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The Buddhist on Death Row: How One Man Found Light in the Darkest Place
By David Sheff. 2020
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Boyexplores the transformation of Jarvis Jay Masters who has become one…
of America&’s most inspiring Buddhist practitioners while locked in a cell on death row. Jarvis Jay Masters&’s early life was a horror story whose outline we know too well. Born in Long Beach, California, his house was filled with crack, alcohol, physical abuse, and men who paid his mother for sex. He and his siblings were split up and sent to foster care when he was five, and he progressed quickly to juvenile detention, car theft, armed robbery, and ultimately San Quentin. While in prison, he was set up for the murder of a guard—a conviction which landed him on death row, where he&’s been since 1990.At the time of his murder trial, he was held in solitary confinement, torn by rage and anxiety, felled by headaches, seizures, and panic attacks. A criminal investigator repeatedly offered to teach him breathing exercises which he repeatedly refused. Until desperation moved him to ask her how to do &“that meditation shit.&” With uncanny clarity, David Sheff describes Masters&’s gradual but profound transformation from a man dedicated to hurting others to one who has prevented violence on the prison yard, counseled high school kids by mail, and helped prisoners—and even guards—find meaning in their lives.Along the way, Masters becomes drawn to the principles that Buddhism espouses—compassion, sacrifice, and living in the moment—and he gains the admiration of Buddhists worldwide, including many of the faith&’s most renowned practitioners. And while he is still in San Quentin and still on death row, he is a renowned Buddhist thinker who shows us how to ease our everyday suffering, relish the light that surrounds us, and endure the tragedies that befall us all.Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World
By Katie Arnold. 2024
A Zen study wrapped in a memoir of destruction and healing written by an elite ultrarunner as she struggles to…
make it to the other side of a life-shattering injury with her sanity, and her marriage, intactAfter flipping her raft days away from help on a trip down the remote Salmon River, Katie Arnold&’s shattered leg tests both her spirit and her marriage for years to come. It also reignites her meditation practice and motivates her to dive into Zen in search of healing. Before the accident, Katie was an elite ultrarunner with a simmering but adequate marriage who avoided being indoors whenever possible. But who is she afterwards?In the midst of hardship, Katie turns for support to the Zen practice she had long dabbled in. Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World is a Zen study wrapped in a memoir that tells the story of a search for stillness by a woman born for wildness. Spanning roughly two years, from shortly before the accident through the long, uncertain healing of both leg and marriage, it is a personal narrative of that tumultuous time nested inside meditations on Zen. Having gone from a reluctant spiritualist to a Zen practitioner over the course of a decade, Katie Arnold offers unique company for those seeking nature&’s exquisite highs as well as for creatives, spiritualists, and sensualists who want to slow down and examine the possibilities of a well-lived life. As the late Japanese master Shunryu Suzuki wrote, &“Sometimes a flashing will come through the dark sky.&” These brief flashings are enlightenment—moments when we suddenly feel as if we&’re part of everything, and everything&’s part of us. This book is about how to experience the flashings when they come, and about what they mean for how we live our lives.Presence: The Art of Being at Home in Yourself
By Tracy Cochran. 2024
In 20 short, gem-like chapters, meditation teacher Tracy Cochran invites us to explore living fully in the present moment as…
a revolutionary practice.Tracy&’s vibrant essays from her storied life give plenty of encouragement to reframe and dive deep into our own experiences.Mindfulness offers us a way to be fully in the present moment—and as we start to embrace this practice, we learn that our lives are made of present moments. That gift of presence is the palpable experience of awareness that appears when we remember to be mindful of those moments. In 20 short chapters, Cochran encourages us to see presence as a living force—and to recognize and explore how that shows up in our lives. She offers riveting and relatable stories from her life—a spiritually transformative wine-making trip in France, a near-death experience while being mugged, managing her feisty child while on a retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh, among many others—and Buddhist teachings to encourage us to see the power of presence to illuminate and transform our past, present, and future. Cochran's observations and reminiscences are wise and pithy, and she gives us plenty of encouragement to explore and reframe our own experiences.Ocean of Attainments: The Creation Stage of Guhyasamaja Tantra According to Khedrup Jé
By Yael Bentor and Penpa Dorjee. 2024
This commentary on Guhyasamaja tantra is the seminal guide to deity yoga and tantric visualization for the Geluk school of…
Tibetan Buddhism.Ocean of Attainments was composed by Khedrup Jé Gelek Palsang (1385–1438), one of Tsongkhapa Losang Drakpa&’s most prominent disciples. Its subject is the creation stage, a quintessential Buddhist tantric meditation that together with the completion stage comprises the path of unexcelled tantra. The Guhyasamaja Tantra, referred to as the &“king of all tantras,&” is revered in Tibet, especially by the Geluk school, for its hermeneutic methods, which are in turn applied to other tantras. In the creation stage, meditators visualize themselves as buddhas at the center of the celestial mandala, surrounded in all directions by male and female bodhisattvas and enlightened beings. Since the core of the practice is visualization, this meditation—perhaps more than other meditations—presumes the creative power of the mind. Visualizations form the basis not only of the creation stage and deity yoga but of all tantric practices and rituals, since tantric practice takes place not in mundane existence but in the illusion-like purity of the enlightened view. While the previously published Essence of the Ocean of Attainments is a concise exposition on the practice of the Guhyasamaja sadhana, Ocean of Attainments is much more detailed, providing extensive scriptural citations, clear explanation of the body mandala, arguments on points of contention, reference to other tantric systems, and critiques of misinterpretations. Complemented by the extensive and clear introduction, this volume is a vital contribution to the growing body of scholarship on Guhyasamaja and on Buddhist tantra in general.Meeting the Monkey Halfway
By Ajahn Sumano Bhikkhu, Emily Popp. 2000
An American Buddhist monk in the Theravada tradition offers wisdom and spiritual practices on attaining mindful presence.Simple and straightforward, this…
“little book” is a distillation of twenty years of a Buddhist monk’s meditation practice. With a sense of reverence and respect for everything, Ajahn Sumano Bhikkhu shows us how to use only what we need, and then to use these few things carefully and with discrimination. Meeting the Monkey Halfway is his personal story, and through his story he will help us to open our hearts and relearn the compassion of the Buddha.From a Mountain In Tibet: A Monk’s Journey
By Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche. 2020
Lama Yeshe didn't see a car until he was fifteen. But everything changed with the arrival of Chinese army vehicles…
in 1959. In the wake of the deadly Tibetan Uprising, he escaped to India through the Himalayas as one of only 13 survivors out of 300 refugees.Now in his seventies and a leading monk at the Samye Ling monastery in Scotland, Lama Yeshe casts a hopeful look back at his momentous life - from his quiet early years and the moment his world changed to his time spent in America, experiencing the excesses of the Woodstock generation. And to his life now.Written with erudition and humour, From a Mountain in Tibet shines a light on how the most desperate of situations can help us to uncover vital life lessons and attain lasting peace and contentment.___________________________________________'Brilliant and riveting. This book shows us that freedom is a choice we can all make' Gelong Thubten, author of A Monk's Guide to Happiness'A fascinating story of an incredible life, told with unflinching honesty' Dr John Sellars author of Lessons in StoicismThe Future Of Buddhism
By Sogyal Rinpoche. 2002
In this fascinating collection of articles, Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, draws on his…
experience of twenty-five years of teaching in the West. In The Future of Buddhism, he reflects on some of the vital issues facing Buddhism in the modern world, issues such as adaptation, training, integration and the support of the sangha. He highlights the role of mind in health in The Spiritual Heart of Tibetan Medicine, delving into the practices of 'lojong' - training the mind - and meditation, and the ultimate healing that comes through recognizing the nature of mind. Finally, Rinpoche gives advice on how to survive the spiritual path in View and Wrong View and Misunderstandings. For when we follow a spiritual path, it is more important than ever to see through the mind and its delusions, and to know just how misunderstandings can come to dominate our lives.Zen Gardening
By A. K. Davidson. 1982
The Zen gardens of Japan are places in which to meditate. They can be anything from a landscaped garden, complete…
with waterfalls, to a bed of raked pebbles. This ancient way of gardening goes back to the Zen Buddhist priest-gardeners of the thirteenth century. Based on abstract compositions, relying on simplicity and suggestion, their gardens were designed to liberate the imagination, while providing a starting point in the appreciation of everyday things.Zen Gardening is the first handbook to examine the concepts and techniques that make up this garden art and to apply them to the West. It explains the historical relationship between Zen and the development of gardens, and gives practical suggestions for the creation of a Zen garden at home. The chapters on the garden components and their adaptation for the West, principles of design, and construction work, are illustrated with over 150 line drawings. Step by step they show us how to make the most of corners of large gardens, of plots not large enough for lawns and flower beds, or of awkward passageways, alleys and terraces.The principles of Zen gardening are particularly relevant in our crowded conurbations. Keir Davidson's thoughtful and practical approach enables us to maximize our garden space and to create areas of calm in our own immediate environment. Without precedent in the West, his book will be a source of delight to gardeners of every persuasion.'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 curatorFinding Peace: Meditation and Wisdom for Modern Times
By Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche. 2021
'This transformational book will help you calm your mind, remove negativity and find inner peace.' Jay Shetty, author of Think…
Like a Monk'The perfect manual for the mind, bringing deep insight to today's world and offering practical tools for transformation' Gelong Thubten, author of A Monk's Guide to Happiness _______________________________________________________________________________In this hectic, modern world, the practice of meditation is the greatest way to calm your mind and find peace.A collection of teachings from one of the world's wisest minds, the lessons in this book have transformed the lives of people across the world and have never been more pertinent. In this book world-renowned meditation master, Lama Yeshe,shares how meditation enabled him to overcome the strains and pressures of modern life and find peace - and reveals how we can all do the same.He teaches us that our minds are infinite like the sky, which can easily become clouded with stress and emotions, but with meditation we are able to see beyond the clouds and free our minds of obstacles. With practical steps on breathing, posture, forgiveness, relationships and establishing a meditation routine, this is the definitive guide for beginners and experienced meditators alike to learn from the wisdom of a globally revered meditation master.The Dhammapada
By Juan Mascaro. 1973
The Dhammapada is a collection of aphorisms that illustrate the moral teachings of Buddha - the spiritual path to the…
supreme Truth. Probably compiled in the third century BCE, the verses are arranged according to theme, covering ideas such as self-possession, good and evil, watchfulness and endurance. Together they describe how an individual can attain the enlightenment of Nirvana, the supreme goal of Buddhism. The road to Nirvana, as illustrated in The Dhammapada, is narrow and difficult to negotiate, but the reward of eternal life gives hope and determination to the traveller.The Dhammapada
By Valerie J. Roebuck. 2010
One of the best-known and best-loved works of Buddhist literature, the Dhammapada forms part of the oldest surviving body of…
Buddhist writings, and is traditionally regarded as the authentic teachings of the Buddha himself, spoken by him in his lifetime, and memorized and handed on by his followers after his death. A collection of simple verses gathered in themes such as 'awareness', 'fools' and 'old age', the Dhammapada is accessible, instructional and mind-clearing, with lessons in each verse to give ethical advice and to remind the listener of the transience of life.Valerie Roebuck's new translation is accompanied by an introduction examining the language of the Dhammapada, its status as literature and the school of Buddhist teaching from which it comes.Buddhist Scriptures
By Donald Lopez. 2004
While Buddhism has no central text such as the Bible or the Koran, there is a powerful body of scripture…
from across Asia that encompasses the dharma, or the teachings of Buddha. This rich anthology brings together works from a broad historical and geographical range, and from languages such as Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese. There are tales of the Buddha's past lives, a discussion of the qualities and qualifications of a monk, and an exploration of the many meanings of Enlightenment. Together they provide a vivid picture of the Buddha and of the vast nature of the Buddhist tradition.The Buddha in Me, The Buddha in You: A Handbook for Happiness
By David Hare. 2016
Do you want to be happier? Find inner calm? Enjoy a rich and rewarding life? Here's how... The Buddha in…
Me, the Buddha in You combines the tried-and-tested wisdom of Nichiren Buddhism with the best of popular psychology and personal development, making this a brilliant guide to how life works, and how to get the most from it. Nichiren Buddhism differs from other Buddhist schools in its focus on the here-and-now, and places great importance on individual growth as the starting point for a better world. This, combined with powerful techniques such as NLP, mindfulness, journalling and coaching, makes The Buddha in Me, the Buddha in You the quintessential handbook for happiness.'Buddha' simply means someone who is awakened - yet while Nichiren Buddhists will find fascinating insights into their practice, there is no need to follow a spiritual path to benefit from this book. Through his experience as an internationally acclaimed life coach and practising Buddhist, author David Hare shows us how to wake up to our own potential and that of those around us – to discover everyday enlightenment.The Buddha In Daily Life: An Introduction to the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin
By Richard Causton Causton. 1995
Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism encourages the belief that, through its faith and practices, spiritual and material blessings and benefits can be…
available to everyone in this life. Needs can be met, and success achieved, not merely for oneself but for others (and the world) through dedication to the Lotus Sutra, a central teaching of Buddhism. It combines these personal objectives with the commitment to world peace, ecology and the easing of suffering, especially, AIDS. Attracting such well known followers as Jeff Banks, Sandie Shaw, Tina Turner and Roberto Baggio, Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism is rooted in a Buddhist tradition going back to the teachings of Nichiren in the 13th century, and is part of an international movement based in Japan.Buddhismus für Dummies (Für Dummies)
By Jonathan Landaw, Stephan Bodian. 2024
Das Glück liegt in Ihnen, nicht in diesem Buch Erfahren Sie, was den Buddhismus für viele so faszinierend macht. Jonathan…
Landaw und Stephan Bodian führen leicht verständlich in diese fernöstliche Lehre ein. Sie berichten vom Leben des historischen Buddha und von den unterschiedlichen Traditionen, die sich über die Jahrhunderte entwickelt haben. Die Leser lernen, was es mit dem Kleinen (Hinayana) und dem Großen Fahrzeug (Mahayana) auf sich hat, wie sich der Zen-Buddhismus von der tibetanischen Schule unterscheidet und vieles mehr. Außerdem zeigen die Autoren, wie der Buddhismus unseren Alltag bereichert. Sie erfahren Wie Sie in westlichen Kulturen dem Pfad der Erleuchtung folgen Wie der Geist Glück und Leiden erzeugt Was zum Wesen eines Buddhisten gehört Welche Interpretationen der Erleuchtung es gibtCultivate a mindful new habit in 2023 with Be More Bonsai, and discover how the art of growing bonsai trees…
can lead to a happier, more mindful way of lifeAmid the chaos of modern life, the ancient art of tending to bonsai can bring calm and perspective.The central tenets of this beautiful, meditative practice teach us patience, focus, calmness, perspective, planning, mindfulness and many more traits that can help us in our busy, challenging everyday lives.This calming companion will guide you through:· Caring for your own bonsai tree· Applying the mindfulness of cultivating bonsai to everyday life· The ancient Eastern philosophy of tending to bonsaiFrom the shedding of leaves representing the letting go of material possessions, to carefully tending to the bonsai roots just as we should our own core values, Be More Bonsai is filled with wisdom that you'll cherish every day.Through the pages of this unique book, drawing on thousands of years of wisdom, elegant philosophy and a simpler, ancient way of life, we can all learn to Be More Bonsai.Be As You Are
By Sri Ramana Maharshi. 1985
'Our own Self-realization is the greatest service we can render the world'The simple but powerful teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi,…
one of India's most revered spiritual masters, continue to enlighten and enrich over sixty years after his death. Be As You Are is the definitive compendium of his knowledge, edited by the former librarian from Sri Maharshi's ashram, which can be found flourishing at the foot of the holy mountain of Arunchala. The book collects conversations with the many seekers who came to him for guidance, answering the questions sought on the road to enlightenment. Through this book, we can discover the essence of Sri Ramana's teaching: that self-realisation is the vital quest we must all pursue, before we can attempt to understand the world.Reissue of the classic spiritual work, updated with a new cover.An Awakened Life: Using Everyday Experiences for Inner Fulfilment
By Christopher Titmuss. 1999
In an awakened life, our hearts are open, steady and purposeful. Most people today have a greater income, as well…
as more goods and labour - saving devices, than any other generation in history. Yet stress, discontent, personal and social problems abound. Drawing on the deepest discoveries of the Buddhist tradition, well-known retreat master, Christopher Titmuss, suggests we spend far too much time in superficial preoccupaions and not enough in looking deeply into things. He urges us to fearlessly transform the forces of desire and dissatisfaction that haunt our daily lives - and to awaken to the Immeasurable. Inspired by the 20th Century classic, Zend Mind, Beginner's mind, he gives practical advice on such subjects as: understanding our feelings , taking risks, becomming more detached and rediscovering our true selves. And he shows us how to have free, fulfilled and uninhibited lives amidst the frenzy of everyday activity.Saraha's Spontaneous Songs: With the Commentaries by Advayavajra and Moksakaragupta
By Klaus-Dieter Mathes, Péter-Dániel Szántó. 2024
The first volume in over six decades to bring to light new original material on Saraha&’s Treasury of Spontaneous Songs…
(Dohakosa).&“Completely abandon thought and no-thought, and abide in the natural way of a small child.&” —Saraha To find liberation and realize the true nature of reality, the Indian Buddhist master Saraha says we must leave behind any conceptual assessment of reality, since no model of it has ever been known to withstand critical analysis. Saraha&’s spontaneous songs, or dohas, represent the Buddhist art of expressing the inexpressible. The most important collection of Saraha&’s songs is the Dohakosagiti, better known in Tibet as the Songs for the People, and the Tibetan Mahamudra tradition, especially within the Kagyü school, has done the most to preserve the lineage of Saraha&’s instructions to the present day. But Saraha was also widely cited in Indian sources starting around the eleventh century, and one Indic commentary, by the Newar scholar Advayavajra, still exists in Sanskrit. In addition, we have independent root texts of Saraha&’s songs in the vernacular Apabhramsa in which they were recorded. These Indian texts, together with their Tibetan translations, are here presented in masterful new critical editions along with the Tibetan translation of the commentary no longer extant in Sanskrit by Moksakaragupta. Finally, both commentaries are rendered in elegant English, and the authors offer a brisk, comprehensive introduction. Saraha&’s Spontaneous Songs provides the reader with everything needed for a serious study of one of the most important works in the Indian Buddhist canon.