Mahayana Buddhism Books
Penguin Books Ltd Finding the Heart Sutra
Book Synopsis''An erudite and charming book . . . both a primer and a paean to one of the central texts of Buddhism, known as the Heart Sutra. . . Alex Kerr delves into the Japanese soul'' Literary ReviewThe material world is itself emptiness.Emptiness is itself the material world.Powerful, mystical and concise, the Heart Sutra is believed to contain the condensed essence of all Buddhist wisdom. This brief poem on emptiness has exerted immense influence throughout Asia since the seventh century and is woven into the fabric of daily life. Yet even though it rivals the teachings of Laozi and Confucius in importance, this ancient Buddhist scripture remains barely known in the West. During the many years he has spent living in Japan, Alex Kerr has been on a quest after the secrets of the Heart Sutra. Travelling from Japan, Korea, and China, to India, Mongolia, Tibet and Vietnam, this book brings together Buddhist teaching, talks with friends and mentors, and acute cultural insights to probe the universe of thought contained within this short but intense philosophical work.''Marvellous ... a life''s work ... a brilliant literary form, weaving reflections of the sutra with those on Alex''s own magical mystery tour'' Alexandra Munroe, Asian Art scholar and curatorTrade ReviewPanoramic . . . what Kerr does so well as a writer is delve into the smaller details that other scribes overlook . . . the best books are about the reader, mindful of their wants and needs, while the author remains in the background where he or she can more effectively transmit the story and its meaning. Kerr excels at this, even while telling what is a highly personal story -- Amy Chavez * Books on Asia *Compelling, beautiful . . . Alex Kerr finds humor at the heart of wisdom and enlightenment -- J.J. O'Donoghue * Japan Times *Playful and accessible . . . superb calligraphy . . . those who loved Kerr's Lost Japan or his most recent Bangkok Found will remember, as they read this latest offering, the reasons they have enjoyed his work: Kerr's deep understanding of culture and his refined aesthetic sensibilities, qualities that allow him to capture the world he writes about in a way that is always compelling -- Leanne Ogasawara * Kyoto Journal *An erudite and charming book . . . Alex Kerr delves into the Japanese soul in Finding the Heart Sutra . . . both a primer and a paean to one of the central texts to Buddhism * Literary Review *
£10.44
Windhorse Publications The Promise of a Sacred World: Shinran's Teaching
Book SynopsisIn this pioneering book, in turns poetic and philosophical, Nagapriya shows how the insights into the existential condition offered by Shinran can transform our understanding of what Buddhist practice consists in, and what it means to awaken to our ultimate concern. Shinran (1173 – 1263) is one of the most important thinkers of Japanese Buddhist history, and founder of the Jōdo Shinshū Pure Land school. Nagapriya explores Shinran’s spirituality and teachings through close readings, confessional narrative, and thoughtful interpretation. This book is an invitation to reimagine Shinran’s religious universe, not for the sake of historical curiosity, but as an exercise that has the potential to remake us in the light of our ultimate concerns.Trade Review"Nagapriya not only accurately captures the heart of Shinran's spirituality and teachings, but conveys it in ways that are novel and easy to understand." Kenneth K. Tanaka, Professor Emeritus, Musashino University, Tokyo; Past President, International Association of Shin Buddhist Studies; author of The Dawn of Chinese Pure Land Buddhist Doctrine; "An astonishing, highly poetic, magical, mystical, personal, emotional, and even confessional encounter with Shinran, which strikes a brilliantly fresh note." Galen Amstutz, Adjunct Instructor, Institute of Buddhist Studies/Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, USA; "This is a remarkable book that presents a clear overview of the core points in Shinran's teaching, well grounded in original sources and in the broader context of Pure Land Buddhism." Caroline Brazier is a priest in the Jodo Shinshu tradition, a psychotherapist, and the author of seven books on Buddhism and therapy.Table of ContentsAbout the Author Author's Acknowledgements Publisher's Acknowledgements Abbreviations Foreword Chapter 1 Introduction: The Bandaged Place Part 1 Portal to the Infinite Chapter 2 Betting on the Symbolic World Chapter 3 Hell Is Decidedly My Abode Chapter 4 The Horizon of the Impossible Part 2 Cascade of Blessing Chapter 5 Shared Out in Endless Abundance Infinite brightness Chapter 6 The True Intent Chapter 7 All with the Same Mind Chapter 8 The True Essence of the Pure Land Way Part 3 Other Power Chapter 9 Great Practice Is No Practice Chapter 10 Shinjin: The Diamond-Like True Mind Chapter 11 Evil Transforming into Good Chapter 12 The Darkness of Ignorance Has Already Cleared Chapter 13 Free of Any Form of Calculation Chapter 14 A Newness that Renews Us Ceaselessly Chapter 15 Coming About of Itself: Jinen Chapter 16 The Promise of a Sacred World Appendix: A Guide to Shinran's Writings and Sources Shinran's writings Shinran's sources and the Pure Land masters Contemporary readings Endnotes Index
£14.24
Windhorse Publications Wisdom Teachings of the Mahayana
Book SynopsisHow much knowledge of the Dharma do we need? Sangharakshita's answer might surprise some: 'a lot less than we think', but we need to use the knowledge we do have well. This is the teaching of the four main works in this volume. Based on seminars conducted in 1976 and 1978, each offers a lesson in how to think critically about Mahayana Buddhist teachings, and how to apply them to day-to-day life. They are The Way to Wisdom, on the five spiritual faculties; Living Ethically and Living Wisely, on Nagarjuna's Precious Garland, and Know Your Mind, which explores a Tibetan Abhidharma text.Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Editorial Note Acknowledgements Foreword, Vajradevi Editorial Note Offering the Mandala The Way to Wisdom Verses to Tara Living Ethically Wrathful Deities Living Wisely Tsongkhapa's Three Chief Paths Know Your Mind Notes and References Index A Guide to The Complete Works of Sangharakshita
£18.95
Windhorse Publications Wisdom Teachings of the Mahayana
Book SynopsisHow much knowledge of the Dharma do we need? Sangharakshita's answer might surprise some: 'a lot less than we think', but we need to use the knowledge we do have well. This is the teaching of the four main works in this volume. Based on seminars conducted in 1976 and 1978, each offers a lesson in how to think critically about Mahayana Buddhist teachings, and how to apply them to day-to-day life. They are The Way to Wisdom, on the five spiritual faculties; Living Ethically and Living Wisely, on Nagarjuna's Precious Garland, and Know Your Mind, which explores a Tibetan Abhidharma text.Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Editorial Note Acknowledgements Foreword, Vajradevi Editorial Note Offering the Mandala The Way to Wisdom Verses to Tara Living Ethically Wrathful Deities Living Wisely Tsongkhapa's Three Chief Paths Know Your Mind Notes and References Index A Guide to The Complete Works of Sangharakshita
£28.45
Taylor & Francis A History of Shaolin
Book SynopsisShaolin Monastery at Mount Song is considered the epicentre of the Chan school of Buddhism. It is also well known for its martial arts tradition and has long been regarded as a special cultural heritage site and an important symbol of the Chinese nation. This book is the first scholarly work in English to comprehensively examine the full history of Shaolin Monastery from 496 to 2016. More importantly, it offers a clear grasp of the origins and development of Chan Buddhism through an examination of Shaolin, and highlights the role of Shaolin and Shaolin kung fu in the construction of a national identity among the Chinese people in the past two centuries. Trade Review"...it is impossible to deny that Shaolin has indeed played an important role throughout Chinese history and has certainly contributed to the construction of a strong national identity. Moreover, the true strength of this volume lies not so much in Lu’s conclusions about the importance of Shaolin, but rather the exposition itself of the most comprehensive history of Shaolin in English to this date."- Joseph Chadwin, University of Vienna"This book provides original insights that make a robust case for understanding the Shaolin Monastery as part of the national culture through its alignment with successive Chinese rulers. Lu’s delicate brushwork paints a multi-layered and nuanced exploration of every dimension of Shaolin within a complex social context."Dr. Meishan Zhang, Trinity College Dublin"A book which, I believe, will collaborate in a special way for studies related to Chinese martial arts, the history of Asia/China and Buddhism."Prof. Rodrigo Wolff Apolloni, Centro Universitário Uniopet, Brazil"Lu’s grasp of the inscriptions in place at the temple itself offers tantalising interpretations of Shaolin’s nature."Dr. Jonathan Clements, Martial History TeamTable of Contents1. Introduction 2. The Early Days of Shaolin 3. The Song, Jin and Yuan Dynasties 4. The Transformation of Shaolin in the Ming Dynasty 5. The Development of Shaolin in the Qing Dynasty 6. The Republic of China Era: Warlords, Militarism and Nationalism 7. Surviving Socialist Reforms 8. The Revival of Shaolin in the Era of Reform and Opening Up 9. Conclusion
£120.00
