I’m currently re-reading my paperback copy of Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha by Daniel Ingram. The paperback had just been released in the U.S. but the e-book has been available for free on Ingram’s site as PDF download and in “blook” format.

I finished reading the “blook” version on my iPhone but I still purchased the paperback so I can read and re-read it offline. I think this book will be an instant cult classic, especially to those people who are into hardcore, no-nonsense dharma.

Here’s my rundown of the contents of the book.

First of, unlike other mainstream politically-correct spiritual authors, Ingram breaks away from political correctness and egalitarianism by claiming he had already achieved Arahatship, meaning, that he is already “enlightened.” Depending on your notion of “enlightenment” Ingram could either put you off and make you stop reading the book, or it could pique your curiosity and keep you reading. I read the book from cover to cover, and I’m glad I did.

Ingram makes it clear what his intentions are in the opening of the book. He even warned the readers about his social commentaries on Buddhism in particular and mystical traditions and spiritual teachers in general. Along the way he also makes his bias transparent to the readers. Ingram’s flavor of Buddhism is rooted in the Theravada tradition, particularly from Mahasi Sayadaw school of meditation.

I’m no scholar of Buddhist literature so I’m not sure whether Daniel Ingram is representing the dharma in its purest form. However, I understand enough about Buddhist teachings and concepts to recognize that Ingram is pointing to pragmatic truth on the Buddhist path by simplifying the language and removing the dogma, cultural baggage, narcissism, and metaphysical hubris surrounding both Eastern and Western flavors of Buddhism.

The core ideas in the book which I find very powerful are: The Three Trainings, The Three Characteristics, and Models of the Stages of Enlightenment.

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