A blueprint for a life of mindfulness, dedicated to the easing of suffering both for oneself and for others The story of Shakyamuni Buddha’s epic journey to enlightenment is perhaps the most important narrative in the Buddhist tradition. Tenzin Chögyel’sThe Life of the Buddha, composed in the mid–eighteenth century and now in a vivid new translation, is a masterly storyteller’s rendition of the twelve acts of the Buddha. Chögyel’s classical tale seamlessly weaves together the vast and the minute, the earthly and the celestial, reflecting the near-omnipresent aid of the gods alongside the Buddha’s moving final reunion with his devoted son, Rahula. The Life of the Buddha has the power to engage people through a deeply human story with cosmic implications. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Incorporating cultural and religious contexts, this unique Encyclopedia provides a vital guide to the main concepts and thinkers in Asian philosophy - starting with Abhidharma and ending with Zurvan. The main philosophical trends and thinkers in each geographical area are featured, with an emphasis on endtemporary developments and movements. The A-Z structured encyclopedia emphasizes that Asian philosophy is not merely an ancient form of thought but that it is a living philosophy, with roots in the past, and also a potent and animate presence today. This translates into the reciprocal exchange of theories between Eastern and Western thinking, for example of new schools of thought such as orientalism. Requiring no prior knowledge of philosophy, religion or Asian cultures, this book is essential reading for students, teachers and the interested individual who wishes to gain an understanding of the philosophical basis to Asian cultural systems.
In these fascinating personal essays, we can get a glimpse into the heart and mind of a great champion of peace as he reminisces about significant events in his life and some of the people he' s met. We not only will gain a new appreciation of President Ikeda' s wide-ranging efforts for peace, culture, and education as he traveled the world for sake of people' s happiness, but we will learn lessons we can apply as we, too, strive to be ambassadors of peace.
A book not only for every follower of the Buddha around the world but also for every person who wants to understand the Buddha. This book is a study with a heart but one where reason is allowed to be free. In any study of the historical Buddha there are two major obstacles to confront. Firstly, there are the systematic prejudices that developed against him through the centuries in his own country. Secondly, some of the fantastic myths associated with him can give pause to a modern man of science. As this book shows, however, these hurdles can be readily surmounted. This is done by responding to the Buddha's famous exhortation to "come and see" Rather than accept the Buddha blindly, the book invites readers to simply open their hearts and minds enough to examine him in a fair manner. Though the author uses the Tipitaka as his primary authority, he does not tie himself to any particular tradition. The Buddha's universal teaching came out of the Indian subcontinent's agrarian culture. He was firmly rooted in this world and not in any heavenly realms. The book takes the reader on a journey into the life and the teachings of this son of Earth-an extraordinary human being who offered his fellow humans a timeless road map to a happy life. The book also raises questions that will hopefully help to foster healthy dialogue, in the true spirit in which the Buddha wanted others to look at and follow his teaching.
This masterpiece of a publication can be used as a teaching aid or a reference book for Buddhists, or in fact, anyone wishing to refer to the subject. It makes the subject of Buddhism easy and can take the reader to GCSE level or even as far as MA standard. The author, KYIMO, an ordained Buddhist, spent over three years studying and researching this manuscript and has produced the most comprehensive, complete and accurate work. May good fortune yours in peace. With Metta.
This book is intended to engender debate. Its subject, faith in a modern Buddhist context, almost always carries with it the widespread but erroneous assumption that it is completely unimportant to the Buddhist path. Without really knowing what it is and how it differs from theistic versions, faith has been given a bad name. Moreover, naivety regarding the colonial orientalist agenda and bias of early Zen exegetes in the West has allowed modern Zennists to accept, almost unquestioningly, the view that faith and knowledge occupy opposite ends of the practice spectrum. As a result, trusted and authentic sources of authority, Zen ancestors and sutras, have often been prevented from speaking about a doctrinally sound and legitimate tool of realization mentioned in a stunningly large amount of sutras. It has also resulted in an erroneous and often condescending view of “faith schools” of Buddhism. Now is the perfect time in Zen’s journey in the West to reassess and address these shortcomings.
This eclectic, perhaps quirky collection of reflections celebrates a longing to know who we are, who and what God is, and what the world is like. In joy and sorrow, each one mirrors the holiness of life, eliciting reverence--for ourselves, the natural world, and the mystery of what it means to be. Each conveys a sense of awe and wonder while pointing beyond mere observation, a deeper and more profound encounter than may first meet the eye. The faces of poets Mary Oliver and Brian Doyle help illumine the natural world. The faces of prophets Brian Blount, Desmond Tutu, and John Lewis inspire engagement and action. Julian of Norwich continues to astound and astonish with her discerning writings and visions. And the Buddha, in his last hours, admonishes frightened villagers to "make of yourselves a light." Readers will be reminded of faces from the recent pandemic and the grief of suicide together with the joy of new life. In faces known and unknown, this book honors holy faces that grace our lives. These are faces where I see God.