Buddhist Philosophy

Approximately four million Americans claim to be Buddhist. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of Americans of various faiths read about Buddhism, are interested in its philosophical tenets, or fashionably view themselves as Buddhists. They’re part of what’s been described as the fastest growing religious movement in America: a large group of people dissatisfied with traditional religious offerings and thirsty for an approach to spirituality grounded in logic and consistent with scientific knowledge.

In this lucid classic, beloved teacher Ayya Khema introduces the listener to the essence of the Buddhist path. She addresses the how and why of meditation, providing a clear framework for understanding the nature of karma and rebirth and the entirety of the eightfold path. With specific, practical advice, Ayya Khema illuminates the practices of compassion and sympathetic joy, and offers forthright guidance in working with the hindrances that we all encounter in meditation.

This volume continues to trace the development of Madhyamaka Buddhist philosophy in India after its initiator, Nagarjuna. It consists of translations of Sanskrit texts into easily readable English for the general educated public interested in Buddhism or philosophy. Notes and separate Essays dealing with the philosophical content are also included. Presented in this volume are the central philosophical writings of the last two prominent Indian Madhyamikas and two Madhyamaka critiques of the idea of a creator God. Parts of two texts by Chandrakirti are presented: Chapter 6 of Entering the ...

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 ...

Unlock the transformative power of the Buddha’s teachings with this exclusive two-in-one volume, Buddha’s Teachings Unveiled: The Lotus and Surangama Sutras. This isn’t just a book—it’s your gateway to the timeless wisdom that has inspired seekers for centuries. Embark on a journey through the Lotus Sutra and the Surangama Sutra, two of Buddhism’s most revered texts, simplified and brought to life for modern readers. Whether you’re new to Buddhism or searching for deeper insights, this essential guide offers clarity, inspiration, and tools for spiritual transformation. ...

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".

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...

"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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

Lama Surya Das, author of the best-selling Awakening the Buddha Within, defines the Buddhist heart as our own inner goodness - our most tender, compassionate, and caring self, our innate Buddha-nature. The Buddhist heart, called Bodhicitta by Tibetans, beats within each and every one of us and is awakened through meaningful connections - connections to our families, romantic partners, our colleagues and work, our neighbors, society, and extending out to all living creatures, including ourselves. This book tells us how we can use relationships as a vehicle for a sacred life.

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.

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.

The E-CENT theory of anger says that anger is one of our basic emotions. It’s innate. It was selected by nature for its survival value. We would not survive for long without an innate sense of angering in response to abuse or neglect. We also would not survive for long if we did not quickly learn how to moderate our anger as young children. My anger is a two-edged sword. It can help to protect me, and it can attract hostile reactions from others. My basic emotion of anger is elaborated into a higher cognitive emotion through modelling by my mother and father and significant others in the ...

Death is a subject obscured by fear and denial. When we do think of dying, we are more often concerned with how to avoid the pain and suffering that may accompany our death than we are with really confronting the meaning of death and how to approach it. Sushila Blackman places death - and life - in a truer perspective, by telling us of others who have left this world with dignity.

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 ...

Discover the timeless power of Plato’s philosophy and how it can transform your modern life. In this accessible and engaging guide, The Wisdom of Plato explores the key ideas of one of history’s greatest thinkers and shows you how to apply them to everyday challenges—from personal growth and relationships to politics and ethical leadership. Through clear explanations and practical examples, this book unpacks Plato’s core teachings: the World of Forms, the Allegory of the Cave, the nature of justice, the balance of the soul, Platonic love, and the role of the philosopher in society. ...