Buddhist Philosophy

On the spiritual path we speak of enlightenment. But how do we reconcile the idea of enlightenment with what we see when we look in the mirror - when insecurities, doubts, and self-centered tendencies arise in our minds? Dzigar Kongtrül suggests that we need not feel "doomed" when these experiences surface. In fact, such experiences are not a problem if we are able to simply let them arise without judging them or investing them with so much meaning. This approach to experience is what Kongtrül calls self-reflection.

Accessible, playful, and genuine, this concise guide shows how we can incorporate our own daily experiences into our spiritual path and awaken to how things truly are. By embracing sadness, love, and openness in our lives, we develop an altruistic attitude to help all beings who suffer and to reduce our own greed and aggression. This easy-to-listen-to manual by one of the most widely loved and respected Tibetan Buddhist teachers of our time teaches us how to honestly explore and deal with our own hang-ups and neuroses.

For over two millennia, the Lotus Sutra has been the cornerstone of Buddhist thought, guiding millions toward enlightenment and inner peace. Now, in a clear and captivating voice, Lotus Sutra for Beginners brings the timeless teachings of this sacred text to life for a modern audience. Whether you’re new to Buddhism or seeking deeper understanding, this book delivers the essence of the Lotus Sutra in a way that feels both profound and practical. Unlock the wisdom of the Buddha through the powerful parables of the Lotus Sutra. From the Burning House to the Jeweled Stupa, discover stories ...

In her myriad forms, Tara - also known as the female Buddha of Tibet - has the power to protect us from inner and outer negativity, illuminate our self-sabotaging habits, cleanse mental and physical poisons, open us to abundance, give us strength and peace, help us fulfill our life purposes, and more. Here, listeners explore each of the 21 manifestations of Tara, engaging with each through traditional meditations, visualizations, praises, mantra chants, and the author's extensive experience as a depth psychologist.

"Timeless Zen wisdom to calm the mind, heal the heart, and transform your life." “To hold on is to suffer. To let go is to be free.” What if the key to peace, clarity, and true happiness has been within you all along? The Zen Way Stories: Timeless Wisdom to Ease Suffering and Cultivate Inner Peace is a transformative journey into the heart of Zen, offering timeless stories and profound insights to assist you in skillfully and gracefully navigating life's obstacles. Through captivating Zen parables, thought-provoking reflections, and simple yet powerful practices, this book reveals how ...

What if everything you believe about reality is an illusion? What if, at the same time, everything is perfectly complete? These are not riddles—they are the foundations of two of the most powerful schools of Buddhist thought. For over a thousand years, Madhyamaka and Tiantai have shaped Buddhist philosophy, transforming how seekers, scholars, and practitioners understand existence. Madhyamaka tears down illusions, revealing that nothing—your thoughts, your identity, even the universe itself—has an independent essence. Tiantai, in contrast, builds up a grand, unifying vision, showing ...

Discover a practice that has stood the test of time, offering clarity, focus, and peace in an increasingly chaotic world. Soto Zen for Beginners: Timeless Teachings for Modern Living is your invitation to step into a life of mindfulness, simplicity, and profound transformation. This isn’t just a book—it’s a doorway to a new way of being. Whether you’re a curious beginner or someone seeking a deeper connection to the present moment, this guide delivers the wisdom of Soto Zen in a practical and approachable way. Master the art of zazen, the Soto Zen practice of “just sitting,” and...

Discover Healing and Growth Through the Wisdom of Buddhism Embark on a transformative journey through grief and loss with "The First Hundred Days of Healing: A Buddhist Journal for Navigating Loss and Grief." This compassionate and empathetic guide provides wisdom and support as you traverse the complex landscape of mourning. In this unique journal, you'll find: 100 carefully selected quotes exploring themes of grief, loss, hope, and self-development Insightful commentaries from a Buddhist philosophical perspective, offering new perspectives on your own experience of grief Daily writing ...

According to the Buddha, no one can attain basic sanity or enlightenment without practicing meditation. The teachings given here on the outlook and technique of meditation provide the foundation that every practitioner needs to awaken as the Buddha did. Trungpa teaches us to let go of the urge to make meditation serve our ambition; thus we can relax into openness.

Do you want more calm, peace and mindfulness in your daily life? Read these 365 daily reflections, meditations & scriptures! In “365 Buddhist Quotes,” you will find Buddhist teachings for busy people. Every day, find a new quote to meditate on from the Buddha, the Dalai Llama, and other famous leaders in Buddhism and Buddhist teachings. This Buddhism book makes a great companion to “Buddhism for Beginners” by Gabriel Shaw. Check out that text as well to read an introduction to Buddhism. ☆☆“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the ...

In this collaboration between Frenchwoman Alexandra David-Neel and her friend, the Tibetan lama Aphur Yongden, The Secret Oral Teachings in Tibetan Buddhist Sects provides an account of the Madhyamika (Middle Way) school of Buddhism, a method of mediation and enlightenment that was developed by the great Indian teacher Nagarjuna.

When the Buddha set in motion the wheel of Dharma, he knew that the teaching he gave was inexhaustible - that every future generation would find its own skillful ways to convey it to the hearts and minds of those ready to hear. The Buddha Is Still Teaching is testimony to the fulfillment of that promise today. The selections it contains, from today's most highly regarded contemporary Buddhist teachers, bring the Dharma eloquently to life for us in our own time, place, and culture.

Most people walk through life convinced that the world around them is solid, stable, and exactly as it appears. A chair is a chair. A self is a self. Reality seems obvious—until you begin to question it. What if the things you take for granted don’t actually exist the way you assume? What if the thoughts, beliefs, and identities you cling to are nothing more than useful illusions? Madhyamaka is the most powerful and mind-shifting philosophy in Buddhist thought. It doesn’t hand you new beliefs—it takes a sledgehammer to the old ones, revealing a world where everything is ...

The Library of Wisdom and Compassion collects the Dalai Lama’s decades of presentations of every step of the path to enlightenment. It has been compiled and coauthored by one of his chief Western disciples, the American nun Thubten Chodron. This first volume provides a wealth of reflections on Buddhist history and fundamentals, contemporary issues, and the Dalai Lama’s own personal experiences.

What if you could unlock the secrets of peace, clarity, and purpose, no matter how chaotic life feels? Rinzai Zen has guided seekers for centuries, offering profound wisdom wrapped in simplicity. Rinzai Zen for Beginners brings these transformative teachings to your fingertips in a practical, engaging way. Discover the power of koans. These ancient riddles have challenged and enlightened Zen practitioners for generations. With this book, you’ll not only learn what they are but how to apply their wisdom to break free from conventional thinking and uncover deeper truths. Bring mindfulness ...

There is a truth older than every meditation app, deeper than every self-help slogan. It says you are not broken. You are not missing something. You are not an empty vessel in need of filling. You already have everything you need. You just don’t see it—yet. Tathagatagarbha: A Beginner’s Guide: Discovering the Buddha Within is your map to the most daring promise in Buddhist philosophy: that enlightenment is not something you earn—it’s something you uncover. Quietly resting beneath layers of doubt, fear, and distraction is a luminous nature that has been with you from the beginning....

Unlock the secrets of two profound paths to enlightenment with "Spiritual Paths: Pure Land and Shingon Buddhism." This comprehensive guide combines "Pure Land Buddhism: A Beginner's Guide" and "Shingon Buddhism: A Beginner's Guide" into one enlightening volume, perfect for those eager to explore the depth and beauty of these rich traditions. Immerse yourself in the simplicity and devotion of Pure Land Buddhism. Discover how faith, recitation, and the embrace of the Buddha's compassion can lead you to ultimate liberation. Feel the serenity wash over you as you connect with timeless wisdom ...

You have within you an unlimited capacity for extraordinary love, for joy, for communion with life, and for unshakable freedom - and here is how to awaken it. In The Wise Heart, celebrated author and psychologist Jack Kornfield offers an accessible, comprehensive, and illuminating guide to the universal teachings of Buddhist psychology. He shows you how to use powerful Buddhist insights and practices to go beyond the trap of "self-improvement".

Embark on a transformative journey with "Amitabha Sutra: A Beginner's Guide: Exploring Key Teachings." This meticulously crafted guide invites you into the serene and profound world of Pure Land Buddhism, making its timeless wisdom accessible to everyone. Imagine a place where peace reigns supreme, where golden trees and jeweled lakes reflect the boundless compassion of Amitabha Buddha. "Amitabha Sutra: A Beginner's Guide" opens the doors to this enchanting realm, the Pure Land, offering you the keys to spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment. Unlock the Teachings of Amitabha Buddha: Dive ...

Why do we suffer? Is there a purpose to our pain? Reflecting on his own journey from Esquire magazine editor-in-chief to Buddhist meditation teacher, Phillip Moffitt provides a fresh perspective on the Buddha's ancient wisdom, showing how to move from suffering to new awareness and unanticipated joy. With a strong message of self-empowerment, Dancing with Life offers a prescriptive path for finding joy and peace that will appeal to anyone searching for a more authentic life.