Shantideva’s Entering the Conduct of a Bodhisatva
This book presents is the very famous text called Entering the Conduct of a Bodhisatva, composed by the Indian Buddhist master Shantideva. Many places in Shantideva's text need explanation, especially in the ninth chapter, therefore commentaries have been written by Indian and Tibetan masters to explain the text. An excellent commentary coming from the Tibetan side is Entering the Conduct of a Bodhisatva with an Interspersed Commentary Called "A Lamp for the Path of the Middle Way" composed by the Tibetan Buddhist master Padma Karpo. Padma Karpo's commentary is also featured in this book. Several books have become available that simply present an English translation of Shantideva's text. This book goes further. Firstly, it provides a plain English translation of Shantideva's text without the footnotes and so forth that tend to obscure it. Secondly, it provides a complete commentary to the text so that its meaning can be studied and understood. Thus it is a rich resource that provides both for those wanting simply to read and recite Shantideva's text and those wanting to study its meaning.Shantideva's text details the conduct to be followed by a person who wishes to attain true complete enlightenment. It was written during his stay at the famous Buddhist university of India called Nalanda. When he first recited the text to the masters and students of the university they were amazed by its beautiful composition and expert treatment of the topic. Since then it has only increased in fame and is now regarded as one of the essential texts to be studied by anyone who wishes to follow the path to complete enlightenment.
Fragrant Rivers of Wisdom
Buddhism and Christianity are ancient, rich, and multivalent wisdom spirituality traditions that often have insightful similarities as well as distinct perspectives from entirely different starting points. Fragrant Rivers of Wisdom explores some of these paths and encourages readers to gain, as far as is possible, a participant's appreciation of another faith. This book aims to help readers celebrate and enjoy the rich wisdom legacies of a teacher revealing a pure lotus blossoming from mud and the legacies of a peasant Jewish carpenter from Galilee revealing love on a cross. Both teachers share the power of love, the joys of healing encouragement, and the creative resources of spirit-filled living. Their ancient words and their modern communities still following these paths are dynamically relevant for our modern context of confusion and challenge.
Dzogchen, Empowerment and the Practice of Ati Yoga
This book was composed to assist Western students who are taking empowerments in general, and especially those who are practicing the teachings of Dzogchen. The Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism sets out its teachings in a set of nine approaches or vehicles to reality. The nine vehicles are arranged in a graded sequence, with each vehicle being higher than its preceding vehicle and lower than the one above it. The highest of the vehicles is called Dzogchen and also Maha Ati, where "ati" means "the one at the farthest end of a sequence" or "the one at the farthest limit". Thus, Ati Yoga is the peak of all practices or yogas in the nine vehicle system.To engage in the practices of Ati Yoga, it is necessary to be introduced to the world of the Ati practitioner. One of the principal procedures for doing that is called "empowerment". The instructions surrounding empowerment can be difficult to understand, so this book begins with a straightforward explanation of what empowerment is. Following that, the translations from Tibetan of three actual empowerment rituals of the Maha Ati level are presented.The book ends with an explanation of the approach that an Ati practitioner takes after having been empowered into the Ati world. The explanation comes from the great Dzogchen master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche of Shechen Monastery in the form of a letter to one of his lady disciples. It is a rare teaching that will be of help to any Dzogchen practitioner. Substantial notes and an extensive glossary are included to make the material more accessible.Read more
Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side
An essential companion to a timeless spiritual classic The Lotus Sūtra is among the most venerated scriptures of Buddhism. Composed in India some two millennia ago, it asserts the potential for all beings to attain supreme enlightenment. Donald Lopez and Jacqueline Stone provide an essential reading companion to this inspiring yet enigmatic masterpiece, explaining how it was understood by its compilers in India and, centuries later in medieval Japan, by one of its most influential proponents. In this illuminating chapter-by-chapter guide, Lopez and Stone show how the sūtra's anonymous authors skillfully reframed the mainstream Buddhist tradition in light of a new vision of the path and the person of the Buddha himself, and examine how the sūtra's metaphors, parables, and other literary devices worked to legitimate that vision. They go on to explore how the Lotus was interpreted by the Japanese Buddhist master Nichiren (1222-1282), whose inspired reading of the book helped to redefine modern Buddhism. In doing so, Lopez and Stone demonstrate how readers of sacred works continually reinterpret them in light of their own unique circumstances. An invaluable guide to an incomparable spiritual classic, this book unlocks the teachings of the Lotus for modern readers while providing insights into the central importance of commentary as the vehicle by which ancient writings are given contemporary meaning.
Drifting Through Samsara
In Drifting Through Samsara, Masoumeh Rahmani provides a fieldwork-based study of Goenka's Vipassana meditation movement in New Zealand. This group is distinguished by its refusal to identify as Buddhist and by a rich rhetorical repertoire for repackaging Theravada Buddhist teachings in pseudo-scientific and secular language. Drawing from qualitative research, the book examines the way the movement's discourse shapes unique processes and narratives of conversion and disengagement. Rahmani argues that conversion to this movement is tacit and paradoxically results in the members' rejection of religious labels and categories including conversion. Tracing the linguistic changes associated with the process of conversion and increased commitment, she outlines three main disengagement pathways: (1) pragmatic leaving, (2) disaffiliation, and (3) deconversion. Pragmatic leavers are individuals who were disengaged prior to developing a commitment. Rahmani argues that the language of these leavers is characterised by pragmatisms, dualistic discourse, and ambivalence, and their post-disengagement involves an active gravitation towards practices with easily accomplished goals. Disaffiliates and deconverts are individuals who disengaged after years of intense commitment to the movement. One of the distinguishing features of disaffiliation narratives is self-doubt resulting from the movement's ambiguous discourse regarding progress. For these people post-disengagement often involves the retrospective adoption of Buddhist identity. Rahmani finds that as a consequence of its linguistic strategies, deconversion is a rare exit pattern from this movement. In general, however, the themes and characteristics of both disaffiliation and deconversion fit the contours of exit from other traditions, even though conversion was tacit in the first place. The book thus questions the normative participant recruitment approach in conversion studies and argues that a simple reliance on the informants' identification with or rejection of religious labels fails to encompass the tonalities of conversion in the contemporary spiritual landscape.
A Year of Buddha's Wisdom
Foster a greater sense of inner peace, one day at a time Discover how the wisdom of the Buddha can help you feel calmer, happier, and more satisfied. Featuring a thoughtful new prompt every day, A Year of Buddha's Wisdom helps you learn essential Buddhist principles and make them a part of your everyday life.What sets this Buddhism guide apart: 365 days of wisdom--Deepen your Buddhism practice every day with an array of meditations, mantras, reflections, and quotes.Short and simple entries--Whether it's taking a minute to be aware of your surroundings or 10 to meditate, these brief prompts encourage you to explore the Buddha's wisdom every day.A path to tranquility--Grow into your best self as you learn to be mindful, find joy in meditation, have compassion for others, and much more.Embody the Buddha's wisdom with this easy and accessible Buddhism book.
Opening Yourself
Calm the mind and tune in to your inner senseDeepen authentic presence and see through self-illusionsOpen yourself to the natural ease and wonderment of beingThe human predicament is such that we strive to fill an inner sense of wanting that afflicts and dominates us throughout our lives. The lifelong sense of discontent, fueling the desire for something less (bad) or more (enjoyable) than what is actually happening, gives rise to compulsive thinking and emotional reactions that cause us endless anxiety, guilt and despair. Opening Yourself presents an understanding of the human condition informed by Buddhist and radical Existential psychology. It details how the self we constantly strive to fulfill, promote and defend is nothing but a chimera, a mental-emotional construct no more real than an image in a mirror.Respecting this dizzying truth, Dr. Ken Bradford presents a contemplative yoga approach to free ourself and others from self-illusions. This existentially-robust approach integrates the skilful means of experience-near therapy, Buddhist meditation and the nondual wisdom of Dzogchen - the highest Tibetan yoga - in the service of opening ourself to who we truly are rather than who we merely think we are.In the service of broadening the range of psychological inquiry and deepening the reach of spiritual realization, this book offers a practical guide for therapists, therapy clients, Dharma teachers and truth seekers. It proceeds by tuning deeply in to innate intelligence, in order to see through self fixations to the unfettered freedom, effortless ease and ecstatic lucency of being as such.
Independent Nichiren Doctrine of Lotus Sutra Buddhism
The doctrines of Nichiren are specifically addressed to this era of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. This is the latter age of the spread of the teachings. The people of this era are suited to practice the Great Vehicle, the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra Buddhism as determined and taught by Shakyamuni. Nichiren is therefore our contemporary teacher, scholar and guide. This book outlines the practice of Buddhism for today's people, independent of institutions and groups that would use the teachings to manipulate and distort for political or financial gain. Free of cultural or organizational bias, this book is a clear path for modern understanding and practice of Bodhisattva Nichiren's instruction and guidance in the correct practice of the ultimate teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. Includes a complete guide and texts for Gongyo recitation.
Life’s Highest Blessings
This work is a study of the Maha Mangala Sutta, an important discourse of the Buddha on the thirty-eight true blessings or true lucky signs (mangala). It contains universal, timeless teachings that lead to material as well as spiritual well-being and is very popular in the Buddhist countries. (Note: This title was previously published under ISBN 9781681721088. Due to technical issues a new ISBN had to be assigned. Rest assured that both versions of this title are exactly the same.)
The Art of Solitude
In a time of social distancing and isolation, a meditation on the beauty of solitude from renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor A Los Angeles Review of Books "Best of the Year" selection "Whatever a soul is, the author goes a long way toward soothing it. A very welcome instance of philosophy that can help readers live a good life."--Kirkus Reviews "Elegant and formally ingenious."--Geoff Wisner, Wall Street Journal When world renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor turned sixty, he took a sabbatical from his teaching and turned his attention to solitude, a practice integral to the meditative traditions he has long studied and taught. He aimed to venture more deeply into solitude, discovering its full extent and depth. This beautiful literary collage documents his multifaceted explorations. Spending time in remote places, appreciating and making art, practicing meditation and participating in retreats, drinking peyote and ayahuasca, and training himself to keep an open, questioning mind have all contributed to Batchelor's ability to be simultaneously alone and at ease. Mixed in with his personal narrative are inspiring stories from solitude's devoted practitioners, from the Buddha to Montaigne, from Vermeer to Agnes Martin. In a hyperconnected world that is at the same time plagued by social isolation, this book shows how to enjoy the inescapable solitude that is at the heart of human life.
Gongyo TLK Liturgy of the Nichiren School
This book of recitation for the Nichiren school of Buddhism lineage is the culmination of decades of research and refinement for the TLK (Threefold Lotus Kwoon) Quantum Life Buddhist practice of the Buddhist scholarship and teachings as learned and transmitted by the revered teacher and monk, Sylvain Chamberlain.
Chakras for Beginners
Your Complete to Discovering The Extraordinary Powers of ChakrasHave you ever wondered what the heck Chakras are? I thought Chakra flow was some kind of whacky and "new-age" crazy talk. However, after research into my energy levels, I discovered that blocked chakras are a huge piece of the puzzle. Out of balance chakras can be seen in a number of areas including physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. How does this book help? This book contains specific information on how you can harness the amazing powers of chakras and make significant improvements to your life. Here's a preview of what you'll find inside this book: The Origins of Chakras The Chakras Visual Blocked and Out of Balance Chakras Feeding Your Chakras with Food Healing Your Chakras with AromatherapyBalancing Your Chakras with Precious Gems and StonesBalancing the Chakras with Colour BathingBringing Harmony to Your Chakras with Positive AffirmationsBalancing Your Chakras with IncantationsChakra ExercisesToning Chakras with Sounds Chakras Mudras Aura Key Takeaways for Easy Future ReferenceList of Resources for Further Reference FREE Bonus Chapter Want to Find Out More? What are you waiting for? See you on the inside! J.
Lazy Lama looks at The Six Paramitas
"I think everything that we need to improve our world, our society and our humanity is in the Six Paramitas. These practices can make our lives good temporarily, as well as bringing lasting peace and happiness. This is an approach based on compassion, on wishing to help not only myself, but all of us together. The attitude is not "I and you," but "me and we." Someone who has the courage or heart for this approach is called a Bodhisattva; and this awakening is not only of yourself, but of everybody." The Six Paramitas, or "transcendent perfections," contain all the skills needed for taming the mind and opening the heart. Paramita is a Sanskrit word. Para means "beyond" and "the further shore" and mita, means "that which has arrived." So, broadly speaking, Pāramitā, means "that which has gone to the further shore." For beginners, "the further shore" seems very far away. We can feel overwhelmed before we even set out. But in this, the eighth book of the Lazy Lama series, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche helps us to understand how the path of the bodhisattva is possible for all of us. In providing this wonderful bridge on the journey from here to the further shore, Rinpoche reveals the Six Paramitas as bodhicitta in action, rather than an unattainable state of perfection. Through his wisdom and great compassion, warm humour and unfailing patience, Rinpoche shows us how these profound teachings are essential to our lives, especially in these times of stress and great uncertainty.
Wisdom of the East - Buddhist Psalms - Translated from the Japanese of Shinran Shonin
"Wisdom of the East" contains an English translation of the Jodo-Wasan, three volumes of Japanese verses originally written by Shinran Shonin (1173 - 1263). The verses are called Jōdo Wasan, Koso Wasan, and Shozomatsu Wasan, all of which constitute a celebration of the essence of Jōdo Shinshū (also known as 'Shin Buddhism' or 'Pure Land Buddhism'). Contents include: "Lauding the Infinite One", "Of Paradise", "Concerning the Great Sutra", "Concerning the Lesser Sutra", "Of the Many Sutras Concerning the Infinite One", "Concerning the Welfare of the Present World", "Of Thanksgiving for Nagarjuna, the Great Teacher of India", "Wherein with Lamentation I Make my Confession", etc. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.
The Sacred Books of the East - Buddhist Mahayana Texts
The Sacred Books of the East - Buddhist Mahayana Texts by Max F. Muller is a profound collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures that delve into the teachings, philosophy, and spiritual insights of Mahayana Buddhism, offering readers a path to enlightenment and wisdom. The Sacred Books of the East - Buddhist Mahayana Texts edited by Max F. Muller is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom that provides readers with access to the sacred scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism. This collection offers profound insights into the profound teachings of the Mahayana tradition, one of the major branches of Buddhism. The book begins by introducing readers to the history and development of Mahayana Buddhism, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of its sacred texts. Max F. Muller's insightful commentary provides context and understanding for readers approaching these ancient scriptures. Central to the collection are the Mahayana texts themselves, which include sutras, commentaries, and philosophical treatises. These texts delve into topics such as the nature of reality, the path to enlightenment, compassion, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation. They invite readers to contemplate profound philosophical questions and expand their spiritual horizons. Furthermore, the book highlights the diversity of Mahayana thought by presenting a variety of texts from different Mahayana schools and traditions. Readers can explore the rich tapestry of ideas and interpretations that have evolved within Mahayana Buddhism. The Sacred Books of the East - Buddhist Mahayana Texts is not only a collection of ancient scriptures but also a spiritual journey. It encourages readers to delve into the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, seeking wisdom, enlightenment, and a deeper understanding of the nature of existence. This collection is an invaluable resource for scholars, practitioners of Buddhism, and anyone interested in the profound philosophy and spirituality of Mahayana Buddhism. Max F. Muller's editorial expertise ensures that these sacred texts are made accessible and relevant to contemporary readers.
Wisdom of the East - The Buddha's Way of Virtue - A Translation of the Dhammapada from the Pali Text
Wisdom of the East - The Buddha's Way of Virtue - A Translation of the Dhammapada from the Pali Text by W. D. C. Wagiswara is a profound translation of the Dhammapada, offering readers a timeless and accessible guide to the ethical and spiritual teachings of the Buddha. Wisdom of the East - The Buddha's Way of Virtue - A Translation of the Dhammapada from the Pali Text by W. D. C. Wagiswara is a literary gem that brings the wisdom of the Buddha to a global audience. This book presents a faithful translation of the Dhammapada, one of the most revered texts in Buddhism, offering profound insights into virtuous living and the path to enlightenment. The book begins by introducing readers to the historical and philosophical context of the Dhammapada, providing essential background information for understanding its significance. W. D. C. Wagiswara's insightful translation preserves the poetic beauty and spiritual depth of the original Pali text. Central to the book are the verses of the Dhammapada themselves. Each verse offers a concise and powerful teaching on ethical conduct, wisdom, mindfulness, and the cultivation of inner virtues. The teachings are accompanied by Wagiswara's commentary, providing readers with valuable insights and practical guidance. Furthermore, the book delves into the timeless wisdom imparted by the Buddha. Readers will find teachings on topics such as the nature of suffering, the importance of compassion, and the path to liberation from suffering. Wisdom of the East - The Buddha's Way of Virtue is not only a translation but also an invitation to explore the ethical and spiritual teachings of the Buddha. It encourages readers to reflect on the principles of virtuous living and to apply them in their daily lives. This book is an invaluable resource for spiritual seekers, scholars, and anyone interested in the ethical and philosophical dimensions of Buddhism. W. D. C. Wagiswara's translation and commentary make this work a source of inspiration and guidance for those seeking wisdom and inner transformation through the teachings of the Buddha.
The Constitution of Shambhala (Vol. 7A of a Treatise on Mind)
The subject of Shambhala (the planetary Head centre, or theistically, the kingdom of 'God') has been previously veiled in such texts as the Kālachakra Tantra, but the true esoteric lore has only been provided gradually, first tentatively through the works of Blavatsky, and then in greater detail via Alice Bailey's writings. This volume continues along this vein, presenting far more detail concerning this kingdom, and also of the Hierarchy of enlightened being (the planetary Heart centre) than hitherto revealed. A considerable compendium of revelation and esoteric knowledge is presented for the world's esotericists to digest and the enlightened to expand upon.The subject of Shambhala (the planetary Head centre, or theistically, the kingdom of 'God') has been previously veiled in such texts as the Kālachakra Tantra, but the true esoteric lore has only been provided gradually, first tentatively through the works of Blavatsky, and then in greater detail via Alice Bailey's writings. This volume continues along this vein, presenting far more detail concerning this kingdom, and also of the Hierarchy of enlightened being (the planetary Heart centre) than hitherto revealed. A considerable compendium of revelation and esoteric knowledge is presented for the world's esotericists to digest and the enlightened to expand upon.
Shin Buddhism
Interest in Buddhism continues to grow throughout North America, and more and more readers are moving beyond the familiar Zen and Tibetan traditions to examine other types of Buddhism. In Shin Buddhism, Taitetsu Unno explains the philosophy anc practices of "Pure Land" Buddhism, which dates back to the sixth century C.E., when Buddhism was first introduced in Japan. While Zen Buddhism flourished in remote monasteries, the Pure Land tradition was adopted by the common people. With a combination of spiritual insight and unparalled scholoarship, the author describes the literature, history, and principles of this form of Buddhism and illuminates the ways in which it embodies this religion's most basic tenet: "No human life should be wasted, abandoned, or forgotten but should be transformed into a source of vibrant life, deep wisdom, and compassionate living." As a practice that evolved to harmonize with the realities of everyday life, Shin Buddhism will be particularly attractive to contemporary Western readers.
The Constitution of Shambhala (Vol. 7B of a Treatise on Mind)
The theme of the first of the two parts of this volume concerns the feminine deva hierarchy, their relation to Hierarchy and Shambhala. Many concepts are introduced that most seekers have little cognisance (e.g., the nature of the deva Lord Varuna). The Mother of the World's role is revealed, and the feminine function in cosmos, (e.g., the Pleiades). Advanced teaching concerning the Lord of the World (Sanat Kumāra), and the higher Initiations are provided. The second part is a long esoteric poem detailing many inner plane revelations concerning the type of vision obtained when accessing Shambhala, plus Initiation teachings for disciples.
Writings of Nichiren Shonin Doctrine 2
This volume, the 9th project of the English Translation Committee of the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association (NOPPA), constitutes all 23 writings of Buddhist reformer Nichiren Shōnin (1222-1282) included in the Nichiren Shōnin Zenshu, Complete Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Volume 2: Theology 2, published in Tokyo in 1996.The Nichiren Shonin Zenshu is a modern Japanese version of Nichiren's original writings, translated and edited with annotations by modern scholars of Nichiren Buddhism. Despite its all-inclusive title, the Zenshu is highly selective in that it takes into account only writings considered bibliographically authentic: attested to by original manuscripts. Among such texts, those included in the Showa Teihon Nichiren Shonin Ibun, Writings of Nichiren Shonin Standardized in the Showa Period, complied by the Rissho Daigaku Nichiren Kyogaku Kenkyu-jo, Center for the Study of Nichiren Buddhism, published by Minobusan Kuonji Temple between 1951 and 1959, are considered the most authoritative, and they provide the basic texts for this volume.This volume includes two of Nichiren's five major writings, Kaimoku-sho and Kanzin Honzon-sho, both of which were written during his harsh exile to Sado Island. Many others who were seen as a threat to Japan's rulers had been sent there with no provisions for their warmth, nourishment or even safety. In these circumstances Nichiren was determined to provide his followers with a durable preservation of his wisdom, since he was not sure how much longer he would be alive.Nichiren began writing the Kaimoku-sho, Open Your Eyes to the Lotus Teaching, almost immediately on arriving at Sado Island. He starts by covering Buddhism in the context of other teachings which have formed the basis of civilization, including Confucianism and other non-Buddhist teachings. He then argues for the supremacy of the Lotus Sutra among all Buddhist teachings. After surviving the execution at Tatsunokuchi Beach, Nichiren saw himself as the teacher predicted in the Lotus Sutra as the guide sent by the Buddha to lead this world to the True Dharma. His persecutions showed the truth of the predictions of the Lotus Sutra, that those who practiced it would face more troubles than even those the Buddha endured in his lifetime.Most of Nichiren's followers had abandoned him after this second exile, some of them not wanting the same treatment Nichiren endured. He encouraged them to hold strong, that the Buddhas and protective deities would continue to see all of them through these persecutions and that in the end all beings would chant the sacred title, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, when this world would be transformed into the Pure Land of the Buddha.Soon after finishing the Kaimoku-sho, Nichiren wrote the Kanzin Honzon-sho, A Treatise Revealing the Spiritual Contemplation and the Most Venerable One. This writing is the source of the focus of devotion for all Nichiren Buddhists: the Omandala Gohonzon. Nichiren starts with an explanation of T'ien T'ai's 3000 Existences in One Thought doctrine, the mutual dependence of all worlds, from Hells at the bottom to Buddha realms. He then prescribes the Omandala Gohonzon as a depiction of the ongoing Teaching of the Lotus Sutra, representing not just the sacred title, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, at the center of the practice, but also the interdependence of all realms as described by T'ien T'ai.
The Heart Sutra
The Heart Sutra is the most famous of all Buddhist texts. Thousands of commentaries and books have been written about it, but none of them like this one. In this fresh and original interpretation, Andre Doshim Halaw challenges conventional readings of the Heart Sutra by arguing that the scripture is not actually an exposition about emptiness, but in fact a meditation manual. Drawing upon his experience as a Zen teacher and meditation instructor, Andre demonstrates how the sutra uses the ancient Indian meditation technique called Neti-Neti (meaning "Not this, not that") to reveal the Absolute, the unconditioned reality of the Buddha.
Brand-Name Zen
Modern American Zen is in a deplorable state: Zen Masters are now pseudo-celebrities; Dharma Transmission has been co-opted as a branding technique; and worst of all, Zen has degenerated into a lifestyle identity whose primary aim is no longer Buddhahood, but rather the perpetuation of the Zen institution itself. Zen is more interested in establishing orthodoxy and orthopraxy than it is in helping people realize their Buddha Nature. Western Zen has become just as consumer-driven and celebrity-obsessed as the rest of American culture. And the worst part is that no one in the Zen community even seems to notice. Or to care.Brand-Name Zen takes a bold and daring look at the current decadence of modern Western Zen. It poses very important questions regarding the entire Western Zen institution, such as what is the true function of Dharma Transmission? How has zazen become the signature Zen "pose"? How have koans been appropriated as a means to establish and maintain authoritarian power structures?Brand-Name Zen offers an invaluable mirror for Western Zen to evaluate itself. It is a must read for any serious Zen student.
The Yeshe Lama
Here is the great Yeshe Lama, the most renowned, comprehensive and the most efficacious of the Dzogchen manuals. It is a sourcebook for Dzogchen Breakthrough/Leapover precepts. Certainly, the Yeshe Lama lives up to its reputation. It is still the crown jewel of the latter-day Dzogchen lineages. It is at the apex of the Longchen Nyingtik corpus of literature, presenting the essential Dzogchen yogas in pith instruction. The Longchen Nyingtik is based firmly in Longchen Rabjampa's vision, a massive, vast and profound Dzogchen vision written down as the Seven Treasuries, which in turn were based intimately upon the tantras of the Nyingma Gyubum, the treasure house of Dzogchen. The translation was made for the benefit of students who have received transmission and oral instructions from a teacher and need clarification and elucidation from an authoritative literary source. It is meant for yogins and yoginis, adepts and practitioners. It may not be finally authoritative, but grounded in the wisdom of the old Dzogchen lamas who were wise before they came out of Tibet, as the fruit of a lifetime's listening, studying and contemplation it may be of some use to people who are committed to the Dzogchen yogi ethos. The urban yogis who have no connection with the traditional teaching may also appreciate access to its precepts. Most significantly, in my mind, this translation stresses the nondual aspect of Dzogchen, the radical aspect that is overlooked by conventional Buddhist Vajrayanists.The translation attempts, wherever possible, to clarify instruction, resolve ambiguities, and turn abstruse Tibetan nuance and allusion into comprehensible English prose. Sometimes that is not possible because of an absence of English equivalents of Tibetan terms or metaphors, sometimes because of the density or obscurity of the Tibetan meaning, sometimes because an arbitrary meaning has been lost in the recent attenuation of the tradition. Certainly, this translation does not purport to reproduce the high literary quality and form of Jigme Lingpa's Tibetan prose - which is inimitable. Nor is it a literal translation where every word is accounted for and every instance of a particular word translated by the same English equivalent. Rigzin Jigme Lingpa, the eighteenth century mystic-scholar who composed the Longchen Nyingthig was an incarnation of Longchenpa in the most significant sense of the expression and his Longchen Nyingtik became the seed, root and branch of a Dzogchen revival that reverberates around the entire world at the beginning of the twenty-first century.ContentsIntroduction i-lvThe Yeshe Lama Prologue 1Part OneChapter One: Basic Training 9Chapter Two: Fruition in Breakthrough Nonmeditation 27Chapter Three: Fruition in Leapover Methods 41Part TwoChapter Four: The Four Bardos 101Part ThreeChapter Five: The Fields of Natural Emanation 147Appendixes1. Structure of the Tibetan Text 1532. Texts Cited 1573. The Twelve Vajra Laughs 1624. The Vase-Body 1645. The Ground, Path and Fruit 1676. List of Similes 169Glossary 177English - Tibetan Concordance 188Sanskrit-English Concordance 191Bibliography 194Index 197
Knowing Illusion: Bringing a Tibetan Debate Into Contemporary Discourse
Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) is by any measure the single most influential philosopher in Tibetan history. His articulation of Prasangika Madhyamaka, and his interpretation of the 7th Century Indian philosopher Candrakirti's interpretation of Madhyamaka is the foundation for the understanding of that philosophical system in the Geluk school in Tibet. Tsongkhapa argues that Candrakirti shows that we can integrate the Madhyamaka doctrine of the two truths, and of the ultimate emptiness of all phenomena with a robust epistemology that explains how we can know both conventional and ultimate truth and distinguish truth from falsity within the conventional world. The Sakya scholar Taktsang Lotsawa (born 1405) published the first systematic critique of Tsongkhapa's system. In the fifth chapter of his Freedom from Extremes Accomplished through Comprehensive Knowledge of Philosophy, Taktsang attacks Tsongkhapa's understanding of Candrakirti and the cogency of integrating Prasangika Madhyamaka with any epistemology. This attack launches a debate between Geluk scholars on the one hand and Sakya and Kagyu scholars on the other regarding the proper understanding of this philosophical school and the place of epistemology in the Madhyamaka program. This debate raged with great ferocity from the 15th through the 18th centuries, and continues still today. These two volumes study that debate and present translations of the most important texts produced in that context. Volume I provides historical and philosophical background for this dispute and elucidates the philosophical issues at stake in the debate, exploring the principal arguments advanced by the principals on both sides, and setting them in historical context. This volume presents English translations of each of the most important texts in this debate.
Knowing Illusion: Bringing a Tibetan Debate Into Contemporary Discourse
Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) is by any measure the single most influential philosopher in Tibetan history. His articulation of Prasangika Madhyamaka, and his interpretation of the 7th Century Indian philosopher Candrakirti's interpretation of Madhyamaka is the foundation for the understanding of that philosophical system in the Geluk school in Tibet. Tsongkhapa argues that Candrakirti shows that we can integrate the Madhyamaka doctrine of the two truths, and of the ultimate emptiness of all phenomena with a robust epistemology that explains how we can know both conventional and ultimate truth and distinguish truth from falsity within the conventional world. The Sakya scholar Taktsang Lotsawa (born 1405) published the first systematic critique of Tsongkhapa's system. In the fifth chapter of his Freedom from Extremes Accomplished through Comprehensive Knowledge of Philosophy, Taktsang attacks Tsongkhapa's understanding of Candrakirti and the cogency of integrating Prasangika Madhyamaka with any epistemology. This attack launches a debate between Geluk scholars on the one hand and Sakya and Kagyu scholars on the other regarding the proper understanding of this philosophical school and the place of epistemology in the Madhyamaka program. This debate raged with great ferocity from the 15th through the 18th centuries, and continues still today. The two volumes of Knowing Illusion study that debate and present translations of the most important texts produced in that context. Volume I: A Philosophical History of the Debate provides historical and philosophical background for this dispute and elucidates the philosophical issues at stake in the debate, exploring the principal arguments advanced by the principals on both sides, and setting them in historical context. This volume examines the ways in which the debate raises issues that are relevant to contemporary debates in epistemology, and concludes with two contributions by contemporary Tibetan scholars, one on each side of the debate.
A Global History of Buddhism and Medicine
Medicine, health, and healing have been central to Buddhism since its origins. Long before the global popularity of mindfulness and meditation, Buddhism provided cultures around the world with conceptual tools to understand illness as well as a range of therapies and interventions for care of the sick. Today, Buddhist traditions, healers, and institutions continue to exert a tangible influence on medical care in societies both inside and outside Asia, including in the areas of mental health, biomedicine, and even in responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the global history of the relationship between Buddhism and medicine remains largely untold. This book is a wide-ranging and accessible account of the interplay between Buddhism and medicine over the past two and a half millennia. C. Pierce Salguero traces the intertwining threads linking ideas, practices, and texts from many different times and places. He shows that Buddhism has played a crucial role in cross-cultural medical exchange globally and that Buddhist knowledge formed the nucleus for many types of traditional practices that still thrive today throughout Asia. Although Buddhist medicine has always been embedded in local contexts and differs markedly across cultures, Salguero identifies key patterns that have persisted throughout this long history. This book will be informative and invaluable for scholars, students, and practitioners of both Buddhism and complementary and alternative medicine.
Buddhist Statecraft in East Asia
Case studies in the dynamic, contested, exciting, constant, and ever evolving relationship between Buddhism and the state across pre-modern East Asia.
ZEN THIS AND THAT RAINBOW ZEN By RaL Edition 3
A book on the Big Bang, the Universe, the Light and IT, the Buddha's Awakening and the evolution to Zen Buddhism and a compiled selection of a sample of those who have gone before and pointed to the Way and my thoughts on what I have learnt on the 50 years I have spent on my journey through this experience as a student of Zen.
Buddhist Violence and Religious Authority
Buddhist Violence and Religious Authority is a tribute to the work of Michael Jerryson, one of the initiators of the academic discourse on Buddhism and violence, whose intellectual pursuits have resulted in a trailblazing shift in the academic study of Buddhism. Preconceived in the modern west as a pacific, chiefly meditative practice aiming for personal salvation and world peace, Buddhism has been exposed in the last few decades for its manifold legacy of violence. This is apparent not only in Buddhist groups' history of support for actual military aims, but in Buddhism's association with religious nationalism and in its more subtle expressions of discursive and structural violence. This exposure is due in significant part to Michael Jerryson who, in addition to exploring this perhaps surprising Buddhist history, has investigated the dynamism of Buddhist authority. Most recently in his critique of U Wirathu, the Burmese Buddhist monk whose advocacy of Buddhist nationalism in Myanmar has stirred a boiling pot of anti-Muslim resentments, Michael Jerryson has shown that reverence for Burmese religious authorities transcends respect for traditional Buddhist doctrine and monastic accomplishments. It emanates instead from the phenomenon of religious authority itself and from the cultural institutions which support it. His examinations have resulted in heightened sensitivity to the sociology of religious authority and violence. The scholarly contributions in this volume include discussions of Buddhism and violence, religious authority and nationalism, whether Buddhist, Christian, white, or other.
ZEN THIS AND THAT RAINBOW ZEN By RaL Edition 1
A book on The Big Bang, The Universe, the Light, IT, Mind, the Force, Self, Evolution, Buddhism, the Essence of Zen, Meditation and Yoga, Enlightenment, Reincarnation and how to live in the Now! Enlightenment for all!To plant the seed, all you need is to read. May the Force be with you! Give T
Longing for Limitless Light
Longing for Limitless Light offers a sequential series of key texts in the Mahayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. These prayers and aspirations form part of the daily practice for many in the various Tibetan Buddhist traditions. They include prayers, aspirations, rituals and descriptions of a path to enlightenment. The loving heart of Buddha Amitabha Limitless Light invites all beings into his pure realm of Happiness known as Dewachen or Sukhavati where, say the texts, awakening is easy. Relying on the warm presence of the Enlightened Ones, our lonely struggles can be left behind as we relax into the ever-inclusive ground of our being. These practices are an effective antidote to the sense of alienation and isolation which is so pervasive at this time. The practice texts in this book offer tried and trusted ways to connect with the Buddhas whose welcome already awaits us. They include the prayers and full ritual for Taking Refuge and for Taking the Bodhisattva Vow and prayers and practices such as the Dechen Monlam for Taking Birth in Dewachen. They provide a coherent support for developing faith and confidence in this Mahayana method that unites wisdom and compassion. The individual texts describe the many ways in which the Buddhist teachings invite us to a profound encounter with our own potential. Through developing our own qualities of generosity, loving kindness and genuine availability we connect with the ever-present welcome offered by all the Buddhas. To connect with the Buddhas is to connect with our own heart and through this to connect with all sentient beings. Each text was translated from Tibetan by C R Lama and James Low together many years ago in India. James Low has recently revised them and written an introduction.
The Cult of Tara, 2
"The real history of man is the history of religion." The truth of the famous dictum of Max Muller, the father of the History of Religions, is nowhere so obvious as in Tibet. Western students have observed that religion and magic pervade not only the forms of Tibetan art, politics, and society, but also every detail of ordinary human existence. And what is the all-pervading religion of Tibet? The Buddhism of that country has been described to us, of course, but that does not mean the question has been answered. The unique importance of Stephan Beyer穩s work is that it presents the vital material ignored or slighted by others: the living ritual of Tibetan Buddhists. The reader is made a witness to cultic proceedings through which the author guides him carefully. He does not force one to accept easy explanations nor does he direct one's attention only to aspects that can be counted on to please. He leads one step by step, without omitting anything, through entire rituals, and interprets whenever necessary without being unduly obtrusive. Oftentimes, as in the case of the many hymns to the goddess Tara, the superb translations speak directly to the reader, and it is indeed as if the reader himself were present at the ritual.
Visions of the Buddha
Visions of the Buddha offers a ground-breaking approach to the nature of the early discourses of the Buddha, the most foundational scriptures of Buddhist religion. Although the early discourses are commonly considered to be attempts to preserve the Buddha's teachings, Shulman demonstrates that these texts are full of creativity, and that their main aim is to beautify the image of the wonderous Buddha. While the texts surely care for the early teachings and for the Buddha's philosophy or his guidelines for meditation, and while at times they may relate real historical events, they are no less interested in telling good stories, in re-working folkloric materials, and in the visionary contemplation of the Buddha in order to sense his unique presence. The texts can thus be, at times, a type of meditation. Eviatar Shulman frames the early discourses as literary masterpieces that helped Buddhism achieve the wonderful success it has obtained. Much of the discourses' masterful storytelling was achieved through a technique of composition defined here as the play of formulas. In the oral literature of early Buddhism, texts were composed of formulas, which are repeated within and between texts. Shulman argues that the formulas are the real texts of Buddhism, and are primary to full discourses. Shaping texts through the play of formulas balances conservative and innovative tendencies within the tradition, making room for creativity within accepted forms and patterns. The texts we find today are thus versions--remnants--chosen by history of a much more vibrant and dynamic creative process.
Living Skillfully
This book offers a contemporary philosophy of life drawing upon Buddhist resources from the Vimalakirti Sutra. Among the major themes in this Mahayana Buddhist scripture is the "skillful means" required to live a healthy and undeluded life. The book adopts that theme as a means of developing a practical approach to contemporary Buddhist life. Following many of the brilliant stories in the sutra, this book attempts to provide clear explanations for the primary Buddhist teachings and the relationships that bind them all together into an inspiring way of living. Among the questions addressed are: who is the Buddha, how is a worldview of change and contingency applicable to current life, what does it mean to claim that there is no permanent self, what are the primary characteristics of an admirable Buddhist life, how is freedom conceived in Buddhism, and how do all of these themes help us address issues that are pressing for us today. Although historical questions do arise in the book, its primary purpose is contemporary and practical, an effort to say clearly how this text helps us stake out a way of living for contemporary, global citizens.
Elaborations on Emptiness
The Heart Sutra is perhaps the most famous Buddhist text, traditionally regarded as a potent expression of emptiness and of the Buddha's perfect wisdom. This brief, seemingly simple work was the subject of more commentaries in Asia than any other sutra. In Elaborations on Emptiness, Donald Lopez explores for the first time the elaborate philosophical and ritual uses of the Heart Sutra in India, Tibet, and the West. Included here are full translations of the eight extant Indian commentaries. Interspersed with the translations are six essays that examine the unusual roles the Heart Sutra has played: it has been used as a mantra, an exorcism text, a tantric meditation guide, and as the material for comparative philosophy. Taken together, the translations and essays that form Elaborations on Emptiness demonstrate why commentary is as central to modern scholarship on Buddhism as it was for ancient Buddhists. Lopez reveals unexpected points of instability and contradiction in the Heart Sutra, which, in the end, turns out to be the most malleable of texts, where the logic of commentary serves as a tool of both tradition and transgression.
Chan Insights and Oversights
For many people attracted to Eastern religions (particularly Zen Buddhism), Asia seems the source of all wisdom. As Bernard Faure examines the study of Chan/Zen from the standpoint of postmodern human sciences and literary criticism, he challenges this inversion of traditional "Orientalist" discourse: whether the Other is caricatured or idealized, ethnocentric premises marginalize important parts of Chan thought. Questioning the assumptions of "Easterners" as well, including those of the charismatic D. T. Suzuki, Faure demonstrates how both West and East have come to overlook significant components of a complex and elusive tradition. Throughout the book Faure reveals surprising hidden agendas in the modern enterprise of Chan studies and in Chan itself. After describing how Jesuit missionaries brought Chan to the West, he shows how the prejudices they engendered were influenced by the sectarian constraints of Sino-Japanese discourse. He then assesses structural, hermeneutical, and performative ways of looking at Chan, analyzes the relationship of Chan and local religion, and discusses Chan concepts of temporality, language, writing, and the self. Read alone or with its companion volume, The Rhetoric of Immediacy, this work offers a critical introduction not only to Chinese and Japanese Buddhism but also to "theory" in the human sciences.
The Rhetoric of Immediacy
Through a highly sensitive exploration of key concepts and metaphors, Bernard Faure guides Western readers in appreciating some of the more elusive aspects of the Chinese tradition of Chan Buddhism and its outgrowth, Japanese Zen. He focuses on Chan's insistence on "immediacy"--its denial of all traditional mediations, including scripture, ritual, good works--and yet shows how these mediations have always been present in Chan. Given this apparent duplicity in its discourse, Faure reveals how Chan structures its practice and doctrine on such mental paradigms as mediacy/immediacy, sudden/gradual, and center/margins.
Visions of Power
Bernard Faure's previous works are well known as guides to some of the more elusive aspects of the Chinese tradition of Chan Buddhism and its outgrowth, Japanese Zen. Continuing his efforts to look at Chan/Zen with a full array of postmodernist critical techniques, Faure now probes the imaginaire, or mental universe, of the Buddhist Soto Zen master Keizan Jokin (1268-1325). Although Faure's new book may be read at one level as an intellectual biography, Keizan is portrayed here less as an original thinker than as a representative of his culture and an example of the paradoxes of the Soto school. The Chan/Zen doctrine that he avowed was allegedly reasonable and demythologizing, but he lived in a psychological world that was just as imbued with the marvelous as was that of his contemporary Dante Alighieri. Drawing on his own dreams to demonstrate that he possessed the magical authority that he felt to reside also in icons and relics, Keizan strove to use these "visions of power" to buttress his influence as a patriarch. To reveal the historical, institutional, ritual, and visionary elements in Keizan's life and thought and to compare these to Soto doctrine, Faure draws on largely neglected texts, particularly the Record of Tokoku (a chronicle that begins with Keizan's account of the origins of the first of the monasteries that he established) and the kirigami, or secret initiation documents.
The Embossed Tea Kettle
Zen Master Hakuin was a man of extraordinary gifts, mystic and practical, strong and gentle, imbued with true compassion and with an open eye for the miseries of the human situation on all levels. Moreover, he was a great painter - unique among the artists of his time - as well as a prolific writer with an acute power of observation.Hakuin Zenji (1685-1769) averted the decline of the Rinzai movement and became the founder of modern Zen.Though the earth is hard, tread on it softly! Great things are destroyed by little things. If you are careless about little things, you will accomplish nothing. Everybody - Wake up!
The Magic of Noticing
Many people come to Buddhism with one key question arising. Is Buddhism a religion, a philosophy, an approach to life? What is it? This book will allow you to draw your own conclusion to this. The author's personal view is that Buddhism can and does include all of these areas and excludes none. It is very much a personal choice. You make Buddhist practice yours! This book contains inspirational thinking and approaches to take the transformational practice of Buddhist meditation into your own life.
The Buddhist Path to Simplicity
Moments of peace and stillness give us a glimpse of how extraordinary our lives could be. Yet this sense of meaning and wonder is so easy to lose sight of in the hectic pace of modern living. In The Buddhist Path to Simplicity, Christina Feldman, an internationally renowned Buddhist teacher, shows you how to find harmony and balance by applying ancient Buddhist Wisdom to the here and now. The path of conscious simplicity she suggests allows us to fully recover ourselves, by rediscovering our sense of meaning and wonder.As a mother, a layperson and an internationally renowned teacher, Feldman knows the stresses and strains of modern life. In this book she shows how to harmonize and achieve balance and how to apply Buddhist wisdom to the here and now. She addresses subjects of compassion, speech, effort, intention, mindfulness and awakening. The path to peace, she suggests, is not necessarily complex or arduous. If we simply turn our attention to this moment, it will speak to us of wonder, mystery, harmony and peace. She demonstrates that there is no better moment in which to awaken and discover everything our heart longs for than this very moment.
The Magic of Noticing
Many people come to Buddhism with one key question arising. Is Buddhism a religion, a philosophy, an approach to life? What is it? This book will allow you to draw your own conclusion to this. The author's personal view is that Buddhism can and does include all of these areas and excludes none. It is very much a personal choice. You make Buddhist practice yours! This book contains inspirational thinking and approaches to take the transformational practice of Buddhist meditation into your own life.
Buddhism
Though it is a beginner's guide, Buddhist Meditation takes the topic of meditation to a whole new level. Written in a style that is insightful and engaging, this book is not only intended for those who want to release stress and develop a more positive attitude. This book is for the person who wants to take their experience of life to a whole new dimension. In this book, you will learn more about: - The Origin of Buddhism- The Teachings of Buddhism- The Different School of Buddhism- The Most Important Aspects of Buddhism- Buddhism in Our Time- How to Practice five Precepts of Buddhism- The Essence of Life and Enlightenment- Buddhism for Children- Creating a Meditation Space in Your Home- Typical Buddhist meditation- ... AND MORE!In the book I investigate distinctions between independent individuality and interactive relationality in physical phenomena. This common topic for modern physics and philosophy of science is explored using current research in those disciplines. Buddhism also focuses on relationships, proposing that independent things do not exist. In the context of physical reality, I take this Buddhist view as a hypothesis and examine it critically.
The Recorded Sayings of Chan Master Fenyang Wude
The eminent Song Dynasty Chan Master Fenyang Shanzhao (947-1024 CE) had the distinction of an entry in the canonical Jingde Chuandeng Lu, (Records of the Transmission of the Lamp) whilst still alive. Here the master's sayings, encounters with monks and poetry speak extensively for themselves, as recorded by his Dharma-heir, Shishuang Chuyuan (986-1039 CE). Contained in these first two of three fascicles are some of the earliest gong'an (koans) from the Chan School, as well as the first mention of the famous Five Ranks teachings from the Caodong lineage.
Writings of Nichiren Shonin
This volume, the 10th project of the English Translation Committee of the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association (NOPPA), constitutes all 18 writings of Nichiren included in the Nichiren Shonin Zenshu, Complete Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Volume I: Theology 1, published in 1992.The Nichiren Shonin Zenshu is a modern Japanese version of Nichiren's original writings, translated and edited with annotations by modern scholars of Nichiren Buddhism. Despite its all-inclusive title, the Zenshu is highly selective in that it takes into account only writings considered bibliographically authentic: attested to by original manuscripts. Among such texts, those included in the Showa Teihon Nichiren Shonin Ibun, Writings of Nichiren Shonin Standardized in the Showa Period, complied by the Rissho Daigaku Nichiren Kyogaku Kenkyu-jo, Center for the Study of Nichiren Buddhism, published by Minobusan Kuonji Temple between 1951 and 1959, are considered the most authoritative, and they provide the basic texts for this volume.This volume includes two of Nichiren's five major works, the Rissho Ankoku-ron and Senji-sho. It also contains a fascinating historical description of the rulers of Japan, Sovereigns of our Divine Land, and an expansion of Nichiren's famous reproach of Hachiman, Admonition of Bodhisattva Hachiman.The Rissho Ankoku-ron, Treatise on Spreading Peace Throughout the Country by Establishing the True Dharma, is considered as the foundational document of Nichiren Buddhism. It was completed in 1260 when Nichiren was 38 years old, and presented to former Shogunal Regent Lay Priest Hōjō Tokiyori, the de facto ruler of the Kamakura Shogunate. In it, Nichiren addressed the many calamities happening in Japan at the time, including war, famine and plagues.Nichiren write Rissho Ankoku-ron after spending two years in the library of Jisso-ji temple, known then as the greatest repository of Buddhist sutras and commentaries in Japan. Having grown up in the humble household of a fisherman, he had a great desire to relieve the suffering of the common people of Japan, and not just help the nobility in their plots and schemes.After arguing that the dominant Buddhist practices in Japan were ruining the country, he declared that only by abolishing the Pure Land, Zen and Shingon sects could Japan escape further disasters. Only through devotion to the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra could Japan find peace and prosperity for all its people.Nichiren's message was not welcome. It transformed him from a minor priest preaching on the streets of Kamakura, to the focus of the wrath of the Shogunate.The other major writing in this volume, Senji-sho, Selecting the Right Time, was written in 1275, after Nichiren had endured two exiles and several other persecutions including preparations for his execution and the murders of several of his followers. By the time of this writing, he had retired to Mt. Minobu to devote himself to writing, preaching and organizing his followers.In this work, Nichiren ties the teachings of the Buddha with the ages after the death of the Buddha. He argues that for the time in which we live, the proper teaching is the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra. He also continues his refutation of the Zen, Pure Land and Shingon schools with detailed arguments for not only their inferiority, but the active harm caused by their teachings. He finishes by encouraging us to see ourselves as Bodhisattvas who came into this world to teach the Wonderful Dharma, and not to spare our lives in our efforts to benefit all beings.
The Dhammapada
The "Dhammapada," or "Path to Virtue," is one of the most practical ethical hand-books of Buddhism. It is included in the canon of Buddhistic Scriptures, and is one of the Eastern books which can be read with delight to-day by those who are classed as general readers. It is divided into twenty-six chapters, and the keynote of it is struck by the phrase "The virtuous man is happy in this world, and he is happy in the next; he is happy in both. He is happy when he thinks of the good he has done; he is still more happy when going on the good path."This collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and best known Buddhist scriptures. This English translation, compiled and adapted to awaken the minds of the western world, expresses the cream of the Buddhist philosophical thoughts on humanity and society.A must-read.Edition in Large Print, easy-to-read layout.
Translating Buddhism
Explores key questions about translations and translators of South Asian Buddhist texts, past and present.Although many Buddhist studies scholars spend a great deal of their time involved in acts of translation, to date not much has been published that examines the key questions, problems, and difficulties faced by translators of South Asian Buddhist texts and epigraphs. Translating Buddhism seeks to address this omission. The essays collected here represent a burgeoning attempt to begin to shape the subfield of translation studies within Buddhist studies, whereby scholars actively challenge primary routine decisions and basic assumptions. Exploring questions including how interpretive translators can be and how cultural and social norms affect translations, the book draws on the broad experiences of its contributors-all of whom are translators themselves-who bring different themes to the table. Each chapter can be used either independently or as part of the whole to engender reflections on the process of translation.
