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)
Practicing Safe Zen
In a time when abuse at the hands of religious leaders is too common comes this guide to making the most of the Zen tradition while protecting and empowering yourself"This is a thoroughly engaging exploration based on deep knowledge of the tradition as well as contemporary research." --Martine Batchelor, author, Principles of ZenWhile the liberation that Zen offers is real, it must be engaged with carefully, explains this sensei. Her book is neither a memoir about a single case of abuse nor a bloodless academic study. Nelson reflects on the multiple dangers in Zen, from firsthand experience in Boston--where documented abuse recently took place--integrating her discussion at every step with core Zen teachings."Practicing Safe Zen imparts a lesson we all will have to learn if we want to truly mature in our spiritual practice." --Barry Magid, author, Ending the Pursuit of Happiness
Buddhist Psalms Translated From the Japanese of Shinran Shonin
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.
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.
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.
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
This book explores the emergence and growth of Zen as a non-monastic spiritual practice in modern Japan. Focusing on several prominent lay Zen associations, most notably Ningen Zen, it explores different aspects of lay Zen as a lived religion, such as organization, ideology, and ritual. Through a combined approach utilizing Buddhist text, historical sources, and ethnographic fieldwork, it explains how laypeople have appropriated religious authority and tailored Zen teachings to fit their needs and the zeitgeist.Featuring the findings of three years of fieldwork, interviews, and archival research, the book comprehensively describes various Zen practices and explores their contemporary meaning and functions. It undermines the distinction between traditional or established Buddhism and the so-called New Religions, emphasizing instead the dynamic relations between tradition and interpretation.Written in accessible language and offering insightful analysis, this book brings to light the essential role of lay Zen associations in modernizing Zen within Japan and beyond. It will be of interest to scholars and students of religious studies, particularly those studying Buddhism, Japanese society, and culture.
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.
