Michie has previously published three mystery novels through Time Warner Books UK.When novice monk Tenzin Dorje is told by his lama that the Red Army is invading Tibet, his country's darkest moment paradoxically gives him a sense of purpose like no other. He accepts a mission to carry two ancient, secret texts across the Himalayas to safety. Half a century later, in a paradox of similarly troubling circumstances, Matt Lester is called upon to convey his own particular wisdom as a scientist, when Matt's nanotech project is mysteriously moved from London to a research incubator in Los Angeles.Tenzin and Matt embark on parallel adventures which have spine-chilling connections. Tenzin's perilous journey through the Himalayas, amid increasing physical hardship and the ever-present horror of Red Army capture, is mirrored by Matt's contemporary, but no less traumatic challenges, as his passionate relationship with his fiance, Isabella, and his high flying career undergo escalating crises. It is at the moment when both Tenzin and Matt face catastrophe that their stories converge, spectacularly transforming our understanding of all that has gone before.

    His first book, The Joy of Living, was a New York Times bestseller hailed as “compelling, readable, and informed” (Buddhadharma) and praised by Richard Gere, Lou Reed, and Julian Schnabel for its clarity, wit, and unique insight into the relationship between science and Buddhism.His new book, Joyful Wisdom, addresses the timely and timeless problem of anxiety in our everyday lives. “From the 2,500-year-old perspective of Buddhism,” Yongey Mingyur writes, “every chapter in human history could be described as an ‘age of anxiety.’ The anxiety we feel now has been part of the human condition for centuries.” So what do we do? Escape or succumb? Both routes inevitably lead to more complications and problems in our lives. “Buddhism,” he says, “offers a third option. We can look directly at the disturbing emotions and other problems we experience in our lives as stepping-stones to freedom. Instead of rejecting them or surrendering to them, we can befriend them, working through them to reach an enduring authentic experience of our inherent wisdom, confidence, clarity, and joy.”Divided into three parts like a traditional Buddhist text, Joyful Wisdom identifies the sources of our unease, describes methods of meditation that enable us to transform our experience into deeper insight, and applies these methods to common emotional, physical, and personal problems. The result is a work at once wise, anecdotal, funny, informed, and graced with the author’s irresistible charm.

    He details practical ways for youth to overcome issues relating to bullying, relationships and insecurity by drawing on and tapping their "inexhaustible wellspring of infinite potential"--or Buddhahood--to forge a robust self and to create both individual happiness and a future of peace for all.

    The good news is that once we start to recognize these patterns, they instantly begin to lose their hold on us and we can begin to change our lives for the better.“This path entails uncovering three basic human qualities,” explains Pema. “They are natural intelligence, natural warmth, and natural openness. Everyone, everywhere, all over the globe, has these qualities and can call on them to help themselves and others.”This book gives us the insights and practices we can immediately put to use in our lives to awaken these essential qualities. In her friendly and encouraging style, Pema Chödrön helps us take a bold leap toward a new way of living—one that will bring about positive transformation for ourselves and for our troubled world.

    It asks that spiritual seekers wake up to their true nature, which is already enlightened. Based on the Buddhist wisdom tradition, this easy-to-read book discusses in simple but profound and inspiring language how we can live a life full of love, satisfaction, and happiness. Anam Thubten, an accomplished Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher, speaks with clarity, humor, and refreshing honesty as he shares his own spiritual journey. With profound knowledge and insight into the human condition, he illuminates the path to enlightenment for those willing to go to the heart of the matter.

    With more than one million books sold to date, she draws sold-out crowds across the U.S.and Canada. On Unconditional Confidence she offers two accessible sessions to help anyone find courage in times of challenge and change. Featuring a three-step method for learning to work with uncertainty and fear and an exclusive interview, this liberating program offers practical tools and teachings that explore:True confidence--and how to cultivate the trust that makes it possible- "Shaky tenderness," the first step to developing strong and consistent bravery- Practical steps to "leap into, smile at, and experience all of life"--even when fear is present"For us to be of benefit to each other--in times of challenge or any other--we need to be able to tap into genuine confidence," teaches Pema. Unconditional Confidence offers timeless wisdom and inspiration for developing this courageous skill for whatever life presents us.

    The Dalai Lama explains this classic and beloved work, showing how anyone can develop a truly "good heart" and the aspiration for the enlightenment of all beings. In this book, the Dalai Lama shares his extraordinary insight into the human condition and what it means to be a responsible and caring person.  4 CDs, 5 hours, unabridged.

    On Living Without Stress or Fear, this treasured Zen master shares a message of hope: that we can, through the practice of mindfulness, find freedom from the grip of emotions like anxiety, anger, and despair. “Suffering persists because we nourish the feelings that cause it,” reveals Thich Nhat Hanh. “Through mindful living, we learn to nourish our compassionate nature instead.”Discovering Your “True Home” in the Present MomentWe do not find happiness by suppressing emotions like stress or fear. As Thich Nhat Hanh teaches, you can develop a capacity to deal with such emotions by building a sanctuary—your “true home”—in the present moment. Through techniques such as “mindful breathing” and the “begin anew” practice, you purposefully expand your ability to dwell in a state of peaceful clarity, and develop the insight to see through to the underlying causes of negative emotions. By facing your inner darkness with awakened compassion, you can transform toxic energies within you—and radiate the energy of lovingkindness to everyone around you. Essential Teachings from a Legendary Voice for PeaceThich Nhat Hanh has lived and taught the path of peace in the most challenging situations—carrying the light of compassion into places stricken by war, famine, and despair. Refined throughout a lifetime of mindfulness in action, he now shares his most transformative teachings and practices to guide you in your own journey to the source of happiness on Living Without Stress or Fear.Highlights Foundational mindfulness practices: being fully present while walking, breathing, and eating• Seeds of happiness, seeds of suffering—how we choose which emotions to nourish with our attention• The four-pebble meditation for openness, clarity, and grounding• “No death and no birth, neither being nor non-being”—embracing the central paradox at the heart of fearless living• The role of community in supporting your practice• “We are all one organism”—perspective-shifting meditations on compassion• Practices for bringing mindfulness into your family and your relationships • Six sessions of Thich Nhat Hanh's core teachings and guided practices on mindfulness, compassion, and finding freedom from sufferingThich Nhat Hanh is a Zen master in the Vietnamese tradition, scholar, poet, and peace activist who was nominated for the 1967 Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr. He is the author of more than 40 books in English, including Peace Is Every Step and Living Buddha, Living Christ.

    Thich Nhat Hanh explores the Sutra’s main theme-- that everyone has the capacity to become a Buddha, and that Buddha-nature is inherent in everything--but he also uniquely emphasizes the sutra’s insight that Buddha-nature is the basis for peaceful action. Since we all will one day become a Buddha, he says, we can use mindfulness practices right now to understand and find solutions to current world challenges. In his interpretation of the sutra, he suggests that if the practices, views, and insights of the Lotus Sutra would find application not only by individuals but also by nations, it would offer concrete solutions to transform individual suffering and the global challenges facing the world today.Stamped with his signature depth of vision, lucidity, and clarity, Thich Nhat Hanh’s insights based on the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra invoke a wide range of contemporary topics and concerns, such as the Palestinian-Israeli war, the threat of terrorism, and the degradation of our environment. In proposing radical new ways of finding peaceful solutions to universal, contemporary conflicts, he not only challenges the U.N to change from an organization to a real organism working for peace and harmony in the world, but also encourages all branches of all governments to act as Sangha. In so doing, he demonstrates the practical and direct applicability of this sacred text to today's concerns.This book has been re-released with a new title, Peaceful Action, Open Heart. The earlier hardcover edition was entitled Opening the Heart of the Cosmos.

    Sustaining belief without any doubts for one’s entire life is a very rare accomplishment. Indeed, many would say that examining one’s faith at least once is a central part of the Christian condition. In this landmark work, esteemed theologian Paul Knitter explains the unique path that he took to overcome his doubts, becoming a stronger Christian in the process.Honest and unflinching, Without Buddha I Could not be a Christian narrates each common spiritual dilemma that Knitter has struggled with and explains how a Buddhist worldview has allowed him to resolve each one. From the ‘petitioning’ nature of Christian prayer to how Christianity views life after death, Knitter argues that a Buddhist standpoint can help inspire a more person-centred conception of Christianity, where individual religious experience comes first, and liturgy and tradition second. Moving and revolutionary, this book will inspire Christians everywhere.

    Blessed with the good fortune to meet the most renowned meditation masters of her era, Mae Chee Kaew took their teachings on meditation to heart, diligently cultivating a mind of clear and spontaneous awareness. Her persistence, courage, and intuitive wisdom enabled her to transcend conventional boundaries - both those imposed upon her by the world and those limiting her mind from within - and thereby find release from birth, ageing, sickness and death.Mae Chee Kaew is one of the few known female arahants of the modern era and testimony to all beings that regardless of race, gender or class, the Buddha's goal of supreme enlightenment is still possible. This book is for FREE distribution only. For any inquiries or digital copies, please visit www.forestdhamma.org

    The limitless qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity are your deep-down, ultimate reality, and those are qualities that can’t be improved upon. If you’re not feeling particularly kind, compassionate, joyful, or equanimous at the moment, take heart: the Four Limitless Ones are there like seeds, waiting to be cultivated through practice—and, being limitless, they’re rich enough to be worked with for a lifetime.  This intensive program of study and practice provides the tools you need to access these radiant states and to nurture their growth for sake of all beings, including yourself.  Here’s some of what you’ll learn:    •  How cultivating the Four Limitless Ones is the antidote to depression, irritation, and isolation    •  Basic meditation instructions to get you started in the foundational practice    •  A wealth of guided meditations for generating these radiant qualities to yourself, others, and the world    •  Writing and reflection exercises to bring the Four Limitless Ones powerfully  into real life    •  A simple chant you can use to create love and good will around yourself    •  Powerful on-the-spot practices you can use throughout the day, even when there’s “no time to practice” Do the program at your own pace. It fits perfectly with any other kind of meditation you’re doing. And since no previous knowledge of Buddhism is required, it’s also ideal for those new to spiritual practice.  After you’ve completed the material in Perfect Just as You Are, you’ll want to listen to it again periodically–any time you need a refresher course in compassion, loving-kindness, equanimity, and joy.   8 CDs, 8 hours.

    The Nyi-da Melong opens the door to those who are inspired to integrate every aspect of human life with spiritual practice and puts to rest the myth that celibacy holds any demonstrable spiritual advantage. Sexuality is portrayed as the pervasive stratum of the senses and sense-fields and as such, the lifeblood of the creative arts. Although this teaching is common, in its essential form, to all Vajrayana traditions, it has never before been extrapolated in such detail with regard to how it is lived within romantic relationships. Here we find a vivid presentation of the practice of the Nyida Melong, characteristic of the milieu of the mahasiddhas. The authors discuss in profound depth the spiritual vivacity of falling in love, perceptual intimacy, vajra-romance, non-dual passion, liberated lust, and the poignant possibility of remaining in love forever.

    Drawing on the Diamond Sutra, the Large Sutra on Perfect Wisdom, andother essential Mahayana texts, Dale Wright shows how these teachings were understood and practiced in classical Mahayana Buddhism and how they can be adapted to contemporary life in a global society. What would the perfection of generosity look like today, for example? What would it mean to givewith neither ulterior motives nor naivet�? Devoting a separate chapter to each of the six perfections, Wright combines sophisticated analysis with real-life applications. Buddhists have always stressed self-cultivation, the uniquely human freedom that opens the possibility of shaping the kind oflife we will live and the kind of person we will become. For those interested in ideals of human character and practices of self-cultivation, The Six Perfections offers invaluable guidance.

    The Unencumbered Spirit is his classic work, a tour de force offering wise words distilled through the fundamental teachings of Taoism, Confucianism and Zen Buddhism. Hung's poetic prose embodies the infinite transformations of the world's opposites, what the Chinese called yin and yang--good and evil, honesty and deception, wisdom and foolishness, heaven and hell. Wise, profound, spiritual, humorous, witty, and timeless, The Unencumbered Spirit is, in short, a book about putting greed and competition aside, about getting at the true, clear essence of things, free of distractions and encumbrances. It is a book about living without stuff, whether it be material, psychological, or spiritual. About living with simplicity and awareness. "It has been rare for one person to develop a thorough grasp of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, such is their profundity. But there have been a few. Among them, one person's work stands above the rest: namely, Hung Ying-ming's The Unencumbered Spirit. I can recommend this work to anyone interested in the way of the world's greatest sages, whose teachings can help us all to see into and to improve our own lives." Bill Porter (aka Red Pine), from the Foreword

    It is, essentially, undefinable.Another difficulty is that many Buddhists see Nibbāna as something unobtainable – as so high and so remote that we’re not worthy enough to try for it. Or we see Nibbāna as a goal, as an unknown, undefined something that we should somehow try to attain.Most of us are conditioned in this way. We want to achieve or attain something that we don’t have now. So Nibbāna is looked at as something that, if you work hard, keep the sīla, meditate diligently, become a monastic, devote your life to practice, then your reward might be that eventually you attain Nibbāna – even though we’re not sure what it is.Ajahn Chah would use the words ‘the reality of non-grasping’ as the definition for Nibbāna: realizing the reality of non-grasping. That helps to put it in a context because the emphasis is on awakening to how we grasp and hold on even to words like ‘Nibbāna’ or ‘Buddhism’ or ‘practice’ or ‘sīla’ or ”Excerpt From: Ajahn Pasanno & Ajahn Amaro. “The Island.”

    An eclectic master, who was prominent in the nonsectarian movement that flourished, particularly in Eastern Tibet, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, his works are regarded as authoritative. I am pleased to know that great care has been taken in preparing this translation of Luminous Essence, Mipham Rinpoche's commentary on the Guhyagarbha Tantra, the root tantra which reveals mind and wisdom to be naturally manifest.

    Beginning with a thorough examination of the Indian sources, Tsongkhapa draws particularly from the writings of Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Candrakirti, and Naropa to develop a definitive understanding of the Vajrayana completion stage. Whereas in the generation stage, meditators visualize the Buddha in the form of the deity residing in a mandala palace, in the completion stage discussed in the present volume, meditators transcend ordinary consciousness and actualize the state of a buddha themselves. Among other things, Tsongkhapa's work covers the subtle human physiology of channels and winds along with the process of dying, the bardo, and rebirth. This definitive statement on Guhyasamaja tantra profoundly affected the course of Buddhist practice in Tibet.

    Vajrakilaya embodies the enlightened activity of all the buddhas that subjugates delusion and negativity in order to clear obstacles to spiritual practice. The essential purpose of Viajrakilaya practice is to "discover the absolute vajra nature that will transform every duality hindrance into clear wisdom and compassion."In this text, the renowned scholars and meditation masters Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche present the history of this lineage and the miraculous story of how Tsasum Lingpa revealed this terma teaching. Their line-by-line commentary on the short and condensed sadhanas provides an invalueable guide for practitioners to combine the skillful means of compassion and wisdon that are the foundation of Tibetan Buddhism.

    Ailsa Cameron has been editing Lama Zopa Rinpoche's teachings on Guru Devotion. She has drawn on nearly fifty different teachings that Rinpoche has given over the past three decades and the result is this book, The Heart of the Path: Seeing the Guru as Buddha. This is a fantastic teaching on Guru Devotion and is a great and very important book.

    Engaging both the intellect and the heart countless times in a single chapter, the author draws remarkably apt examples from sources as diverse as Orwell, Aeschylus, and Jane Austen. This distilled volume is a primer to the breadth and depth of Buddhist thought and practice.

    Traveling the Path of Compassion is the commentary on The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva by Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the seventeenth incarnation of Gyalwang Karmapa. Ogyen Trinley Dorje’s commentary connects this revered text with our daily lives and our deepest aspirations.

    Comprised of two of his most important texts, this collection presents four essential Buddhist strands of philosophical viewpoint and meditation technique: the teachings of the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) body of literature; the philosophy of the Middle Way; Mahamudra meditation; and Dzogchen teachings and practice.The theme of these teachings is that in every person’s heart, mind, and spirit there is an identical essence that makes that person a living Buddha. The focus is on how to realize that essence through “effortless” training based on the four techniques. Since the training is unbound by cultural or temporal limitations, the truth the book conveys is as valuable today as it was in centuries past. This system has been applied by people from many walks of life, giving them a simple method to not only withstand life’s challenges but to transcend them. This redesigned edition of The Heart of the Matter and Lamp of Mahamudra features illuminating introductions and a new foreword, bringing Rangdröl’s timeless message to contemporary seekers.From the Trade Paperback edition.

    Most of these materials have never been translated comprehensively. The Third Karmapa's unique and well-balanced view synthesizes Yogacara Madhyamaka and the classical teachings on buddha nature. Rangjung Dorje not only shows that these teachings do not contradict each other but also that they supplement each other and share the same essential points in terms of the ultimate nature of mind and all phenomena. His fusion is remarkable because it clearly builds on Indian predecessors and precedes the later often highly charged debates in Tibet about the views of Rangtong ("self-empty") and Shentong ("other-empty"). Although Rangjung Dorje is widely regarded as one of the major proponents of the Tibetan Shentong tradition (some even consider him its founder), this book shows how his views differ from the Shentong tradition as understood by Dolpopa Taranatha and the First Jamgon Kongtrul. The Third Karmapa's view is more accurately described as one in which the two categories of rangtong and shentong are not regarded as mutually exclusive but are combined in a creative synthesis. For those practicing the sutrayana and the vajrayana in the Kagyu tradition, what these texts describe can be transformed into living experience.

    What's the best way to get started? Learn from an experienced teacher.Sharon Salzberg, known for her ability to make meditation accessible while keeping true to tradition, offers Guided Meditations for Love and Wisdom. With more than a dozen beginner-friendly meditations, this program offers a well-rounded practice that will open your heart and mind.Join this cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and meditation teacher of more than 30 years for step-by-step instruction in:Meditation for balance- Meditation for seeing good- Drinking tea meditation- Compassion meditation- Sensation meditation- Meditation for emotions- Walking meditation- Lovingkindness meditationMeditation practice opens us up to the world and allows us to realize fully what we are feeling, with balance and compassion, as we encounter both the joy and suffering in life, teaches Salzberg. Now with Guided Meditations for Love and Wisdom listeners will have the tools to begin--and stick with--the liberating practice of meditation.Course objectives: Gain an understanding of the importance of breath in meditation- Receive direct, first-person experience in the 14 meditative practices- Practice meditation in daily life- Understand ways in which we sometimes prevent ourselves from fully experiencing meditation

    By following the spiritual practices outlined in Becoming Enlightened, we can learn how to replace troublesome feelings with positive attitudes and embark on a path to achieving an exalted state -- within ourselves and within the larger world. Full of personal anecdotes and intimate accounts of the Dalai Lama's experiences as a lifelong student, thinker, political leader, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Becoming Enlightened gives readers all the wisdom, support, guidance, and inspiration they need to become successful and fulfilled in their spiritual lives. This is a remarkable and empowering book that can be read and enjoyed by seekers of all faiths. Readers at every stage of their spiritual development will be captivated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama's loving and direct teaching style.

    Its appeal lies in the broad scope of its teachings and in the depth and clarity of its prescriptions for contemplative practice. Its wealth of theoretical and practical instruction in the spiritual life often made it the first major text to be studied by newly ordained monks, particularly in the Chan School. The new translation, prepared by members of the Buddhist Text Translation Society, is enhanced by excerpts from the commentary by the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua (Xuanhua). For the Chinese sutra with pinyin romanization for pronunciation, see BTTS online, ISBN 0881394041.

    Becoming a Buddha, Lama Miller explains, means observing the mind and actions and then doing the physical, psychological, and spiritual work to move closer to one's wisdom nature. Dharma is spiritual practice; it's what one does every day to make one's mind and world a better place to live. Each chapter includes a passage to read, an exercise of the day that relates to each week's topic, a quote from a sage, and tips on how to make daily practice a little easier. The book shows that it's not necessary to subscribe to a particular -- or any -- belief system to benefit from this program. "It's only necessary," says Lama Miller, "to believe one deserves to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life."

    Participants say the practice purifies them both physically and spiritually. This volume is the only comprehensive treatment in English of these powerful teachings. Nyungne is a profound, two-and-a-half-day practice, a length of time especially helpful for people whose schedules cannot accommodate long-term retreat. It involves the keeping of strict vows; the second day is devoted to complete silence and fasting. The meditation centers on the recitations, mantras, and guided visualizations of the Thousand-Armed Chenrezig, the embodiment of all the buddhas’ loving-kindness and compassion. Translated as “abiding in the fast,” Nyungne is said to be effective in the healing of illness, the nurturing of compassion, and the purification of negative karma.

    In Embracing Compassion - the collection of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's speeches at a conference of top leaders held annually for the last several years - he focuses on that process through the lens of leadership.Embracing Compssion: A Revolution in Leadership, vol.1, comprises President Ikeda's speeches at those gatherings from 2001 through 2003. The SGI leader discusses significant lessons that can be applied in any leadership situation, including:-Why the mentor-disciple relationship is at the heart of Buddhism-The top points in fostering youth-How to keep an organisation from stagnating-The keys to unity and victory in any situation-Learning to recognize and stand up to devilish functions

    Correctly implemented, these six "gates" lead the meditator to realization of the fourth of the four truths (cessation), of which the "sublimity" referenced in the title is one of the four canonically-described practice aspects. This classic was written by the sixth-century monk and meditation master, Shramana Zhiyi (Chih-i), one of the most illustrious figures in the history of Chinese Buddhism. Master Zhiyi is famous for his role in the founding of the Tiantai teachings lineage and for his authorship of a quartet of meditation manuals of which this is one. The translator of this volume is the American monk, Bhikshu Dharmamitra, a translator of numerous classic works from the Indian and Chinese Buddhist traditions.

    In truth, however, realization happens incrementally, from moment to moment. And in any moment when true wisdom is recognized, all concepts and afflictions are freed right on the spot and we can affirm for ourselves that the experience of enlightenment is possible. When we do, we experience a moment of the mind of a buddha - "momentary buddhahood."In this tantalizing presentation, Anyen Rinpoche offers a vision of the crucial necessity of mindfulness in any exploration of the Buddha's path - especially the path of tantric practice.

    The huatou is a confounding question much like a Zen koan. Typical ones are "What is wu [nothingness]?" or "What was my original face before birth-and-death?" But a huatou is unlike a koan in that the aim is not to come up with an answer. The practice is simple: ask yourself your huatou relentlessly, in meditation as well as in every other activity. Don't give up on it; don't try to think your way to an answer. Resolve to live with the sensation of doubt that arises, and it will pervade your entire existence with a sense of profound wonder, ultimately leading to the shattering of the sense of an independent self. Master Sheng Yen brings the traditional practice to life in this practical guide based on talks he gave during a series of huatou retreats. He teaches the method in detail, giving advice for dealing with the typical pitfalls and problems that arise, and answering retreat participants' questions as they experience the practice themselves. He then offers commentary on four classic huatou texts, grounding his instructions in the teaching of the great Chan masters.

    Within its tradition, it is the universally-acknowledged standard beginning-to-intermediate meditation manual, one which offers perhaps the most reliable, comprehensive, and practically-useful Buddhist meditation instruction currently available in English. The author of "The Essentials" is the sixth-century monk and meditation master, Shramana Zhiyi (Chih-i), one of the most illustrious figures in the history of Chinese Buddhism. Master Zhiyi is famous for his role in the founding of the Tiantai teachings lineage and for his authorship of a quartet of meditation manuals of which this is one. The translator of this volume is the American monk, Bhikshu Dharmamitra, a translator of numerous classic works from the Indian and Chinese Buddhist traditions.

    These simple yet beautiful tales invites us to look deeper into almost any situation in life. In the tradition of Aesop's Fables each story concludes with a moral lesson. In these lessons, the author gives us a perspective on people and events that is both rare and unexpected, demonstrating a profound understanding of the human condition. Something You Forgot Along the Way is a joy to read for anyone: teenagers looking to share in the wisdom of an adult; parents and teachers who wish to share something invaluable with their children or pupils; and all people everywhere, young or old, who seek to better themselves and the world they live in. This is a book to cherish, to share and to return to over and over again.

    Each story is "framed" by the inclusion of Nagarjuna's introductory and summarizing Dharma discussions which place the stories in the context of the Bodhisattva Path to buddhahood. The translation and story selection are by the American monk, Bhikshu Dharmamitra. This volume includes facing-page source text in both traditional and simplified scripts.

    It is essentially a story of how “human revolution”—the calling forth of the “limitless inherent power” of the human spirit—can build a movement for world peace and individual empowerment, a dynamic process of betterment referred to within the Soka Gakkai as kosen-rufu.

    An ongoing series of the novelised history of the Soka Gakkai, Shin’ichi Yamamoto, the 3rd president of SGI, embarks on his trips overseas to fulfill his mentor’s vision of worldwide Kosen-Rufu.

    It is a free-standing section of that commentary exclusively devoted to analyzing and explaining the various levels of practice of the bodhisattva's six perfections. In it, Nagarjuna sets forth numerous stories, analogies, and analyses as he reveals the deepest meaning of giving, moral virtue, patience, vigor, meditative discipline, and transcendent wisdom, the six primary qualities cultivated by a bodhisattva in progressing toward buddhahood. The translation is by the American monk, Bhikshu Dharmamitra. This volume includes facing-page source text in both traditional and simplified scripts as well as extensive text-structure outlining provided by the translator.

    This work describes the essential prerequisites for achieving the complete enlightenment of a buddha while also describing the most important practices to be undertaken by bodhisattvas. The text is accompanied here by an abridged version of its only commentary, originally written by the early Indian Bhikshu Vasitva, a monk who lived sometime in the middle or first half of the first millennium. This volume includes facing-page source text for the stanzas in both traditional and simplified scripts. Abridgement, notes, and translation by the American monk, Bhikshu Dharmamitra.

    a complete guide to the practice of White Tara

    They have been considered divine or numinous sites, the abodes of deities, the preferred locations for temples and monasteries, and destinations for pilgrims. Early in Chinese history a set of five mountains were co-opted into the imperial cult and declared sacred peaks, yue, demarcating and protecting the boundaries of the Chinese imperium.The Southern Sacred Peak, or Nanyue, is of interest to scholars not the least because the title has been awarded to several different mountains over the years. The dynamic nature of Nanyue raises a significant theoretical issue of the mobility of sacred space and the nature of the struggles involved in such moves. Another facet of Nanyue is the multiple meanings assigned to this place: political, religious, and cultural. Of particular interest is the negotiation of this space by Daoists and Buddhists. The history of their interaction leads to questions about the nature of the divisions between these two religious traditions. James Robson's analysis of these topics demonstrates the value of local studies and the emerging field of Buddho-Daoist studies in research on Chinese religion.

    

    Through insightful observations, warm-hearted advice and deeply personal experiences, His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche explores what a Guru-disciple relationship is all about and what it means for contemporary spiritual aspirants. He reveals the ups, downs, benefits and troubles of Dharma centres all around the world and shows us how it is one of the most liberating places we'll ever know. Touching on a variety of near-taboo subjects, Rinpoche compassionately shows us the keys to finding our own way in the labyrinths of today's spiritual supermarket, and why the holy journey is still worth every thorny step we take.

    Chapter Summary Chapter 1: Main Bastion In February, 1973 Shin'ichi Yamamoto's impassioned encouragement to the members of the Soka Gakkai's main bastion, Tokyo. Chapter 2: Hope On April 11, Shin'ichi attended the first entrance ceremony of the Soka Girls Junior Senior High Schools. He said: "The twenty-first century will be the Century of Women." Chapter 3: Citadel of the People In July, 1957, the Soka Gakkai had been beset with oppression by the authorities in a series of events that later became known as the Osaka Incident. Shin'ichi vowed deeply to himself that he would build an indestructible citadel of the people and of humanism, and continue his struggle against the devilish nature of authority throughout his life. Chapter 4: Green Fields On June 5, Shin'ichi gazed out at the beautiful green fields of Fukui through the train window. He arrived at Takefu Station, near the prefecture leaders meeting venue. He began his wholehearted encouragement of members.

    Countering the long-held idea that Tibet's pre-Buddhist indigenous culture was primitive and undeveloped, this book shares the rich cultural origins of the kingdom of Zhang Zhung--the "cradle of Tibetan culture," which encompassed a vast area of Western and Northern Tibet in an area that includes sacred Mount Kailash. Presenting the meticulous research of internationally known Dzogchen Buddhist teacher and scholar Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, the book investigates the mysteries of Zhang Zhung's Bon religion, a set of shamanistic and animistic beliefs and practices only recently studied by a handful of academic scholars. Offering a critical analysis of a vast array of literary and primary sources, Norbu discusses the role of the Bon traditions within Zhang Zhung's lineages, dynasties, and culture. Examining Zhang Zhung's written language, sacred ornaments, rock carvings, healing practices, music, and magical divination techniques, Norbu contributes to an understanding of the roots of Tibetan Buddhist culture and modern-day Bon religion--a practice followed by an estimated ten percent of Tibetans.Table of Contents:Translator's Foreword; A Technical Note about the Translation; I. The Human Generations of Ancient Zhang Zhung; II. The Bon Lineages of Ancient Zhang Zhung; III. The Royal Lineages of Ancient Zhang Zhung; IV. The Written Language of Ancient Zhang Zhung; V. The Civilization of Ancient Zhang Zhung; Indexes--Tibetan and Zhang Zhung Names and Terms, Textual Sources, Sanskrit Names and Terms, Chinese Names and Terms

    

    But quickly we learn that the seemingly direct way the community of monks, seekers, beggars, roof-top monkeys and dogs interact with each other is soul opening. It gives the author the space, the distance and the safety to circle her own deeply disturbing childhood memories. At the center of the gyre, are fragmented images of a mattress in an attic room, visits to strange adults for horrific reasons, images of hospital rooms and distant parents. For most of her life, Janet Thomas tells us, she has managed to present herself to the outside world as a well-functioning single-mother holding down a variety of jobs from government work to magazine editing. She managed a movie theater, she played in a soccer league, she wrote successful plays, she had love affairs. But internally she was dealing with a volcano of grief, sexual confusion and psychological damage. This is a book for seekers--who will find inspiration and, at the very least, profound insights from a complicated woman who is struggling to understand the damage done by childhood abuse not just on those who experience it but society as a whole.

    It's an outstanding, and in some ways a singular, resource.The authors examine how classical Buddhist texts describe Nibbana (Nirvana). Even though it's the "goal" of the Buddhist life, Nibbana is rarely discussed, so people wanting a concrete goal to motivate them are often left in the dark. The authors certainly agree no one can adequately describe Nibbana, and any discussion involves risks of misinterpretation, but they know the value of examining how Nibbana has been characterized in the texts, in descriptions of the Buddha's life, and in subsequent writings. This is an exceptional goal, and the authors manage it nicely IMHO.The book is well-organized, well-written, well-thought out, interesting, and valuable; the authors have given us a labor of love. The authors, who are dedicated monastics, also have considerable experience and credibility within the modern Buddhist Dharma community.NOTE ON AVAILABILITY: Thanks, Amazon, for your kindness in listing this book and bringing it to our attention, but "The Island" is indeed available (at the time of this Review). It is available for free distribution from Abhayagiri Monastic Foundation, either in softcover form or via downloading. This reflects a Buddhist tradition of offering free teachings as an act of generosity (it also offers the recipients the opportunity, but not the requirement, to support the teachings with free-will offerings -- mutual support is part of our practice if the teachings are to survive). Readers should be grateful for the opportunity to make a free-will offering to the Abhayagiri community so they can continue offering this book without cost (to the user), and they might be grateful to Amazon for listing it on their website.

    Monshu Ohtani shares his insights on kindness, compassion, mindful attention to others, faith, and self-understanding through personal stories and examples. The Buddha s Wish for the World was written for general audiences, not just followers of the Shin tradition. Americans who are familiar with other Buddhist teachings will find many similarities, but also unique differences that come out of the Pure Land vision.

    Given that the bodhisattva vow constitutes the very essence of the path to buddhahood, this text can be said to be dedicated to the most important topic in all of Mahayana Buddhism. The translation and notes are by the American monk, Bhikshu Dharmamitra. This volume includes text outlines and facing-page source text in both traditional and simplified scripts.

    In this story, Gesar, King of Ling, moves between life and death to free his mother from the bonds of hell. He traverses the six realms of being and passes through the five traditional states (bardos). His journey reaches its apex in four visions of the enlightened rulers of the Kingdom of Shambhala. Gesar's inner journey, his encounters with a panoply of beings embodying the spontaneous presence of the awakened state, enable him to heal the doubts and divisions that have come to threaten his kingdom. This tale of how the vision of an enlightened society can be realized on this earth has inspired people for many centuries; it is equally powerful today. The miraculous images of King Gesar dance so vividly on the pages of 'Crossings On A Bridge of Light' it's as if they were alive. It's beautiful! -The Ven. Tulku Thondup, translator of many important Nyingma texts, author of Healing Power of Mind, Boundless Healing, and Peaceful Death, Joyful Rebirth 'Crossings On A Bridge of Life' is a treasure, a work of true inspiration. It demonstrates that the tradition of Gesar and his significance is not lost, and that singers may appear in any land or time. In relating Gesar's quest to liberate his mother from hell, it vividly brings to life the Buddhist teachings on the six realms, the cycle of bardos, the pure lands of the five transcendent Buddhas, and the inseparability of existence and awakening. The poetry of its language deeply touches the heart with compassion and opens the mind to the ever-present reality of the awakened state. -Dr. Francesca Fremantle, translator (with Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche) of The Tibetan Book of the Dead and author of Luminous Emptiness

    And indeed, the earliest Buddhist scriptures celebrate the teachings and inspiring influence of these path-blazing female renunciants. Nonetheless, through much of the Buddhist world, the order of nuns has disappeared or was never transmitted at all.Dignity & Discipline represents a watershed moment in Buddhist history, as the Dalai Lama together with scholars and monastics from around the world, present powerful cases, grounded in both scripture and a profound appeal to human dignity, that the order of Buddhist nuns can and should be fully restored.

    His dramatic escape from Tibet and his spiritual presence have made him an instant celebrity, and Elle magazine recently named him one of its “25 people to watch.” The Future is Now , which pairs contemporary photography with 108 sayings on how to live more compassionately and consciously, is the Karmapa’s first mainstream work. In it, he offers advice on such universal and personal themes as social values, the environment, freedom, responsibility, loneliness, and contentment. Fresh, bold, timely photos and straightforward text make the ancient teachings of Buddhism accessible to everyone.Earlier this year, the Karmapa made his first trip to the West speaking to large crowds in New York, Boulder, and Seattle. It’s been reported that the venues sold out based almost solely on the strength of e-mail chains.  His visit generated an enormous amount of publicity including two New York Times items, a piece in Time magazine, an interview on the PBS program “Religion & Ethics News Weekly,” and coverage in major Buddhist magazines.

    Edited by Ailsa Cameron, this book covers an amazing range of topics.

    

    In many cases, we think of them as purely something unpleasant to overcome, or as a mistake that needs correcting. Here, Chögyam Trungpa takes a radically different approach to such obstacles, teaching that unexpected chaos, confusion, and emotional upheavals can actually be used as fuel for the journey—an energy that can transform confusion into sanity and wisdom. He illustrates this transformative principle through telling the lively history of the Trungpa tulkus (a lineage within the Kagyü tradition of Tibetan Buddhism), of which he was the eleventh incarnation. Trungpa referred to his lineage as the "Mishap Lineage" because of the ups and downs and colorful lives that were typical of his predecessors, and true of his own life as well. The stories of the Trungpas are seen as a guide for the practitioner’s journey and help us to understand how important lineage and community remain for us today.

    In Beyond the Self Thich Nhat Hanh suggests that we can find tranquility by embracing all aspects of life, instead of focusing on what we like and dislike. The book contains Nhat Hanh's original translation of the Sutra on the Middle Way, as well as his commentary on how we can use this teaching to better understand how to navigate our difficulties and find peace of mind. By changing how we see the world, Beyond the Self helps us transform ourselves.

    Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.