DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHISM IN INDIA by Thrangu Rinpoche
This book begins with the life of the Buddha and describes his fundamental teachings. The Buddhist teachings were not written down at the time and could have been easily lost except for the fact that Buddhist held three great councils. The History then goes on to describe these councils and to tell how they are important. Rinpoche then goes on to describe how the great Mahayana and Vajrayana movements came about and how these were related to the great monastic universities of India. Finally, Thrangu Rinpoche presents a discussion of the ten sciences - Buddhist teachings which are not part of the Dharma, but which support the dharma. It is hoped that when the reader finishes this book he or she will have a much better idea where the various schools and important personalities of Buddhism fit in with the Buddhist teachings.
STUDIES IN THE BUDDHISTIC CULTURE OF INDIA by Lal Mani Joshi
Here is an authoritative and systematic record, based on a close study of contemporary Buddhist, Brahmanical and secular literary texts and epigraphic and monumental antiquities of India together with the Chinese, the Tibetan documents bearing on the period, and it presents a living picture of Buddhist faith, worship, monachism, moral culture, art, education, literature, scholasticism, esoteric mysticism.
This unique anthology of Buddhist scripture traces the development of Buddhism through the ages and around the world. Designed to serve scholars and students, it is also a valuable resource for Buddhists and all those who wish to explore for themselves the original sources of one of trhe world's great religions.
Free of jargon, these new translations from the original of Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese, Tibetan and Japanese are presented in plain English by four leading experts on the language and literature of Buddhism.
Based on interviews with Buddhists living in the West and the East, this is an innovative introduction to a fascinating religion. As well as giving an accessible overview of the history, beliefs, practices and rituals of the faith, the book offers a reservoir of personal insights, scholarly and non-scholarly, and features chapters on: The Buddha, what the Buddha taught, meditation, buddhism and social engagement, women in Buddhsim.
This book offers an insider's view of what it is to be a Buddhist today, and will be a source of fascination for anyone interested in the Buddhist faith and in the commitment and vision of those who practice it.
The wisdom of Buddhism lies in its eternal quest to see things as they really are, freed from the delusions created by egotism, greed, hatred and ignorance. Over the last two and a half thousand years, this deeply compassionate tradition has evolved into a philosophy of self-understanding that encourages a life of calm holiness.
The distillation of Buddhist wisdom within this exquisite anthology draws upon a vast spectrum of writings, from the ancient "Dhammapada" to the words of the Dalai Lama, and gives guidance on everything from the path to happiness to coping with suffering. Whether turned to in times of trouble or simply for spiritual enlightenment, the following pages will be treasured as a unique source of timeless wisdom.
TAKING REFUGE: A Teaching on Entering the Buddhist Path by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Taking Refuge, is the first formal step on the Buddhist path. This concise text explains that what is meant by refuge is protection and eventual freedom from the confusion and suffering of cyclic existence (samsara). Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche describes the genuine sources of spiritual refuge, which are called the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and Sangha. He explains the importance of receiving refuge from an authentic and unbroken lineage of transmission, the role of faith and trust, and how to relate to the refuge ceremony itself. Rinpoche emphasizes the importance taking refuge with the motivation to practice the path until we reach full spiritual awakening; and to do so not just for ourselves, but for the benefit and enlightenment of all beings.
THE DAY OF A BUDDHIST PRACTITIONER by Bokar Rinpoche
Giving up the ordinary activities of the mundane world to devote ourselves to spiritual practice alone would create an ideal condition for inner growth. This is possible for very few individuals. For the rest of us who must juggle work, family, friends and deal with all kinds of emotions, a way to integrate our spiritual practice into daily life is much needed. Bokar Rinpoche gives us this guidance in a variety of situations so we can ground our spiritual practice in every moment of or ordinary life and become more mindful.
ENLIGHTENED JOURNEY: Buddhist Practice as Daily Life by Tulku Thondup
-This collection of fifteen articles and talks by Tulku Thondup-never before published in book form- constitutes a manual on how to transmute the situations encountered in daily life, whether external or internal, into spiritual disciplines and experiences.
Among the topics covered are:
The fundamental principles of Buddhism
The practice of meditation as a means of arousing compassion.
How suffering can become a more powerful tool than happiness in achieving enlightenment
The symbolic significance of holy places, temples, statues, books, and other spiritual artifacts
The religious significance of Tibetan Buddhist art as a source of teaching, inspiration, and power
Tibetan Buddhist teachings on the experience of dying and the after-death state.
A commentary on the preliminary practices ( Ngondro ) of the Longchen Nyingthig tradition.
IN THE BUDDHA'S WORDS: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon, Teachings of the Buddha by Bhikkhu Bodhi
The works of the Buddha can feel vast, and it is sometimes difficult for even longtime students to know where to look, especially since the Buddha never explicitly defined the framework behind his teachings. Designed to provide just such a framework, In the Buddha's Words is an anthology of the Buddha's works that has been specifically compiled by a celebrated scholar and translator. For easy reference, the book is arrayed in ten thematic sections ranging from "The Human Condition" to "Mastering the Mind" to "The Planes of Realization." Each section comes with introductions, notes, and essays to help beginners and experts alike draw greater meaning from the Buddha's words. The book also features a general introduction by the author that fully lays out how and why he has arranged the Buddha's teachings in this volume. This thoughtful compilation is a valuable resource for both teachers and those who want to read the Buddha on their own.
This treasury of essential Buddhist writings draws from the most popular Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese sources. Some of the earliest recorded sayings of the Buddha on the practice of freedom, passages from later Indian scriptures on the perfection of wisdom, verses from Tibetan masters on the enlightened mind, and songs in praise of meditation by Zen teachers are among the selections. The book also includes traditional instruction on how to practice sitting meditation, cultivate calm awareness, and live with compassion.