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Cynicism and Magic

Written by: Chogyam Trungpa, Opening the Dharma Treasury Editors Group - editor
Narrated by: Devendra Banhart
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Publisher's Summary

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? 

Whether you are new to Buddhism or returning to the fundamentals of your practice, this book will guide you toward experiencing a living dharma intelligently, with a sense of openness and wonder.

©2021 Diana J. Mukpo (P)2021 Shambhala Publications

What the critics say

"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)

What listeners say about Cynicism and Magic

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Big Problem with Reading

This is a marvellous presentation of Trungpa Rinpoche's early public teachings, and the editors bring a freshness to the teachings. However, Reader Beware: The author reads the word "prajna", meaning wisdom as "prana", meaning breath. This changes the fundamental meaning of the passage, so if you are going to listen to the audiobook, you should substitute the word "prajna" for what the author reads as "prana". I feel that Audible should remove the book from sales until this correction has been made.

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