The purpose of Zen is to awaken to the bodhisattva within us. This perception, also called kensho, "seeing self-nature," opens the way to a true Zen life lived in unrestricted liberation. To attain such freedom, one must strive in all of one's activities to live in accordance with the Bodhisattva Vows.It would be easy to spend an entire lifetime studying and contemplating the various source documents of the Zen tradition. The selections herein, including works of Nargajuna, Bodhidh...

Shinran calls to us, who are inclined to identify ourselves within our own bodies, to awaken to that which is true, real and eternal.After decades of reading and reflection, Shinran compiled these texts as his enduring proclamation of the meaning of Amida Buddha's Primal Vows for his life and for humanity. The text embodies a universal spiritual vision of the all-embracing compassion and wisdom of Amida Buddha which rejects no one and no thing.Though Shinran wrote numerous ...

The Bodhicaryavatara is one of the most significant works in Mahayana Buddhist literature. Written entirely in verse, the text is a remarkable piece of didactic Sanskrit poetry, extolling the bodhisattva ideal and guiding a Buddhist practitioner along the complete Mahayana path, culminating in the attainment of enlightenment. The text is generally thought to have been written in the 8th century at the Buddhist university of Nalanda by the Indian master and monk Santideva.With this ...

Buddhism is a system that defines how to live and this is its primary appeal. Buddhist practices such as meditation are associated with contentment and well-being. As a system for living, Buddhism appears to many to be a sensible and practical lifestyle choice. Whether a philosophy, a psychology or a religion,Buddhism in any form, has proven to be a powerful force upon those who adhere to its teachings.Look closely at Buddhism and you'll find a rigorous and clear accounting...

The "vivid" and "electrifying" true story of how five monks saved the oldest Zen Buddhist monastery in the United States from wildfire (San Francisco Chronicle).When a massive wildfire surrounded Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, five monks risked their lives to save it. A gripping narrative as well as a portrait of the Zen path and the ways of wildfire, Fire Monks reveals what it means to meet a crisis with full presence of mind.Zen master a...

Matthieu Ricard trained as a molecular biologist, working in the lab of a Nobel prize—winning scientist, but when he read some Buddhist philosophy, he became drawn to Buddhism. Eventually he left his life in science to study with Tibetan teachers, and he is now a Buddhist monk and translator for the Dalai Lama, living in the Shechen monastery near Kathmandu in Nepal. Trinh Thuan was born into a Buddhist family in Vietnam but became intrigued by the explosion of discoveries in astronomy dur...

365 practical, powerful teachings for daily inspiration on how mindfulness can transform our lives and the greater world—from the beloved Zen teacher and author of No Mud, No Lotus“Thich Nhat Hanh shows us the connection between personal inner peace and peace on earth.” —His Holiness the Dalai LamaBringing the energy of true presence into our lives really does change things for the better—and all it takes is a little training. This...

How can we live a balanced life in unbalanced times? How can the practices of meditation and yoga support our relationships, our work lives, and the greater good? Author, teacher, and psychotherapist Michael Stone presents the essential insights of mindfulness and yoga, emphasizing the teachings of simplicity and the interdependence of all life.Stone explains that the practices of yoga and meditation are not about escaping reality but about living fully in the here and now, opening...

All beings desire happiness; therefore to all extend your benevolence.—Mahavamsa.Because he has pity upon every living creature, therefore is a man called "holy."—Dhammapada.Like as a mother at the risk of her life watches over her only child, so also let every one cultivate towards all beings a boundless (friendly) mind.—Metta-sutta.Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.—Udanavarga.I cannot have pleasure while another grieves and I have power to help him.—Jatakamala.With pure tho...

A longtime corporate executive and meditation teacher explains how mindfulness can help you be more confident, resourceful, and at ease in the workplaceWork is such a crucial part of our life, and yet we often struggle with—and feel overwhelmed by—the numerous challenges it presents us. Whether it’s job insecurity, making peace with or leaving an unfulfilling job, or dealing with office conflicts, we often experience fear and a sense of groundlessness just at a tim...

These eighty-five cartoons provide a hilarious perspective on everything from reincarnation to mindful--or perhaps mindless--ness. Over the centuries, Buddhism has offered the world a clear-eyed, down-to-earth approach to life and death. This irresistible little book of teachings is no exception. It demonstrates that wisdom can--and often should--be taught through humor. Buddha Laughing is a healthy recipe for lightening up, the path to true enlightenment.

A new generation of business leaders is turning to mindfulness as a cutting-edge leadership tool. Scientific research suggests that the practice of mindfulness (a technique for learning to live in the present moment) can help individuals to gain clarity, reduce stress, optimize performance, and develop a greater sense of well-being.In The Mindful Leader, Michael Carroll explains what mindfulness is and how to develop it in the hectic and often stressful environment of the ...