Showing titles in History

This very short introduction offers listeners a superb overview of the teachings of the Buddha, as well as a succinct guide to the integration of Buddhism into daily life.

The daughter of an artist, Helen Tworkov grew up in the heady climate of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism; yet from an early age, she questioned the value of Western cultural norms. At the age of twenty-two, she set off for Japan, then traveled through Cambodia, India, and eventually to Tibetan refugee camps in Nepal. Set against the arresting cultural backdrop of the sixties and their legacy, this intimate self-portrait depicts Tworkov's search for a true home but also into the ways each of us can better understand and transform ourselves.

Andrew Skilton - Senior Research Fellow in Buddhist Studies, Kings College, London - explains the development of the basic concepts of Buddhism and its spread across the continents during its 2,500 years of history. He begins with a close look at Buddhism in India, where it flourished until the 12th/13th century CE, charting the growth of different schools and practices. By the time it disappeared from its homeland midway through the millennium, it had become established in Central Asia and the Far East in a variety of forms.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai - one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering Buddhist movements in the world today - listeners will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world.

Theravada Buddhism, often understood as the school that most carefully preserved the practices taught by the Buddha, has undergone tremendous change over time. Prior to Western colonialism in Asia—which brought Western and modernist intellectual concerns, such as the separation of science and religion, to bear on Buddhism—there existed a tradition of embodied, esoteric, and culturally regional Theravada meditation practices.

The Noble Eightfold Path is one of the most important teachings in Buddhism. In this series of eight lectures, given originally in 1965, Urgyen Sangharakshita introduces each stage, from right understanding to right meditation, explaining the deeper implications involved. Sangharakshita, the London-born Buddhist teacher, is one of the most influential figures in the development of Buddhism in the West.

Unlock the Secrets of Shingon Buddhism with This Essential Guide Are you ready to embark on a journey of spiritual discovery and transformation? "Shingon Buddhism: A Beginner's Guide" offers you a captivating introduction to one of Buddhism's most profound and mystical traditions. This book is not just an exploration; it's an invitation to delve into the rich tapestry of esoteric teachings, rituals, and art that define Shingon Buddhism. Discover the Origins: Dive deep into the fascinating history of Shingon Buddhism. Learn about Kūkai, the legendary monk who founded this tradition, and ...

Have you been fascinated by the concept of growing your own psilocybin mushrooms, but don’t know where to start? No matter what your current experience level is, How to Grow Psilocybin Mushrooms at Home the FOOLPROOF Way will walk you through the step-by-step process of growing mushrooms in your own home, resulting in a beautiful crop on the first attempt. From beginner to advanced, everything is laid out with detailed descriptions, ensuring you will have a successful mushroom farm in less than two months!

The Dīghanikāya or Long Discourses of the Buddha is one of the four major collections of teachings from the early period of Buddhism. Its 34 suttas (in Sanskrit, sutras) demonstrate remarkable breadth in both content and style, forming a comprehensive collection. The Art of Listening gives an introduction to the Dīghanikāya and demonstrates the historical, cultural, and spiritual insights that emerge when we view the Buddhist suttas as oral literature.

The Eightfold Path is the most widely known formulation of the Buddha's teaching. It is ancient, reaching back to the Buddha's very first discourse, and it is highly venerated as a unique treasury of wisdom and practical guidance. The teaching of the Eightfold Path challenges us to grasp the implications of that vision, and asks us to transform ourselves in its light. Like the teaching itself, this work covers every aspect of life.

Many people hear the word "Buddhism", and they think it is a religion. However, a person of any religion can bring Buddhist principles into their life without giving up their religious beliefs. Buddhism is a simple and practical philosophy, practiced by more than 300 million people worldwide, that can make your life better and help you find inner peace and happiness.

Step into a world where ancient wisdom meets modern curiosity, where the profound teachings of Tibetan Bön await to transform your journey. Tibetan Bön for Beginners is your guide to uncovering the mysterious shamanic practices that have shaped Tibetan spirituality for centuries. This isn’t just a book; it’s an invitation to explore the sacred landscapes, powerful rituals, and timeless truths of Bön—a spiritual path as ancient as Tibet itself. In these pages, you’ll find clarity and connection, a way to expand your understanding of the world and your place in it. Rediscover the ...

Michael Carrithers guides us through the complex and sometimes conflicting information that Buddhist texts give about the life and teaching of the Buddha. He discusses the social and political background of India in the Buddha's time, and traces the development of his thought. He also assesses the rapid and widespread assimilation of Buddhism and its contemporary relevance. Well-paced and informative, this introduction will enlighten not only those who study Buddhism and comparative religion but anyone intrigued by the remarkable philosophy of one of the greatest religious thinkers.

In The Beginner's Guide to Buddhism, author and teacher Jack Kornfield immerses you in this time-honored approach to living fully and compassionately in the present moment. Join him as he illuminates Buddhism's most essential teachings, and how they make it possible to overcome the mental states that challenge us every day.

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.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai - one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering Buddhist movements in the world today - listeners will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world.

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 ...

Unlock the secrets of a timeless spiritual tradition with Pure Land Buddhism: A Beginner's Guide: The Simple Path to Enlightenment. This indispensable guide introduces you to the serene and profound world of Pure Land Buddhism, where faith and simplicity lead to boundless peace and compassion. Dive deep into the transformative teachings of Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. Discover how his compassionate vows promise salvation and peace to all who earnestly seek it. This book illuminates the path to enlightenment, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their background ...

Children and adults alike will enjoy these amazing, entertaining and fascinating stories from The Lotus Sutra. Originally told to illustrate the challenging concepts of the Buddha’s most important lesson, they easily stand on their own and will quickly become family favorites, presenting meaningful and useful insights today, tomorrow and for a lifetime. Read the exciting adventure of how children rescued themselves from a burning house, the rags to riches story of how a Janitor became CEO, how treasure hunters found a City of Dreams, how a man thought he lost everything because he ...

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 ...