Description
Book Synopsis'Once upon a time there was a rich old man who lived in a vast mansion ...' Aware that whatever our age, we never lose our responsiveness to story, myth and drama, the Buddha often told stories and parables, and in the Mahayana phase of the development of Buddhism, the stories became ever more mythical and magical. In this volume, Sangharakshita introduces us to the strange and wonderful worlds of three of the best-loved Mahayana sutras, worlds from which - if we pay close attention - we can return with treasures in the form of teachings and advice. Thanks to Sangharakshita's imaginative and creative approach to these sutras, their gems, mythical or even magical though their origins may be, turn out to be exchangeable for hard currency - the practical business of how we are to live our lives in the everyday world. From the transcendental critique of religion and the means of unification offered by the Vimalakirti-nirdesa to the light shed on economics, ecology and politics by the Sutra of Golden Light, and the vision of life as a journey offered by the White Lotus Sutra, these commentaries offer a unique and transformative perspective on the value of human existence.
Trade Review'I have always looked to Sangharakshita's books for inspiration and ideas on how to better translate the principles and practices of Buddhism for Western audiences and practitioners today.' - Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within
Table of ContentsForewordThe Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment: Parables, Myths, and Symbols of the White Lotus Sutra1 The Universal Perspective of Mahayana Buddhism2 The Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment3 Transcending the Human Predicament4 The Myth of the Return Journey5 Symbols of Life and Growth6 Five Element Symbolism and the Stupa7 The Jewel in the Lotus8 The Archetype of the Divine HealerThe Priceless JewelTransforming Self and World: Themes from the Sutra of Golden LightIntroduction: The Growth of a Mahayana SutraPart One: Transformation of Self1 The Bodhisattva's Dream2 The Spiritual Significance of ConfessionPart Two: Transformation of World3 The Protectors of the Dharma4 Buddhism and Culture5 Nature, Man, and Enlightenment6 Buddhist Economics7 The Moral Order and its UpholdersThe Inconceivable Emancipation: Themes from the Vimalakirti-nirdesa1 The Magic of a Mahayana Sutra2 Building the Buddha-Land3 On Being 'All Things to All Men'4 The Transcendental Critique of Religion5 History Versus Myth in Humanity's Quest for Meaning6 The Way of Non-Duality7 The Mystery of Human Communication8 The Four Great Reliances: Criteria for the Spiritual Life
