Entering the Stream

Entering the Stream: An Introduction to The Buddha And His Teachings (Paperback)
by Samuel Bercholz and Sherab Chodzin Kohn (Editors)

now also available as

The Buddha and His Teachings (Paperback)
by Samuel Bercholz (Editor), Sherab Chodzin Kohn (Editor)


Entering the Stream is an anthology of Buddhist teachings. It is divided into four parts, each dealing with an aspect of Buddhism. Part One provides a short history of Buddhism and an introduction to the life of the Buddha. Though not detailed, this section provides a basic introduction that highlights the Buddha’s first sermon on the Four Noble Truths. The history also outlines “the spread of Buddhism” and its historical variants.
Parts Two, Three and Four are representative of the three vehicles: Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Each Part begins with a brief introduction and is followed by chapters written by representatives of a variety of different schools of Buddhism. The chapters are a mixture of teachings by individual teachers on aspects of Buddhism, others are commentaries on sutras, and others still are translations of texts such as “The Heart Sutra” and excerpts from “The Songs of Milarepa”.

A variety of reviews I have read about this anthology categorize it as useful for beginners. Granted, the texts and teachings are basic, in the sense that they are of the most common and known materials. However, I find it useful to have even such basic teachings collected and available for repeated consultation. I don’t think that there can ever be enough readings and commentaries on “The Four Noble Truths”. Each one bears its own gift. Each teacher or reader brings to them his or her experience, and thereby expands their range and horizons.
Another aspect of the anthology that I find useful is in the mix of teachers. Having representatives from various traditions side by side also offers an opportunity to see how each moves alongside the other. The teachings of Ajahn Chah, Chögyam Trungpa, Pema Chödrön, Reginald Ray, Thich Nhat Hanh, Shunryu Suzuki, S.N. Goenka Bhikkhu Mangalo and others form a dharma rainbow that shines through the pages of this wonderful anthology.

The Buddha encourages us to “develop a meditation that is like water”; what better way to do this than to experience change and impermanence by “entering the stream”…