A groundbreaking, accessible presentation of Tibetan Buddhism from Chögyam Trungpa, renowned twentieth-century master and teacher.Based on a series of talks given by Chögyam Trungpa during the first session of what was to become Naropa University,
Cynicism and Magic introduces key Tibetan Buddhist concepts, including karma, the structure of ego, the paramitas, and the bodhisattva. Employing a unique and intimate teaching style, Trungpa Rinpoche presents these concepts in a larger framework of questions we all have: What is authentic spirituality? Can I find enlightenment and freedom? How should I approach life, death, suffering, and boredom? How can I develop some discipline, patience, and sanity?
Through these accessible teachings, this book will show you how to approach a living dharma with intelligence, and with a sense of openness and wonder.
"The point of this book is not necessarily to make you into a great scholar, or great meditator for that matter. It is to provide an understanding of Buddhist geography. By providing you with the map that Buddha laid out, and that developed throughout the tradition, you will have a complete gift-a package deal, so to speak-in understanding what Buddhism means, what it teaches, and how it applies to you personally and intellectually. It is important to have some understanding of the geography of Buddhism, and how Buddhism becomes an important part of your life and scholarship. If you try to collect highlights alone, there is a strong possibility you might misunderstand or distort things in your own practice"--
“The teachings in this magical book come from the same period I first met Trungpa Rinpoche, which marked the radical turning point in my life. Reading this brought me right back to those days when he pointed out to me the pitfalls of spiritual materialism and how I could discover my own basic sanity. I hope a new generation of readers can catch the spark from the wisdom they will find here from Trungpa Rinpoche in his truest essence.”—Pema Chödrön, author of
When Things Fall Apart“A book of deep wisdom that offers Trungpa’s signature profundity permeated with humor,
Cynicism and Magic illuminates the path of the heart-warrior with crystal clear light. There’s a kind of music under these words—a treasure!”—Devendra Banhart
“This book shows Trungpa Rinpoche’s genius, his superb talent in communicating traditional teachings of the Mahayana buddhadharma. He presents seminal topics in an elegant and easy-to-digest way, always full of humor and common sense. His ability remains unmatched among authors on the subject of buddhadharma. I am so glad that the addition of this book to the collected treasures of Trungpa Rinpoche’s teachings will inspire, educate, and move generations to come.”—Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, author of
Peaceful Heart 
