Buddhism Books

Book SynopsisThe Mahanidana Sutta is a key discourse on dependent arising in Buddhism, emphasizing its depth and importance. Ananda challenges its complexity, leading to a profound teaching by the Buddha. This book includes the sutta's translation, commentary passages, and philosophical discussions on the topic.

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Book SynopsisThe best of Hanshan's treasured poemsamong the earliest of Zen Buddhist poetry, beloved by the Beat Generationhere newly translated by Peter Harris and organised thematically in a beautiful Pocket Poet hardcover. Long ranking among the most inspiring works of world literature, the poems of Hanshan (whose name means Cold Mountain), were written at least twelve centuries ago on trees, rocks, and walls by a semi-mythical Buddhist monk living in the mountains of south-eastern China.

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Book SynopsisReceived wisdom has it that Buddhism disappeared from India, the land of its birth, between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, long forgotten until British colonial scholars re-discovered it in the early 1800s. Its full-fledged revival, so the story goes, only occurred in 1956, when the Indian civil rights pioneer Dr. B.R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism along with half a million of his Dalit (formerly "untouchable") followers. This, however, is only part of the story. Dust on the Throne reframes discussions about the place of Buddhism in the subcontinent from the early nineteenth century onwards, uncovering the integral, yet unacknowledged, role that Indians played in the making of modern global Buddhism in the century prior to Ambedkar's conversion, and the numerous ways that Buddhism gave powerful shape to modern Indian history. Through an extensive examination of disparate materials held at archives and temples across South Asia, Douglas Ober explores Buddhist religious dynamics in an age of expanding colonial empires, intra-Asian connectivity, and the histories of Buddhism produced by nineteenth and twentieth century Indian thinkers. While Buddhism in contemporary India is often disparaged as being little more than tattered manuscripts and crumbling ruins, this book opens new avenues for understanding its substantial socio-political impact and intellectual legacy.Trade Review"This is the first comprehensive study in any language of the revival of interest in Buddhism in nineteenth and twentieth-century India. It transforms the way we view modern Indian religious and political life. Through careful archival investigation, Douglas Ober uncovers numerous sources and topics that have been ignored or dealt with in piecemeal fashion. He uses this array of materials to create a compelling argument for the vital of importance of Buddhism in modern Indian religious life, politics, intellectual history, and culture. By highlighting the contributions of Indian scholars, advocates, and practitioners to the revival of Buddhism in twentieth-century India, Ober gives us a much more accurate picture of modern global Buddhism. This is a major, foundational contribution to religious and Buddhist history."—Richard Jaffe, author of Seeking Sakyamuni: South Asia in the Formation of Modern Japanese Buddhism"This is a book I've been waiting for—a powerful account of the contestations and challenges that marked the return of Buddhism to the public sphere. It forces us to think of the role of human agency in shaping the present and future in India—perhaps even in the world."—Uma Chakravarti, author of The Social Dimensions of Early Buddhism"It is a fantastic read, almost like a detective novel in parts, and you turn the page wondering how Buddhism was discovered, how it fared in various contexts. Douglas Ober's mastery of sources, his adept linking of various geographies, ideas, and events are so effortlessly done that they belie the immense labor and reading and writing that have no doubt gone into the making of this book."—V Geetha, author of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar and the Question of Socialism in India "This splendid book overturns the standard but faulty story of Buddhism's supposed disappearance from India by the thirteenth century. It completely recasts our understanding of modern Buddhism and its role in nineteenth and twentieth-century India. A marvelous combination of history, philosophy, and story-telling, Dust on the Throne is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand Buddhism in our world today."—Evan Thompson, author ofWaking, Dreaming, Being andWhy I Am Not a Buddhist"An engrossing and lively account of how modern India 'rediscovered' and re-engaged with Buddhism in the last two centuries, featuring a cast of compelling historical characters.Going far beyond standard assumptions and understandings about the decline and revival of Buddhism in India,Dust on the Throne is a must-read for all who are interested in south Asian history, both recent and ancient."—Tony Joseph, author of Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From"Dust on the Throne offers a new perspective on the history of Buddhism in India during the colonial period and early years of Independence. Marshalling an array of evidence that foregrounds the role of individuals and institutions (some known, some forgotten) in the context of subcontinental and global networks, it dispels many long-cherished notions about Buddhism's decline and revival in its homeland, offering a convincing alternative narrative."—Upinder Singh, author of History of Ancient and Early Medieval India"Douglas Ober's Dust on the Throne weaves a fascinating history of individuals, institutions, and events that animated modern Buddhism. The book provides rare insights into a range offorgotten Indianswhose contributions were as impressive as those of better-known colonials.Its exploration of the footprint of Buddhist discourses among the masses is equally captivating. This will remain a definitive study on the many streams that constituted the quest for Buddhism inModern India."—Nayanjot Lahiri, author of Ashoka in Ancient India"[Dust on the Throne] is vast and dense, shining light on many of the Indian historians, scholars, translators, ethnographers, and laborers whose engagement with ancient and modern Buddhism galvanized 19th- and 20th-century public discourse. Rather than fragmented, however, the confluence of geographies, perspectives, and demographics demonstrate how dynamic and complex local expertise and agency in the resurgence of Buddhism within India have been."—Liesl Schwabe, Los Angeles Review of Books"Ober's exhaustive survey assembles Buddhism's disparate histories from different regions of modern India and contextualizes the formation of its multiple stands. He effectively dismantles the idea of European discovery of Buddhism and challenges the overemphasis on the contribution of Dharmapala and Ambedkar's scholarship."—Abishek Singh Amar, Tricycle"Dust on the Throne: The Search for Buddhism in Modern India, an erudite study by the historian Douglas Ober, is an exception to the brahmin-centric trend, and an outstanding intervention for many reasons. Right from its thoughtful title – which captures the deep history and 'revival' of the region's Buddhist past – the book tells us a different story than the brahmin-centric narratives of so much other scholarship. Ober shows how the widespread notion that Buddhism in the Subcontinent had died by the thirteenth century or earlier, and showed no trace of life into the modern period, is at most a 'useful fiction', if not a foolish conclusion outright."—Gajendran Ayyathurai, Himal SouthasianTable of Contents0. Introduction 1. The Agony of Memory 2. Dispelling Darkness 3. Banyan Tree Buddhism 4. Brahmanizing Buddhism 5. The Snake and the Mongoose 6. When the Buddha met Marx 7. The Buddha Nation Conclusion: Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThe Dhammapada is the most widely read Buddhist scripture in existence, enjoyed by both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. This classic text of teaching verses from the earliest period of Buddhism in India conveys the philosophical and practical foundations of the Buddhist tradition. The text presents two distinct goals for leading a spiritual life: the first is attaining happiness in this life (or in future lives); the second goal is the achievement of spiritual liberation, freedom, absolute peace. Many of the key themes of the verses are presented in dichotomies or pairs, for example, grief and suffering versus joy; developing the mind instead of being negligent about one''s mental attitude and conduct; virtuous action versus misconduct; and being truthful versus being deceitful. The purpose of these contrasts is, very simply, to describe the difference between what leads to desirable outcomes and what does not. For centuries, this text has been studied in its original Pali, the canonical language of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. This fresh new translation from Insight Mediation teacher and Pail translator Gil Fronsdal is both highly readable and scholarly authoritative. With extensive explanatory notes, this edition combines a rigorous attention to detail in bringing forth the original text with the translator''s personal knowledge of the Buddhist path. It is the first truly accurate and highly readable translation of this text to be published in English.

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Book SynopsisThis “gem of a book” reveals how we can go beyond mindfulness to connect with the ultimate happiness within us and transform our lives (Rick Hanson, Buddha’s Brain)The true nature of our mind is brilliant, clear, and joyful. But we don’t experience this reality amid the swirl of stresses, thoughts, and emotions of day-to-day life. Our Pristine Mind is a practical guide to uncovering our naturally comfortable state of mind and reconnecting with the unconditional happiness that is already within us. Using straightforward, accessible language, Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche leads us through the path of Pristine Mind meditation, a practice from the profound teachings known as Dzogchen. This book presents the entire journey of meditation, from the very beginning all the way to the complete happiness of enlightenment. It is a realistic, natural process that can be practiced and experienced by anyone.

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Book SynopsisGenuine art has the power to awaken and liberate. The renowned meditation master and artist Chögyam Trungpa called this type of art “dharma art”—any creative work that springs from an awakened state of mind, characterized by directness, unselfconsciousness, and nonaggression. Dharma art provides a vehicle to appreciate the nature of things as they are and express it without any struggle or desire to achieve. A work of dharma art brings out the goodness and dignity of the situation it reflects—dignity that comes from the artist’s interest in the details of life and sense of appreciation for experience. Trungpa shows how the principles of dharma art extend to everyday life: any activity can provide an opportunity to relax and open our senses to the phenomenal world. An expanded edition of Trungpa''s Dharma Art (1996), this book includes a new introduction and essay.

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Book SynopsisThis is the continuing story of Milarepa and his disciple Rechungpa, first encountered in volume 18 of the Complete Works. As portrayed in The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa, Rechungpa is a promising disciple, but he has a lot to learn, being sometimes proud, distracted, anxious, desirous of comfort and praise, over-attached to book learning, stubborn, sulky and liable to go to extremes. In other words, he is very human, and surely recognizable to anyone who has embarked on the spiritual path. He all too often takes his teacher's advice the wrong way, or simply ignores it, and it takes all of Milarepa's skill, compassion and patience to keep their relationship intact and help his unruly disciple to stay on the path to Enlightenment. In the story that begins this volume, matters come to a head when Milarepa burns the books that Rechungpa went all the way to India to acquire, but by the end of the volume, Rechungpa is able to set out on his own mission to teach the Dharma. Much happens in between. Sangharakshita's commentary, based on seminars given in the late 1970s and early 1980s, draws from the stories of Milarepa and his wayward disciple much valuable advice for any would-be spiritual practitioner.

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Book SynopsisBuddhist Dictionary by Nyanatiloka Thera is a trusted guide to Theravada Buddhist terminology and doctrine, offering authentic explanations of Pali terms with English cross-references and source citations. It helps identify doctrinal terms accurately amidst varying translations, serving both lay students and scholars.

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Book SynopsisThe Brahmajala Sutta captures 62 speculative views on self and world, with translations of commentary and treatises providing insight into Theravada Buddhism. Bhikkhu Bodhi's introduction offers modern commentary on the sutta, emphasizing its importance as the gateway to understanding the Buddha's teachings.

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Book SynopsisA scientific exploration of the causes and solutions to our daily problems and difficulties, using Buddha's teachings to change our world by changing our mind.Trade Review"A profound illumination of our human experience and our potential for deep inner freedom." Arturo Sanchez, Professor, Columbia University "This insightful book offers peace of mind in these troubled times. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking happiness or greater meaning in their lives." Thomas Mitchell, Professor/Author, Indiana University 'This book offers peace of mind in these troubled times' - Publishing News 'Geshe Kelsang Gyatso' has a unique gift for addressing everyday difficulties' - American Library Association Booklist 'Explains how the teachings of Buddha can help us all.' - The Bookseller 'Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's insights are penetrating and his illustrations compelling' - Publisher's WeeklyTable of ContentsIntroduction; PARTONE - The Noble Truths: Desire; Suffering; Origins; Cessations; The Path; PART TWO - Patience: The Faults of Anger; Why We Get Angry; Learning to Accept Suffering; The Patience of Definitely Thinking about Dharma; Learning not to Retaliate; Dedication; Appendix I - Understanding the Mind; Appendix II - Past and Future Lives; Appendix III - 'Liberating Prayer' and 'Prayers for Meditation'; Appendix IV - What is Meditation?; Appendix V - 'The Kadampa Way of Life'; Glossary; Bibliography; Study Programmes of Kadampa Buddhism; Index

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Book SynopsisBuddhism and psychedelic exploration share a common concern: the liberation of the mind. This new edition of Zig Zag Zen: Buddhism and Psychedelics has substantially evolved from the landmark anthology that launched the first serious inquiry into the moral, ethical, doctrinal, and transcendental considerations of the intersection of Buddhism and psychedelics. A provocative and thoughtful exploration of inner states and personal transformation, Zig Zag Zen now includes an expanded display of stunning artwork from Android Jones, Sukhi Barber, Randal Roberts, Luke Brown and Ang Tsherin Sherpa, and more work by the pioneering visionary artist Alex Grey. Complementing these new images are original essays by such luminaries as Ralph Metzner and Brad Warner; exciting interviews with James Fadiman, Kokyo Henkel, and Rick Doblin; and a discussion of ayahuasca''s unique influence on Zen Buddhism by David Coyote (six new text contributions in total); all of which have been carefully curated to ex

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Book SynopsisA Cultural History of Japanese Buddhism offers a comprehensive, nuanced, and chronological account of the evolution of Buddhist religion in Japan from the sixth century to the present day.Trade Review“In short, this study is a welcome contribution to the field and will make an excellent textbook for the classroom.” (Japanese Journal of Religious Studies, 1 October 2015)Table of ContentsList of Illustrations vii Acknowledgments ix Introduction 1 1 Early Historical Contexts (Protohistory to 645) 13 2 Ancient Buddhism (645–950) 45 3 Early Medieval Buddhism (950–1300): The Dawn of Medieval Society and Related Changes in Japanese Buddhist Culture 87 4 Late Medieval Buddhism (1300–1467): New Buddhisms, Buddhist Learning, Dissemination and the Fall into Chaos 135 5 Buddhism and the Transition to the Modern Era (1467–1800) 171 6 Modern Buddhism (1800–1945) 209 7 Buddhism Since 1945 231 Character Glossary 255 Index 287

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Book SynopsisA clear, elegant exploration of the basic teachings of early Buddhism, ideal for both general readers and scholars.Discover the birth of Buddhism and the essentials of Buddhist teachings with this clear, comprehensive explanation of early Buddhism’s key doctrines. You’ll come away with: insight into the beginning of Buddhism and the significance of its core beliefs—dependent arising, non-self, moral life, the diagnosis of the human condition, the critique of theoretical views, and the nature of Nibbana; a lucid understanding of the Buddha’s challenge to the concept of the subject as a self-entity and the reality of both the subject and object, perceiver and perceived, as a dynamic process; a grasp of early Buddhist teachings as representing a middle position (equally aloof from spiritual eternalism and materialist annihilation) and a middle path (equally aloof from self-mortification and sensual indulgence); and the experience of the Buddha’s teachings on attaining liberation as comprehensible, sensible, and something we can make part of our own practice.

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Book SynopsisYongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a highly respected scholar and teacher and is best known for his ability to address our human weaknesses with deeply personal understanding and compassion. He travels widely and is currently helping to build the Tergar Institute in Bodhgaya, India - a sacred pilgrimage site and teaching centre.Trade ReviewI heartily recommend this to anyone interested in the healing arts, consciousness studies, and genuine contemplative practice today -- Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha WithinThere is real wisdom here. Fresh and clear. Rinpoche has offered us what may well be an essential link between the Buddha and contemporary neuroscience and physics... His voice is generous, intimate and refreshingly personal... Read this book -- Richard Gere, Actor

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Book SynopsisThe Pali Literature of Ceylon is vast and important, attracting historians, folklore lovers, linguists, and religion scholars. It spans ancient to 20th century, showcasing Sri Lanka's history, Buddhism, and Pali literature.

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Book SynopsisThe study discusses Buddhist ceremonies and rituals, which are integral to the religious life of devout followers despite purists' reservations about deviating from canonical teachings.

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Book SynopsisVivid recollections of his personal attendant Ananda and other disciples bring the reader into the Buddha s presence, where his example offers profound inspiration and guidance on the path to freedom.

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Book SynopsisThe Light of Wisdom Vol. I contains the root terma ---hidden treasure text --- of Padmasambhava, The Gradual Path of the Wisdom Essence and its commentary The Light of Wisdom by Jamgon Kongtrul the Great. Annotations on the commentary Entering the Path of Wisdom spoken by Jamyang Drakpa and recorded by Jokyab Rinpoche are included as well as clarifications from other masters. Volume I presents in-depth explanations of the Vajrajana Buddhist perspective. It begins with the nature of the ground, the buddha nature present in all beings, continues with the teachings that are common to all vehicles, and concludes with the Mahayana and the link to Vajrayana.This essence of the causal and resultant vehicles,Especially the core of the realization the three sections of the inner tantras,Linking together the ground with the path,Makes you abandon the temporary defilements along with their tendencies,Realize fruition and quickly accomplish the welfare of self and others,In this way it is in conformity with each yet exalted above them all. -PadmasambhavaThe root text of Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo, a terma revealed by the great treasure- finder Chokgyur Lingpa, and its commentary by Kongtrul Rinpoche, the great translator in person, form together a complete scripture that embodies all the tantras, statements and instructions of the Nyingma School of the early translations, which is most rare to find in the past, present, or future. -Kyabje Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche

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Book SynopsisThe story of the spiritual journey of the famous Tibetan yogi Milarepa is often told, but less well known are the stories of his encounters with those he met and taught after his own Enlightenment, eleven of which are the catalyst for volumes 18 and 19 of the Complete Works. The first three were originally published in The Yogi's Joy, and to these have been added an intriguing fourth, `The Shepherd's Search for Mind'. The other seven stories form a sequence tracing the relationship between Milarepa and his disciple Rechungpa, from their first meeting to their final parting, when Rechungpa is exhorted to go and teach the Dharma himself. As portrayed in The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa, Rechungpa is a promising disciple, but he has a lot to learn, being sometimes proud, distracted, anxious, desirous of comfort and praise, over-attached to book learning, stubborn, sulky and liable to go to extremes. In other words, he is very human, and surely recognizable to anyone who has embarked on the spiritual path. He all too often takes his teacher's advice the wrong way, or simply ignores it, and it takes all of Milarepa's skill, compassion and patience to keep their relationship intact and help his unruly disciple to stay on the path to Enlightenment. Sangharakshita's commentary is based on seminars he gave to young, enthusiastic but as yet inexperienced Dharma followers, and while much can be gleaned from it about the path of practice of the Kagyu tradition, the main emphasis is simply on how to overcome the difficulties that are sure to befall the would-be spiritual practitioner, how to learn what we need to learn - in short, the art of discipleship.

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Book SynopsisThis is a book about awareness - it''s about being ''awake'' and in touch with what is going on here and now. Practical and down-to-earth, it deals exclusively with the present, not with speculation, theory or belief in some far-off time and place. The teachings of the Buddha are plain and straightforward, and because they remain focused on the moment they are just as relevant now as they have ever been. BUDDHISM PLAIN AND SIMPLE is the book for anyone wanting to discover, or rediscover, the essence of Buddhism.

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Book SynopsisA masterful translation of one of the most influential Buddhist sutras—the Avatamsaka Sutra—by one of the greatest translators of Buddhist texts of our time Known in Chinese as Hua-yen and in Japanese as Kegon-kyo, the Avatamsaka Sutra, or Flower Ornament Scripture, is held in the highest regard and studied by Buddhists of all traditions. Through its structure and symbolism, as well as through its concisely stated principles, it conveys a vast range of Buddhist teachings. This one-volume edition contains Thomas Cleary’s definitive translation of all thirty-nine books of the sutra, along with an introduction, a glossary, and Cleary’s translation of Li Tongxuan’s seventh-century guide to the final book, the Gandavyuha, “Entry into the Realm of Reality.”

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Book SynopsisFROM THE INTERNATIONALLY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE THINGS YOU CAN SEE ONLY WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN - OVER 3 MILLION COPIES SOLD'Reading this is like receiving a warm hug' Vex King, author of Good Vibes, Good Life'A warm and reassuring path through the most challenging moments of our lives' Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk To Someone***Modern life doesn't always go our way. Loss, rejection, uncertainty and loneliness are unavoidable parts of the human experience -- but there is solace to be found. In When Things Don't Go Your Way, Zen Buddhist teacher Haemin Sunim provides simple but powerful wisdom for navigating life's challenges. Through his trademark combination of beautiful illustrations, insightful stories, and contemplative aphorisms, Sunim helps us reframe our mindsets and develop emotional agility. When Things Don't Go Your Way is a soothing balm that helps us all find courage and comfort when we need it most. Haemin Sunim, Top 5 bestselling non-Christian religious author of all-time (UK), Nielsen, January 2025

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Book SynopsisA New York Times bestseller, BUDDHA is a beautiful story told by one of the world's most inspirational writers.Trade Review... sewn together through the use of incident and event [this book] illuminates the iconic figure whose name is synonymous with enlightenment. * Times Literary Supplement *Fast and easy-to-read ... teaches without being didactic. Chopra scores a fiction winner. * Publisher's Weekly *So fresh and unpretentious... Bravo Deepak! * James O'Dea, President, Institute of Noetic Sciences ***** This is a very clever, very readable book. * Prediction Magazine *An astonishing narrative, a veritable literary feast... * Brian Grazer, Emmy-award winning producer of A Beautiful Mind *Outstanding! * Arvind Sharma, Professor of Comparative Religion, McGill University *

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Book SynopsisThe Ancient Meditation Technique that Brings Real Peace of MindVipassand-bhavand, the development of insight, embodies the essence of the teaching of the Buddha. As taught by S. N. Goenka, this path to self-awareness is extraordinary in its simplicity, its lack of dogma and, above all, its results. The Vipassana technique can be successfully applied by anyone.Based on the lectures and writings of S. N. Goenka--and prepared under his direct guidance--The Art of Living shows how this technique can be used to solve problems, develop unused potential, and lead a peaceful, productive life. It includes stories by S. N. Goenka, as well as answers to students'' questions, that convey a vivid sense of his teaching.S. N. Goenka''s Vipassana courses have attracted thousands of people of every background. Unique among teachers of meditation, Goenka is a retired industrialist and former leader of the Indian Community in Burma. Although a layman, his t

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Book SynopsisA meeting of American Protestantism with Asian religious traditionsTrade ReviewAn important study of a remarkable 19th-century American. * Choice *Prothero has succeeded in creating a portrait of Olcott that will shape future scholarship. . . . Engaging and succinct. * Gnosis Magazine *The first scholarly biographical study of [this] influential figure; its use of "creolization" theory adds to ongoing conversations about how to understand contact, colonialism, and conversion. * Religious Studies Review *A meticulous story of a very colorful subject. In the process, [Prothero] assists the understanding of religious pluralism in our current age. * Church History *Prothero's study should interest not only scholars in the field but students of Asian religions and American religious history generally. * Journal of American History *Table of ContentsList of AbbreviationsPreface Introduction1. Universal Reformer2. From Spiritualism to Theosophy3. An Errand to Asia4. The Sinhalese Buddhist Revival5. A United Buddhist World6. The Indian Renaissance7. Things Fall ApartConclusionNotesSelected BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisBuddhism is a vast and complex religious and philosophical tradition with a history that stretches over 2,500 years, and which is now followed by around 115 million people. In this introduction to the foundations of Buddhism, Rupert Gethin concentrates on the ideas and practices which constitute the common heritage of the different traditions of Buddhism (Thervada, Tibetan, and Eastern) which exist in the world today. From the narrative of the story of the Buddha, through discussions of aspects such as textual traditions, the framework of the Four Noble Truths, the interaction between the monastic and lay ways of life, the cosmology of karma and rebirth, and the path of the bodhisattva, this books provides a stimulating introduction to Buddhism as a religion and way of life, which will also be of interest to those who are more familiar with the subject.Trade Reviewoffers a valuable improvement over What the Buddha Taught, its most likely competitor as an introductory textbook./Richard S. Cohen University of California, San Diego/ Religious Studies Review Volume 25 Number 3 July 1999At last! A general introduction to what is common to Buddhism across the broad range of practice, culture and history that I can recommend unhesitatingly to friends Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. ... this book is good in the beginning, middle and end. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Mike Murray/The Middle Way/Journal of the Buddhist Society/ Feb 2000 Vol 74 No 4'...Combining as it does readability and exact scholarship, elegance and erudition, this new OPUS series volume provides the novice with a solid foundation for his studies, and his elders food for reflection.' * THES Friday 2 April 1999 *This recent title stands out by its careful scholarship, lucid style, and sensitive appreciation of the subtleties of Buddhist doctrine.. This introductory work brings to its task not only careful scholarship and wide knowledge of Buddhist thought, but also a warm, sympathetic appreciation of Buddhism evident throughout its pages. No doubt, it is this sympathy that enables Gethin to penetrate beneath the surface crust of formal doctrine and discern deep connections between srains of Buddhist thought that might initially appear incongruous. Through Gethin's eyes we are given not only a clear and crisp picture of the doctrinal foundations of Buddhism, but also focused insights into the family ties underlying many apparent diversities within the Buddhist tradition. * Bhikkhu Bodhi, Buddhist Publication Society no 45 *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. The Buddha: The Story of the Awakened One ; 2. The Word of the Buddha: Buddhist Scriptures and Schools ; 3. Four Truths: The Disease, the Cause, the Cure, the Medicine ; 4. The Buddhist Community: Monks, Nuns, and Lay Followers ; 5. The Buddhist Cosmos: The Thrice Thousandfold World ; 6. No self: Personal Continuity and Dependent Arising ; 7. The Buddhis Path: The Way of Calm and Insight ; 8. The Abhidharma: The Higher Teaching ; 9. The Mahayana: The Great Vehicle ; 10. Evolving Traditions of Buddhism

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Book Synopsis''[A] timely book on compassion and its cultivation'' The Dalai Lama''The bravest, cleverest and most engaging book I know on why we need to cultivate compassion'' Jon Kabat-Zinn''A practical toolkit for becoming a better human being'' Daniel Goleman Self-compassion is the overlooked key to achieving our goals. It can lead to increased happiness, stress reduction, a stronger sense of purpose, better health and a longer life. Yet many of us resist compassion, worrying that if we are too compassionate with others we will be taken advantage of and if we are too compassionate with ourselves we won''t achieve our goals in life. Using the latest science, psychology (from contemporary Western and classical Buddhist sources) as well as stories from others and his own extraordinary life, Jinpa shows us how to train our compassion muscle. His powerful programme, derived from his remarkable course in Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT), is the perfect guide to achieving a greater sense of wellbeing.Trade ReviewA Fearless Heart is a rare book that shows how the meeting of contemplative insights and practices with modern science can lead to offerings that are beneficial for everyone interested in deeper personal spiritual transformation. The book shows how such practices can have a positive impact in our daily lives. I applaud my long-time English translator Thupten Jinpa for writing this timely book on compassion and its cultivation -- The Dalai LamaI love Jinpa's sense of the practical, of bringing compassion down from the pedestal of high ideals and into the messy reality that is every day human life. A Fearless Heart may prove to be one of the most important books of these difficult times -- Richard GereFirmly grounded in the latest scientific studies, and hugely invitational and convincing in its inspiration, its reasoning, its heartfulness and its guidance in a broad range of powerful practices, A Fearless Heart is the bravest, clearest and most engaging book I know on why we need to cultivate compassion, and on how to bring it more widely and deeply into our lives and into the world -- Jon Kabat-Zinn, Founder of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and author of Full Catastrophe Living Thupten Jinpa speaks from his experience as a monk turned family man, and a top-flight scholar, who draws on his remarkable background and range of knowledge to offer each one of us a practical toolkit for becoming a better human being. A Fearless Heart can help anyone nurture the compassion that lies within every heart -- Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence Brilliantly clear and heartfelt, a potentially life-changing work offering inspiring training. A Fearless Heart is personally moving, eminently practical and visionary in scope -- Jack Kornfield, author of The Wise Heart Jinpa shows why compassion is not a given within some yet not possible for others, but rather is a quality of the heart that we can all cultivate and expand. If we do that, out lives transform, our families and relationships transform, and our world transforms -- Sharon Salzberg, author of Loving Kindness and Real Happiness Part autobiography, part a training manual for a wholesome life and part a beautiful tapestry woven between ancient Buddhist thought and modern science, this book has something for everyone. At its fundamental core, it makes the case for why compassion is so essential for the modern world and offers detailed helpful advice o how it can be cultivated -- Richard J. Davidson, co-author of The Emotional Life of Your Brian; Founder, Center for Investigating Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-MadisonAs I read A Fearless Heart, I began picturing the possibilities that await us if we safeguard our children's natural instinct for kindness. Filled with wise insights, research and anecdotes, Jinpa lays out a path for living with compassion and acceptance, both for others, and for ourselves. An essential guide for anyone committed to creating a loving, peaceful world, but a must-read for parents, whose simple interactions with their children will lead to a quiet revolution toward a compassionate world -- Susan Stiffelman, author of Parenting with Presence: Practices for Raising Conscious, Confident, Caring KidsAn inspirational read that not only demonstrates the power of compassion, but also reveals how kindness and self-compassion are within our reach -- Kelly McGonigal, author of The Upside of Stress and The Willpower Instinct Embracing compassion enables us to step into our own natural capacity for creativity and empathy. I highly recommend this extraordinary book and this path to anyone who sees to have more meaningful connections to people and the world -- David Kelley, Founder of IDEO and co-author of Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All

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Book SynopsisBuddhism Under the Tang is a history of the Buddhist Church during the T'ang dynasty (618907), when Buddhist thought reached the pinnacle of its development.Table of ContentsPart I. The Buddhist Church During the First Half of the T'ang (618–762): Introduction; 1. Reign of Kao-tsu (618–626); 2. Reign of T'ai-tsung (626–649); 3. Reign of Kao-tsung (649–683); 4. Interregnum of Empress Wu (684–705); 5. Reign of Chung-tsung (705–710); 6. Reign of Jui-tsung (710–712); 7. Reign of Hsüan-tsung (712–756); 8. Reign of Su-tsung (756–762); 9. The Effects of the An Lu-shan; 10. Rebellion on the Buddhist Church; 11. The Growth of Pure Land Buddhism; Part II. The Buddhist Church During the Second Half of the T'ang (762–907): 12. Reign of Tai-tsung (762–779); 13. Reign of Te-tsung (779–805); 14. Reigns of Shun-tsung (805) and Hsien-tsung (805–820); 15. Reigns of Mu-tsung (820–824) and Ching-tsung (824–826); 16. Reign of Wen-tsung (826–840); 17. The Suppression of Buddhism Under the Reign of Wu-tsung (840–846); 18. The Restoration of Buddhism Under the Reign of Hsven-tsung (846–859); 19. Buddhism in the Declining Years of the T'ang Dynasty.

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Book SynopsisBrings together a diverse collection of Suzuki's letters, essays, and lectures about non-Buddhist religions and his thoughts on their relation to Buddhism, as well as his reflections on the nature of religion itself.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction by Jeff Wilson and Tomoe Moriya Editorial Note 1. Letter to Paul Carus (1896) 2. Selections from Shin shukyo ron (A New Interpretation of Religion) 3. Letter to Paul Carus (1897) 4. Christianity in Japan 5. Confucius: A Study of His Character and History 6. Selection from A Brief History of Early Chinese Philosophy 7. Selections from Suedenborugu (Swedenborg) 8. Zen, the Spiritual Heritage of the East 9. A Contemporary Buddhist View of Shinto 10. Swedenborg’s View of Heaven and “Other-Power” 11. Selection from Ignorance and World Fellowship 12. Zen and the Study of Confucianism (Selection from Zen and Its Influence on Japanese Culture) 13. What Is Religion? 14. Selections from Japanese Spirituality 15. Tea-Room Meditations 16. Selections from Essays in Zen Buddhism (First Series) 17. The Predicament of Modern Man 18. The Analytic and Synthetic Approach to Buddhism 19. The Answer Is in the Question 20. The Hands 21. Letter to Mr. Tatsuguchi 22. Review of Meditation and Piety in the Far East 23. Selections from Mysticism: Christian and Buddhist 24. Love and Power 25. Letter to Thomas Merton 26. Wisdom in Emptiness 27. Open Letter to President Kennedy and Premier Khrushchev 28. Buddhism and Other Religions 29. Religion and Drugs Notes Glossary of Chinese and Japanese Terms Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisSpiritual renewal and return through ayahuasca and meditation• Reveals how the author, a long-time Buddhist practitioner, found ayahuasca to be a remarkable catalyst on his spiritual path, ultimately reinvigorating his own practice• Explores the ayahuasca ceremony process in depth, detailing the author’s multi-session experience in Peru and “best practices” when taking ayahuasca• Offers an introduction to Tibetan Buddhist practice, including a guided instruction to four progressive techniques of Shamata Vipassana meditationOver the last several decades, serious study of Tibetan Buddhism and the use of Ayahuasca as an agent for spiritual growth have both become widespread in the West. Though the two traditions originate in widely different parts of the world, both are effective in working with the ego and creating a genuine spiritual opening.Uniting these two paths, C. Clinton Sidle takes readers through his own journey as a long-time but sometimes-struggling Buddhist practitioner whose sojourn to Peru for a series of Ayahuasca ceremonies provided an invaluable shift in his own spiritual approach. Sidle reveals how Ayahuasca was a remarkable catalyst in pointing out his self-deception and psycho-emotional obstacles, which ultimately revitalized his practice and authentic presence in his daily life. But, as the author points out, although a skillful means and a useful aid, Ayahuasca is not a complete path on its own.Introducing the calm mindfulness of Shamata Vipassana meditation as a sustainable developmental path to support and integrate the awakenings catalyzed by Ayahuasca, Sidle emphasizes the complementary nature of both his work in Peru and his longer-term studies in Buddhism. He describes his own challenges with spiritual self-deception and stagnation—not uncommon on the Buddhist path, shares how he integrated the lessons of his Ayahuasca experiences into his Buddhist practice, and offers readers a methodical and guided introduction to four progressive techniques of Shamata Vipassana meditation.Whether readers are long-term seekers or novices, this book can provide a singular means of aligning and reinvigorating the spiritual path toward an awakened life.

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Book SynopsisMetta: Philosophy & Practice of Universal Love aims at exploring the various facets of metta both in theory and in practice. The examination of the doctrinal and ethical side of metta will proceed through a study of the popular karaniyametta sutta, the Buddha's discourse of universal love.

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Book SynopsisA collection of Pali texts and commentaries translated by Nyanaponika Thera from Sri Lanka provides insight into the Five Hindrances. Touches on esoteric themes, appealing to those interested in Pali Texts, vipassana, and Theravada Buddhism.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisIn this book, two great Tibetan Buddhist masters of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries challenge us to critically examine our materialistic preoccupations and think carefully about how we want to spend the rest of our lives. At the same time, they provide practical guidance in following the Buddhist path, starting from the most basic motivation and culminating in the direct experience of reality beyond the reach of conceptual mind. The root text is a teaching in verse written in the nineteenth century by Patrul Rinpoche, one of the outstanding teachers of his day. In the accompanying commentary, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–1991)—lineage holder of the Nyingma school and one of the great expounders of the Dharma in Europe and North America—expands upon the text with his characteristic compassion and uncompromising thoroughness. Patrul Rinpoche's fresh and piercing verses combined with Khyentse Rinpoche's down-to-earth comments offer a concise yet complete

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