Buddhist life and practice Books

Book SynopsisDiscover the beautiful bestselling book about a beautiful friendship . . .''James has a way to speak to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming'' VEX KING''While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs'' GUARDIAN''A beautifully illustrated book which draws on tender moments. Exquisite'' DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE________A guiding light in the darker months, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon is the beautifully illustrated and mindful journey of two friends through the seasons, inspired by Buddhist philosophy''Which is more important,'' asked Big Panda, ''the journey or the destination?''''The company,'' said Tiny Dragon.Friends Big Panda and Tiny Dragon journey through the seasons of the year together, day and night, in rain and in sun. Travelling through nature, they find hope and inspiration in the world around them, realising that even in the darkest of days, Spring will always return.Feel the calming influence of Big Panda, who reminds us of the bigger picture while appreciating the simplicity of small moments.Explore your surroundings with the inquisitive eye of Tiny Dragon, our friend who is big in heart if not in stature.And on their journey through the ever-changing seasons, join these two friends as they learn how to live in the moment, be at peace with uncertainty, and find the strength to overcome life''s obstacles, together.Inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, the story of these whimsical characters makes the perfect gift for anyone looking for a little hope and comfort.________''The two friends often find themselves lost but discover beautiful sights they never would have found if they had gone the right way. While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs'' GUARDIANTrade ReviewIt features the two friends, who often find themselves lost but discover beautiful sights they never would have found if they had gone the right way. While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs * Guardian *James has a way to speak to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming -- Vex KingA beautifully illustrated book which draws on tender moments. Exquisite -- Dr Rangan Chatterjee * BBC Radio 2 *

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Book SynopsisContemplates the role of Buddhist temples in the nurturing of immigrant communitiesSince the 1970s, tens of thousands of Vietnamese immigrants have settled in Louisiana, Florida, and other Gulf Coast states, rebuilding lives that were upended by the wars in Indochina. For many, their faith has been an essential source of community and hope. But how have their experiences as migrants influenced their religious practices and interpretations of Buddhist tenets? And how has organized religion shaped their understanding of what it means to be Vietnamese in the United States?This ethnographic study follows the monks and lay members of temples in the Gulf Coast region who practice Pure Land Buddhism, which is prevalent in East Asia but in the United States is less familiar than forms such as Zen. By treating the temple as a site to be made and remade, Vietnamese Americans have developed approaches that sometimes contradict fundamental Buddhist principles of nonattachment. This book considers Trade Review"Truitt’s ethnography provides a necessary gap in research regarding Vietnamese Buddhism in America," * Journal of the American Academy of Religion *"[T]he book provides a comprehensive account of this hitherto untold story of Vietnamese Buddhism in the U.S." * PoLAR: Political & Legal Anthropology Review *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Truitt’s ethnography provides a necessary gap in research regarding Vietnamese Buddhism in America," * Journal of the American Academy of Religion *"[T]he book provides a comprehensive account of this hitherto untold story of Vietnamese Buddhism in the U.S." * PoLAR: Political & Legal Anthropology Review *

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Book SynopsisCross-cultural dialogues in sacred space cultivate awareness of self and othersTemples are everywhere in Chiang Mai, filled with tourists as well as saffron-robed monks of all ages. The monks participate in daily urban life here as elsewhere in Thailand, where Buddhism is promoted, protected, and valued as a tourist attraction. Yet this mountain city offers more than a fleeting, commodified tourist experience, as the encounters between foreign visitors and Buddhist monks can have long-lasting effects on both parties. These religious contacts take place where economic motives, missionary zeal, and opportunities for cultural exchange coincide. Brooke Schedneck incorporates fieldwork and interviews with student monks and tourists to examine the innovative ways that Thai Buddhist temples offer foreign visitors spaces for religious instruction and popular in-person Monk Chat sessions in which tourists ask questions about Buddhism. Religious Tourism in Northern Thailand also considers how Trade Review"The results of the long-term fieldwork presented within this volume is invaluable: Schedneck has offered a truly commendable window into not only the relationship ofreligion and tourism in Chiang Mai, but more broadly into Thai Buddhist monastic culture." * Religious Studies Review *"Brooke Schedneck writes terrific books. Her latest offering... proves religious tourism and cultural exchange programmes to be worthy of serious scholarly attention." * Journal of Contemporary Religion *"With Schedneck’s expertise in religious studies and drawing from her own encounters with Buddhism in Chiang Mai, the book offers a refreshingly honest perspective on the subject...Moreover, the lucid writing style of the author makes the book easy to follow and thus useful to readers with some interest in Chiang Mai." * SOJOURN: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia *"[Schedneck] has crafted an extremely novel and insightful perspective on the creation of Buddhism’s continuing global influence." * H-Net *"Brooke Schedneck's monograph is a timely publication, providing rich descriptions of 'modern' Thai Buddhism, temple spaces, and monk behavior in a changing Thailand." * Tourism Geographies: An International Journal of Tourism Space, Place and Environment *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"The results of the long-term fieldwork presented within this volume is invaluable: Schedneck has offered a truly commendable window into not only the relationship ofreligion and tourism in Chiang Mai, but more broadly into Thai Buddhist monastic culture." * Religious Studies Review *"Brooke Schedneck writes terrific books. Her latest offering... proves religious tourism and cultural exchange programmes to be worthy of serious scholarly attention." * Journal of Contemporary Religion *"With Schedneck’s expertise in religious studies and drawing from her own encounters with Buddhism in Chiang Mai, the book offers a refreshingly honest perspective on the subject...Moreover, the lucid writing style of the author makes the book easy to follow and thus useful to readers with some interest in Chiang Mai." * SOJOURN: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia *"[Schedneck] has crafted an extremely novel and insightful perspective on the creation of Buddhism’s continuing global influence." * H-Net *"Brooke Schedneck's monograph is a timely publication, providing rich descriptions of 'modern' Thai Buddhism, temple spaces, and monk behavior in a changing Thailand." * Tourism Geographies: An International Journal of Tourism Space, Place and Environment *

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 2023 IPPY Gold Religion Nonfiction category, sponsored by the Independent Publisher Book Award Centuries of monumental sculpture, embedded in the landscapeAt sixty-two meters the Leshan Buddha in southwest China is the world's tallest premodern statue. Carved out of a riverside cliff in the eighth century, it has evolved from a religious center to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination. But this Buddha does not stand alone: Sichuan is home to many cave temples with such monumental sculptures, part of a centuries-long tradition of art-making intricately tied to how local inhabitants made use of their natural resources with purpose and creativity. These examples of art embedded in nature have altered landscapes and have influenced the behaviors, values, and worldviews of users through multiple cycles of revival, restoration, and recreation. As hybrid spaces that are at once natural and artificial, they embody the interaction of art and the environmenTrade Review"[A] very inspiring contribution to our understanding of ecological art history from the perspective of Asian art. It should be read by anyone who is interested in the interrelationships among Buddhist studies, art history, and environmental humanities." * H-Environment *"Sonya Lee’s Temples in the Cliffside is a welcome addition to studies of the religious cliff sculpture of southwestern China." * Journal of Chinese History *"[A] truly multidisciplinary work of scholarship that examines Buddhist art from intertwined technical, environmental, religious, historical, aesthetic, economic, and political perspectives...Temples in the Cliffside innovatively locates religious art within its historical, political, and natural landscapes to show how people have managed their relationships to nature, and nonhuman entities in general, in different contexts. At a time when floods will likely wash the Great Buddha’s feet more and more frequently, thinking about art holistically and ecologically is particularly urgent." * CAA Reviews *"Sonya Lee's superbly researched work has paid attention to the aesthetic and historical content of the monuments, but has also updated it by framing the events in the context of environment and sustainability which are very much part of our present time. This most original approach will inspire a younger generation of art historians. Lastly, her uncommon familiarity with all matters related to conservation and restoration have contributed to this groundbreaking book." * Studies in Chinese Religions *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"In Spatial Dunhuang, the temporal and spatial lines have been so well organized that it is still accessible to those unfamiliar with Dunhuang and/or Chinese art despite the fact that more than 20 caves are discussed in considerable detail. For specialists, some of the issues raised in this book may stimulate further academic studies such as the interrelationship between ideas of the afterlife and rituals in Dunhuang with the religious practices at Mogao. At the same time, nearby cave sites such as the Yulin Caves and the Western Caves of a Thousand Buddhas can be taken into consideration in a bigger spatial picture." * Asian Studies Review *"With a seamless blend of insights from religion, art history, literature, and archaeology, Wu Hung’s latest contribution, Spatial Dunhuang: Experiencing the Mogao Caves, stands as a pioneering scholarly endeavor. . . Overall, this richly illustrated book transforms the foundational approach of Dunhuang studies by pivoting toward the significance of space within the Mogao Caves. It caters not only to academic audiences but also to broader readerships." * H-Net Reviews *

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Book SynopsisClarifies the significance and function of reliquaries from excavations of Gandharan monastery sites around modern Peshawar

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Book SynopsisThis illuminating account of contemporary American Buddhism shows the remarkable ways the tradition has changed over the past generation The past couple of decades have witnessed Buddhist communities both continuing the modernization of Buddhism and questioning some of its limitations. In this fascinating portrait of a rapidly changing religious landscape, Ann Gleig illuminates the aspirations and struggles of younger North American Buddhists during a period she identifies as a distinct stage in the assimilation of Buddhism to the West. She observes both the emergence of new innovative forms of deinstitutionalized Buddhism that blur the boundaries between the religious and secular, and a revalorization of traditional elements of Buddhism, such as ethics and community, that were discarded in the modernization process. Based on extensive ethnographic and textual research, the book ranges from mindfulness debates in the Vipassana network to the sex scandals in American Zen, while explTrade Review"In this engaging and thoughtful study, Ann Gleig asks challenging and important questions about the limits of modern Buddhism and the future of the tradition in the United States."—Scott A. Mitchell, author of Buddhism in America: Global Religion, Local Contexts“Gleig's highly insightful examination of contemporary Euro-American Buddhism problematizes the prevailing framework of Buddhism modernism, revealing a postmodern complexity in which the familiar dichotomies of natal/convert, modern/traditional, secular/religious are no longer relevant.”—Richard K. Payne, Institute of Buddhist Studies “This landmark work skillfully allows the very particular voices of contemporary American Buddhism to speak while highlighting the larger historical and theoretical contexts. This is an indispensable book for anyone hoping to understand the current contours of Buddhism in North America.”—David McMahan, Franklin & Marshall College “In this thoughtful, nuanced book, Ann Gleig illuminates the profound shifts that have created America’s post-modern Buddhist scene. This is essential reading for those seeking to understand the self-consciously intersectional, communal, and identarian developments in contemporary American Buddhism, as well as in the wider secularized spiritual culture in the United States.”—Erik Braun, University of Virginia“This is an exciting and perceptive book. Ann Gleig convincingly shows how twenty-first century American Buddhism continues and contests foundational modernist attributes, producing post-modern developments in an ever richer and more complex Buddhist subculture.”—Jeff Wilson, author of Mindful America

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from the internationally bestselling The Art of Happiness, the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler bring us the inspiring The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World.This inspirational book brings the successful East-meets-West pairing together again to provide a practical application of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual values to the fast-paced, unpredictable, stressful and demanding world we all live in today.In this wise, insightful and practical book, the Dalai Lama shows us how to follow the path that will lead us to fulfilment, purpose and happiness, even in our troubled modern times.Trade ReviewPraise for The Art of Happiness at Work: 'If you're dissatisfied at work, or are finding it hard to understand your true calling, this book is for you... Cutler puts into practice the basic principles of the Dalai Lama that can be applied in all areas of your life. The Art of Happiness at Work is very readable'. * Be Unlimited *

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Book SynopsisThis lively introduction to Buddhist meditation offers students and practitioners alike a deeper understanding of what meditation is and its purpose and place in the context of different Buddhist schools. The historical background and geographical spread of Buddhist meditation is explored alongside an examination of the development of meditative practices. Chapters cover basic meditative practice, types of meditation, meditation in different regions, meditation and doctrine, and the role of chanting within meditation. Although not a practical guide, Introduction to Buddhist Meditation outlines the procedures associated with Buddhist practices and suggests appropriate activities, useful both for students and interested Buddhists. Vivid quotations from Buddhist texts and carefully selected photographs and diagrams help the reader engage fully with this fascinating subject.Thoroughly revised throughout, this new edition also features a glossary and key, making it ideal reading for students approaching the topic of Buddhist meditation for the first time.

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Book SynopsisDespite the popularity of Buddhism in Britain, there has so far been no study documenting the full range of teachings and practices. This book fills this gap and serves as an important reference point for further studies in this increasingly popular field.Trade Review'Robert Bluck's multifaceted study offers the most up-to-date information on Buddhist groups in Britain in a unique compilation. As his book will have a strong influence on both the academic debate and the popular view of Buddhism in Britain, perhaps some of the questions mentioned above will be answered in a second edition for which there will certainly be a demand. Overall, the book is a significant contribution to the study of contemporary Buddhist traditions - not only in Britain.' - Zeitsch rift für junge Religonswissenschaft'Robert Bluck's academic study ... makes an important contribution to understanding the development of Buddhism in Britian.' - The Middle Way, Vol. 82 No. 2, August 2007'Robert Bluck's multifaceted study offers the most up-to-date information on Buddhist groups in Britain in a unique compilation. As his book will have a strong influence on both the academic debate and the popular view of Buddhism in Britain, perhaps some of the questions mentioned above will be answered in a second edition for which there will certainly be a demand. Overall, the book is a significant contribution to the study of contemporary Buddhist traditions - not only in Britain.'- Zeitsch rift für junge ReligonswissenschaftTable of Contents1. Introduction 2. An Overview of Buddhism in Britain 3. The Forest Sangha 4. The Samatha Trust 5. The Serene Reflection Meditation Tradition (Soto Zen) 6. Soka Gakkai International UK 7. The Karma Kagyu Tradition 8. The New Kadampa Tradition 9. Friends of the Western Buddhist Order 10. Summary and Conclusions

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Book SynopsisIntroducing Buddhism is the ideal resource for all students beginning the study of this fascinating religious tradition. It explains the religion's key teachings and traces its historical development and geographical spread of from its foundations up to present day. Charles S. Prebish and Damien Keown, two of today's leading Buddhist scholars, devote a chapter each to the major regions where Buddhism has flourished - India, South-east Asia, East Asia and Tibet. In addition, contemporary concerns are discussed, including important and relevant topics such as Engaged Buddhism, Buddhist Ethics, Buddhism and the Western World and Meditation.This new edition includes more material on the different schools of Buddhism including explanations in graphic form, monastic life, popular religion, Buddhist ethics, ritual, the Bodhisattva Path, the Jatakas, the transmission of Buddhism, and class, gender and race.Introducing Buddhism includes illustrations, extractsTrade Review'This is a wonderful book, comprehensive and readable, that covers a wide spectrum of Buddhism. It's clearly presented and probably the best general textbook available today. Aimed at undergraduate readers, it can also provide reliable information for anyone interested in Buddhism.' - John Powers, Australian National University, Australia'Well-structured, clearly written, and equipped with a variety of helpful didactic tools, Introducing Buddhism is an excellent starting point for studying the complex teachings and religious practices of Buddhism and its historical developments up to the present time. The book provides straightforward orientation for absolute beginners as well as more detailed discussions for advanced students. The first edition of the book has proved its worth in class, and I look forward to using this new, enhanced edition in my introductory classes.' - Oliver Freiberger, The University of Texas at Austin, USATable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Chronology of Buddhist History. The Buddhist Scriptures. Pronunciation Guide. Introduction: The Background to Buddhism Part 1: Foundations Karma and Cosmology. The Buddha. The Dharma. The Sangha. Meditation Part 2: Development Mahayana Buddhism. Buddhism in India. Buddhism in Southeast Asia. Buddhism in East Asia. Buddhism in Tibet Part 3: Modernity Buddhism in the Western World. Engaged Buddhism. Buddhist Ethics. Reflections on the Nature and Study of Buddhism

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Book SynopsisMindfulness-based approaches to medicine, psychology, neuroscience, healthcare, education, business leadership, and other major societal institutions have become increasingly common. New paradigms are emerging from a confluence of two powerful and potentially synergistic epistemologies: one arising from the wisdom traditions of Asia and the other arising from post-enlightenment empirical science. This book presents the work of internationally renowned experts in the fields of Buddhist scholarship and scientific research, as well as looking at the implementation of mindfulness in healthcare and education settings. Contributors consider the use of mindfulness throughout history and look at the actual meaning of mindfulness whilst identifying the most salient areas for potential synergy and for potential disjunction.Mindfulness: Diverse Perspectives on its Meanings, Origins and Applications provides a place where wisdom teachings, philosophy, history,Table of ContentsEditors' Foreword 1. Mindfulness: diverse perspectives on its meaning, origins, and multiple applications at the intersection of science and dharma 2. What does mindfulness really mean? A canonical perspective 3. Is mindfulness present-centred and non-judgmental? A discussion of the cognitive dimensions of mindfulness 4. The construction of mindfulness 5. Toward an understanding of non-dual mindfulness 6. How does mindfulness transform suffering? I: the nature and origins of Dukkha 7. How does mindfulness transform suffering? II: the transformation of Dukkha 8. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: culture clash or creative fusion? 9. Compassion in the landscape of suffering 10. Meditation and mindfulness 11. The Buddhist roots of mindfulness training: a practitioners view 12. Mindfulness and loving-kindness 13. Mindfulness in higher education 14. ‘Enjoy your death’: leadership lessons forged in the crucible of organizational death and rebirth infused with mindfulness and mastery 15. Mindfulness, by any other name. . . : trials and tribulations of Sati in western psychology and science 16. Measuring mindfulness 17. On some definitions of mindfulness 18. Some reflections on the origins of MBSR, skillful means, and the trouble with maps

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Book SynopsisA groundbreaking study of prison religion, Karma and Punishment introduces a form of chaplaincy rooted in the Buddhist concept of doctrinal admonition. Through research and fieldwork, Adam Lyons uncovers a dimension of Buddhist modernism that developed as Japan's religious organizations carved out a niche as defenders of society by fighting crime.Trade ReviewIn this meticulously researched, thoughtfully composed book, Adam J. Lyons examines the relation between religion and the state in Japan through the lens of prison chaplaincy…An important contribution to a lively conversation among scholars of Japanese religions around the entanglements between religion and other spheres of social life. -- Melissa Anne-Marie Curley * Journal of the American Academy of Religion *Lyons’ book is a must-read for scholars of religion and law who want to understand the modern history of Japan’s church-state relationship as it plays out in the domain of crime and punishment…Now that Lyons has ably laid the groundwork, future scholars of religion in Japan will certainly want to explore additional dimensions of this fascinating topic. -- Jessica Starling * Religious Studies Review *This book offers a valuable and fascinating case study through which to analyze religion-state relations in modern Japan…Lyons’ honest and beautifully written account of the conflicts prison chaplains feel gives this superb and field-defining history of prison chaplaincy in Japan more than just academic heft. -- Timothy Benedict * Contemporary Japan *[Karma and Punishment] not only makes a major contribution towards filling a gap within the broader debates regarding crime and punishment, but it also makes a compelling and fascinating argument about the role of religion in the establishment of the modern prison and probation system and its continuing influence on public perceptions of justice. This is a fascinating story…Impressive and original…A must-read for anyone who is interested in these topics. -- Jason Danely * International Institute for Asian Studies *This volume provides a comprehensive perspective on Japanese prison chaplaincy and the dynamic relationship between religions and the state. It is a must-read for scholars of Japanese religions. -- Marzia Alteno * Religious Studies Review *

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Book SynopsisAs the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has captured the attention and admiration of the world through his wisdom. This jewel of a book offers some of his most helpful insights on daily living, inner peace, compassion and justice - for all of us in these troubled times.Trade ReviewA symbol of serenity, a spiritual leader second only to the Pope * Independent *The Dalai Lama is the most influential person in the world * Time magazine *He draws crowds that no other spiritual leader or politician could hope to match...he seems to look at life in a different way to everyone else * The Times *

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Book SynopsisSeen partly through the eyes of the Buddha himself and partly through those of Svasti, the buffalo boy, Old Path White Clouds brings the Buddha closer to us as we journey with him on his path to enlightenment and nirvana.Trade Review'The Buddha was the source. Venerable Svasti and the young buffalo boys were rivers that flowed from the source. Wherever the rivers flowed, the Buddha would be there.' In Old Path White Clouds, scholar, poet and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh retells the story of the Buddha in his own inimitably beautiful style. He draws upon Pali, Sanskrit and Chinese sources to trace the Buddha's life slowly and gently through the course of eighty years. Seen partly through the eyes of the Buddha himself and partly through those of Svasti, the buffalo boy, Old Path White Clouds brings the Buddha closer to us as we journey with him on his path to enlightenment and nirvana.

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Book SynopsisIn Meditation Now or Never Steve Hagen, a Zen priest and bestselling author of Buddhism Plain and Simple, provides an accessible and thorough manual on meditation, for both newcomers and experienced practitioners. In the modern world our lives are more frenetic than ever. We live with a burning sense that we have to get something done. But what do we really achieve? And why are we never satisfied? This book is an invitation to switch off, and to enjoy stillness - right now. Steve Hagen offers simple practices that avoid needlessly complicating meditation; highlights where many of us get stuck in meditating - and how to get unstuck; and, above all, focuses on meditation not simply as a spiritual technique, but as a way of living.Trade ReviewClean and clear as a mountain stream. I wish I had found such a book when I began meditating -- Stephen Levine, author of A GRADUAL AWAKENINGA lucid, no-frills introduction to Buddhist meditation ... a timely reminder of what meditation is all about -- Stephen Batchelor, author of BUDDHISM WITHOUT BELIEFSA brief and wonderfully accessible primer on meditation * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisScholarly and popular consensus has painted a picture of Indian Buddhist monasticism in which monks and nuns severed all ties with their families when they left home for the religious life. In this view, monks and nuns remained celibate, and those who faltered in their âœvowsâ of monastic celibacy were immediately and irrevocably expelled from the Buddhist Order. This romanticized image is based largely on the ascetic rhetoric of texts such as the Rhinoceros Horn Sutra. Through a study of Indian Buddhist law codes (vinaya), Shayne Clarke dehorns the rhinoceros, revealing that in their own legal narratives, far from renouncing familial ties, Indian Buddhist writers take for granted the fact that monks and nuns would remain in contact with their families. Surveying the still largely uncharted terrain of Indian Buddhist monastic law codes preserved in Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Chinese, Clarke provides a comprehensive, pan-Indian picture of Buddhist monastic attitudes toward family. Whereas

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Book SynopsisOffers the first book-length study of the theory and practice of “abandoning the body”(self-immolation) in Chinese Buddhism. This book examines the hagiographical accounts of all those who made offerings of their own bodies and places them in historical, social, cultural, and doctrinal context.Trade ReviewA carefully documented and beautifully written account of the history of a set of somatic practices that has been a part of Chinese Buddhism for some fifteen hundred years yet heretofore received scant attention in the scholarly literature. . . . Benn has done an excellent job of presenting a stimulating and wide-ranging set of issues about a subject that in less capable and sensitive hands might have strayed toward the sensational or macabre. This book deserves to be on the bookshelf of all students of Chinese Buddhism and is highly recommended as a classroom tool."" - Journal of Chinese Religions; ""Benn has written a short, elegant, and provocative history of Buddhist self-immmolation in China from the fifth to the early twentieth century."" - Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies; ""Benn’s study is admirably well written and well researched—for both style and content, it deserves to stand among the major contributions to Buddhist studies of recent decades. . . . This book is an enjoyable read, suitable for students and scholars alike."" - Journal of Asian Studies; ""A fine and well-organized book in which James Benn introduces the reader to an interesting topic. . . . For Buddhist studies, Benn has done an excellent job describing a facet of Chinese Buddhist life that has hitherto been neglected in academic accounts of Buddhism and that modernist emic descriptions of Buddhism are unlikely to emphasize in the foreseeable future. The value of Burning for the Buddha for the study of religion at large is obvious."" - Journal of Religion; ""Burning for the Buddha presents a wealth of engaging material and should be stimulating reading for those interested in religious ideas of the body. It is, of course, an essential book for students of Chinese Buddhism, one of the very few thus far to provide a multi-faceted, historical view of a specific practice."" - Journal of the Academy of Religion; ""A compelling and thoroughly researched study of self-immolation among Chinese Mahayana Buddhists. . . . Highly recommended."" - Choice; ""Benn explores one of the most striking customs in the history of Chinese Buddhism, showing that, far from a marginal act by disturbed deviants, self-immolation was a carefully considered, mainstream practice. This is a subject with implications for scholars interested in the sinification of Buddhism and the history of Buddhist asceticism, but also for scholars with interests beyond Buddhism, since it has immediate bearing on the history of suicide and attitudes towards the body in China."" - John Kieschnick, University of Bristol; ""At a time when scholars of religion are paying increasing attention to notions of the body, James Benn has produced a masterpiece on the practice of self-immolation in Chinese Buddhism. This wonderfully written and thoroughly researched book will remain the authoritative treatment of the subject for generations to come. Proceeding roughly chronologically, Benn moves from the earliest biographies containing accounts of eminent monks burning themselves, through the locus classicus for the justification of the practice (the Lotus Sutra), to more neglected materials of medieval and late medieval times, right up to the twentieth century. Along the way, he treats us to insightful discussions of the many changing social, political, ethical, ideological, and ritual contexts of the practice. This book makes it clear that Burning for the Buddha—something that was once considered to be an exceptional and anomalous act carried out by a few monks—was, in fact, a well-established and well-recognized practice that endured longer than most other aspects of Chinese Buddhism."" —John Strong, Bates College

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Book SynopsisProvides a comprehensive overview of Chinese Pure Land Buddhism. Chinese Pure Land Buddhism has previously received very little attention from western scholars. Charles B. Jones examines the reasons for the lack of scholarly attention and why the few past treatments of the topic missed many of its distinctive features.

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Book SynopsisOffers a transnational account of the deity Shinra Myjin, the god of Silla worshipped in medieval Japanese Buddhism. Sujung Kim challenges the long-held understanding of Shinra Myjin as a protective deity of the Tendai Jimon school, showing how its worship emerged and developed in the complex networks of the East Asian Mediterranean.

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Book SynopsisTianxia all-under-Heaven' - in everyday Chinese parlance simply means the world'. But tianxia is also a geopolitical term found in canonical writings that has a deeper historical and philosophical significance. This volume contextualizes the tianxia vision within a variety of strategies drawn from a broad spectrum of cultures and peoples.

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Book SynopsisA collection of key texts from practising Buddhism women, showing their vital contributions to the development of Buddhist thought.

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Book SynopsisThis clearly written text explores the breadth of Buddhist philosophy and its historical unfolding. It considers the basic teachings of the Buddha, and the value of meditation for improving and shaping one's life. This Second Edition includes new chapters on Buddhist ethics and meditative practices for living a flourishing life.Table of ContentsPart I. A Sketch of the Buddha and the Dhamma: 1. The life of Siddhattha Gotama; 2. The contexts for the emergence of Buddhism; 3. The basic teachings of the Buddha; 4. One Buddhism or many Buddhisms?; Part II. Details of the Dhamma; 5. Kamma, Samsara, and rebirth; 6. Interdependent arising; 7. Impermanence, no-enduring-self, and emptiness; 8. Moksa and Nibbana; Part III. Development of the Dhamma/Dharma: 9. Bodhidharma's and Huineng's Buddhisms; 10. Pure Land Buddhism ; 11. Tibetan Buddhism; 12. Two forms of contemporary Buddhism; Part IV. Applications and Assessment of the Dhamma/Dharma: 13. Applied Buddhist Ethics or Engaged Buddhism; 14. Buddhist Epistemology and Buddhist Meditation.

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Weaving the Paths of Buddhism and Psychotherapy is an empathic guide to integrating Eastern and Western wisdom traditions that share the common goal of easing distress. Following the so-called mindfulness revolution' there has been a surge in interest as to how Buddhism's overarching view on suffering may enhance therapeutic practice. This book is not just a clinical text; it is a first-person account of one Buddhist therapist educator's lived experience of bringing Buddhism into the very personal and relational experience of psychotherapy. Western-trained therapists will recognize key concepts: the existential underpinnings of distress, driver behaviour and scripts, modifications to contact such as projection and introjection, relational conditions for healing, ethical considerations, and working with complex presentations and trauma, among others. Through autobiographical vignettes and case-study material, the book offers an invitation to all therapists to consider their

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Book SynopsisThis Element offers a brief overview of Buddhist thought and modern scholarly approaches to its diverse forms of moral reflection. It then explores two of the most prominent philosophers from the main strands of the Indian Buddhist tradition Buddhaghosa and Santideva in a comparative fashion.Trade Review'This book makes an important contribution to the study of Buddhist ethics, as well as Buddhaghosa and Śāntideva studies, and I anticipate it will be much appreciated by students and professionals interested in a short but deep dive into Buddhist ethics.' Emily McRae, Journal of Buddhist Ethics'… a most relevant contribution to a central subject that deserves to attract more scholarly attention, the book is recommended to all who are working on the political and military history of the fourth century BC.' Sabine Müller, Global Military Studies Review'This concise and informative book reveals the diversity (or even disagreement to some degree) of the notion of morality within Buddhism rather than a generalized theory called 'Buddhist ethics'.' Huỳnh Cao Nhựt Quang, Religious Studies ReviewTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Buddhaghosa and the analysis of moral experience and development; 3. Śāntideva and an ethic of radical compassion; 4. Conclusions; References.

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Book SynopsisD.T. Suzuki (1870-1966) reached global fame for his writings on Zen Buddhism. In this introduction to his theories of self, knowledge, and the world, Suzuki is presented as a Buddhist philosopher in his own right.Beginning with a biography of his life providing the historical context to his thought and discussing Suzuki's influences, chapters cover the Zen notion of the non-self and Suzuki''s Zen view of consciousness, language, and religious truths. His ideas about philosophy and radical views on rationality and faith come to life in two new complete translations of The Place of Peace in our Heart (1894) and Religion and Science (1949), which helps us to understand why Suzuki's description of Zen attracted the attention of many leading intellectuals and helped it become a household name in the English-speaking world.Offering the first complete overview of Suzuki's approach, reputation, and legacy as a philosopher, this is for anyone interested in the philosophical relevaTrade ReviewThis refreshing book slices through the stale standoff between uncritical admirers and polemical detractors of this hugely influential international interpreter of Zen, a book that takes D. T. Suzuki seriously as a philosopher—albeit one who was deeply ambivalent about the limits of, and yet need for, philosophy. * Bret W. Davis, Professor & Higgins Chair in Philosophy, Loyola University Maryland, USA *Rossa Ó Muireartaigh provides a thought-provoking account and evaluation of the merits and controversies surrounding the legacy of the crucial modern Zen Buddhist thinker, D. T. Suzuki. This book, which features a couple of new translations of Suzuki's essays, is highly recommended to researchers and students of Japanese religion and society. * Steven Heine, Professor of Religious Studies and History Director of Asian Studies, Florida International University, USA *Table of Contents1. Introduction Biography of Suzuki Historical and intellectual context of Suzuki Scope of book 2. Self Introduction The Problem of one’s self Self in the Philosophy of Buddhism Self in Emptiness 3. Knowledge No-self and Knowledge Zen Wisdom Zen of Experience and Experience of Zen Language and Koans 4. World Zen of Sociology Sociology of Zen Zen and Ideology Zen in History and History in Zen 5. D.T. Suzuki’s Philosophical Legacy Criticism and responses Silent lingering Translations The Place of Peace in Our Heart (1894) Religion and Science (1949) Further Reading and Discussion Questions Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisBe inspired in 2020 by Ghandi''s ten lessons for life.Gandhi was an icon, but what would he teach us if he were alive today? ___________In this Sunday Times bestseller, his grandson Arun reveals the ten vital and extraordinary lessons his grandfather taught him, all of which are more relevant now than ever . . . Arun believes that the violence and turmoil in the world today makes Gandhi''s teachings more vital than ever, and The Gift places these lessons in a modern context, shedding new light on how Gandhi''s principles can - and must - be applied to today''s concerns.The moving, often irreverent, story of Arun''s years growing up at the iconic Sevagram ashram provides the setting for the treasured moments spent his grandfather, which are an engaging and often surprising read. These memories give a rare insight into Gandhi the man behind the icon, and reveal the motivations behind his ten inspirational lessons which w

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Book Synopsis''This is a book that should be on every meditator''s bookshelf'' - Dr Jim LockardAn accessible, insightful, user-friendly guide to meditation, perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy sustained and meaningful meditation practiceMeditation is an ancient practice that has brought peace and clarity to people from every time, culture and place. Its benefits - a sense of calm, greater knowledge of self, better health - are as appealing to the modern world as they were to the ancient. In this beginner''s guide to meditation, author Patrick Harbula provides readers with everything they need to know in order to experience deep meditation.Readers will learn: - The history of meditation, both Eastern and Western- The benefits of meditation for the mind, body, and spirit- Different forms of meditation practice- Supportive practices to enhance the benefits of meditation in daily living.- Simple ways to begin meditation immediately, and morTrade ReviewMeditation is a very simple process which can be done in many ways. Patrick Harbula provides a guide which can be read as a basic primer or as a deep dive into all things meditation. This is a book that should be on every meditator's bookshelf and be dogeared, marked up, and well-read -- Dr Jim Lockard, author of Creating The Beloved Community: A Handbook for Spiritual LeadershipIn Meditation Patrick Harbula offers perhaps the most inclusive explanation and application of meditation I have ever read. He has taken what is generally perceived as an Eastern practice and made it 'user-friendly' for the western mind. This is an exquisite and transparent handbook for anyone who seeks to explore the countless benefits found in a life grounded in meditation. I encourage you to allow Patrick to be your personal guide on the journey to the place you never really left - your oneness with Life. He knows - in real time - from whence he speaks -- Dr Dennis Merritt Jones, bestselling author of The Art of Abundance and The Art of UncertaintyPatrick Harbula's presentation of a wide variety of meditation styles and techniques makes this book a unique presentation on the subject. Particularly insightful is the Helpful Hints section, which offers practical and cutting edge strategies for effortlessly stilling the mind. The Chapter on Supportive Spiritual Practices also makes this book a seminal and complete treatment for spiritual growth as well as user friendly tool for beginners and seasoned meditators alike -- Dr Ken Gordon, Spiritual Director of Centers for Spiritual LivingPatrick Harbula has created a beautiful introduction to the novice meditator. Using gentle humor, personal stories, and practical suggestions, he guides the reader through complex ideas such as enlightenment, spiritual bypass, dealing with expectations and sustaining an enjoyable and meaningful meditation practice -- Dr Edward Viljoen, author of The Power of MeditationWhile explaining the deep, historical roots of meditation, Patrick makes the practice very accessible to the beginner and highly motivational for the long-time meditator. This is one of the most comprehensive books on Meditation available to us today. Benefits, approaches and specific practices are skillfully explained in his approachable, personal style, and I recommend it wholeheartedly -- Rev Dr Maxine Kaye, author of Alive and AgelessEncyclopedic in scope, this useful compendium is not just for newcomers on the spiritual path. Author Patrick Harbula covers every aspect of meditation from its history to its benefits to the how-tos of more than two dozen practices. A lifetime of experience with Eastern and Western contemplative traditions informs these pages, packed with useful tips on choosing a method, what to expect and establishing a daily practice. Meditation fundamentals like breathwork, mindfulness and visualization are explained in clear, accessible terms -- Joan Duncan Oliver, author of Buddhism: An Introduction to the Buddha's Life, Teachings, and Practices

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Book SynopsisBattling the Buddha of Love is a work of advocacy anthropology that explores the controversial plans and practices of the Maitreya Project, a transnational Buddhist organization, as it sought to build the world''s tallest statue as a multi-million-dollar gift to India. Hoping to forcibly acquire 750 acres of occupied land for the statue park in the Kushinagar area of Uttar Pradesh, the Buddhist statue planners ran into obstacle after obstacle, including a full-scale grassroots resistance movement of Indian farmers working to Save the Land.Falcone sheds light on the aspirations, values, and practices of both the Buddhists who worked to construct the statue, as well as the Indian farmer-activists who tirelessly protested against the Maitreya Project. Because the majority of the supporters of the Maitreya Project statue are converts to Tibetan Buddhism, individuals Falcone terms non-heritage practitioners, she focuses on the spectacular collision of cultural values betweeTrade ReviewFalcone draws on fieldwork and her own personal engagement with the resistance to describe the struggle over the creation of what would have been the largest-ever Buddha image. * Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly *Falcone's advocacy does not compromise the rigor or balance of her analysis. She draws on more than a decade of site observation and personal interviews to produce nuanced ethnographies of the various groups as they struggle with the unintended consequences of Buddhism's globalization.... It will be a valuable resource for serious scholars of contemporary Buddhism and for those studying Buddhism and anthropology. * Choice *As the title of this absorbing book Battling the Buddha of Love: A Cultural Biography of the Greatest Statue Never Built aptly describes, this lucid ethnography by Jessica Falcone explores the transnational life of a globalizing Tibetan Buddhist organization. * Reading Religion *This book is a fruitful intellectual effort that challenges the stereotypical narration of protests... The end notes are extremely illuminative. The strength of the work is the rigor shown by the author in the blending of religious studies, history, social and cultural anthropology, and interviews with people, both members of the FPMT and farmers. * H- Net (H-Diplo) *Dr. Falcone offers compelling insights into the concepts of temporality and futurity, grassroots activism in the face of a transnational organization, and the ethics of engaged anthropological practice. * New Books in Anthropology *The book opens the eyes of the readers as blind devotion blocks the critical mind and compassion, and can be lost in unrealistic, pink thinking. I highly reccomend it. * Buddhismus Aktuell *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Meditation/DHYANA: Focusing on the Maitreya Project Part One: The Transnational Buddhist Statue-Makers 1. Community/SANGHA: FPMT's Transnational Buddhists 2. The Teachings/DHARMA: Religious Practice in a Global Buddhist Institution 3. The Statue/MURTI: Planning a Colossal Maitreya 4. The Relics/SARIRA: Worship and Fundraising with the Relic Tour 5. Aspirations/ASHA: Hope, the Future Tense, and Making (Up) Progress on the Maitreya Project Part Two: The Kushinagari Resistance 6. Holy Place/TIRTHA: Living in the Place of the Buddha's Death 7. Steadfastness/ADITTHANA: Indian Farmers Resist the Buddha of Love 8. Loving-Kindness/MAITRI: Contested Notions of Ethics, Values, and Progress 9. Compassion/KARUNA: Reflections on Engaged Anthropology Conclusion: Faith/SHRADDHA: Guru Devotion, Authority, and Belief in the Shadow of the Maitreya Project Epilogue: Rebirth/SAMSARA: The Future of the Maitreya Project

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Book SynopsisAulino''s work is a strong contribution to the study of aging in the field of medical anthropology specifically because of the focus on the embodied performativity of care evident in her research practice and analysis. Rituals of Care is an excellent book, which offers a thoughtful approach to everyday care in Thailand. ? Anthropology & AgingEnd-of-life issues are increasingly central to discussions within medical anthropology, the anthropology of political action, and the study of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Felicity Aulino''s Rituals of Care speaks directly to these important anthropological and existential conversations. Against the backdrop of global population aging and increased attention to care for the elderly, both personal and professional, Aulino challenges common presumptions about the universal nature of caring. The way she examines particular sets of emotional and practical ways of being with people, and their sTrade ReviewThis book should be read by all students of Thai culture who have an interest in the everyday life, religious practices and socio-political conditions surrounding people's everyday lives. It also makes a remarkable contribution to the understanding of care, as well as to the emerging field of the anthropology of morality. * South East Asia Research *Rituals of Care is a complex, compelling empirical and conceptual work that engages deeply with questions of caregiving and volunteerism in the Theravada Buddhist context of Thai society. The book is highly recommended for researchers on Theravada Buddhism, caregiving, volunteerism, medical and political anthropology, as well as scholars of Thai society and culture more generally. * Pacific Affairs *Aulino's work is a strong contribution to the study of aging in the field of medical anthropology specifically because of the focus on the embodied performativity of care evident in her research practice and analysis. Rituals of Care is an excellent book, which offers a thoughtful approach to everyday care in Thailand. * Anthropology & Aging *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Karma of Care: Ordinary Actions and Their Consequences 2. The Conditioning of Care: Intention, Emotion, and Restraint 3. The Subjects of Care: Perceiving the Social Body 4. The Civic Landscape of Care: Merit and the Spirit of Volunteering for Elders 5. The Violence of Care: Pity and Compassion, Patronage and Repression Conclusion: On Unending Care: Rituals for Making Things So

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Book SynopsisAulino''s work is a strong contribution to the study of aging in the field of medical anthropology specifically because of the focus on the embodied performativity of care evident in her research practice and analysis. Rituals of Care is an excellent book, which offers a thoughtful approach to everyday care in Thailand. ? Anthropology & AgingEnd-of-life issues are increasingly central to discussions within medical anthropology, the anthropology of political action, and the study of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Felicity Aulino''s Rituals of Care speaks directly to these important anthropological and existential conversations. Against the backdrop of global population aging and increased attention to care for the elderly, both personal and professional, Aulino challenges common presumptions about the universal nature of caring. The way she examines particular sets of emotional and practical ways of being with people, and their sTrade ReviewThis book should be read by all students of Thai culture who have an interest in the everyday life, religious practices and socio-political conditions surrounding people's everyday lives. It also makes a remarkable contribution to the understanding of care, as well as to the emerging field of the anthropology of morality. * South East Asia Research *Rituals of Care is a complex, compelling empirical and conceptual work that engages deeply with questions of caregiving and volunteerism in the Theravada Buddhist context of Thai society. The book is highly recommended for researchers on Theravada Buddhism, caregiving, volunteerism, medical and political anthropology, as well as scholars of Thai society and culture more generally. * Pacific Affairs *Aulino's work is a strong contribution to the study of aging in the field of medical anthropology specifically because of the focus on the embodied performativity of care evident in her research practice and analysis. Rituals of Care is an excellent book, which offers a thoughtful approach to everyday care in Thailand. * Anthropology & Aging *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Karma of Care: Ordinary Actions and Their Consequences 2. The Conditioning of Care: Intention, Emotion, and Restraint 3. The Subjects of Care: Perceiving the Social Body 4. The Civic Landscape of Care: Merit and the Spirit of Volunteering for Elders 5. The Violence of Care: Pity and Compassion, Patronage and Repression Conclusion: On Unending Care: Rituals for Making Things So

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Book SynopsisBy exploring lived ecological experiences across seven Buddhist worlds from ancient India to the contemporary West, Roaming Free Like a Deer provides a comprehensive, critical, and innovative examination of the theories, practices, and real-world results of Buddhist environmental ethics. Daniel Capper clarifies crucial contours of Buddhist vegetarianism or meat eating, nature mysticism, and cultural speculations about spirituality in nonhuman animals. Buddhist environmental ethics often are touted as useful weapons in the fight against climate change. However, two formidable but often overlooked problems with this perspective exist. First, much of the literature on Buddhist environmental ethics uncritically embraces Buddhist ideals without examining the real-world impacts of those ideals, thereby sometimes ignoring difficulties in terms of practical applications. Moreover, for some understandable but still troublesome reasons, Buddhists from differTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Some Methods in Buddhist Environmental Ethics 2. The Buddha's Nature 3. The Clever Bee of Sri Lanka 4. Beautiful Thai Buffaloes 5. Eating the Enlightened Plants of China 6. Japanese Water Buddhas 7. Releasing Animals in Tibet 8. Natural Persons in the West Conclusion

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Book SynopsisBuddhism was founded thousands of years ago, and has inspired millions of people with its peaceful teachings. This book highlights and explains the central concepts of Buddhism to the modern reader, with explanations of mindfulness, karma, The Four Noble Truths, the Middle Way, and more. Whether you’re just looking to understand Buddhism, or exploring the philosophy in your own life and own journey to Enlightenment, this book gives you everything you need to know.

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Book SynopsisThough we are seemingly more connected to our world than ever before, many of us cannot ignore a nagging sense of loneliness and isolation. To keep this anxiety and discontentment at bay, we can search for connection through unhealthy distractions, believing these will bring us true nourishment. And yet, loneliness is on the rise, exacting detrimental effects on our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Even those of us who have succeeded in the ways that society applauds, often feel unanchored, disengaged, and purposeless. If true pleasure is what we desire, how do we look past the surface, to discover a life filled with meaningful connection and genuine relationships?Untangled is a welcoming guidebook to finding expansive ease and true joy through what is traditionally called the eightfold path, one of Buddhism's foundational teachings. Psychotherapist and Zen teacher Koshin Paley Ellison compassionately walks readers down these eight roads, leading them on a path of transformation and to experience true joy. Combining teachings from both Eastern and Western wisdom traditions, Paley Ellison equips readers with the tools needed to untangle our tangles and make profound change, inside and out. Infused with Paley Ellison's own anecdotes of his life as a young gay kid facing abuse and discrimination, this approachable guide will help you transform your ever day interactions, your most intimate relationships and offers a path for social healing. It is an ancient cure that's up to the challenge of healing the modern dysfunction of our times.

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Book SynopsisThis accessible guide for walking Buddhism’s eightfold path is the perfect way to combat loneliness, disconnection, and depression–true happiness is not as unattainable as it may seem. Loneliness is on the rise, with detrimental effects on our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. How do we look past the surface, to discover a life filled with meaningful connection and genuine relationships? Untangled is a welcoming guidebook to finding expansive ease and true joy through the eightfold path–one of Buddhism’s foundational teachings.  Psychotherapist and Zen teacher Koshin Paley Ellison compassionately walks readers down these eight roads, leading them to discover true joy. Combining teachings from both Eastern and Western traditions, Paley Ellison equips readers with the tools needed to make profound change, inside and out. Infused with Paley Ellison’s own anecdotes of his own life, this guide

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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