The Way to Buddhahood: Instructions from a Modern Chinese Master

Ven. Yin-Shun is not known widely in the West, but was deeply respectful across the Buddhist tradition for his excellent scholarship, and comprehensive approach to Buddhism. His particular style, which he dubbed "Humanistic Buddhism" took a rational approach to Buddhism, but remained deeply rooted in the traditions and texts from which it emerged. This book provides a very comprehensive look at Mahayana, or East Asian, Buddhism. The author begins with the foundations of Buddhism, common to all Buddhist sects (Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Five Moral Precepts, etc) and gradually works his way into Mahayana Buddhism in particular, then ultimately reaches the teachings of the Bodhisattva Path. The book has a very clear flow throughout. The detail and depth of research is unprecedented as well, as he covers practically every topic in Buddhism from meditation, chanting, devotion, tantra, Bodhisattvas, Buddhas and so on. This is a book worth referring to over and over again just because so much can be found in this one book. Some Buddhist texts haven't been widely translated into English either, so there's a lot of hidden gems not normally found in Western books. Also, Ven. Yin-Shun, being a respected Chan Buddhist himself, speaks from experience. The book does not contain anecdotes, but he does speak on current trends in Buddhism, and also explains carefully the various types of meditation, and how to go about practicing them (again, relying on extensive Buddhist texts). This is a challenging book to read just because of its size and depth, and Ven. Yin-Shun is actually writing for a Chinese, not Western audience, but if you're familiar with Buddhism and want more depth and understanding, this definitely should be your next purchase. Enjoy!

I once was at a monk's residence for instruction and was admiring the nearly two hundred hardbound volumes that constitute the Chinese canon and extended canon. When I told the monk that I would like to get my own set one day, he waved off the idea as completely unnecessary and gave me a copy of this book. In this book, Master Yunshun really does manage to compress the knowledge of the Chinese cannon into a single beautiful poem and a very comprehensive commentary.

This is one of the very best books on Buddhism in English. When it comes to East Asian Buddhism, most of the books in English present a watered down Buddhism that mystifies more than it illuminates. This book, on the other hand, represents years of meticulous study and practice, and provides a really solid grounding for understanding the fundamentals of the Mahayana tradition as it developed in East Asia. Master Yinshun was concerned with finding the common ground between the various practices and sects that emerged (Pure Land, Chan, Tiantai, etc.) and showing how these different teachings, whose proponents were sometimes at odds with each other, can be harmonized. In this, Yinshun not only re-asserted the fundamentals of Buddhist tradition, but brought new insights into how the philosophical systems- madhyamaka, yogacara, tathagatagarbha- can be integrated. The book is systematic- there's no major Mahayana idea that isn't discussed; at the same time it's easy to read. While its comprehensiveness might bewilder newcomers, it would make a fine second book.

Yin-Shun's work provides a resource to look deeply into the tradition of Buddhism. In only a few hundred pages, he outlines the reason for seeking refuge in the teachings of the Buddha, fundmamental views of Buddhism, varying traditions of Buddhist doctrine, the different methods of practice, and uses countless examples to illuminate the insight that all the teachings as a whole can bring. In a straightfoward and impartial manner, Yin-Shun clearly writes of the strengths and weaknesses of varying approaches to the Buddhadharma, the beneficial effects of practice and harmful effects of common misconceptions and misguided practice. It seems that every corner of Buddhism is touched upon, to provide solid direction for the interested person or the advanced practicioner.His writings are so clear and deep, that I held my head in awe of the understanding and compassion of the Dharma. If anything, this book can inspire a sense of humility and respect for the suffering of ourselves and others, of which we can learn to liberate with the direct experience of realization guided by the helpful teachings of compassionate leaders like Yin-Shun.