The Mind of Clover
The Mind of Clover

Author: Robert Aitken

Publisher: Macmillan + ORM

Published: 2015-12-15

Total Pages: 195

ISBN-13: 1466895241

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In Taking the Path of Zen, Robert Aitken provided a concise guide to zazen (Zen meditation) and other aspects of the practice of Zen. In The Mind of Clover he addresses the world beyond the zazen cushions, illuminating issues of appropriate personal and social action through an exploration of the philosophical complexities of Zen ethics. Aitken's approach is clear and sure as he shows how our minds can be as nurturing as clover, which enriches the soil and benefits the environment as it grows. The opening chapters discuss the Ten Grave Precepts of Zen, which, Aitken points out, are "not commandments etched in stone but expressions of inspiration written in something more fluid than water." Aitken approaches these precepts, the core of Zen ethics, from several perspectives, offering many layers of interpretation. Like ripples in a pond, the circles of his interpretation increasingly widen, and he expands his focus to confront corporate theft and oppression, the role of women in Zen and society, abortion, nuclear war, pollution of the environment, and other concerns. The Mind of Clover champions the cause of personal responsibility in modern society, encouraging nonviolent activism based on clear convictions. It is a guide that engages, that invites us to realize our own potential for confident and responsible action.

Being Upright
Being Upright

Author: Tenshin Reb Anderson

Publisher: Shambhala Publications

Published: 2016-08-01

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 193048559X

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Written in the tradition of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, this insightful Zen guide explores how we can apply the Sixteen Bodhisattva precepts to our daily lives Being Upright takes us beyond the conventional interpretation of ethical precepts to the ultimate meaning that informs them. Reb Anderson first introduces us to the fundamental ideas of Zen Buddhist practice. Who was Shakyamuni Buddha and what was his central teaching? What does it mean to be a bodhisattva and take the bodhisattva vow? Why should we confess and acknowledge our ancient twisted karma? What is the significance of taking refuge in Buddha, dharma, and sangha? The author explores the ten basic precepts, including not killing, not stealing, not lying, not misusing sexuality, and not using intoxicants. A gifted storyteller, Anderson takes us to the heart of situations, where moral judgments are not easy and we do not have all the answers. With wisdom and compassion, he teaches us how to confront the emotional and ethical turmoil of our lives.

The Way to Buddhahood
The Way to Buddhahood

Author: Yin-shun

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2012-06-25

Total Pages: 418

ISBN-13: 0861716876

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The Way to Buddhahood is a compendium of two thousand years of Chinese practice in assimilating and understanding the Buddhist experience of enlightenment. It is the first in-depth explanation of Chinese Buddhism by Yin-shun, the greatest living master of the Chinese scholar-monk tradition. The master's broad scope not only includes the traditional Chinese experience but also ideas from the Tibetan monastic tradition. This is one of those rare classic books that authentically captures an entire Buddhist tradition between its covers.

The Bodhisattva Way
The Bodhisattva Way

Author: Rulu

Publisher: Author House

Published: 2013-03-08

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 1481722344

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The teachings of the Buddha are classified into five categories, the Five Vehicles, according to sentient beings’ aspirations and capacities, However, He intends for all to ride the One Vehicle to Buddhahood. Although Buddha nature is in all, everyone needs training to reveal it. He who activates the bodhi mind to enlighten himself and others is a Bodhisattva, who must accumulate merit and develop wisdom on the Bodhisattva Way to Buddhahood. This book, Rulu’s fourth, presents three sutras in English, all translated from texts in the Chinese Buddhist Canon. Sutra 1 is the Sutra of the Garland of a Bodhisattva’s Primary Karmas. It presents the forty-two levels of training on the Bodhisattva Way, classified into six stages. This sutra has never before been translated into English. Sutra 2 is chapter 7 of the Sutra of the Profound Secret Unraveled. It describes the four purities and the eleven parts of training, which rule the holy grounds, and explains the ten paramitas. Sutra 3 is chapter 26 of the Mahavaipulya Sutra of Buddha Adornment. It presents in detail a Bodhisattva’s training on the Ten Grounds, his spiritual attainments, and his worldly requitals. The translator’s introduction integrates the essential teachings in these three sutras. This book will benefit readers at all levels and can serve as a basis for scholarly research.

Bodhisattva Precepts
Bodhisattva Precepts

Author:

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2012-02-02

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 146706467X

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The spiritual training of a Buddhist comprises the Three Learning: precepts, meditation, and wisdom. Observance of precepts is the foundation of ones spiritual journey to Buddhahood. Classified into three clustersrestraining precepts, precepts for doing good dharmas, and precepts for benefiting sentient beingsBodhisattva precepts are called the three clusters of pure precepts. This book, Rulus third, presents seven sutras in English, all translated from texts in the Chinese Buddhist Canon. Five of these seven English translations have never before been published in book form. Sutras 1 and 2 cover the ten good karmas; Sutra 3 teaches repentance of sins; Sutra 4 expounds the Mahayana Vinaya; Sutras 57 each contain time-honored Bodhisattva precepts. Sutra 6 is the well-known Brahma Net Sutra; Sutra 7, Sutra of the Upasaka Precepts, also covers the six paramitas in detail. Buddhist terms are explained in the glossary. The translators introduction presents sets of Buddhist precepts and describes the arrival of the Hinayana Vinaya in China. It explains the development of the Vinaya School, a Mahayana school originated in China, and summarizes its tenets. It compares voice-hearer precepts with Bodhisattva precepts, and discusses five texts of the latter. It also touches on selecting those Bodhisattva precepts that suit our modern times. Such precepts will be fewer in number but complete in spirit. Buddhist or non-Buddhist, those who seek to benefit themselves and others need to learn and observe such Bodhisattva precepts.

Ten Pillars of Buddhism
Ten Pillars of Buddhism

Author: Sangharakshita

Publisher: Windhorse Publications

Published: 2013-07-23

Total Pages: 122

ISBN-13: 1907314954

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The Ten Pillars of Buddhism are ten ethical precepts-such as generosity, truthfulness, or compassion-that together provide a comprehensive moral guide. These teachings are the source of Buddhist ethics, their depth revealed here as Sangharakshita considers them collectively, then individually. The Ten Pillars of Buddhism provides a fascinating insight for anyone interested in leading an ethical or Buddhist life. "e;A handy and easily readable introduction to Buddhist ethics."e; Prof Damien Keown, author of Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction.

The Origins of Buddhist Monastic Codes in China
The Origins of Buddhist Monastic Codes in China

Author: Yifa

Publisher: University of Hawaii Press

Published: 2002-01-01

Total Pages: 390

ISBN-13: 9780824824945

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The Origins of Buddhist Monastic Codes in China contains the first complete translation of China's earliest and most influential monastic code. The twelfth-century text Chanyuan qinggui (Rules of Purity for the Chan Monastery) provides us with a wealth of detail on all aspects of life in public Buddhist monasteries during the Sung (960-1279). Part One consists of Yifa's overview of the development of monastic regulations in Chinese Buddhist history, a biography of the text's author, and an analysis of the social and cultural context of premodern Chinese Buddhist monasticism. Of particular importance are the interconnections made between Chan traditions and the dual heritages of Chinese culture and Indian Buddhist Vinaya. Although much of the text's source material is traced directly to the Vinayas and the works of the Vinaya advocate Daoan (312-385) and the Lu master Daoxuan (596-667), the Chanyuan qinggui includes elements foreign to the original Vinaya texts - elements incorporated from Chinese governmental policies and traditional Chinese etiquette. Following the translator's overview is a complete translation of the text, extensively annotated.