A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism - by Cortland Dahl (Paperback)

About the Book

"A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism is written for secular meditators who wish to learn more about the roots of contemporary mindfulness practices. The book will open readers' eyes to the full range of principles and practices in the Buddhist tradition, adding depth and inspiration to their meditation practice. The core message of the book is that the Buddha's teachings present a comprehensive path of awakening that involves much more than mindfulness and present-moment awareness, providing practical guidance on living a rich, meaningful life with awareness, compassion, and wisdom. The contents of the book will address the core principles and meditation practices found in the Buddhist tradition, centered on the "three yanas" model that first originated in ancient India and later took root in Tibet. The unique view, meditation, and application found in each of these three yanas (or vehicles) will be explored, with practical examples, stories that bring the tradition to life, and tips for integrating the teachings with daily life"--

Book Synopsis

Amid stress, anxiety, and life's challenges, Buddhism offers a path that can meet them fearlessly with awareness, compassion, and wisdom. This core resource for Buddhist practice offers accessible teachings for beginners or for anyone ready to explore meditation more deeply.

Buddhism is rooted in the simple idea that you can train your mind to suffer less and flourish more. In this experiential guide, Cortland Dahl will take you on a journey through the core principles and meditation practices of the Buddhist tradition. The journey begins with teachings on the Four Noble Truths, practical observations that will help you understand the causes of unhappiness, and how you can access inner calm and deep insight through meditation. The journey continues with teachings on compassion, buddha nature, and the profound principle of emptiness, before culminating in a discussion of meditation practices that use common experiences like dreams and strong emotions to awaken. Through accessible teachings and relatable stories, you will learn simple methods to transform your mind and embrace true, unshakeable happiness.

Review Quotes

"Cortland Dahl, an advanced practitioner who is also deeply immersed in the scientific research into the psychological and physiological benefits of meditation, guides readers through fascinating transformative practices. His goal is to distill esoteric teachings into practices that busy modern people can employ in their daily lives. I'm all for it."
--Dan Harris, New York Times bestselling author of 10% Happier

"An extremely clear, user-friendly, and compelling guide to meditation practice as seen through the sweeping perspective of a Vajrayana lens. Cortland Dahl's disarming honesty regarding his personal experience and his relationship with his Tibetan teacher invite and ultimately entrain the reader right into nondual meditation practice. Dahl systematically maps out and guides us in a contemporary perspective on the essential teachings of this ancient and venerable lineage, their relevance to the present moment, and most importantly, their relevance to you, the reader, as a unique and uniquely beautiful human being."
--Jon Kabat-Zinn, bestselling author of Wherever You Go, There You Are and Coming to Our Senses

"Guiding us with a gentle hand, Cortland Dahl leads us through every stage of the Buddhist journey, beginning with the bedrock of the Four Noble Truths and the altruistic aspiration to enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, and culminating in the profound view of ultimate truth. In a clear and accessible manner, he offers a comprehensive exposition of the Buddhist teachings that will appeal to all readers."
--Matthieu Ricard, author of Notebooks of a Wandering Monk and The Quantum and the Lotus

"This book opens an extraordinary door to meditation--wise, practical, brave, and accessible."
--Roshi Joan Halifax, abbot of Upaya Zen Center

"This jewel of a book accomplishes the seemingly impossible task of distilling ancient Buddhist texts into relatable and accessible teachings without watering them down. A warm and accomplished teacher of challenging material, Cortland Dahl has written a brilliant and indispensable guide that shows both new and experienced meditators innovative ways to integrate these ancient texts into their lives anytime and anywhere."
--Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of Real-World Enlightenment, Mindful Games, and The Mindful Child

"A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism is that rare combination of impressive clarity and warmheartedness, so that we feel invited to our own direct experience of a path to freedom. Reading it, whether you are new to meditation or a more experienced student, will enrich your understanding and inspire you to live these truths."
--Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life

"A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism offers anyone, from the merely curious, to beginners in meditation, to 'old dog' seasoned practitioners, a wry and useful overview. This guide can be used on its own by solitary meditators or serve as a handbook to the valuable lessons in Buddhism and meditation offered by Tergar International, the organization guided by Mingyur Rinpoche. I highly recommend it."
--Daniel Goleman, New York Times bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence

"A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism is a gem. Easily accessible, down-to-earth, and practical. This book should be a companion to anyone with an interest in the Buddhist path. Replete with compelling personal stories, sprinkled with simple, user-friendly practices, and comprehensive in its overview of the entire Buddhist path, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in meditation, and really for all those who wish to flourish."
--Richard J. Davidson, New York Times bestselling author of The Emotional Life of Your Brain and coauthor of Altered Traits

"This is a delightful and extremely useful book. Cortland Dahl expertly describes the essence of the three main Buddhist traditions, guides the reader through accessible practices, and brings it all to life with his own embodied wisdom."
--Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety and The Craving Mind

"Clear, open, friendly, warm, and wonderful, especially for those new to Tibetan Buddhism."
--Buddhistdoor Global

About the Author

CORTLAND DAHL is a scientist, Buddhist scholar and translator, and meditation teacher. Beginning in the early 1990s, his passion for training the mind led him on a journey to Buddhist centers across Asia, culminating in eight years living in Tibetan refugee settlements near Kathmandu, Nepal. He is actively involved in scientific research on meditation and human flourishing at the Center for Healthy Minds, and he cofounded Tergar, a network of meditation centers with activities on six continents, with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Cortland lives with his wife and son in Madison, Wisconsin.