Steve Guy Curless:
From reading Daniel Ingram and others, I gather that it generally takes decades of rigorous practice to make significant progress along the Buddhist path. So I'm wondering if there's any point to someone taking up this path in his late 50's when chances are he won't have decades to pursue it.
As others here have stated, most definitely there is a point in taking up this path at whatever age one encounters it. As Judy so aptly described it, age can be a definite positive on the path. It doesn't need to take decades to complete the training. One can accomplish it in 3 to 5 years if he is diligent and determined enough.
What could also be recommended is, aside from reading Daniel's book, would be to also read the discourses of the Buddha in translation. That can be done by physical book as well as
online (although I would recommend the
Wisdom Publication edition of the discourses as being the best presentation because of the wealth of knowledge stored away in the footnotes of those editions; shop at amazon.com to get the best prices on these).
As well, there are several modern monastic writers and essayists who have written clearly and cogently on these subjects which one may definitely benefit from. A few of the names to look into include: Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Bhikkhu Nanananda, Ajahn Chah, Nyanaponika Thera, and Bhante Gunaratana, just to name a few. You can do a Google search and find many of their works online. Most of
Thanissaro's writings can be had directly from the Internet at accesstoinsight.org. The books he has written, along with his essays, would be a perfect adjunct to accompany Daniel's book. Thanissaro uses the discourses to help explain the teaching in his books (meaning you are seeing quotations taken from the Buddha) while his essays delve into a more personal instruction regarding the practice.