuries ago, the arguments are lucid and make perfect sense even today.

Incredibly readable. Excellently done.Introduction by Thurman is a treat as well.Must by all three volumes!It is a voluminous collection, but an invaluable reference and guide for the serious practitioner or student of the Geulg tradition.