Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha (MCTB)

Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha (MCTB)

Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha is a thorough and straight-to-the-point meditation manual by Daniel Ingram.

In this book, Daniel, a self-declared arahant (enlightened being) insists that enlightenment is fully attainable given the proper practices. He also goes to great lengths to redefine what enlightenment actually is, and to debunk the unrealistic and life-denying expectations that typically surround it. Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha is known for its extremely detailed descriptions of the Theravadin “16 stages of insight”, an ancient map outlining the development of meditative insights. Daniel also warns of the dangers of the “Dark Night of the Soul”, an infamous stage induced by partial insights where practitioners may get stuck, especially when lacking proper guidance.

While an understandably controversial book, Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha has done arguably more than all its critics have for the emergence of pragmatic meditation communities and the development of serious practitioners. The second expanded edition is coming out in the following weeks, and I can’t wait to receive my copy.