Indira Parthasarathy's Tamil play 'Ramanujar' was awarded the Saraswati Samman by the K.K. Birla Foundation in 1999 for promoting an understanding of the contemporary relevance of the renowned Vaishnava acharya of medieval India. The English translation by T. Sriraman and the accompanying critical apparatus by C.T. Indra make the play accessible to a wider audience for the first time. The book presents the saint not only as an exponent of the Visishtaadvaidic philosophy, but even more stri...

Some twenty-five centuries after the Buddha started teaching, his message continues to inspire people across the globe, including those living in predominantly secular societies. What does it mean to adapt religious practices to secular contexts?   Stephen Batchelor, an internationally known author and teacher, is committed to a secularized version of the Buddha’s teachings. The time has come, he feels, to articulate a coherent ethical, contemplative, and philosophical vision of ...

"A clear, exhilarating exposition of the Buddhist way, well understood, well made, fun to read, and simple in the very best sense of the word—just as it should be!" —Peter Matthiessen, National Book Award Winner of In ParadiseA fascinating volume that explains the origins, development and basic principles of the religion followed by nearly one-quarter of the people on earth.

A fresh introduction to an ancient religionExplaining the origins, beliefs, scriptures and philosophies of this ancient religion, Klaus K. Klostermaier succeeds in capturing the rich diversity of rituals and gods that comprise Hinduism, while keeping the tone both engaging and informative. Covering contemporary issues such as the relationship between Hinduism and modern Western ideas, and imminent challenges the religion faces, this sweeping exploration of a fascin...

A classic introduction to this ancient faith from one of recent history's greatest scholars of Buddhism.This authoritative guide provides a classic introduction to the ancient faith of Buddhism from one of recent history's greatest scholars in the subject'A lucid and reliable introduction to Buddhism.' Times Higher Educational SupplementIn this comprehensive guide, one of the world's most distinguished scho...

An ideal introduction to the history of Buddhism. Andrew Skilton - a writer on and practitioner of Buddhism - explains the development of the basic concepts of Buddhism during its 2,500 years of history and describes its varied developments in India, Buddhism's homeland, as well as its spread across Asia, from Mongolia to Sri Lanka and from Japan to the Middle East. A fascinating insight into the historical progress of one of the world's great religions.

This book, compiled from basic Buddhist writings, presents a survey of Buddhist thought in India, China, and Japan, covering the central doctrines and practices that has profoundly influenced human life in Asia. Developments in practical ethics, social attitudes, philosophical speculation, and religious and aesthetic contemplation are represented by selected excerpts from basic writings with succinct introductions and commentary. From these one may observe not only the remarkable vitality ...

The Zen tradition has just two main meditative practices: shikantaza, or "just sitting"; and introspection guided by the powerful Zen teaching stories called koans. Following in the tradition of The Art of Just Sitting (endorsed as a "A book we have needed for a long, long time"), this new anthology from John Daido Loori illuminates the subtle practice of koan study from many different points of view.Includes writings by:Robert AitkenWilliam Bodiford

How can we be happy and at the same time responsive to the suffering of others? It can be done: this is the message of the Bodhisattva ideal. For one wishing to follow this path, the development of inner calm and positivity that leads to true wisdom is balanced by a genuine and active concern for others which flowers into great compassion. Sangharakshita places the ideal of the Bodhisattva within the context of the entire Buddhist tradition. Unfolding this vision of our potential, he demon...

A concise and plain spoken introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and the religion of the Jains. This book is for students and anyone else desiring to learn the basics of religion in India in a quick yet comprehensive way.

The sacred city of Banāras on the River Ganges is one of the oldest living cities in the world—as old as Jerusalem, Athens, and Peking. It is the place where Shiva, the Lord of All, is said to have made his permanent home since the dawn of creation. There are few cities in India as traditionally Hindu and as symbolic of the whole of Hindu culture as Banāras. In this eloquent, finely observed study, Diana Eck shows how the city over the centuries has become a lens through which the Hindu vi...

This broad-ranging and authoritative illustrated dictionary provides over 2000 clear and concise definitions of every aspect of Buddhism; including coverage of not only historical but also contemporary issues such as human rights and the role of women. From religious ceremonies to iconography this dictionary will provide an invaluable reference source for anyone seeking information on Buddhism. - ;This new dictionary written by Dr Damien Keown covers both historical and contemporary issues...