Selected Excerpts from the Buddhist Writings of the Venerable Xiao Pingshi
Taken from five different Chinese books composed by the Venerable Xiao Pingshi, one of the most notable and prolific Buddhist teachers in the Chinese-speaking world, this book provides Western readers with distinctive samples of Master Xiao's incisive and illuminating views on subjects that are highly relevant yet often overlooked by today's Buddhist learners: A powerful Dharma-door of Buddha-mindfulness that can be practiced anytime anywhere;The proper steps and sequence of Dharma cultivation one should follow after achieving awakening to the True Mind;The inviolable rule that the personal realization of the essence of Buddhist enlightenment should never deviate from Buddha's sacred teachings;The deviation of Tibetan Lamaism's doctrines and practices from those of the Buddha Dharam;And lastly, the pervasive misunderstanding regarding the content of Chan awakening.
Tibet
From Simon & Schuster, Tibet is an account of the history, the religion and the people of Tibet by Thubten Jigme Norbu, elder brother of the Dalai Lama, and Colin M. Turnbull, author of The Forest People. Describing Tibet's literature, legends, and realities of its religious life, Thubten Jigme Norbu explore the fascinating world of Tibet in this essential book.
Lojong Poems
A collection of poetry from the author, a long time Dharma student who uses Buddhist lojong slogans, a famous group of Buddhist teachings, for inspiration and structure; the slogans were originally translated for inclusion in the book The Path to Awakening by Marga Ret's teacher and Tibetan Buddhist lineage holder the 14th Shamar Rinpoche. To accompany all the slogans, Marga Ret has composed poetry that creates an avenue for readers to sink into the slogans and stay with them. Both the slogans and the corresponding poetry have been included in this book, as well as art from the author's husband, posthumously, a remarkable artist, David Crouch.
The Essence Of Buddhism
"The Essence of Buddhism" by Sir Edwin Arnold is a classic text that provides a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy and teachings of Buddhism. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the life of the Buddha, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the nature of reality. The author provides clear and concise explanations of the key concepts and teachings of Buddhism, drawing on a range of sources including Buddhist scriptures and commentaries. He also provides a historical and cultural context for the development of Buddhism, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the religion. Overall, "The Essence of Buddhism" is a highly recommended text for anyone interested in learning about the philosophy and teachings of Buddhism. It is a timeless classic that provides a deep and insightful exploration of this ancient and influential religion.
Esoteric Zen
When a Zen teacher tells you to point at your mind, which part of your body do you point at? According to the Japanese master Chikotsu Daie (1229-1312), you should point at the fistful of meat that is your heart. Esoteric Zen demonstrates that far from an outlier, Daie's understanding reflects the medieval Buddhist mainstream, in which tantric teachings and Zen were closely entwined movements that often developed within the same circles of thinkers and texts. Drawing on newly discovered manuscript materials, it shows how medieval practitioners constructed a unique form of Zen by drawing on tantric doctrinal discourses.
Enlightened Intention, The Good Spiritual Life, and Dying into Rainbow Body
This book describes the embodiment of enlightened intention as manifested by a Tibetan Buddhist Bon practitioner who is living a good spiritual life. Those who have perfected this enlightened intention are believed to be able to transform into a, which can then culminate with a rainbow body during the dying process [delete - matter is transformed into light]. For those who study the Tibetan Bon tradition, this book provides access to two important texts not previously available in English. In particular, it includes a translation of "The Four Manners of Dying to Accomplish Rainbow Body," a short text by the revered Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen Rinpoche, as well as a translation of the "Blue Lotus Flower," a biography of Shardza's successor, Dawa Dragpa written by Kalsang Tempa Gyaltsen. These two texts present an extensive discussion about the advanced (and esoteric) practices that can manifest a "rainbow body" a few days after dying where the residual substantiality of the physical body transforms into a light body similar in appearance to a rainbow. The book elucidates the four methods used to attain a rainbow body: first, from the text written by Shardza Rinpoche, and then, with a more extensive discussion found within the biography of Lama Dawa Dragpa, whose exemplary life ended with the full manifestation of the rainbow body. The biographical translation beautifully describes Dawa Dragpa's spiritual life of intense devotion to his teacher, to the advanced B繹n Great Completion practices, and to his commitment to serving and teaching others. These two texts were translated under the guidance of His Holiness, the 33rd Menri Trizin (33rd Abbot of the Menri Monastery in India) by Geshe Sonam Gurung and Daniel P. Brown.
Tranquillity & Insight
The pragmatic nature of the Buddha's teaching makes it perennially relevant to all times, and perhaps especially useful for coping with the difficulties of the present age. Leaving aside metaphysical and theological considerations, the Buddha's teaching focuses on what each person can do here and now to overcome the roots of suffering.The heart of this teaching is meditation, which aims at two goals: the calming down of the restless mind and the arousing of insight into the true nature of existence. The present widely acclaimed book explains the methods of Buddhist meditation in a concise yet complete account according to the oldest Buddhist tradition, that based on the Pali Canon. The aim of the book is essentially practical. While providing all the information necessary to achieve proper understanding, the stress is on the need for practice and personal commitment. This work will both instruct the beginner and inspire the experienced meditator."An excellent reference book ...Will appeal to beginners and non-beginners alike, and will meet the need for a more readable publication in this complex field of spiritual activity."-Buddhist Studies Review
Lessons of the Lotus
An introduction to Buddhism for those looking for daily encounters with spirituality, "Lessons Of The Lotus" combines the simplicity of Thich Nhat Hahn with the wisdom and humor of Jack Kornfield. Through chapters on karma, transitory death, giving, and relationships, among others, Wimala introduces readers to the practicality and beauty of Buddhism, infusing each topic with his humor and strikingly resonant message of peace.
Nichiren on Karma
So, what is karma anyway? Karma is not cause and effect. Karma is not good or bad or indifferent. Karma is not retribution or a behavior or an act of will or bad habit or human vice. Karma is momentum. We live in a period of human development when very few of us are unfamiliar with the terminologies of science in our daily speech. I want to speak in terms familiar to as many of us as I can. So this writing will include many familiar concepts and terms in order to provide a working mental framework for insight into the nature of karma, Buddhist thought, and deeper understanding of the discussion of karma. I am not inventing some pseudo-science here to upset the academic pursuits of scientific discoveries, rather I am applying some attributes of scientific method to construct a logical mental exercise to grasp the profound significance of Buddhist thought and understanding of the "Engine of Life".
The Recorded Sayings of Chan Master Dahui Pujue
The influence of Chan master Dahui Pujue (1089-1163 CE), one of the most distinguished Chan masters of the Song dynasty, whose authority also spread to Korea and Japan, is still felt today. He is remembered for the method of focussing meditative attention on the key phrase of a koan (kan huatou) and was a lively critic of 'silent illumination Chan'. His letters reveal a deep compassion for the ordained and laity alike. Translated by Randolph S. Whitfield
Common Questions about Buddhism
Have you ever wondered what life is and its true origin? Have you wondered how the universe is formed? Have you ever sought ways to attain spiritual liberation and inner peace? You will be surprised to discover that Buddhist teachings have readily answered all questions you might ever think of! The Buddhist teachings are profound, broad and practical, and we have vowed to introduce them to our readers, one book at a time. In this series, you will find a collection of 16 articles that touch upon some common questions about Buddhism, to name a few: What is Buddhism? How to Practice Buddhism? What is the Meaning of Beginningless? Does Free Will Really Exist? The Origin of Life and Universe. We hope you find these articles inspiring and will help bring upon some insightful perspectives of what Buddhism really is.
Common Questions about Buddhism
Have you ever wondered what life is and its true origin? Have you wondered how the universe is formed? Have you ever sought ways to attain spiritual liberation and inner peace? You will be surprised to discover that Buddhist teachings have readily answered all questions you might ever think of! The Buddhist teachings are profound, broad and practical, and we have vowed to introduce them to our readers, one book at a time. In this series, you will find a collection of 16 articles that touch upon some common questions about Buddhism, to name a few: What is Buddhism? How to Practice Buddhism? What is the Meaning of Beginningless? Does Free Will Really Exist? The Origin of Life and Universe. We hope you find these articles inspiring and will help bring upon some insightful perspectives of what Buddhism really is.
Tibetan Magic
This book focuses on the theme of magic in Tibetan contexts, encompassing both pre-modern and modern text-cultures as well as contemporary practices. It offers a new understanding of the identity and role of magical specialists in both historical and contemporary contexts. Combining the theoretical approaches of anthropology, ethnography, religious and textual studies, the book aims to shed light on experiences, practices and practitioners that have been frequently marginalized by the normative mainstream monastic Buddhisttraditions and Western Buddhist scholarship, which focuses primarily on meditation andphilosophy. The book explores the intersection between magic/folk practices and Tantra, a complex, socio-religious phenomenon associated not only with the religious and political elites who sponsored it, but also with 'marginal' ethnic groups and social milieus, as well as with lay communities at large, who resorted to ritual agents to fulfil their worldly needs.
Ethnic and Religious Diversity in Myanmar
One of the most comprehensive volumes on Myanmar's identity politics to date, this book discusses the entanglement of ethnic and religious identities in Myanmar and the challenges presented by its extensive ethnic-religious diversity. Religious and ethnic conjunctions are treated from historical, political, religious and ethnic minority perspectives through both case studies and overview chapters. The book addresses the thorny issue of Buddhist supremacy, Burmese nationalism and ethnic-religious hierarchy, along with reflections on Buddhist, Christian and Muslim communities. Bringing together international scholars and Burmese scholars, this book combines the perspectives of academic observers with those of political activists and religious leaders from different faiths. Through the breadth of its disciplinary approach, its focus on identity issues and its inclusion of insider and outsider perspectives, this book provides new insights into the complex religious situation of Myanmar.
Buddhism and Waste
In what ways do Buddhists recognize, define, and sort waste from non-waste? What happens to Buddhist-related waste? How do new practices of Buddhist consumption result in new forms of waste and consequently new ways of dealing with waste? This book explores these questions in a close examination of a religion that is often portrayed as anti-materialist and non-economic. It provides insight into the complexity of Buddhist consumption, conceptions of waste, and waste care. Examples include scripture that has been torn and cannot be read, or an amulet that has disintegrated, as well as garbage left behind on a pilgrimage, or the offerings of food and prayer scarves that create ecological contamination. Chapters cover mass-production and over-consumption, the wastefulness of consumerism, the by-products of Buddhist practices like rituals and festivals, and the impact of increased Buddhist consumption on religious practices and social relations. The book also looks at waste in terms of what is discarded, exploring issues of when and why particular objects and practices are sorted and handled as sacred and disposable. Contributors address how sacred materiality is destined to wear and decay, as well as ideas about redistribution, regeneration or recycling, and the idea of waste as afterlife.
The Gateless Barrier
The Gateless Barrier is generally acknowledged to be the fundamental koan collection in the literature of Zen. Gathered together by Wu-men (Mumon), a thirteenth-century master of the Lin-chi (Rinzai) school, it is composed of forty-eight koans, or cases, each accompanied by a brief comment and poem by Wu-men. Robert Aitken, one of the premier American Zen masters, has translated Wu-men's text, supplementing the original with his own commentary -- the first such commentary by a Western master -- making the profound truths of Zen Buddhism accessible to serious contemporary students and relevant to current social concerns.
Overview Of Three-Vehicle Bodhi
The Buddhadharma-Buddha's teaching-is expansive and all-embracing. It encompasses all the phenomena in the mundane, the transmundane, and the mundane as well as transmundane world. Yet, the essence and core of the Buddha's teaching always rely on each sentient being's own true mind-the eighth consciousness Tathagatagarbha-as their basis. Sentient beings experience suffering because they do not understand the meritorious virtues and wondrous functions of the true mind and crave and take the five aggregates as true existence instead; as a result, they have been performing assorted wholesome and unwholesome acts and are bound in the cycle of birth and death in the three realms for innumerable eons. In Buddha's teaching, all sentient beings possess their own individual Buddha-nature-the inherent potential to achieve Buddhahood-but fail to realize that due to the attachment to their illusory thoughts. If they can practice and cultivate according to the Buddhadharma to subsequently attain realization, they will be able to gradually achieve Buddhahood. The Buddhadharma is and must be verifiable, not just based on theory. Otherwise, it would just be a collection of conjectures and speculations, which could only be classified as theory or hearsay. The Overview of the Three-vehicle Bodhi series will systematically introduce the content of the practice and cultivation of the Buddhadharma. Even though there are three vehicles taught by the Buddha based on the predisposition of individuals, the Buddhadharma really consists of only one vehicle-the vehicle that leads to Buddhahood. The three vehicles are just a convenient way to classify the content in the Buddhadharma. It is important to reiterate that the Buddhadharma cannot be established nor cultivated independently of the eighth consciousness Tathagatagarbha possessed by each sentient being. It is our hope that readers can obtain a holistic view of the basic structure and skeleton of the Buddhadharma through this series, elicit the aspiration for enlightenment (Bodhi mind) in the not-too-distant future, and follow the teaching of the Buddha to benefit others as well as themselves.
The Self and the Lotus
It is obvious to thoughtful persons that our culture is undergoing a major transition-as is our religion, the carrier of values and guide to meaning. It is essential, therefore, that we understand how religion functions when a culture is alive and well. Observing how it has functioned elsewhere, in another time and place, is a good way to gain objectivity about the religious life. And this survey of ancient Indian Buddhism serves that purpose.It is important, too, that we try to interpret ancient wisdom in a modern way so that it has meaning for us. Thus, this work on Buddhism introduces the psychology of C. G. Jung and demonstrates to what extent Jung knew about Buddhism, how he used it to comment upon the psychology of religion in general.This is the first volume of a two-volume work. Following introductory materials, it explores the "Life" of the Buddha, then his "Early Teachings"-before they are expressed in "Mahayana" Buddhism, the subject of the second volume. At important junctures of the discussion, the author pauses to reflect from the point of view of Jungian psychology.
The Tibetan Book of the Dead for Beginners
A Spirituality & Practice Best Spiritual Book of 2023 Enduring and accessible advice for living with wisdom and compassion―and meeting the end of life with courage and peace Through countless editions and across centuries, The Tibetan Book of the Dead has drawn readers intrigued by the Tibetan Buddhist view of the end of life. In a world that often ignores death or hides it from view, Tibetan Buddhists acknowledge it as the last of a countless series of endings in this lifetime. And after each ending comes a new beginning. The Tibetan Book of the Dead for Beginners draws on this timeless wisdom to help readers today live with more joy and approach the end with more ease. Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, born and raised in Tibet and now teaching in the United States and internationally, partners with student and meditation teacher Mordy Levine to share teachings inspired by The Tibetan Book of the Dead. They make clear that "how we live is how we will die." The book explores karma, impermanence, the bardos (or the "in-between"), and what happens next, sharing accessible practices to cultivate wisdom and compassion along the way. With empathy and warmth, Lama Lhanang and Levine offer support for readers grappling with their own mortality and those caring for loved ones transitioning from this lifetime. The Tibetan Book of the Dead for Beginners helps readers cultivate courage and embrace the unknown―not just in the final days, but every day.
Lazy Lama looks at The Four Noble Truths
All Buddhist practice is for the purpose of working to become free of the basic problem of suffering, and it's all based on the possibility of an inner transformation, the transformation of our perception, our view.If we can let go of the state of mind which is always in turmoil, always either running away from something or running after something, we can find fearlessness, liberation and peace.The teaching on the four noble truths is the basis of understanding of all Buddhist teachings and practices; it's the basis of everything.
Minor Tibetan Texts
Minor Tibetan Texts: 1. The song of the Eastern Snow-mountain by Johan van Manen has been regarded as significant work throughout human history, and in order to ensure that this work is never lost, we have taken steps to ensure its preservation by republishing this book in a contemporary format for both current and future generations. This entire book has been retyped, redesigned, and reformatted. Since these books are not made from scanned copies, the text is readable and clear.
Toward a New Image of Paramartha
WINNER OF THE ACADEMIA SINICA SCHOLARLY MONOGRAPH AWARD 2024Yogacara and Tathagatagarbha are often regarded as antagonistic Indian Buddhist traditions. Paramartha (499-569) is traditionally credited with amalgamating these philosophies by translating one of the most influential Tathagatagarbha texts in East Asia, the Awakening of Faith in Mahayana, and introducing Tathagatagarbha notions into his translations of Yogacara texts. Engaging with the digitalized Chinese Buddhist canon, Ching Keng draws on clues from a long-lost Dunhuang fragment and considers its striking similarities with Paramartha's corpus with respect to terminology, style of phrasing, and doctrines. In this cutting-edge interpretation of the concept of jiexing, Keng demystifies the image of Paramartha and makes the case that the fragment holds the key to recover his original teachings.
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sūtra is one of the most important sūtras in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Translated by Kumārajīva in the 5th century, its teachings have inspired many Buddhist scholars such as Chih-i and Saichō from the Tiantai (Tendai) tradition, Dōgen from the Zen tradition and Nichiren the 13th century Kamakura founder and reformer. There is a relative lack of scholarly works that are devoted to an examination of how its philosophical ideas were received and developed throughout history. This book remedies that lack by tracing the origin and development of Lotus Sūtra thought, and interprets the text from the perspective of the doctrine of Buddha-nature in Mahāyāna Buddhism.
Searching for Ashoka
Reveals how the persona of India's most famous emperor was constantly reinvented in ancient times to suit a variety of social visions, political agendas, and moral purposes.Blending travelogue, history, and archaeology, Searching for Ashoka unravels the various avatars of India's most famous emperor, revealing how he came to be remembered-and forgotten-in distinctive ways at particular points in time and in specific locations. Through personal journeys that take her across India and to various sites and cities in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, archaeologist Nayanjot Lahiri explores how Ashoka's visibility from antiquity to the modern era has been accompanied by a reinvention of his persona. Although the historical Ashoka spoke expansively of his ideas of governance and a new kind of morality, his afterlife is a jumble of stories and representations within various Buddhist imaginings. By remembering Ashoka selectively, Lahiri argues, ancient kings and chroniclers created an artifice, constantly appropriating and then remolding history to suit their own social visions, political agendas, and moral purposes.
Buddhist Wisdom for Beginners
The West is experiencing a widespread phenomenon of spiritual boundary crossing. A majority of Christian denominations are undergoing a sharp decline in membership and participation. At the same time, interest in Buddhism is expanding, capturing the attention of women and men who seek a spiritual path without the restrictive nature of dogmas and doctrines. Increasingly they are turning to Buddhist wisdom, which offers them inspiration and information for increasing happiness and making suffering less frequent. From the very beginning and continuing into the present era, Buddhism has consistently sought to help people cultivate kindness and compassion toward all beings while developing inner peace and outer joy. Some examples of this come directly from the Buddha who said, "You are what you think. All that you are arises from your thoughts. With your thoughts you make your world. Perform those actions you will never regret: actions that will ripen into future joy and delight. A tamed mind brings happiness." This book is a primer for readers who seek to experience Buddhist wisdom, which can guide them toward greater awareness and awakening. Includes a Readers Guide.
Introduction to Buddhist East Asia
This anthology provides an accessible introduction to East Asian Buddhism, focusing specifically on China, Korea, and Japan. It begins with a detailed historical introduction that includes an overview of the development of the various schools of Buddhism in East Asia and traces the transmission of Buddhism from Northwest India to China in the first century CE, and then to Korea and Japan in the fourth and sixth centuries CE. The first part of the book contains five chapters that offer creative pedagogies that can help college professors infuse East Asian Buddhism into their courses. The second part includes six interdisciplinary chapters that explore thematic links between East Asian Buddhism and religious studies, philosophy, film studies, literature, and environmental studies.
New Perspectives in Modern Korean Buddhism
New Perspectives in Modern Korean Buddhism moves beyond nationalistic, modernist, and ethnocentric historiographies of modern Korean Buddhism by carefully examining individuals' lived experiences, the institutional dimensions of Korean Buddhism, and its place in transnational conversations. Drawing upon rich archives as well as historical, anthropological, and literary approaches, the book examines four themes that have gained attention in recent years: perennial existential concerns and the persistent relevance of religious practice; the role of female Buddhists; clerical marriage and scandals; and engagement with secular society. The book reveals the limits of metanarratives, such as those of colonialism, nationalism, and modernity, in understanding the complex and contested identities of both monastics and laity, thus demanding that we diversify the methods by which we articulate the history of modern Korean Buddhism.
The Gathering
Sasson's new book is a retelling of the story of the women's request for ordination. Inspired in particular by the Therigatha and building on years of research and experience in the field, Sasson follows Vimala, Patachara, Bhadda Kundalakesa, and many others as they walk through the forest to request full access to the tradition. The Buddha's response to this request is famously complicated and multi-faceted; he eventually accepts women into the Order, but attaches specific and controversial conditions (garudhammas). Sasson invites us to think about who these first Buddhist women might have been, what they hoped to achieve, and what these conditions might have meant to them thereafter. By shaping her research into a story, Sasson invites readers to imagine a world that continues to inspire and complicate Buddhist narrative to this day.
Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy
Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy offers mental health professionals of all disciplines and orientations the most comprehensive and rigorous introduction to the state of the art and science in integrating mindfulness, compassion, and embodiment techniques.
The Gathering
Sasson's new book is a retelling of the story of the women's request for ordination. Inspired in particular by the Therigatha and building on years of research and experience in the field, Sasson follows Vimala, Patachara, Bhadda Kundalakesa, and many others as they walk through the forest to request full access to the tradition. The Buddha's response to this request is famously complicated and multi-faceted; he eventually accepts women into the Order, but attaches specific and controversial conditions (garudhammas). Sasson invites us to think about who these first Buddhist women might have been, what they hoped to achieve, and what these conditions might have meant to them thereafter. By shaping her research into a story, Sasson invites readers to imagine a world that continues to inspire and complicate Buddhist narrative to this day.
Confucianism and Christianity
A comparison of Confucianism and Christianity
Buddhist Masculinities
While early Buddhists hailed their religion's founder for opening a path to enlightenment, they also exalted him as the paragon of masculinity. According to Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha's body boasts thirty-two physical features, including lionlike jaws, thighs like a royal stag, broad shoulders, and a deep, resonant voice, that distinguish him from ordinary men. As Buddhism spread throughout Asia and around the world, the Buddha remained an exemplary man, but Buddhists in other times and places developed their own understandings of what it meant to be masculine. This transdisciplinary book brings together essays that explore the variety and diversity of Buddhist masculinities, from early India to the contemporary United States and from bodhisattva-kings to martial monks. Buddhist Masculinities adopts the methods of religious studies, anthropology, art history, textual-historical studies, and cultural studies to explore texts, images, films, media, and embodiments of masculinity across the Buddhist world, past and present. It turns scholarly attention to normative forms of masculinity that usually go unmarked and unstudied precisely because they are "normal," illuminating the religious and cultural processes that construct Buddhist masculinities. Engaging with contemporary issues of gender identity, intersectionality, and sexual ethics, Buddhist Masculinities ushers in a new era for the study of Buddhism and gender.
A Short Introduction to Buddhism for Christians
A short introduction to the basic beliefs of Buddhism with a comparative study of it's teachings with Biblical Christianity.You can learn about the origin of Buddhism and the evolution of it's various sects and it's spread to different parts of Asia. A Christian critique of various schools of Buddhism like Theravada, Zen etc is presented followed by a chapter on the offer of Christ to the Buddhist and how to share the Gospel with the Buddhists. This book is from a critical christian perspective and meant for people looking for a christian critique of Buddhism and therefore contains strong views and counter views.
The Social Production of Buddhist Compassion in Chinese Societies
This book investigates and establishes a theoretical framework for the study of the social production of religious compassion in the era of shale modernity among Chinese communities in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
The Precious Treasury of the Expanse and Awakened Awareness; The Ornaments of the Definitive Secret
This massive volume is the third masterpiece in Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen Rinpoche's trilogy on Bon Dzogchen meditation. It is a detailed exposition of Dzogchen (Great Completion) across twenty-one extensive chapters.The opening chapter states of Buddha-nature is inherent to all sentient beings. It also elucidates the 85 positive qualities of the completely purified mind. The second chapter reviews various kinds of pith instructions in the oral tradition, the tantras, and in Great Completion. The third chapter is a detailed discussion of various tantric practices with seed-syllables, sounds, initiations and gift-waves of influence, mandala visualizations, the accumulation and accomplishment stages of generation tantras. The fifth chapter is a detailed discussion of the kinds of spiritual duties required in different practices. The sixth and seventh chapters entail an extensive discussion of the natural state and universal ground and the way appearances arise from this universal ground. The eighth and ninth chapters sets out the sacred physical body-the channels, chakras, energy drops and winds and the unique channel system of the Lamps practice, as well as explaining the pith instructions regarding the practices related to the sacred body. Chapter ten describe the ordinary deluded world of sentient beings, the five elements and their manner of liberation through pointing out the expanse of the dharmakaya. Chapter eleven delineates the Great Completion path of liberation and the fruition of this path. It contains detailed instructions on various emptiness meditations, concentrative evenness, and practices to destroy habitual karmic tendencies and to liberation the mind-stream, and dispelling mistakes and obscurations along the path of liberation, and elucidating the stages along the path according to the capacity of the student. Chapters twelve and thirteen are a general introduction to Bon Great Completion meditation-the mind-, space-, and pith instruction-series of teachings. Chapter fourteen is a detailed explanation of how the pith instructions work in thoroughly cutting through Great Completion practice. Emphasis is given to the importance of 'not-doing' instructions for cross-over from ordinary mind to awakened mind, and the manner of liberation to the three-fold embodiment of enlightenment. Chapter fifteen is a detailed explanation of how the pith instructions work in by-passing Great Completion meditation. It begins with a detailed account of the differences between thoroughly cutting through and by-passing practice. It contains a detailed explanation of the Lamps by-passing practice. Chapter 16 elucidates the most secret essential points in by-passing practice, the levels of by-passing visions, and nailing the attainment. Chapter 17 is an explanation of dark retreat by-passing practice. Chapter eighteen presents a pointing out/pith instruction approach to a two pathway system-the path of delusion and samsara and the path of liberation and enlightenment. Emphasis is on the more refined close-to-heart determination as compared with standard pointing out pith instructions. Chapter nineteen discuss the signs of meditative progress expected along the by-passing Great Completion path of liberation. This includes a rare exposition of the four ways to attain rainbow body while dying. Chapter twenty is a detailed review of practices used during dying and the after-death bardos of dharmadhatu and rebirth. The last, twenty first chapter explains the fruition, Buddhahood in some detail-the ground of liberation, the manner of liberation, the process of dharmadhatu exhaustion, how enlightened intention manifests for the advanced practitioner, and how the three-fold embodiment of enlightenment and the primordial wisdoms directly manifest.
Chenrezig
Chenrezig - Embodying Compassionate PresenceChenrezig or Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit, is probably the most familiar Tibetan Buddhist deity. As the Buddha of Compassion he embodies the compassionate presence that is central to a bodhisattva's capacity to serve the welfare of others. Compassionate presence is possibly the most healing quality we can offer another. It is needed if we are to begin to heal some of our core emotional and psychological wounds both within ourselves and others. This book delves into the psychological roots of our human suffering from early wounding onwards to explore how the practice of Chenrezig can be a profound and powerful healing resource. Rob Preece brings together years of experience as both psychotherapist and Buddhist teacher to illuminate a way of practice that is fresh, creative and highly relevant to health and well-being in our contemporary life.
Being Pure
The Heart Wisdom series aims to make the teachings of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche available to a wider audience, by bringing his oral teachings to the written page. In this volume, Ringu Tulku offers a commentary on the practice of Vajrasattva found in Brief Recitations for the Four Preliminary Practices by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. Detailed descriptions of Refuge and Vajrasattva practices are given and the full root text is included for the reader's own practice.Ringu Tulku explains what purification really is - the quality particularly associated with Vajrasattva - and encourages us to explore this, through the formal meditation but also in our daily lives.'The essence of our mind is the vajra. Emptiness is the vajra. When we understand the way things really are, we become free from all fear and clinging. We understand how we are indestructible, because we are emptiness.'
Radiance of the Heart
The Heart Wisdom series aims to make the teachings of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche available to a wider audience, by bringing his oral teachings to the written page. This volume presents some of his teachings on a perennial and core topic - kindness. Drawing on five teaching sources, the text first encourages us with a practical look at how to bring kindness and compassion into our daily lives. Ringu Tulku discusses themes of meditation and the practice of tonglen; and answers a wide range of questions.The text then looks towards kindness and compassion from a more ultimate perspective: Ultimate Bodhicitta, the heart essence of enlightenment. Embodying such understanding brings an ever purer expression of kindness and compassion, imbued with deepening wisdom. Thus, this small text aims to present a wide-ranging, but pithy, contemplation of this subject, central to the hearts and lives of us all.
Behind the Fa癟ade of Tantric Buddhism
Behind the Fa癟ade of Tantric Buddhism, a series of four volumes, explores the doctrines of the Secret Mantra Vehicle, also known as Tibetan Buddhism. In reality, Tantric Buddhism is wholly unrelated to Buddhism, given that its cultivation of Highest Yoga is nothing but the lustful practice of sexual union. Such a faith based on copulation contradicts the Buddha's discourses, violates morality and ethics, disturbs social order, and has wrecked the peace and harmony of countless families. In contrast, the Jonang School that emerged in Tibet propagated the doctrine of "other-emptiness," which allows followers to realize the Tathāgatagarbha and to directly comprehend how it generates all phenomena. As the Jonang School is the sole Tibetan lineage that teaches the Buddha Dharma, it stands as the only true Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This in-depth expos矇 illustrates the authentic Buddha Dharma and reveals the fallacies concealed behind the Buddhist veneer of Tantric Buddhism, hoping to guide the public onto the correct path to Buddhahood.
Dealing with Emotions
The Heart Wisdom series aims to make the teachings of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche available to a wider audience, by bringing his oral teachings to the written page. This volume looks at our emotions, how they cause problems and how more positive counterparts can be brought out. It gives us ways to deal with emotions and teaches us how we can ultimately transform them to reveal our innate wisdom.'Through developing a clear and positive attitude, and practising meditation, we can train to work with emotions as they arise. We can use different techniques to release and transform emotions. We can learn to generate the opposite feeling, or see the illusory nature of things, including our emotions, or learn how to directly relax into emotions themselves.The most important thing to learn is that you do not have to react with aversion or attachment. When you learn that in a practical way, you are free. You are not the slave of your emotions; you are not the slave of anything.'
From Milk to Yoghurt
The Heart Wisdom series aims to make the teachings of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche available to a wider audience, by bringing his oral teachings to the written page. This volume brings together three talks by Ringu Tulku on the topics of Rebirth, Working with a Spiritual Teacher and Death and Dying; including calligraphies by Ringu Tulku on these themes.'How do you make yoghurt? With milk. But is yoghurt, milk? It is not. Without milk, we cannot have yoghurt. But can we say that yoghurt is the same substance as the original milk? No, it is not the same. Our next life, or the next moment of this life - the next moment of change, the moment we move from one place to another or one instant to another - happens through a similar process. What I am now is not exactly what I would be in my next life. It is different, like yoghurt is different to milk. But if I was milk now, maybe, in the next life, I could become yoghurt.'
Buddhist Masculinities
While early Buddhists hailed their religion's founder for opening a path to enlightenment, they also exalted him as the paragon of masculinity. According to Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha's body boasts thirty-two physical features, including lionlike jaws, thighs like a royal stag, broad shoulders, and a deep, resonant voice, that distinguish him from ordinary men. As Buddhism spread throughout Asia and around the world, the Buddha remained an exemplary man, but Buddhists in other times and places developed their own understandings of what it meant to be masculine. This transdisciplinary book brings together essays that explore the variety and diversity of Buddhist masculinities, from early India to the contemporary United States and from bodhisattva-kings to martial monks. Buddhist Masculinities adopts the methods of religious studies, anthropology, art history, textual-historical studies, and cultural studies to explore texts, images, films, media, and embodiments of masculinity across the Buddhist world, past and present. It turns scholarly attention to normative forms of masculinity that usually go unmarked and unstudied precisely because they are "normal," illuminating the religious and cultural processes that construct Buddhist masculinities. Engaging with contemporary issues of gender identity, intersectionality, and sexual ethics, Buddhist Masculinities ushers in a new era for the study of Buddhism and gender.
Journey from Head to Heart
The Heart Wisdom series aims to make the teachings of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche available to a wider audience, by bringing his oral teachings to the written page. This volume presents 37 short teachings, designed to be read individually and integrated with our practice and daily life. Together they take us on a journey through the vehicles of Buddhism, elucidating some common misunderstandings and basic principles of the Buddhist path, all the while encouraging us to move from our head (intellectual understanding) towards our heart (experiential understanding).'To get an experiential understanding you have to go deep into yourself and learn how to bring your awareness and mindfulness to the place from which you deeply experience. It is a matter of 'heart' rather than 'head'. Sometimes it is said that the longest journey is from your head to your heart. Which is what we mean when we talk about developing the right view and understanding it experientially. This is an on going process.'
Writings of Nichiren Shonin Doctrine 3
This volume, the 11th 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 Shonin Zenshu, Complete Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Volume 3: Theology 3, published in Tokyo in 1994.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.The Essay on Gratitude, Hōon-jō, the last of Nichiren's five major writings, is included in this volume. It was written from Nichiren's hermitage on Mount Minobu in 1276, in the month after receiving news of the death of his master, Dozen-bo. Unable to leave his hermitage, he sent his disciple Nikō to read the essay at his late master's tomb and before the other monks at Seichōji temple.This volume also includes what is sometimes called Nichiren's "sixth major writing" A Letter to Lay Priest Soya, Soya Nyūdō-dono-gari Gosho. This expands on another writing contained in this volume, Treatise on the Teaching, Capacity, Time and Country, Kyōki Jikoku-shō, in which Nichiren lays out the five principles for propagation. It also describes the Lotus Sutra as precious medicine for saving the people living in the Latter Age of Degeneration.One of the more colorful works in this volume is A Clarification of Slandering the True Dharma, Ken Hōbō-shō, in which Nichiren describes the conditions of the eight major hells and what people do to find themselves in these horrifying places. Then after describing how the worst of these hells is the destination for those who commit the worst transgression of slandering the Lotus Sutra, he argues that there is only one way to Buddhahood. In other words, forms of Buddhism other than the practice of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra, not to mention non-Buddhist practices, will only leave people trapped in cycles of suffering.This ties in with the overviews he provides in Outline of All the Holy Teachings of the Buddha, Ichidai Shōgyō Tai-i, Questions and Answers on Other Schools, Shoshū Mondō-shō, and Genealogical Chart of the Buddha's Lifetime Teachings in Five Periods, Ichidai Koji Keizu. Following T'ien-t'ai's assertion that it is necessary to comprehend the superior position of the Lotus Sutra relative to the Buddha's other teachings, Nichiren gives an overview of those other teachings with details of how they fall short of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra that leads all beings to the Buddha's wisdom.
Writings of Nichiren Shonin Faith and Practice
This volume, the 12th project of the English Translation Committee of the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association (NOPPA), constitutes all 27 writings of Buddhist reformer Nichiren Shōnin (1222-1282) included in the Nichiren Shonin Zenshu, Complete Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Volume 4: Faith and Practice, published in Tokyo in 1993.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.While this volume does not include any of Nichiren Shonin's major writings, it does contain several of his more well-known writings such as the Emperor Sushun Letter, Sushun Tenno Gosho, the Treatise on All Phenomena as Ultimate Reality, Shoho-jisso Sho, and a detailed explanation of why we do eye-opening ceremonies, Opening the Eyes of Buddhist Images, Wooden Statues or Portraits, Mokue Nizo Kaigen no Koto.This volume also contains several letters either directly addressed to women, or that discuss how the Lotus Sutra is the only sutra to assure the attainment of Buddhahood by women. One of these, the Treatise on Prayers, Kito-Sho, is known to have been addressed to Sairen-bo, a Tendai monk. However in the introductions to four of these documents for which the addressee is not known, each of the translators puts forth the assumption that because these letters discuss the attainment of Buddhahood by women, they must have been addressed to women.This is a questionable assumption. As Nichiren writes in the Treatise on Subhakarasimha, Zemmui-sho, "Truthfully speaking, even men cannot become Buddhas through those other sutras." One could argue that Nichiren believed that it was important for men to realize that women did not need to become men to become Buddhas, that we all carry the potential for enlightenment within us. He could likely have addressed letters about women becoming Buddhas both to women and also to men. In fact, we have an example of this in the Treatise on Prayers, addressed to Sairen-bo.
Lazy Lama looks at Meditation
In this book Ringu Tulku brings us directly and lightheartedly to the point of Buddhist meditation: it helps to develop the two positive life enhancing qualities that lie naturally within us, clarity of mind and kindness for self and others. He reminds us that through meditation we can come to understand how the interconnectedness of all things is crucial for human wellbeing and for the future of the planet. No fuss or frills, it is as simple as that. The methods for practice he describes are relaxed and straightforward, the logic is clear, and the result is peace of mind.
Lazy Lama looks at Loving Kindness
In this seventh booklet in the Lazy Lama series, Ringu Tulku looks at how we all need love and asks us to consider the benefits of generating loving kindness for each other. But how can we, as imperfect human beings, off er even an 'imperfect' love, and is that enough? Yes, says Rinpoche, we can and should start from where we are. We can off er loving kindness, help and support for each other now, while aspiring towards an ideal unconditional love. Rinpoche encourages us, in these seemingly simple and concise teachings, to develop the courage of a hero dedicated to love, and to find our true brave heart.
Dhamma Now
When trips to Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand to study and share the Dhamma were cancelled due to Covid 19, Sarah Procter Abbot and husband Jonothan were delighted to assist Ajahn Sujin in offering zoom discussions which have been very beneficial to many people around the world.The "Jottings" that Sarah made are based on these Zoom discussions.These discussions are always about the understanding of what is real, what is Dhamma now, as taught by the Buddha. Without careful consideration of this truth, as opposed to our usual assumptions of the way things are, there will never be an end to ignorance in life.Quotes have been added from the Buddhist scriptures to each "jotting" to show how these discussions relate to the original teachings of the Buddha.This book is a shortened version of the book Understanding Life Now.
