Buddhism
A modern guide to the teachings of Buddhism Buddhism: An Introduction to the Buddha's Life, Teachings, and Practices is an indispensable guide to a 2,600-year-old wisdom tradition that has transformed the lives of millions across centuries and around the world. Readers will learn how Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of all time, and discover how they too can follow his revolutionary methods to attain happiness and inner freedom. Along with accessible overviews of central teachings--the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, karma, core virtues like kindness and compassion, and more--Buddhism covers such basics as: - the three main Buddhist traditions--Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana--historically and their relevance today- the role of meditation and mindfulness in Buddhist practice- step-by-step instruction in key Buddhist practices Writing in an engaging, approachable style, author Joan Duncan Oliver outlines the fundamentals of Buddhism for every reader, revealing its timeless truths and their relevance for finding peace in uncertain times. A practitioner of Buddhist meditation for forty years, Oliver has written extensively on Buddhist wisdom and its application to daily life. Her practical approach makes Buddhism an essential modern guidebook to an ancient tradition.
Gyuto
The Tibetan monks of the Gyuto Monastery in Dharamsala, northwestern India, are well known for their strict discipline and their maintenance and practice of the tantric tradition as transmitted within the Gelugpa order. The monastery itself was founded in 1474 by a disciple of the founder of the Gelugpa order, and is thus representative of a special lineage. Over the centuries, its systems of tantric ritual have spread to thousands of monasteries within Tibet, Mongolia, Ladhak and elsewhere. In this beautiful clothbound volume, Australian photographer Tobi Wilkinson portrays the life of this monastery. Wilkinson's color and black-and-white photographs focus on monastic rituals, the movements and the objects of those movements: the draping of a monk's robe; the preparation of food; prayer, meditation, offerings and chanting; votive objects and their care. Gyuto includes a foreword from the Dalai Lama that underscores the importance of this monastery.
My Buddha Is Pink
Just what does the Third Precept mean for the gay Buddhist? Is being gay a consequence for something we did in a "previous life?" What is meditation and how do you get started?My Buddha Is Pink is a collection of essays designed to help gay practitioners follow the Buddha's path without getting lost in dogma. As with other major religions of the world, there are portions of Buddhism that have persisted through the years that can come off as homophobic at worst, or at the minimum, restrictive toward the LGBTQI community. This book seeks to slice through the baggage and hone in on Buddhism's basics to guide the solo practitioner on a skillful course toward a more fulfilling life.Buddhism isn't so much a religion, but rather a philosophy on how to live a life that brings more happiness and nurtures behavior that is harmless toward other living beings. It's not a passive belief system, but one that allows a practitioner to be engaged with the world without being ensnared by the traps that surrounds our daily lives - deceit, self-absorption, and consumerism. It's a doctrine that can help you understand your own greed, hatred, and delusion, which in turn helps you to identify these in others as well, so you can limit contact with them.But more than anything, My Buddha Is Pink is a fun and lighthearted look at being a happy and healthy modern gay Buddhist in an environment where homophobia remains an issue.
Towards Wholeness
The Venerable Myokyo-ni wrote several books that describe Zen practice in an accessible and clear-minded way. She stressed that Zen was part of Buddhism, as all schools were true to the same core principles: "Many schools; one way." Before her travels to Japan, she had undergone Jungian analysis, and spoke of Buddhist practice as a way of transforming the psyche and bending the heart towards compassion and wholeness. Towards Wholeness collects nineteen essays by Venerable Myokyo-ni which explore her thoughts on Zen Buddhism and its place in daily life. It includes her well-known analysis of the Bull-Herding Series, as well as pieces on Jung, meditation, Zen practice and study. Essays such as The Quest for Wholeness, The Need for Transformation and Going Beyond provide further examples of Myokyo-ni's incisive and insightful thinking, always rigorous but often deeply compassionate.
The Buddha in Jail
A Buddhist teacher shares insights into the prisoner's mindset, something with implications for us all, whether or not we are in a conventional jail As a prison chaplain, Cuong Lu discovered that when the men inside allowed themselves to feel their pain--including remorse for committing crimes--knowing and feeling the truth became a source of strength for them. This is a book of fifty-two vignettes--stories and teachings about Lu's six years as a prison chaplain. He found that when the inmates felt listened to, understood and not judged, it transformed their sense of who they are, and as a result changed their attitudes and their behavior. Cuong Lu opens our eyes beyond prejudice to see others--and ourselves--in a larger perspective. When we look at prisoners without judgment, we connect with those we might never know, and with our own basic goodness. The message of The Buddha in Jail is one of redemption. This book is not just about the prisoners. It's about all of us. We're all caught in distorted and limiting ideas of ourselves. We don't believe freedom and happiness are attainable. But when we come to believe in ourselves, we discover the freedom and happiness already within. Cuong Lu shows us that this approach works. It can be applied to all prisons, and also to our own lives. "Read these stories carefully, a few at a time, and apply them to our encounters with those who have acted badly, those we don't particularly like, and ourselves, for all these dialogues are taking place within each of us all the time." -- Roshi Joan Halifax
Introduction to the Nature of Mind
To meditate on the nature of mind is the swift, effortless path for all who seek enlightenment. This direct instruction unifies the key points of all Sutra and Tantra; it is the experience of all realised masters and the enlightened intent of all buddhas. Therefore, we need to practise it earnestly and continuously.One of the most eminent lamas in Tibet, Dzogchen Pema Kalsang Rinpoche is widely recognised as a brilliant scholar and highly realised master of the Great Perfection. In this faithful translation of his commentary on Mipham Rinpoche's Lamp to Dispel Darkness, Dzogchen trekcho meditation is explained in clear and experiential language for the benefit of true practitioners. Also included is the full Tibetan text.These profound instructions may only be read by those who have been authorised and empowered into the main Dzogchen practices by a genuine master.
Walking Meditation
Walk the path to peace with expert guidance in a unique form of meditation "Take my hand.We will walk.We will enjoy our walkwithout thinking of arriving anywhere.Walk peacefully.Walk happily.Our walk is a peace walk.Our walk is a happiness walk." --Thich Nhat Hanh What if every step you took deepened your connection with all of life, heightening your perception of the infinite wonders of the present moment? With Walking Meditation: Easy Steps to Mindfulness, you will discover an instructional program for a serene spiritual practice that will help you walk with presence and peace of mind, whether in the stillness of nature or on a bustling sidewalk in the city. Just as sitting meditation draws focused attention to the breath, walking meditation centers the practitioner in the aliveness of the present moment through movement. As taught by the esteemed Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh and one of his principle students, Nguyen Anh-Huong, Walking Meditation illuminates the central tenets of this powerful art. Now including online access to complementary audio and video guided meditations, this book features progressive instruction in basic mindfulness techniques such as conscious breathing and walking mindfully in nature, then proceeds to methods for meditative walking anywhere and any time--even in busy public spaces. You will also learn: - How to recognize the miracle in simply walking--not as a means to an end, but as the opportunity to touch the fullness of life - Reversing "habit energy" through the union of body and mind - Using walking meditation to work with difficult emotions such as anger and anxiety - Learning to walk with apranihita--joyful and appreciative aimlessness With Walking Meditation, practitioners from every spiritual tradition will find "our home in the here and now, as the long road we all must walk turns to quiet joy."
The Dzogchen Path
Why do we need to train our mind? Before we realise samsaric life to be suffering, when a lama teaches the Dharma, we misunderstand it as a catalogue of misery and inevitability. We get the impression that everything we are interested in, all our wishes and desires, are unacceptable, and what is encouraged is singularly difficult and unachievable. However, when we do recognise our afflictive emotions to be suffering, we can do something to reduce them. Then, we can finally begin to free ourselves from their negative influence and find some real happiness. Thus, in order to accomplish meaningful inner transformation, of course we need to go to a little trouble.One of the most eminent lamas in Tibet, Dzogchen Pema Kalsang Rinpoche is widely recognised as a brilliant scholar and highly realised master of the Great Perfection. In this faithful translation of his teachings on the Sublime Path to Omniscience by Jigme Lingpa, the entire path of the Dzogchen Preliminary Practices is presented in clear and experiential language, for the benefit of both beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Dogen’s Pure Standards for the Zen Community
Presents a complete, annotated translation of Dogen's writing on Zen monasticism and the spirit of community practice. Dogen (1200-1253) is Japan's greatest Zen master.This is a complete translation of Eihei Shingi, the major writing by the Japanese Zen master Eihei Dogen (1200-1253) on monastic practice and the role of community life in Buddhism. Dogen was the founder of the Soto branch of Japanese Zen, but his teaching was not limited by any particular school of Buddhism. His writings are generally regarded today as a great summit of Japanese Buddhist philosophy, meditation practice, psychology, and poetic insight into the nature of reality.Eihei Shingi contains Dogen's principal guidelines and instructions for everyday life and rituals in the monastic training center he established. Included are a collection of dramatic teaching stories, or koans, on the attitude and responsibilities for practitioners in the community, the only collection of traditional koans with this practical focus.In addition to the translation, the book includes detailed annotation, a substantial introduction, glossaries of Japanese technical terms and persons mentioned, and lineage charts, all providing relevant background in historical and religious context.
Buddhism Plain and Simple
"This is the clearest and most precise exposition of Buddhism I have ever read. If you're looking for enlightenment rather than just scholarly knowledge, you'd better read this." --Robert Pirsig, author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance In Buddhism Plain and Simple, Zen priest and longtime teacher Steve Hagen presents the heart of Buddhist teachings, pared down to its essence and explained in simple, everyday language. This best-selling book is the perfect guide to Buddhism for beginners; the text has served international readers at all levels of study and practice since it was originally published over a decade ago. More than 300,000 copies in various formats have sold to date, and now it's available in this brand new edition with a high-quality binding and paper, as well as elegant decorative illustrations scattered throughout. Practiced by more than 1.2 million Americans and 2-3 million Europeans, Buddhism has become one of the West's largest religions. Whether you're simply interested in learning more about Buddhist philosophy, or hope to begin practicing but don't know where to start, Buddhism Plain and Simple will help you on your way. "This is a book about awareness. Not awareness of something in particular, but awareness itself--being awake, alert and in touch with what is actually happening. It's about examining and exploring the most basic questions of life. It's about relying on the immediate experience of this present moment. It's about freedom of mind. It's not about belief, doctrine, formula, or tradition." --from the Introduction
Where Buddhism Meets Neuroscience
Designed as a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Western neuroscientists, this book takes readers on a journey through opposing fields of thought--showing that they may not be so opposing after all Is the mind an ephemeral side effect of the brain's physical processes? Are there forms of consciousness so subtle that science has not yet identified them? How does consciousness happen? Organized by the Mind and Life Institute, this discussion addresses some of the most troublesome questions that have driven a wedge between Western science and religion. Edited by Zara Houshmand, Robert B. Livingston, and B. Alan Wallace, Where Buddhism Meets Neuroscience is the culmination of meetings between the Dalai Lama and a group of eminent neuroscientists and psychiatrists. The Dalai Lama's incisive, open-minded approach both challenges and offers inspiration to Western scientists. This book was previously published under the title Consciousness at the Crossroads.
The Buddhist Swastika and Hitler's Cross
A remarkable cross-cultural history that rescues the swastika, an ancient Buddhist symbol, from its deployment by the forces of hate.
Dakini Activity
The source of activity is the dakini and there are five kinds of activities, peaceful, increasing, magnetizing, subjugating, and the supreme activity. The primary way to perfect these is through dakini practices, and among dakinis, there are the wisdom dakinis, in space, and worldly dakinis. These vast collections of practices can be condensed into those of the three roots, lama, yidam, and dakini. The source of blessings is the lama, the source of accomplishment is the yidam, and the source of activities is the dakinis. The one who carries out the activities for the lama and the yidam is the dakini, in other words, the virtue of blessings and accomplishment is the activity, which is the dakini. Pema Khandro practice connects us with magnetizing practices. And why do we do magnetizing practice? The real essence that needs to be magnetized is not superficial things; it is to magnetize realization of the view, to magnetize the teachings on how to realize the view, to magnetize the meditation and the conduct.
The Dharma of the Princess Bride
An engagingly contemporary approach to Buddhism--through the lens of an iconic film and its memorable characters Humorous yet spiritually rigorous in the tradition of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and The Tao of Pooh, drawing from pop culture and from personal experience, The Dharma of "The Princess Bride" teaches us how to understand and navigate our most important personal relationships from a twenty-first-century Buddhist perspective. Friendship. Romance. Family. These are the three areas Ethan Nichtern delves into, taking as departure points the indelible characters from Rob Reiner's perennially popular film--Westley, Fezzik, Vizzini, Count Rugen, Princess Buttercup, and others--as he also draws lessons from his own life and his work as a meditation teacher. Nichtern devotes the first section of the book to exploring the dynamics of friendship. Why do people become friends? What can we learn from the sufferings of Inigo Montoya and Fezzik? Next, he leads us through all the phases of illusion and disillusion we encounter in our romantic pursuits, providing a healthy dose of lightheartedness along the way by sharing his own Princess Buttercup List and the vicissitudes of his dating life as he ponders how we idealize and objectify romantic love. Finally, Nichtern draws upon the demands of his own family history and the film's character the Grandson to explore the dynamics of "the last frontier of awakening," a reference to his teacher Chogyam Trungpa's claim that it's possible to be enlightened everywhere except around your family. With The Dharma of "The Princess Bride" in hand, we can set out on the path to contemporary Buddhist enlightenment with the most important relationships in our lives.
The Buddhist Psychology of Awakening
A modern introduction to traditional Buddhist psychology This practical overview of Buddhist psychology outlines step-by-step methods for examining the source of our habitual tendencies and hangups. In order to truly free ourselves from perpetuating patterns of suffering, the Buddha offered a clear system for understanding our psychological dispositions, processes, fixations, and challenges--a system known as the Abhidharma. This tradition has been studied by Buddhists for over two millennia. Professor Steven Goodman has taught on the Abhidharma in both universities and Buddhist retreats for over twenty years, making these traditional teachings accessible for a modern readership for the first time. Goodman explains how becoming aware of our mental patterns can liberate us from cycles of emotional pain and shows how the Abhidharma can be applied to meditation practice through exercises of observation and reflection. This is the go-to manual for anyone interested in the world of Buddhist psychology.
The Places That Scare You
"A lively and accessible take on ancient techniques for transforming terror and pain into joy and compassion," from beloved Buddhist teacher Pema Ch繹dr繹n (O, The Oprah Magazine) Lifelong guidance for changing the way we relate to the scary and difficult moments of our lives--showing us how we can use our difficulties and fears as a way to soften our hearts and open us to greater kindness We always have a choice in how we react to the circumstances of our lives. We can let them harden us and make us increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and allow our inherent human kindness to shine through. In The Places That Scare You, Pema Ch繹dr繹n provides essential tools for dealing with the many difficulties that life throws our way, teaching us how to awaken our basic human goodness and connect deeply with others--to accept ourselves and everything around us complete with faults and imperfections. Drawing from the core teachings of Buddhism, she shows the strength that comes from staying in touch with what's happening in our lives right now and helps us unmask the ways in which our egos cause us to resist life as it is. If we go to the places that scare us, Pema suggests, we just might find the boundless life we've always dreamed of.
A Glimpse of the Freed Mind
A Glimpse of the Freed Mind - by Karl-Heinz Schradt'A Glimpse of the Awakened' uses pictures mixed with words to make the invisible visible. It is the work of Karl-Heinz Schradt, a Teacher and Mental Health Professional with over twenty years of Clinical Experience working with people to overcome adversity. The subject of Enlightenment or Awakening is one that either is rejected as mumbo-jumbo, is shrouded in mystery, or is used as another 'must have' item that eludes us. By engaging the reader in simple, but meaningful pictures and easy-to-understand text; we engage the parts of our brain which are concerned with creative and symbolic thinking. We are moved beyond the limitations of the 'Everyday Mind' that is rational and inflexible, and given insights into what could lie beyond it - the 'Freed Mind'.Informed by, inspired by and drawn from the many philosophies of Eastern Traditions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Wu Wei; and many Western Writers and Philosophers, 'A Glimpse of the Freed Mind' is designed to inspire the spirit of inquiry - 'How do I go further into the Infinite?'With over 80 pages of vibrant and thought-provoking artwork, this book is an accessible introduction to the central concepts of following a Spiritual Path towards greater emotional stability, personal calm and inner gratitude.
Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha
A comprehensive guide to the understanding and practicing Buddhist meditation
Setting Out on the Great Way
Setting Out on the Great Way brings together different perspectives on the origins and early history of Mahayana Buddhism and delves into selected aspects of its formative period. As the variety of the religion which conquered East Asia and also provided the matrix for the later development of Buddhist Tantra or Vajrayana, Mahayana is regarded as one of the most significant forms of Buddhism, and its beginnings have long been the focus of intense scholarly attention and debate. The essays in this volume address the latest findings in the field, including contributions by younger researchers vigorously critiquing the reappraisal of the Mahayana carried out by scholars in the last decades of the 20th century and the different understanding of the movement which they produced. As the study of Buddhism as a whole reorients itself to embrace new methods and paradigms, while at the same time coming to terms with exciting new manuscript discoveries, our picture of the Mahayana continues to change. This volume presents the latest developments in this ongoing re-evaluation of one of Buddhism's most important historical expressions.
No-nonsense Buddhism for Beginners
Get on the path to Zen bliss--the essential beginner's guide to BuddhismHow is an awakening different from enlightenment? Can agnostics and atheists be Buddhist? What are you supposed to think about during meditation? In No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners, author Noah Rasheta--renowned Buddhism teacher and host of the popular Secular Buddhism podcast--delivers an easily accessible introduction to the teachings of Buddhism that anyone can dive into! Inside, you'll discover the basics of Buddhism and how to apply the philosophies in your everyday life.A 4-part overview--Learn the fundamentals with chapters about the Buddha, key Buddhist concepts, the Buddha's teachings, and current Buddhist practices.Straightforward Q&As--Simplify the key concepts of Buddhism, like mindfulness, Zen, and why Buddhism is so has been around so long, into easy-to-understand ideas."Everyday Buddhism" Sidebars--Make Buddhism less abstract with quick callouts throughout the book that offer down-to-earth examples of Buddhism that are all around you.Presented in a simple, conversational style, this friendly spiritual book provides the groundwork for building (or continuing) your own Buddhist practice.
Turning Toward Awareness
Turning Toward Awareness posthumously shares wisdom from a western monk ordained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Written in 1974, Ven. George Teng's incisive writing and unique insights into the workings of the mind still provide an excellent foundation for spiritual practice. Buddhists as well as those who follow other faith traditions will find the author's thoughtful reflections inspiring. Even those without any faith tradition will benefit from his presentations on developing a meaningful life that brings happiness in the present and hope for the future. The author shows how human growth becomes arrested and dysfunctional when our awareness is misguided by distorted beliefs. His work sheds light on the ways we try to protect ourselves, such as hiding our ignorance because we feel it is shameful; reacting to fear with cowardice; and embracing weakness as a lifestyle to gain others' energy and attention. His wisdom helps us become aware that our unhealthy mental habits are obscuring our innate nature of wisdom, compassion, and power, which have the potential to manifest in every moment through our intelligence, love, and creativity. Turning Toward Awareness will help readers stop the suffering arising from wrong views and start living a life of true happiness.
Turning Toward Awareness
Turning Toward Awareness posthumously shares wisdom from a western monk ordained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Written in 1974, Ven. George Teng's incisive writing and unique insights into the workings of the mind still provide an excellent foundation for spiritual practice. Buddhists as well as those who follow other faith traditions will find the author's thoughtful reflections inspiring. Even those without any faith tradition will benefit from his presentations on developing a meaningful life that brings happiness in the present and hope for the future. The author shows how human growth becomes arrested and dysfunctional when our awareness is misguided by distorted beliefs. His work sheds light on the ways we try to protect ourselves, such as hiding our ignorance because we feel it is shameful; reacting to fear with cowardice; and embracing weakness as a lifestyle to gain others' energy and attention. His wisdom helps us become aware that our unhealthy mental habits are obscuring our innate nature of wisdom, compassion, and power, which have the potential to manifest in every moment through our intelligence, love, and creativity. Turning Toward Awareness will help readers stop the suffering arising from wrong views and start living a life of true happiness.
Secular Buddhism
An essential collection of Stephen Batchelor's most probing and important work on secular Buddhism As the practice of mindfulness permeates mainstream Western culture, more and more people are engaging in a traditional form of Buddhist meditation. However, many of these people have little interest in the religious aspects of Buddhism, and the practice occurs within secular contexts such as hospitals, schools, and the workplace. Is it possible to recover from the Buddhist teachings a vision of human flourishing that is secular rather than religious without compromising the integrity of the tradition? Is there an ethical framework that can underpin and contextualize these practices in a rapidly changing world? In this collected volume of Stephen Batchelor's writings on these themes, the author explores the complex implications of Buddhism's secularization. Ranging widely--from reincarnation, religious belief, and agnosticism to the role of the arts in Buddhist practice--he offers a detailed picture of contemporary Buddhism and its attempt to find a voice in the modern world.
Tibetan Studies in Honour of Hugh Richardson
Orchid Press is pleased to make available for the wide community with interest in Tibetan culture a reprint edition of this seminal conference, featuring papers by some 47 eminent Tibetologists, first presented at the International Seminar on Tibetan Studies in Oxford in 1979. Dedicated to one of the most highly respected of these scholars, Hugh Richardson, the quality and diversity of the papers herein, reflecting as they do the very significant contribution to this field of Richardson himself, are a fitting tribute to the man. Commencing with an essay in appreciation of Richardson's life and myriad achievements, and followed by a complete bibliography of his writings, the papers then presented span the full range of disciplines that have focused on this rich and endangered culture. Included in this list are important contributions to the history, geography, religion, philosophy, arts, sociology, ethnography, folklore, language and literature, medicine and commerce of Tibet and the Tibetan diaspora. Many of the papers remain standard references in their respective fields, and copies of the original publication of these Proceedings are now long out of print and very difficult to obtain. It is thus hoped that this reprint edition will serve as a valuable reference for new and current scholars in the field of Tibetan studies, both in terms of the scholarly material presented and as an inspirational example of the quality of work of those who preceded them. "It is difficult to think of any aspect of Tibetan culture which is not, to some extent at least, touched upon." Review by K.R. Norman, Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 16-1, 1982.
Confucius, the Analects
The foremost American researcher of Confucius as a religious and spiritual figure explains the Analects' universal wisdom for our own time, guiding us on the "path of the sage" or "Way of Heaven"-a journey of reason, peace and understanding.
An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu Theology
Since its inception over two hundred years ago, Swaminarayan Hinduism has flourished into a transnational movement described as one of the fastest growing Hindu groups in the world. Despite being one of the largest and most visible Hindu traditions both in India and the West, surprisingly little is known about what the Swaminarayan fellowship believes. An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu Theology provides a comprehensive doctrinal account of the Swaminarayan tradition's belief system, drawing on its rich corpus of theological literature, including the teachings of Swaminarayan himself and classical commentaries on canonical Vedāntic texts. Part I delineates the sources and tools of Swaminarayan Hindu theology, while Part II systematically expounds upon its distinctive five eternal entities - Parabrahman, Akṣarabrahman, māyā, īśvara and jīva - and mukti (spiritual liberation). In presenting these key themes theologically and lucidly, Swami Paramtattvadas makes the Swaminarayan Hindu belief system intelligible to scholars, students and serious readers.
Dr Ambedkar and the Revival of Buddhism
One of the most far-reaching of Sangharakshita's contributions to modern Buddhism was giving shape to the Buddhist conversion movement begun by the great Indian statesman and reformer, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In 1956, along with hundreds of thousands of his followers, Ambedkar renounced the Hindu caste system--according to which they were condemned to be "untouchable"--and converted to Buddhism, thus beginning a new life.The first part of this volume tells the story of how Ambedkar overcame the suffering and struggle of his early years to become the shaper of the Indian constitution and the leader of his people to a new life; also how, following Ambedkar's untimely death, Sangharakshita took on the challenge of teaching Buddhism to the new community of Buddhists.The second part is a collection of thirty-six edited talks, many published here for the first time, from Sangharakshita's tour of the Buddhist communities in India in 1981-82.Sangharakshita is the founder and principal teacher of Triratna, a worldwide Buddhist movement. With teaching experience spanning sixty years, he is the author of over forty books.
Waking, Dreaming, Being
A renowned philosopher of the mind, also known for his groundbreaking work on Buddhism and cognitive science, Evan Thompson combines the latest neuroscience research on sleep, dreaming, and meditation with Indian and Western philosophy of mind, casting new light on the self and its relation to the brain. Thompson shows how the self is a changing process, not a static thing. When we are awake we identify with our body, but if we let our mind wander or daydream, we project a mentally imagined self into the remembered past or anticipated future. As we fall asleep, the impression of being a bounded self distinct from the world dissolves, but the self reappears in the dream state. If we have a lucid dream, we no longer identify only with the self within the dream. Our sense of self now includes our dreaming self, the "I" as dreamer. Finally, as we meditate--either in the waking state or in a lucid dream--we can observe whatever images or thoughts arise and how we tend to identify with them as "me." We can also experience sheer awareness itself, distinct from the changing contents that make up our image of the self. Contemplative traditions say that we can learn to let go of the self, so that when we die we can witness its dissolution with equanimity. Thompson weaves together neuroscience, philosophy, and personal narrative to depict these transformations, adding uncommon depth to life's profound questions. Contemplative experience comes to illuminate scientific findings, and scientific evidence enriches the vast knowledge acquired by contemplatives.
Buddhism 101
Learn everything you need to know about Buddhism in this clear and straightforward new guide. Buddhism was founded thousands of years ago, and has inspired millions of people with its peaceful teachings. Buddhism 101 highlights and explains the central concepts of Buddhism to the modern reader, with information on mindfulness, karma, The Four Noble Truths, the Middle Way, and more. Whether you're just looking to understand Buddhism or explore the philosophy in your own life and own journey to Enlightenment, this book gives you everything you need to know!
Enlightened Vagabond
Colorful stories about and profound teachings of Patrul Rinpoche, one of the most impactful teachers and thinkers in the Tibetan tradition from the nineteenth century. The life and teachings of the wandering yogi Patrul Rinpoche--a highly revered Buddhist master and scholar of nineteenth-century Tibet--come alive in true stories gathered and translated by the French Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard over more than thirty years, based on the oral accounts of great contemporary teachers as well as written sources. Patrul's life story reveals the nature of a highly realized being as he transmits the Dharma in everything he does, teaching both simple nomads and great lamas in ways that are often unconventional and even humorous, but always with uncompromising authenticity.
The Dharma of Dogs
We spend countless hours training our dogs, but how often do we consider what they have to teach us? "Our canine companions aren't just our best friends," explains Tami Simon. "Sometimes they can also be carriers of a special medicine and the wisdom lessons we most need." The Dharma of Dogs shares the reflections of spiritual teachers and writers who have found a source of deep truth and practical wisdom beneath the furry surface of our four-legged friends.For anyone who loves dogs--and who has learned and grown through this special relationship--these 31 essays offer humor, solace, inspiration, and insight into the life lessons our dogs make available to us, exploring such themes as unconditional love, connecting with nature, facing our fears, and much more. Don't forget to add this inspirational book to your list of gifts for dog lovers this year.Edited by Tami Simon, The Dharma of Dogs includes contributions by Alice Walker, Eckhart Tolle, Pam Houston, Mark Nepo, Roshi Joan Halifax, Adyashanti, Julie Barton, angel Kyodo williams, JP Sears, Lama Surya Das, Diane Musho Hamilton, Allan Lokos, Andrew Holecek, Bonnie Myotai Treace, Chris Grosso, Geneen Roth, Jeri Parker, Joan Ranquet, Lama Tsomo, Laura Pritchett, Mirabai Starr, Sarah C. Beasley, Stuart Davis, Susan Martin, Susanna Weiss, and His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche.Portion of proceeds donated to the National Mill Dog Rescue. milldogrescue.org.
The Analects of Confucius (Wisehouse Classics Edition)
The Analects (literally: "Edited Conversations"), also known as the Analects of Confucius, is a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his contemporaries, traditionally believed to have been compiled and written by Confucius' followers. It is believed to have been written during the Warring States period (475 BC-221 BC), and it achieved its final form during the mid-Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). By the early Han dynasty the Analects was considered merely a "commentary" on the Five Classics, but the status of the Analects grew to be one of the central texts of Confucianism by the end of that dynasty.During the late Song dynasty (960-1279) the importance of the Analects as a philosophy work was raised above that of the older Five Classics, and it was recognized as one of the "Four Books". The Analects has been one of the most widely read and studied books in China for the last 2,000 years, and continues to have a substantial influence on Chinese and East Asian thought and values today. They were very important for Confucianism and China's overall morals.
Trungpa Photographs
Since Trungpa Rinpoche's death in 1987, many people have talked about the need for a book of photographs of his life. Now, finally, it's here: a book of 240 black-and-white photographs taken from 1972 to 1982 at Karme-Choling, Vermont, and Boulder, Colorado. Thank you, Bob! Of the many great photographic images of Trungpa Rinpoche, Del Tredici's black-and-whites stand out. Some are iconic shots that we all know and love. Others have rarely been seen. TRUNGPA PHOTOGRAPHS is a fulsome collation of Del Tredici's work, a feast for the eyes, for Trungpa's students, and for the world at large. -- The Chronicles of Chogyam Trungpa website.
Buddhism for Busy People
In this simple and accessible but beautifully written book, David Michie opens the door to the core teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, and shows us how he himself first began incorporating Buddhist practices into his daily life. What does it take to be happy? We've all asked ourselves this question at some point, but few of us have found the path to lasting fulfillment. David Michie thought he had achieved his life's goals--the high-level job, the expensive city apartment, the luxury car, the great vacations--but a small voice was telling him he wasn't really happy. A chance remark from a naturopath sent him to his local Buddhist center. There he began the most important journey of his life. In Buddhism for Busy People Michie explains how he came to understand the difference between the temporary pleasures of ordinary life and the profound sense of well-being and heartfelt serenity that comes from connecting with our inner nature.
Yoga Tantra
His Holiness the Dalai Lama illuminates the highly practical and compassionate use of Tantra for spiritual development in this important classic work. Yoga Tantra is the third volume in The Great Exposition of Secret Mantra series in which the Dalai Lama offers illuminating commentary on Tsongkhapa's seminal text on Buddhist tantra. It is preceded by Volume I: Tantra in Tibet and Volume II: Deity Yoga. This work opens with His Holiness the Dalai Lama presenting the key features of Yoga Tantra then continues with Tsongkhapa's section of the main text focusing on this class of tantra. This is followed by an overview of the central practices of the five manifest enlightenments and the four seals written by Khaydrub Je (Khaydrub Geleg Palsang), one of Tsongkhapa's main students and the first in the line of Panchen Lamas. Jeffrey Hopkins concludes the volume with an outline of the steps of Yoga Tantra practice, which is drawn from the Dalai Lama's, Tsongkhapa's, and Khaydrub Je's explanations.
Loving-kindness in Plain English
The bestselling author of Mindfulness in Plain English invites us to explore the joyful benefits of living with loving-kindness. With his signature clarity and warmth, Bhante Gunaratana shares with us how we can cultivate loving-kindness to live a life of joyful harmony with others. Through personal anecdotes, step-by-step meditations, conversational renderings of the Buddha's words in the suttas, and transformative insights into how we live in and relate to the world, we learn that peace here and now is possible--within ourselves and in all our relationships. Bhante G speaks directly to how we can cultivate loving-kindness to find emotional clarity, overcome anger, and become more peaceful--both on and off the meditation cushion. Loving-Kindness in Plain English was chosen for the Spirituality & Practice Book Award as one of the 50 Best Spiritual Books of 2017 by the website Spirituality & Practice.
After Buddhism
A renowned Buddhist teacher's magnum opus, based on his fresh reading of the tradition's earliest texts Some twenty-five centuries after the Buddha started teaching, his message continues to inspire people across the globe, including those living in predominantly secular societies. What does it mean to adapt religious practices to secular contexts? Stephen Batchelor, an internationally known author and teacher, is committed to a secularized version of the Buddha's teachings. The time has come, he feels, to articulate a coherent ethical, contemplative, and philosophical vision of Buddhism for our age. After Buddhism, the culmination of four decades of study and practice in the Tibetan, Zen, and Theravada traditions, is his attempt to set the record straight about who the Buddha was and what he was trying to teach. Combining critical readings of the earliest canonical texts with narrative accounts of five members of the Buddha's inner circle, Batchelor depicts the Buddha as a pragmatic ethicist rather than a dogmatic metaphysician. He envisions Buddhism as a constantly evolving culture of awakening whose long survival is due to its capacity to reinvent itself and interact creatively with each society it encounters. This original and provocative book presents a new framework for understanding the remarkable spread of Buddhism in today's globalized world. It also reminds us of what was so startling about the Buddha's vision of human flourishing.
The Grass Flute Zen Master
What motivated Sodo-san to spend the last twenty years of his life in a "temple under the sky"-- a corner of a public park where he taught passersby what it means to be forever young through the funky tunes he played on his grass flute? In The Grass Flute Zen Master: Sodo Yokoyama, we are seeking not only a truer understanding of this well-loved monk, but of zazen, Zen meditation, itself. In his search for insights into Sodo Yokoyama's life, Arthur Braverman skillfully weaves a tapestry from seemingly disparate threads--the brief taisho period into which Sodo-san was born and where individualism shone; his teachers, both ancient and contemporary practitioners of Zen Bhuddism; the monk's love of baseball; and the similarities Braverman finds between Sodo-san and Walt Whitman, who both found the universal in nature. Through conversations with Joko Shibata, Yokoyama's sole disciple, and careful study of his teacher's poetry, an intriguing tension between the personal and the universal is revealed. The Grass Flute Zen Master is a meditative examination not of just one life, but of many. The lineage of teacher and protégé is traced back through generations, contemporaries are drawn up from unexpected places, and Braverman examines his own long journey in Zen Buddhism; confronting his own expectations and surprising disappointments (the monk lived in a boarding house and later took a cab to his park when he could no longer walk the whole way) and the understanding and acceptance that followed. "When you play the leaf," Sodo-san once wrote, "you'll usually be a little out of tune. That's where its very charm lies . . ."
Tantra in Tibet
His Holiness the Dalai Lama illuminates the highly practical and compassionate use of Tantra for spiritual development in this important classic work. This is the first book in a series presenting The Great Exposition of Secret Mantra. The other two books are Deity Yoga and Yoga Tantra. Tantra in Tibet consists of three parts published under the auspices of the Dalai Lama. "Essence of Tantra" by the Dalai Lama discusses tantra for practice, refuge, the three paths, greatness of mantra, clear light, and initiation. "The Great Exposition of Secret Mantra--Part 1" by Tsongkhapa is one of the principal classic texts on tantra. It presents the main features common to all the Buddhist tantra systems as well as the differences between sutra and tantra. In this volume Tsongkhapa covers paths to Buddhahood, vajra vehicle, deity yoga, and method in the four tantras. "Supplement" by Jeffrey Hopkins discusses the meaning of emptiness, transformation, and the purpose of the four tantras.
The Guru Drinks Bourbon?
An enlightening, accessible, and highly entertaining guide to the guru-disciple relationship, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism The humility and compassionate activity of the Dalai Lama is something many people can connect with, but how can one understand the stories about some other Buddhist teachers' unorthodox behavior? The centrality of and reliance on a guru is one of most misunderstood elements of Tibetan Buddhism--and one that is most often veiled in mystery. Because the guru can and will use whatever means it takes to wake us up, this relationship may require us to drop our most deeply held beliefs and expectations. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse addresses some of the most misunderstood aspects of this powerful relationship and gives practical advice on making the most of this precious opportunity for transformation. Through stories and classical examples, he shows how to walk the path with eyes wide open, with critical-thinking skills sharpened and equipped to analyze the guru, before taking the leap.
A Celebration of Demons
The Sinhalese exorcism rituals are perhaps the most complex and the most magnificent in performance still extant. For this second edition, the author has written a new preface and introduction in which he argues that the techniques of healing in Sri Lanka cannot be reduced to Western psychoanalytic or psychotherapeutic terms.
The Miracle of Mindfulness
A new gift edition of the classic guide to meditation and mindfulness, featuring archival photography and beautiful calligraphy by Thich Nhat Hanh One of the best available introductions to the wisdom and beauty of meditation practice. --New Age Journal In this eloquent and lucid guide, Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercise as a means for learning the skills of mindfulness. From washing dishes and answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds us that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peacefulness. Thich Nhat Hanh's powerful insights and teachings have been cherished by generations of readers seeking to learn about mindfulness and stress reduction. As the world we live in grows all the more overwhelming, The Miracle of Mindfulness remains an effective antidote to the accelerated speed and intense expectations of our lives. This gift edition features Thich Nhat Hanh's inspiring calligraphy, photographs from his travels around the world, and a revised afterword.
The Road Home
In this wise and witty invitation to Buddhist meditation, Ethan Nichtern, a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, investigates the journey each of us takes to find where we belong. Drawing from contemporary research on meditation and mindfulness and from his experience as a teacher and practitioner of Buddhism, Nichtern describes in fresh language the basic existential experience that gives rise to spiritual seeking--and its potentially dangerous counterpart, spiritual materialism. He explains exactly how, by turning our awareness to what's happening around us and inside us, we become able to enhance our sense of connection with others and, at the same time, change for the better our individual and collective patterns of greed, apathy, and inattention. The Road Home shows us that, in order to create a truly compassionate and enlightened society, we must start with ourselves. And this means working with our own mind--in whatever state we find it.
Dream Yoga
Lucid dreaming--waking up and becoming fully conscious in your dreams--has intrigued legions of those seeking to explore their vast inner worlds. Yet for many, "getting lucid" for the first time can be elusive. And for those who have, there are few resources that show us how to use this extraordinary state for the greater goal of awakening to all of reality, day or night. With Dream Yoga, Andrew Holecek brings us a practical guide for meditators, seasoned dream travelers wanting to go deeper, and total beginners eager to experience lucidity for the first time. Here, you'll join this expert teacher of dream work and meditation to learn: How to awaken in your dreams naturally by using modern scientific principles with the insights and practices of Tibetan dream and sleep yoga- Proven guidance to overcome common obstacles, enhance dream recall, focus and amplify awareness while dreaming, work with nightmares safely, resolve emotional blockages, and glean wisdom from your dreams- A wealth of practices and tips that have helped thousands enjoy successful dream-time exploration- Essential Buddhist teachings and tools for navigating the many realms of sleep (dreaming is just one of them)- Direct insights into the continuation of consciousness beyond the physical body and death- How to bring your skills together to engage with the hundreds of thousands of dream opportunities that most of us forget or dismiss Have you ever wondered what happens when you sleep and dream? Desired to wake up in your dreams and have the time of your life? Or wanted to use your sleep hours to fully explore these dimensions, heal, and evolve? Dream Yoga answers these questions--not academically but directly--by showing you how to access this profound universe for yourself.
When Things Fall Apart
Pema Ch繹dr繹n's perennially best-selling classic on overcoming life's difficulties cuts to the heart of spirituality and personal growth--now in a newly designed 20th-anniversary edition with a new afterword by Pema--makes for a perfect gift and addition to one's spiritual library. How can we live our lives when everything seems to fall apart--when we are continually overcome by fear, anxiety, and pain? The answer, Pema Ch繹dr繹n suggests, might be just the opposite of what you expect. Here, in her most beloved and acclaimed work, Pema shows that moving toward painful situations and becoming intimate with them can open up our hearts in ways we never before imagined. Drawing from traditional Buddhist wisdom, she offers life-changing tools for transforming suffering and negative patterns into habitual ease and boundless joy.
The History of the Sixteen Karmapas of Tibet
The Karmapa is the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The present Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, is the sixteenth of the line which began with Dusum Khyenpa, the first Karmapa, in the twelfth century. Karma Thinley presents the biographies of all of the Karmapas, based on his translations from numerous Tibetan sources. These biographies are not only histories of the training and teaching of these great teachers; they are also inspirational texts used to cultivate devotion in the practitioner. Accompanying the text are sixteen line drawings, based on the thangka paintings of the Karmapas at Rumtek monastery, the seat of the present Karmapa.
