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.
A Calm Place in the Storm
Venerable Lama Karma Thinley Rinpoche (the Fourth Karma Thinleypa) is a recognised master in both the Karma Kagyu and Sakya schools of Tibetan Buddhism. he is one of the handful of remarkable teachers who first helped bring these teachings to the West, settling in Toronto, Canada, where he taught for over fifty years. Here, he distills the essence of the precious Buddhist teachings and path to enlightenment, and skillfully addresses some misconceptions. Dense with meaning and practical advice, like a delicious feast, these teachings provide invaluable support and guidance for the development and ripening of compassion and wisdom.Illustrations by Karma Thinley Rinpoche and Christopher Banigan.
An End to Suffering
Is the Buddha still relevant today and, if so, in what way? Pankaj Mishra tries to answer this question as he travels through poverty-ridden South Asia to gilded Europe and America. Along the way he discovers how Buddhist thought has flowered even in a materialistic world, and reveals the parallels between the age of the Buddha and the contemporary world. A rich, challenging and deeply contemplative work, An End to Suffering is regarded as many to be Mishra's masterpiece.
Decolonising the Study of Religion
This book analyses historical and contemporary discussions in the study of Buddhism and will be of interest to Religious Studies, Buddhism, Japanese religions, anthropology, Asian Studies.
Lay Zen in Contemporary Japan
In Lay People Zen in Contemporary Japan, Erez Joskovich examines the birth and development of Zen as a non-monastic spiritual practice in 20th and 21st centuries Japan.
Voices of Siam
A rich compilation of teachings from revered Buddhist masters in Thailand's deep Theravada tradition. Accessible, engaging, and inspiring, this collection of teachings reveals Thai Buddhism to be a no-nonsense, practical spiritual path with an emphasis on personal experience, mindfulness, ethical conduct, and confronting the roots of one's suffering head-on. Perfect for anyone interested in insight meditation, Voices from Siam showcases the bountiful wisdom of the Buddhist tradition that inspired a generation of Western teachers--including Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, Sylvia Boorstein, and many more. Translator Bruce Evans presents these timeless Dhamma teachings in English for the first time, masterfully conveying the unique voice of each teacher. Each chapter presents a complete teaching that can be readily applied to daily life and meditation practice--ranging from the mysterious "Girimananda Sutta," originally discovered on a palm-leaf manuscript and translated into modern Thai in 1922, to contemporary talks given by a new generation of Buddhist masters.
A Calm Place in the Storm
Venerable Lama Karma Thinley Rinpoche (the Fourth Karma Thinleypa) is a recognised master in both the Karma Kagyu and Sakya schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He is one of the handful of remarkable teachers who first helped bring these teachings to the West, settling in Toronto, Canada, where he taught for over fifty years. Here, he distills the essence of the precious Buddhist teachings and path to enlightenment, and skillfully addresses some misconceptions. Dense with meaning and practical advice, like a delicious feast, these teachings provide invaluable support and guidance for the development and ripening of compassion and wisdom.Illustrations by Karma Thinley Rinpoche and Christopher Banigan.
Sakya Pandita
A set of classic biographies of Sakya Pandita--one of Tibet's greatest scholars and religious masters. Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen (1182-1251) was a renowned Tibetan polymath, scholar, statesman, and religious master, and remains one of the most famous and consequential figures in the history of Tibet. The three biographies included here contain fascinating firsthand accounts of key events in Sakya Pandita's life, covering his family ancestry, early education, interactions and ddebates with other sects, and travels to Mongolia and his diplomacy at the Mongol court, as well as a detailed account of the miraculous events that occurred in the last weeks of his life. These were written by three central figures of the Sakya tradition: Drogon Chogyal Phakpa (Lodro Gyaltsen) (1235-80), who was Sakya Pandita's nephew and religious successor; Gorampa Sonam Senge (1429-89), a renowned Sakya scholar and prolific author who served as the sixth abbot of Ngor Monastery; and Jamgon Ameshab (Ngawang Kunga Sonam) (1597-1659), who was the twenty-seventh throne holder of the Sakya order and one of the foremost Tibetan literary and historical scholars of his time. The translations demonstrate the unique compositional style of traditional Tibetan religious biography and contain many fascinating first-person accounts of what it was like to spend time in the presence of a great Buddhist master and statesman who lived one thousand years ago in the midst of one of Asia's most tumultuous periods.
