‘Basic Buddhist Teachings’ made accessible

NAMGYAL INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY RELEASES HANDBOOK ON BASIC BUDDHIST PRACTICES
GANGTOK, 28 June: The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok, recently published a handbook titled ‘Basic Buddhist Teachings’ for those looking to familiarise themselves with basic Buddhist practices, but lacking the time or training to wade through theosophical texts. The book has been produced in two versions – one, a simple black & white title priced at no-profit price of Rs. 10 and available exclusively at the Tibetology bookshop in its complex in Deorali, and the other, a better produced book with a colour cover making it an apt gift. The latter is already available at Rachna Books at Development Area and Tibetology has invited interested bookshops to approach its office to place bulk copies.
As for the book itself, it has been compiled by Ani Karma Sonam Palmo, an Acharya at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, and edited by Tenzing C Tashi of NIT.
The Editor’s Note explains Ani Karma Sonam Palmo was given a simple brief by the NIT Director – keep it simple. She was commissioned by NIT exclusively to compile a book on basic Buddhist practices and allied teachings as simply as she could for the lay people. Even a quick perusal of the book establishes that the Ani delivered on the brief and the editor cleaned up text to keep things consistent, and more importantly, accessible.
The Editor introduces the book as, “a simple, unpretentious book that we hope will be useful for the lay Buddhist anywhere”, and this thread is sustained through the six chapters which make up this title. The book aims to answer basic questions revolving around everyday Buddhist rituals and practices, including their significance, and should come as a welcome publication for parents who frequently find themselves grasping for explanations for rituals and practices they have always taken for granted, but the young need more explaining to accept and respect.
The book opens with a chapter dedicated to common daily routines and occasional practices and concludes with a chapter on basic Buddhist teachings.
Everyday rituals like the lighting of butter lamps, incense offerings, prostrations are explained along with the significance of each activity. Important dates on the Tibetan astrological almanac are also explained together with notes on basic Buddhist teachings. Also included are notes from the editor wherever additional information was felt necessary.
The editor explains: “The Director of the Institute was keenly aware that a lot of youngsters keep coming to the Institute to enquire about the basic aspects of Buddhism, as opposed to the generations above them that just took their religion for granted. He wanted to publish a very concise and precise book that would answer all the little questions that make Buddhism the wonderful living religion and philosophy it is.”
The team deserves credit for having delivered so well, putting together a ready-reckoner of sorts for lay Buddhists.