Meditation: Advice to Beginners

Meditation is currently a fashionable practice and there are already books published on this subject. Why this new book? What will you find in this volume? You will find teachings given by an authentic Tibetan teacher, Bokar Rinpoche. Not only does Bokar Rinpoche know meditation, but years of skillful practice allow him to guide students on this path. For him, Buddhism constitutes the essence of the spiritual domain and his teachings transmit the teachings given by the Buddha. Furthermore, they are perfectly adapted to our time and cultural environment. Bokar Rinpoche knows how to make clear that which, at first approach, seems obscure and complex. He really embodies the essence of these teachings. When one meets with Bokar Rinpoche, one is bathed in a radiant peace which he extends to all beings through his immense love and compassion. In his presence, one may experience a taste of the true nature of the mind. It is my hope that this book will convey to the reader Bokar Rinpoche's wisdom and compassion.

Since the series of teachings translated here come from public and private teachings given in France between 1985 and 1987, they sometimes address the people of a particular city. Their contents, however, are directed toward each of us, regardless of where we reside. You may sometimes find a repetition of themes from one chapter to another. We did not edit the teachings. As repetition may increase understanding, you will encounter the same view presented in a different context in some instances.

They are true teachings that one can read, put directly into practice, reread and practice again and again. For the person who wants to practice with others, there are many meditation centers throughout the world where one may receive instruction from a qualified teacher. This book is not a substitute for a living teacher but a guide to the path, a friendly companion on the journey sharing wisdom and experience.

Many familiar words, such as suffering, love and compassion, have a more specific meaning in the context of this book. To clarify their meaning, we have added a selective glossary of Buddhist terms in order to help the beginner more easily understand the text. This glossary is not exhaustive. Advanced students of Buddhism may refer to more scholarly publications for comprehensive definitions of these terms.

Bokar Rinpoche was born to a nomad family in Western Tibet in 1940. He left Tibet for India at twenty and completed two three-year retreats under the guidance of Kalu Rinpoche.