The Diamond Sutra (Chin-Kang-Ching) Or Prajna-Paramita
Unlock the timeless wisdom of "The Diamond Sutra," a spiritual masterpiece that has captivated minds for centuries. Once lost to time, this profound text is now beautifully restored and republished by Alpha Editions, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of Buddhist philosophy. This edition is not just a reprint; it s a collector s item and a cultural treasure, meticulously preserved for today s and future generations. Dive into the transformative teachings of the Prajna-Paramita, where the essence of enlightenment unfolds through the dialogue between Buddha and his disciple Subhuti. Discover the path to transcendent wisdom and compassion, as this ancient scripture guides you to see beyond the illusions of the material world. Whether you are a casual reader seeking spiritual insight or a collector of classic literature, "The Diamond Sutra" promises to enrich your soul and expand your understanding of the universe. Embrace this opportunity to own a piece of history, a book that has been out of print for decades, now available to inspire and enlighten once more.
Shrī Chakrasamvara Sadhana of the Luipada’s Tradition
This Shrī Chakrasamvara Sadhana of the Luipada's Tradition is compiled with Tibetan, phonetics, and English translation by Khenpo Migmar Tseten from traditional sources of Shenphen Nyingpo and Ameshab Ngawang Kunga Sonam. It is our hope that these pages in Sadhana offer a window into the awakened state and inspire you in your own practice. May all sentient beings everywhere experience peace. Important requirement: It is very important to receive the empowerment, transmission, and instruction from a Master who holds the Luipada Shrī Chakrasamvara lineage to do these practices.
Wondrous Ocean of Eloquence
A comprehensive history of the Taklung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, composed in the seventeenth century, and includes glossy color images of recently discovered twelfth-century portraits and inscriptions​.​ This is the first ever English translation of a multilayered and comprehensive historiographical volume on the political, artistic, architectural, biographical, and mystical dimensions of the Taklung, one of four primary subsects of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The bulk of the volume is a translation of an early seventeenth-century Tibetan history by Taklung Ngawang Namgyel and includes supplements to that history written in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Centering an otherwise marginal and understudied Buddhist tradition, this volume contains an extraordinary wealth of historical, religious, and biographical information not found in any other published work. It is a complex tale of Tibetan religiopolitical maneuvering in the face of centuries of civil unrest and armed conflict with Central Asian warring dynasties. While detailing the abbatial succession of the tradition's two main monastic seats, Taklung and Riwoche Monasteries, it is also broad and vast in scale, going back to sixth-century BCE India to include early Indian Buddhist canon formulation, moving then to narratives on the Tibetan Kagyu lineage holders (Marpa, Milarepa, Gampopa), to the twelfth-century founding of the Taklung sect in Tibet, and then all the way through to the early twentieth century, which saw Tibet's first modern military and cultural conflicts both within the country and with Chinese, Mongol, and Gorkha forces. An introductory essay by art historian Jane Casey on painting in the Taklung tradition includes her scholarly analysis of the dating and provenance of thirteenth-century portraits and inscriptions, only discovered in recent decades. Glossy color images of these paintings are included in the volume. Shambhala Publications gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Robert H. N. Ho and John Eskenazi in sponsoring the translation, and the Tsadra Foundation in sponsoring the preparation and printing of this book.
The Profound Reality of Interdependence
The Way of the Bodhisattva, composed by the monk and scholar Śāntideva in eighth-century India, is a Buddhist treatise in verse that beautifully and succinctly lays out the theory and practice of the Mahayana path of a bodhisattva. Over one thousand years after Śāntideva's composition, K羹nzang S繹nam (1823-1905) produced the most extensive commentary on the Way of the Bodhisattva ever written. This book is the first English translation of K羹nzang S繹nam's overview of Śāntideva's notoriously difficult chapter on wisdom. The ninth chapter of the Way of the Bodhisattva is philosophically very rich but forbiddingly technical, and can only be read well with a good commentary. K羹nzang S繹nam's commentary offers a unique and complete introduction to the view of Prāsaṅgika-Madhyamaka, the summit of Buddhist philosophy in Tibet, as articulated by Tsongkhapa. It brings Śāntideva's text, and Tsongkhapa's interpretation of Prāsaṅgika-Madhyamaka, into conversation with a vast Buddhist literature from India and Tibet. By articulating the integral relationship between emptiness and interdependence, this text formulates a sustained and powerful argument for emptiness as a metaphysical basis of bodhisattva ethics. This volume makes the ninth chapter accessible to English-speaking teachers and students of the Way of the Bodhisattva.
Voice of the Primordial Buddha
Voice of the Primordial Buddha is Anam Thubten's commentary on the well-known text, The Sharp Vajra of Awareness Tantra, by twentieth-century master Dudjom Lingpa (1835-1903). His text is revered by many people in Tibet as a sacred scripture. This book covers the entire Vajrayana path, especially Dzogchen, with language full of potency. Reading it can shake one's mind from its foundation and transform it to its highest potential. Note: There is an Ebook version of this book on all major Ebook platforms.
THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD OR The After-Death Experiences on the Bardo Plane, according to Lāma Kazi Dawa-Samdup’s English Rendering
The bar do thos grol has become known in the English speaking world as The Tibetan Book of the Dead, a title popularized by Walter Evans-Wentz's edition, after the Egyptian Book of the Dead, though the English title bears no relationship with the Tibetan's, as outlined above. The Evans-Wentz edition was first published in 1927 by Oxford University Press.At age 24 Evans-Wentz went to Stanford University, where he studied religion, philosophy, and history and was deeply influenced by visitors William James and W. B. Yeats. He went on to receive B.A. and M.A degrees. He then studied Celtic mythology and folklore at Jesus College, Oxford (1907). He performed ethnographic fieldwork collecting fairy folklore in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. In 1911 Evans-Wentz published his degree thesis as a book, The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries. While at Oxford, he added his mother's Welsh surname Evans to his name, being known henceforth as Evans-Wentz.Kazi Dawa Samdup's education began at the age of four learning the Tibetan script from his grandfather. In 1874 he joined the Bhutia Boarding School in Darjeeling where he impressed the headmaster Rai Bahadur Sarat Chandra Das. His Tibetan teacher was Ugyen Gyatso, a lama from the Pemayangtse monastery in West Sikkim.
Tilopa's Mahamudra Upadesha
All lineages of Mahamudra meditation have their source in a verse teaching--a "song of realization"--sung by the Mahasiddha Tilopa to his disciple Naropa on the banks of the Ganges River more than a thousand years ago. Since that time, the meaning of Tilopa's instructions has been passed directly from master to disciple in a continuous stream that exists unbroken to this day. This book offers the reader a rare glimpse into the Mahamudra oral transmission, given in a traditional Tibetan context by one of the lineage's most learned and accomplished contemporary masters. Mahamudra meditation, while highly advanced, is yet simple, practical, and accessible for anyone, because what is identified and meditated upon is the very nature of one's own mind. In Sangyes Nyenpa Rinpoche's words, "The distinction between deception and liberation lies in whether we understand the ever-present nature of our own mind or not. Knowing our own face is liberation; not knowing our own face is samsara. This is not something far distant from us." The instructions are ideal for Westerners because the root text is manageable and Rinpoche has provided an outline of his own composition that makes it easily understandable. He explains terminology with frequent comparisons between Dzogchen and Mahamudra, quotes prolifically from scripture, gives clear examples, and generally cajoles, admonishes, and encourages his listeners to be true to their own spiritual path.
I Had a Good Teacher
Longtime Zen abbot shares the wisdom of his teacher, who brought Zen to the West and wrote the classic Zen Mind, Beginner's MindI Had a Good Teacher interweaves Les Kaye's Dharma talks with personal stories to reveal the subtleties of integrating Zen practice into a life of work and family. It includes fascinating memories of Suzuki Roshi and short writings about events at the zendo, including the time Steve Jobs visited Les for guidance integrating work and spiritual practice. I Had a Good Teacher is an excellent introduction to Zen in daily life, a warm portrait of a great Zen teacher, and a reminder to meditators to return to basics, keep their meditation real, and practice awareness all day long. "I Had a Good Teacher is a marvelous collection of Les Kaye's talks and writings. I can feel his authenticity and deep understanding. Those who study with him--in person or through this book--have a good teacher." --David Chadwick, author of Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Zen Teachings of Shunryu Suzuki and Tassajara Stories"What a wonderful book.... direct and deep, real and rich, filled with down-to-earth wisdom. Enjoy reading about something that could change your life." --Roshi Joan Halifax, Abbot, Upaya Zen Center, and author of Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet"In this lovely plainspoken book, Les offers the spirit of Suzuki Roshi Zen. Sometimes enigmatic, sometimes sweet, sometimes with stories of the past, sometimes timeless wisdom....all passed on to you with a kind heart." --Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life
Collected Wheel Publications
Collected Wheel Publications Volume 19 includes Wheels 281-295. WH 281: Colonel Olcott by B. P. Kirthisinghe & M. P. Amarasuriya WH 282-84: Going for Refuge & Taking the Precepts by Bhikkhu Bodhi WH 285/86: Buddhism and Social Action by Ken Jones WH 287-89: Buddhist Stories (from the Dhammapada Commentary, Part I) by Eugene Watson Burlingame WH 290/91: Buddhism in Psychotherapy by Seymour Boorstein, M.D.& Olaf G. Deatherage, Ph.D WH 292/93: Buddhist Women at the Time of the Buddha by Hellmuth Hecker WH 294/95: The Buddhist Layman, Four essays by R. Bogoda, Susan Elbaum Jootla, and M.O C. Walsh (Pariyatti Edition, 2025)
The Great Hum
Dive into an ocean of Buddhist wisdom with this masterful immersion in Shantideva's well-known guide to the boundless spirit of the bodhisattva. Shantideva's Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicaryavatara) is without a doubt one of the greatest masterpieces of Indian Buddhism and the single most influential text on Mahayana ethical theory. Since it was composed in the eighth century, it has continuously animated the living tradition--especially in Tibet, but now in the West as well--as more translations have become available. Its poetic evocations of the spirit of awakening allow readers to enter the mind of the bodhisattva. Nineteenth-century master Minyak Kunzang Sonam composed what came to be the most extensive commentary in any language on Shantideva's masterpiece. This commentary came to be known as the Great Hum because it fills the entirety of the third or hum volume of the author's collected works. Citing hundreds of sutras, he shows how Shantideva's verses are beautifully integrated within, and express, the Buddhist textual universe. In particular he ties Shantideva's verses with the Anthology of Training, the thematic collection of scriptural citations also compiled by Shantideva, creating a detailed tapestry of Mahayana thought and practice. Kunzang Sonam's commentary on the philosophically rich ninth "Wisdom" chapter was published previously as The Profound Reality of Interdependence, and this volume presents his commentary on the first eight chapters, detailing the generation of the spirit of awakening, the cultivation of positive qualities, and the practice of meditation. Embedded in the commentary is a fresh translation of Shantideva's verses, making this an unparalleled guide to appreciating their layers of meaning and applying them in one's practice and life.
Embracing the Sanctity Within
This book is for those who think and feel deeply about the nature of their lives. It is based on a transcendental experience I had whilst reciting a Buddhist Mantra many years ago, for many hours. The experience revealed the elusive, transient and fleeting nature of phenomena and hence our lives, and provided answers to the most deeply entrenched, soul-searching questions. I include scientific and biological enquiry, as well as philosophical contemplation to attest to the profound nature of life which proves to be unchanging and eternal. The depth of insight has implications for everyone, suggesting our lives 'pass on' rather than 'pass away.' I convey the nature of reality as it truly is from the transcendental perspective which inexplicably is inherent in our lives, and centuries-old quotes, images and letters to acclaimed authors are included to show how sublime one's enlightened mind is, the mind that is aroused through the Mantra's recital, free of conditioning, distorted beliefs and transience. This book is not about envisaged transcendental Beings. It is not about 'thinking spiritually.' It is beyond these notions, based on a revelation found in the depths of Mahayana Buddhism, a life philosophy. I support the nature of life as I experienced it with quotes and excerpts from scientists and philosophers, and of course I include profound Mahayana Buddhism proclamations. Even apart from the Mantra's recital, I believe the material in the book will prove to be of an unexpected, compelling significance, revealing a 'hidden nature' of life from a perspective one rarely encounters. I use my transcendental experience to convey life's profundity and grandeur which possess a perceivable quality beyond passive notions. And, if one wishes to recite of the said Mantra, they will adorn their lives with sublime, unknown qualities and reorientate their lives to reflect their true interests, for this life, and beyond. Yes, one's life transcends one's physical demise, yet one maintains their central individuality always. It is through the transience of phenomena that "Life exhibits both the qualities of 'being and non-being, ' yet in essence is neither." In conclusion, I believe the book will give hope and inspiration for anyone wishing to grasp the nature of their life, their existence, whilst providing the means for one to endow their life with qualities never before realized and a degree of insight that perhaps has never been contemplated.
Developing Mindfulness
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation with 'Developing Mindfulness' from Bodhi Path Press, a scripture collection that compiles discourses from the Pali Canon on the practice of mindfulness. This illuminating collection offers a profound exploration of mindfulness meditation, a central aspect of Buddhist practice. The selected discourses guide readers through the principles and techniques of developing mindfulness in various aspects of life. From mindful breathing to cultivating awareness in daily activities, these teachings provide practical insights for integrating mindfulness into every moment. An invaluable resource for both beginners and experienced practitioners, 'Developing Mindfulness' stands as a testament to the transformative power of mindfulness meditation as presented in the rich tapestry of the Pali Canon.
Vinaya Pitaka
Discover the ethical foundation of Buddhist monastic life with the 'Vinaya Pitaka' from the Sutta Pitaka, the timeless compendium of monastic rules and guidelines. This sacred scripture provides a comprehensive code of conduct and discipline for those following the Buddhist path, emphasizing the importance of ethical living, restraint, and harmony within the monastic community. Delve into the teachings that guide monastics and lay practitioners in upholding the ethical precepts that underpin the Dharma. The 'Vinaya Pitaka'is an indispensable resource for those seeking to explore the Book of Buddhist Discipline and its role in the preservation of the Buddha's teachings and the cultivation of a virtuous life, making it a valuable addition to the collection of Buddhist scriptures.
