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Bookstore: Meditation, Buddhism, General
Suggested Books and Audio; Info and Reviews
This is a general listing of Buddhist topics, meditation and relative topics.
Some of these books overlap with other pages on this website, but this page
provides more detail and insight into the selections.
As always, if you have any suggestions for readings, or if you have comments
about any of the material listed here, please feel free to email us with your
input.
Contact:
webmaster@dharmamemphis.com
1.
Guided Meditations: For Developing Calmness, Awareness, and Love
by Bodhipaksa
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Audio CD (01 October, 2002)
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Isbn: 0972441409
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Customer Reviews (16)
Bodhipaksa Guided Meditation cd
This is a perfect meditation CD. There is no music to distract you. This
mans voice is calm and direct and leaves you plenty of time to experience
what he says without rushing you. I wish he had more CD's on different
Buddhist topics with guided meditations because I would buy them all.
Addictive awareness, calmness, sharpness, and everything
I was surprised that someone in the review said s/he fell asleep while
listening to this CD, as I cannot fall asleep even if I try to sleep
listening to any of the three sessions contained in this CD. The first two
meditations (focusing on breathing and cultivating empathy) actually make me
so aware of both my inner-self and outer-world in a fantastically soothing
way that I alwasy feel more awake and often even more energetic after each
session. I became kind of addicted and looking forward to listening to the
first breathing meditation session each morning after waking up!! Really
amazing, I used to hate to wake up. As others have already mentioned,
Bodhipaksa has a wonderful calm voice and a beautiful (sophisticated)
Scotsman's accent which is VERY CLEAR even to a person like me whose mother
tongue is not English.
Every time I commute to my office walking for 20 minutes, I listen to the
third session ("walking meditation") recorded to my MP3 player. The
meditation is just 20 minutes long and it nicely fits my commuting distance.
It really makes me easy to work in my office, because I definitely think I
can focus on my works more easily and also I can cope much better with some
not-so-nice colleagues of mine. I feel sharper and I am not feeling stressed
so much any more in my office, thanks to the 'not clinging to anything but
just notice' attitude which I can now enjoy because of these session.
This CD is genuinely incredible. It's the best thing since sliced bread!!
NO hypnotic audio records or how-to-meditate books (yes, I got loads of this
kind of things) gave me such a brilliant result. Its clear recording quality
and there not being any Muzak also help. I have been using this CD for just
5 weeks, which is also amazing as I am a person who tends to get very easily
bored!!
Clear and Straightforward
Bodhipaksa presents foundational meditations in a clear, straighforward, and
unhurried manner. I have used this CD many times and will continue to
revisit these guided meditations to refresh my own practice. Having
witnessed Bodhipaksa teaching meditation both in person and through this
medium I do not hesitate to state that this is the real thing. There are no
gimmicks here. He presents material that has worked for centuries and does
so as clearly as I have found in my 12 years of meditation. The guided
meditations contained on this CD may seem simple. They are, that is part of
their beauty and effectiveness, but one must practice them. Practice, stick
with it, be patient, practice some more, and gradually calmness, awareness,
and love will arise within and spread. ...
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Subjects: 1. Body, Mind & Spirit 2. Meditation 3. Healing -
Prayer & Spiritual 4. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice 5. Breathing
exercises 6. Zen Meditations 7. Visualization 8. Audio Adult: New
Age 9. New Age (Self Help) 10. Personal Growth - Happiness
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2.
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
by Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler
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Hardcover (01 October, 1998)
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Isbn: 1573221112
Sales Rank: 830
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Editorial Review
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit
down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent
questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How
can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer?How
should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do you handle the death
of a loved one? These are the conundrums that psychiatrist Howard Cutler
poses to the Dalai Lama during an extended period of interviews in The
Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.
At first, the Dalai Lama's answers seem simplistic, like a surface
reading ofRobert Fulghum: Ask yourself if you really need something; our
enemies can be our teachers; compassion brings peace of mind.Cutler pushes:
But some people do seem happy with lots of possessions; but
"suffering is life" is so pessimistic; but going to extremes provides the
zest in life; but what if I don't believe in karma? As the Dalai Lama's
responses become more involved, a coherent philosophy takes shape. Cutler
then develops the Dalai Lama's answers in the context of scientific studies
and cases from his own practice, substantiating and elaborating on what he
finds to be a revolutionary psychology. Like any art, the art of happiness
requires study and practice--and the talent for it, the Dalai Lama assures
us, is in our nature. --Brian Bruya ...
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Customer Reviews (279)
Counter to the negative reviews
I have noticed several reviews that blast Howard C. Cutler for the way he
wrote this book.
I would like to say that I think he did a good job.
As an enthusiast of Buddhism, I am inclined to agree that I would have
liked to heard more from the Dalai Lama himself, but I understand that the
intent of this book was to allow non-buddhists to learn to appreciate and to
implement this marvelous system of Buddhist psychology in their lives.
In some senses, Buddhism is a science of understanding and mending the
human psyche. For myself, I already understood a lot of the principles in
the book, but it was very nice to hear a western psychologist's viewpoint.
Sometimes I get lost in the volume of material there is to read about the
practice of Buddhism. There are many different approaches to Buddhist
thought.
This book is perfect for any non-Buddhist who would like to get a taste
of the basic psychology derived from the teacings of one of the most
brilliant men in history, The Buddha. The Dalai Lama is a wonderful man in
his own right, and is a very wise and worldly translator of this complex
system of thought. His profound and well thought out answers to the
questions posed by Cutler reflect the depth of his understanding of the
human condition and the remedies prescribed by the Buddha to end the
suffering that we all must endure.
The Dalai Lama does not give a full exposition of the Buddhist teachings
on any of the subjects presented in the book, but his answers are profound
and can be put to use in the daily life of any westerner who desires to be
happy. Cutler is a reassuring figure in the book who is there to raise the
questions that any westerner might raise. More importantly, he is there to
compare and contrast the words of the Dalai Lama to the work of western
psychologists and to confirm and even exalt the approach of the Dalai Lama.
Excellent Guide To Happiness And Mental Health
The Declaration of Independence asserts our self-evident right to pursue
happiness, but doesn't teach us how to do so. The Dalai Lama says happiness
is the goal of human existence and teaches us not just how to rid ourselves
of the negative thoughts from which unhappiness springs, but also how to
grow into an habitually positive frame of mind. This is not a selfish
pursuit since compassion and altruism are understood as essential to
personal happiness. In an age of road rage and air rage, depression and
anxiety, such a guide to mental hygiene and growth is needed and welcome. I
was initially disappointed that the book had two authors, but now consider
this a strength. Dr. Culter not only adds western psychological information
that complements "Buddhist" doctrine, but also provides good descriptions of
the Dalai Lama, engages him in a running dialogue, and asks the questions
that I would like to ask, particularly how a non-Buddhist would use the
teaching just given. As it turns out there is very little in this book that
is strictly "religious" or that would be unacceptable or impractical advice
to a believer in another or in no faith at all. The Dalai Lama addresses
himself specifically to such people. Obviously the book needs to be put into
practice, not just read.
A good introduction to Buddhism and Dalai Lamas thoughts
This is a good book to help you learn about the principles and ideas of
Buddhism. Written for a Western audience, it takes up problems of daily life
and how to be happy with the right mode of thinking. How to live a balanced,
peaceful and happy life. Reading the book is easy. How to follow its
teachings perhaps not that easy, but obviously worthwhile.
-Simon ...
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Subjects: 1. Buddhism 2. Buddhism -
General 3. Doctrines 4. Happiness 5. Personal Growth -
Happiness 6. Psychology 7. Religion 8. Religious Life
(Buddhism) 9. Religious aspects 10. Religious life
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3.
The Heart Of The World: A Journey To The Last Secret Place
by Ian Baker, Dalai Lama
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Hardcover (04 November, 2004)
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Subjects: 1. Buddhism 2. Buddhism - General 3. Buddhism -
Tibetan 4. Description and travel 5. Discovery And Exploration
(General) 6. Discovery and exploration 7. Essays &
Travelogues 8. Exploration 9. Religion - World
Religions 10. Travel 11. Tsangpo Gorges (China) 12. Tsangpo Gorges
Region (China)
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4.
Peace Is Every Step : The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
by THICH NHAT HANH
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Paperback (01 March, 1992)
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Isbn: 0553351397
Sales Rank: 3411
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Editorial Review
Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is deceptive in its
subtlety. He'll go on and on with stories about tree-hugging or metaphors
involving raw potatoes; he'll tell you how to eat mindfully, even how to
breathe and walk; he'll suggest looking closely at a flower and to see the
sun as your heart.As the Zen teacher Richard Baker commented, however, Nhat
Hanh is "a cross between a cloud, a snail, and piece of heavy machinery."
Sooner or later, it begins to sink in that Nhat Hanh is conveying a depth of
psychology and a world outlook that require nothing less than a complete
paradigm shift. Through his cute stories and compassionate admonitions, he
gradually builds up to his philosophy of interbeing, the notion that none of
us is separately, but rather that we inter-are. The
ramifications are explosive. How can we mindlessly and selfishly pursue our
individual ends, when we are inextricably bound up with everyone and
everything else? We see an enemy not as focus of anger but as a human with a
complex history, who could be us if we had the same history. Suffice it to
say, that after reading Peace Is Every Step, you'll never look at a
plastic bag the same way again, and you may even develop a penchant for
hugging trees.--Brian Bruya ...
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Customer Reviews (51)
a moment of peace is waiting for you...
How can you make a difference in this world? Reading PEACE IS EVERY STEP is
definitely a step in the right direction. Thich Nhat Hanh illustrates in his
beautifully simplistic way that peace is something that begins with the
individual.
One need not read the book from start to finish. Each chapter is a morsel
of wisdom in and of itself. I use it as a daily meditation first thing in
the morning. A gentle reminder as I start the day.
This book radically changed the way that I look at the world. I have
bought copies for so many of my friends and they have done the same after
reading it. By passing this message of Peace along, we are in essence
forming a Peace Movement. Please do yourself and your community a favor and
read and savor this little volume of wisdom.
A moment of peace is waiting for you...
Powerfully simple
This is a book to savor slowly. I will sometimes just read a paragraph or
two and set it down to let the words really be absorbed. While that is my
approach, this is a thin book that can be read very quickly if one wishes.
The prospective purchaser (or gift-giver) need not worry about this being
"too Buddhist" or religious. Of course it encompasses Buddhism's most
profound meanings, but the writing approach of Thich Nhat Hahn is warmly
inviting as he simply speaks of more peaceful ways each of us can make our
way in this world. His words, with little reference to Buddhist tenets, come
across as common sense that we often need to rediscover.
It is very much about the *personal* journey to peace, with gentle
stories that remind and reveal the goodness within each of us, that goodness
then expanding in ripples that touch those in our lives. The writing is open
and sincere and stated with a direct kindness. It is truly wonderful how he
makes such profound ideas and options so simple and broadly understandable.
This is a book I love to give as a gift. I believe you will find his
words to be worth your time.
Practice This Book's Contents
Following Nhat Hanh's book "Being Peace", this is my next favorite by this
articulate Zen master. Within you will find commentaries and meditations
straight from the heart of Thay, as well as stories of his life as an
activist for peace. It is so very applicable to our daily lives. Lately it's
become all too clear that this world needs a healthy serving of peace. Our
spiritual mouths are so hungry for this. The meditations Thich Nhat Hanh has
been celebrated worldwide for are captured within this deceptively slim
book. For those of you who have come to know Thay through his wide body of
books, you know how well he communicates points to all of us; always with a
soothing ease and simplicity. That style is more than ever evident in this
text. This work is a remarkable starting point for someone interested in
looking into Buddhism, searching for balance in their lives; it's for non
Buddhists who are simply looking for a way to bridge the gap of
divisiveness. Thich Nhat Hanh is such a good friend to us all, and buying
this magnificent book can help all of us become better friends to the world
at large. Enjoy it. ...
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Subjects: 1. Buddhism 2. Buddhism -
Zen 3. General 4. Religion - World Religions 5. Religious
life 6. Body, Mind & Spirit / New Age
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5.
Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game
by Joseph Parent
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Hardcover (14 May, 2002)
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Isbn: 0385504462
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Customer Reviews (11)
Once Is NOT enough!
I read Zen Golf and immediately thought that this was THE best book on how
to improve your golf game and how you enjoy it. The book is NOT how to
create the perfect golf swing. It is all about the mental side of the game
and how you can improve your results by improving the way you think. Shortly
after reading the book, I realized that reading it only once and expecting
to achieve the intended results was simply not enough. The book must be read
multiple times, use a hi-liter to mark the passages you want to improve on.
There are so many wonderful mental suggestions that it is almost impossible
to pick them all up the first time you read the book. I thought so much of
the book, I purchased the book on CDs. I have read the book three times and
listened to the CD's twice and will continue to read and listen until I have
a clear picture of exactly what I want to accomplish. Since I only play on
weekends, the time between rounds/practice tends to dull the lessons learned
if you read it only once. Once is simply not enough! I know of no other book
on golf I would recommend more. The principles also apply to life in general
and sales specifically. The similarities between golf and sales are
incredible!
The Point
What's the point of golf? What are we trying to achieve while we're out
there? Simply put, the point is to get the ball in the cup as quickly as
possible and enjoy the process. I played a round early this summer, had an
awful time, came off the course stressed and feeling bad about my behavior.
I was literally hyperventalating over putts. Turns out I scored well. So
something was amiss, right? This book has me enjoying the game again. Zen
Golf is not a deep and difficult treatise of the deeper meaning of life and
golf. It is closer to an instruction manual on how to play better golf and
enjoy the game more. It addresses concepts like trust, confidence and
positive thinking. I now enjoy those 3-iron punch shots out of the trees.
I'm learning to enjoy those 5-footers. Every shot is an opportunity and
there's no need for fear or negativity. My "evil caddie" seldom comes
around, and when he does, I know what to do. This is simply the best golf
book I've ever read.
Lowered my scores
Okay, I'm not ready to turn pro now, but I had never once shot below 90
prior to reading this. Then, one night I was bored and picked it up (quick
read -- couple hours or so) and decided to zen out next time on the course.
I followed just a few simple ideas from the book and shot an 84. It was the
first time in a while that golf was fun again and not so dang frustrating.
Loved it. ...
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Subjects: 1. Eastern - Zen 2. Golf 3. Golf -
General 4. Golf - Instruction 5. Psychological aspects 6. Religious
aspects 7. Sports 8. Sports & Recreation 9. Zen Buddhism 10. Sports
& Recreation / Golf 11. Sports Psychology
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6.
Offerings : Buddhist Wisdom for Every Day
by Olivier Follmi, Danielle Follmi
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Hardcover (01 October, 2003)
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Isbn: 1584793155
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Customer Reviews (1)
A world of compassion
I love this book. It was recently given to me as a birthday present and has
become a way for me to reflect and start my day. Every morning I sit and
open the page related to the same day. The photographs are stunning and
although the book is heavy, the format makes it different, unforgettable
among other books by its shape and beautiful cover photograph.
If you are one who believes in compassion, kindness and truthfulness about
oneself's divine nature, then this book is for you. Enjoy! ...
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Subjects: 1. Body, Mind & Spirit 2. Buddhism -
General 3. Eastern - General 4. General 5. Inspirational -
General 6. New Age 7. Religion - World Religions 8. Religion /
Inspirational
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7.
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
by Shunryu Suzuki
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Paperback (01 April, 1973)
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Isbn: 0834800799
Sales Rank: 2759
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Editorial Review
A respected Zen master in Japan and founder of the
San Francisco Zen Center, Shunryu Suzuki has blazed a path in American
Buddhism like few others. He is the master who climbs down from the pages of
the koan books and answers your questions face to face. If not face
to face, you can at least find the answers as recorded in Zen Mind,
Beginner's Mind, a transcription of juicy excerpts from his lectures.
From diverse topics such as transience of the world, sudden enlightenment,
and the nuts and bolts of meditation, Suzuki always returns to the idea of
beginner's mind, a recognition that our original nature is our true nature.
With beginner's mind, we dedicate ourselves to sincere practice, without the
thought of gaining anything special. Day to day life becomes our Zen
training, and we discover that "to study Buddhism is to study ourselves."
And to know our true selves is to be enlightened. --Brian Bruya ...
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Customer Reviews (97)
Mountains are Mountains
It is March, 2000, and I have just ordered another 6 copies of this classic
book on Zen sitting meditation. I first read it shortly after it was
published in 1972, borrowed from the Cleveland Heights OH library. Since
then I have returned to it many times and given many copies away to friends.
Some are grieving a loss, some are facing a major personal challenge,
like cancer. Some are simply searching for truth or a sense of themselves.
In any case, I do agree with those reviewers who point novices toward a
more traditionally instructive book like The Three Pillars of Zen. That book
speaks to the logical structure of Zen study, its emphasis on teaching,
practice and enlightenment. It is important to understand Zen in this
historic and traditional light if one is to pursue it seriously. But Three
Pillars is a "study book" - it is not a description of the sitting zen
experience. Shunryu's lectures were "live" and directed to the experience
itself.
As in the old Zen saying, his words are fingers, pointing to the moon.
Certainly, there may be purists who find dogmatic contradictions in some
of Shunryu's comments. But he did not set out to teach the dogma!
This is an excellent book the serious zen student will return to again
and again. And for the "everday man" among us, the "beginner" Shunryu spoke
to, it is much better than a handbook of Hazleton platitudes, an erstwhile
koan or a list of Covey's rules.
Sit up straight! Put your thoughts away! Sit and....
a zen classic...a book you can always come back to
Weather you don't know anything about Zen or have been practicing for twenty
years, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" will always give you something new. Out
of all the Zen books I own, this is the one I am constantly going back to
and re-reading. For many American Zen students, this is the book that
started it all. "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" is a collection of lectures
given by Shrunryu Suzuki given to his students in Los Atlos, CA. They deal
with the fundamentals of practice in the Soto Zen tradition started by Dogen
in Japan. However it would be wrong to limit this book to just a tradition.
I believe no matter what your beliefs or practices are, this book and the
practice of zazen can help you. Suzuki emphasises strongly on practice which
in Zen, its easy to get carried away with false ideas and I think that is
what makes this book so helpful with my practice. So pick up this book and a
Zafu and take the lotus position and be prepared to be changed forever.
What is Buddhism? What is Zen?
This book will not answer either of those questions. Therefore it should get
0 stars. However, I think it deserves 5 stars.
Religious or philosophical traditions are among the most difficult to
pass from one generation to the next without bollixing up the original
spirit of the tradition. When Siddhartha experienced enlightenment 2500
years ago, did he envision all the crazy schizms, sects, misinterpretations,
and frauds that would ensue as a result of his teachings? YES. But he
decided to teach his experiences anyway.
To many, religion is all about dogma or exactly how to practice it. If
you don't kneel correctly at the right time of day or cut a fart in the
middle of silent meditation, then you are a permanent failure and can never
achieve the perfection that your guru/god is trying to teach you.
Others abandon religion entirely, and say that you should reject any
dogma that tells you what to believe and how to think. Organized religion is
just a perpetual Multi-Level Marketing scheme, where the only way to be
successful is to convince everyone else that you've found the truth and get
them to pass it on. Evangelical Christianity is obviously the best example
of this, but some people see elements of it in all religions, and they have
a point.
Is there a middle ground? I think so, even though it's sooo easy to slip
to one side or the other. My goal is to find inspiration in different
traditions, understand and respect them, and also to explore the elements
that I don't agree with (Judeo-Christian-Islamic fundamentalism, for
example). What can I do to build a bridge between myself and people with
these beliefs?
I find that reading works such as Zen Mind, Beginners Mind nurture that
middle path. It doesn't give step-by-step instructions for achieving
perfection, but by walking with Shunryu Suzuki for a few hours and listening
to his conversation you get a glimpse of what it means to be alive and aware
of what's happening around you. You don't learn Buddhist dogma (whatever
that is), and you don't learn how to reject all other religions or
philosophies, you just get to enjoy reading the words of a kinder, gentler
person. To you he is giving the gift of his thoughts which you can either
take and use or reject and go look for something else.
If you feel that this book is new-age trash or baffling mumbo-jumbo, I
hope you're able to find whatever's right for you and that it enriches your
life accordingly. ...
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Subjects: 1. Buddhism -
General 2. General 3. Meditation 4. New Age 5. Philosophy 6. Zen
Buddhism 7. Religion / Buddhism
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8.
When Things Fall Apart : Heart Advice for Difficult Times (Shambhala
Classics)
by Pema Chodron
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Paperback (26 September, 2000)
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Customer Reviews (66)
Advice is not very useful
This book caught my attention in a bookstore at a time when I was going
through a lot of stress due to things "falling apart" in my life. Basically,
I was in a situation where just nothing seemed to be going right. I bought
this book and started reading it. It gets very quickly into the teachings of
buddhism. The primary message that I got from the book was that of "letting
go". Yes, this is one way of dealing with things when they get overwhelming.
But there are other, far better ways, I think. This book is a valuable read
for understanding buddhist philosophy. But, if you're looking for
inspiration during trying times in your life, you'll have to look
elsewhere--and there are plenty of such inspirational books. A good example
of such a book is "Many Lives, Many Masters" by Brian Weiss.
When one is going through difficult times, I don't think one should just
give up and stop trying. But that is the recommendation of this book.
Instead, I think one can change one's thoughts and one's expectations. But
one should not stop making an effort altogether and just "let go"
completely. The book's title is misleading; it won't really help someone
whose life is falling apart. I know for sure that it didn't help me.
Leaning into life's sharp points.
Life's difficult times may be inevitable, but they're not a prerequisite for
appreciating the 146 pages of wisdom found in this book. Pema Chodron is the
director of Gampo Abbey in Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia. WHEN THINGS FALL APART
pays respect to her teacher, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. We learn in the
book's title essay, before becoming a Buddhist nun, Chodron survived the
anger of a failed marriage. In truth, she writes, it saved her life (p. 10).
Chodron's experience illustrates the point of the 22 "teachings"
contained within this book: "Life is a good teacher and a good friend" (p.
10). Life, Chodron observes, "is like riding a train sitting backwards" (p.
143). Leaning into the sharp points along the way is the kind of instruction
we can apply to our lives to bring about "revolutionary changes in how we
perceive things" (p. 139). The thorny path through hope, fear, death,
loneliness, opinion and chaos should not be avoided. It is the goal.
I have now read Chodron's book twice. It is like a heart-to-heart
encounter with an insightful friend. Thank you, Pema Chodron.
G. Merritt
Infinite Power for Living
I grew up and was deeply involved in a moderate Baptist church. For much of
my life I considered myself a "good" Christian who knew that Jesus died for
my sins and therefore I also knew that I was bound for heaven. But it wasn't
until I was 40 years old and had seen my life fall apart that I decided to
let go of my life completely, and give it to God.
Interestingly, after this total commitment and release to God, I was
immediately and strangely drawn to the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. Many
wonder why this book was included in the bible because it seems to contain
nothing but the pervading theme of hopelessness. Yet, its words seemed to
give me comfort and a source of spiritual strength. It was difficult for me
then to explain this to other Christians.
Pema's book is a kind of contemporary practical application of the
teaching found in Ecclesiastes. Of course our lives and our world are
utterly evanescent. Nothing lasts. Yet, most of us become quite delusional
during our lives by effectively denying this fact. We grab hold of anything
we can that can give us a sense of a sustainable and unique identity...
including our religious tradition. But any or all of this can be taken away
in an instant. Both Pema's and Ecclesiastes' teachings have the power to
bring us home by helping us to discover our eternal identity in the
unmanifest... in the mystery of Infinite Spirit. Once we find our home
there, nothing can shake us. There is a power and a joy that is not fully
describable with words... because its source lies beyond words, beyond
creation.
In one of Jesus' prayers he asks God to bring all people into Oneness...
"may they be One as we are One." Pure Oneness implies the loss (even death)
of a separate identity, and the realization of a universal identity as One.
Pema's use of the idea of hopelessness is really the movement through the
death of our false and fleeting separate identities into the ultimate home
of Oneness with each other and with God. I believe that Pema's teachings can
aid any one that is ready, whose ego has been broken enough, to discover
their eternal home even as they live in this manifested world. This can be a
liberated life filled with the courage and fearlessness to bring
Unconditional Love to the whole world, and especially to the seemingly
unlovable. ...
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Subjects: 1. Buddhism 2. Buddhism - General 3. Eastern -
General 4. New Age (Self Help) 5. Philosophy 6. Religion - World
Religions 7. Religious life 8. Religion / Buddhism
|

9.
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying: The Spiritual Classic & International
Bestseller; Revised and Updated Edition
by Sogyal Rinpoche, Patrick D. Gaffney, Andrew Harvey
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Paperback (22 April, 1994)
list price: US$17.95 -- our price: US$12.56
(price subject to change: see
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Isbn: 0062508342
Sales Rank: 3386
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Editorial Review
In 1927, Walter Evans-Wentz published his translation
of an obscure Tibetan Nyingma text and called it the Tibetan Book of the
Dead. Popular Tibetan teacher Sogyal Rinpoche has transformed that
ancient text, conveying a perennial philosophy that is at once religious,
scientific, and practical. Through extraordinary anecdotes and stories from
religious traditions East and West, Rinpoche introduces the reader to the
fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism, moving gradually to the topics of death
and dying. Death turns out to be less of a crisis and more of an
opportunity. Concepts such as reincarnation, karma, and bardo and practices
such as meditation, tonglen, and phowa teach us how to face death
constructively. As a result, life becomes much richer. Like Elisabeth
Kubler-Ross, Sogyal Rinpoche opens the door to a full experience of death.
It is up to the reader to walk through. --Brian Bruya ...
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Customer Reviews (58)
A necessary read for seekers...
My bookshelves are filled with books on many topics, including death and
dying and spirituality -- this book might be the only book I really need.
For years I have thought I must read the Tibetan Book of the Dead -- but
whenever I tried, it was much too complicated for me to understand.
Sogyal Rinpoche has written this book so that it is easily understood by
anyone, even us Westerners, without compromising any of the Buddhist
teachings it offers.
In essence, we begin to die the moment we are born. We spend this life
preparing to die well. Nothing is permanent, but we spend much of our lives
filling our time with activities and pursuits that help us elude ourselves
into thinking that what we see and touch is all that matters.
Sogyal Rinpoche says, "To follow the path of wisdom has never been more
urgent or more difficult. Our society is dedicated almost entirely to the
celebration of ego, with all its sad fantasies about success and power, and
it celebrates those very forces of greed and ignorance that are destroying
the planet. It has never been more difficult to hear the unflattering voice
of the truth, and never more difficult, once having heard it, to follow it:
because there is nothing in the world around us that supports our choice,
and the entire society in which we live seems to negate every idea of
sacredness or eternal meaning. So at the time of our most acute danger, when
our very future is in doubt, we as human beings find ourselves at our most
bewildered, and trapped in a nightmare of our own creation."
He writes about the importance of realizing the interconnectedness of all
living beings (including nature), of meditation (and gives instructions and
advice), of finding and being devoted to a good master (something very
difficult for Westerners to accept -- he acknowledges that there are
fraudulent ones about), of learning to live and learning to die, of letting
go of egos and becoming egolessness. Throughout the book, he tells of female
masters as well as males, something female readers may greatly appreciate.
Sogyal Rinpoche is from Tibet, and speaks of the cruelty of the Chinese
to the Tibetan Buddhists (very similar to the persecution of the early
christians, and later the Jews by the Nazis -- when will we ever learn, but
then that's the point of this book!)
In the last section of the book, he speaks of "The Universal Process"
which is about spirituality, living and dying of all humans, regardless of
race, spiritual beliefs, gender or national origin. There are in the back
two mantras with explanations and he shares photographs of his beloved
masters. Throughout the book are inspiring poems from such poets as Rumi and
St. Francis of Assisi, as well as Buddhists. In the very back he gives
suggested readings, and offers phone numbers and addresses of Rigpa National
Office, where those who are interested can find referrals to cources and
study groups in the US, Canada and around the world.
This book is a very good place for the seeker to begin. For those curious
about Buddhism, or seriously interested in becoming a Buddha or a Buddhist,
or just looking for more thoughts and information on death and dying, this
book is excellent, easy to understand, thought-provoking.
a must for a Buddhist library
This book fully captures the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. I don't claim to
be an authority on the subject, but I was born into a Buddhist household
that has remained faithful and reverent to both Mahayana and Hiyana
traditions of Buddhism. From the information I've had passed on to me by
both family and Tibetan Buddhist clergy, this book has never been
contradictory to anything lecture I've heard. In fact, everybody seems to
recommend it enthusiastically!
Essentially, according to Tibetan Buddhism, the purpose of living is to
cultivate the mind and purify the body and soul to prepare for death.
Westerners may, at first glance, find this philosophy morbid. However, we
must remember that reincarnation is integral to Buddhist text (and most
world religions, for that matter; the 'one life' theory is actually
relatively new). Death is explained as a transitional period, like the end
of a chapter to a book. To waste away ones life is like wasting away all
your money without care for the future. Basically, this philosophy heavily
emphasizes living in the present with thoughtfulness and offers a plethora
of Buddhist insight into life and death. It also stresses the urgency of
cultivation in a day and age when we disregard life, old age, and disease as
trivial matters and nothing that science cannot combat.
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying is written by a Rinpoche. For those
who are not familiar with Tibetan titles, a Lama is essentially a monk who
has abandond wordly comforts for a spiritual pursuit, and a Rinpoche is a
recognized reincarnation of an esteemed Lama.
If you are a Buddhist, I highly recommend this book. It is enlightening,
insightful, and an absolute must in any Buddhist library. Whether you follow
the traditions of Chinese Buddhism, Zen or Chan, take the Amitabha or Guan
Yin approach, etc., as a fellow Buddhist to another, you should not go
without having this book. It's available in Chinese, as well, for the
Buddhists out there who are more adept at Chinese than English.
For seekers, this is a wonderful guide, as well. The best part with any
book as wonderful as this is that everytime you read it, you'll find new
insight in the words. Beginners and established Buddhists alike will take in
much insight.
I also highly recommend this to Buddhists who are unfamiliar with the
Tibetan traditions. The Tibetan texts will open a whole new door for you. I
know from personal experience, because my mother (who is the spiritual
leader of the family) was originally a student of Chinese Buddhism, but
after reading this book, our entire family discovered a whole other arena of
philosophies that have done nothing but enrich our practices.
So whether you're already a Buddhist wishing to broaden your knowledge, a
Buddhist who would like new material to absorb, or a seeker who is just
curious of the fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism, this book is definitely a
must.
Good book but
This book was not really written by Sogyal Rimpoche. It was mainly written
by Harvey mentioned as a secondary author (or someone else called Paul
Harvey). This information comes to me via a Tibetan Buddhist who sponsored
Sogyal Rimpoche's arrival and settling down in the UK. As a reviewer at
Amazon.com and a Buddhist practitioner who has met Sogyal, I stand by the
above statement. The informant was quite sure though the communication was
provided under informal circumstances.
Before I continue, in the publishing world it is probably not uncommon
for books to be "authored" by one person but actually written by another.
Jefferey Archer's editor or some other editors often may have written a book
under the umbrella of a lucrative author.
Sogyal Rimpoche has started Rigpa and earns a lot of money. His disciples
carry cash in suitcases (I gathered from the above source and am not
surprised after attending one of Sogyal's retreats). He was disowned by or
he disowned Dujom Rimpoche his teacher. Sogyal is fond of quoting his
familial links and relationship to Dujom or the Dalai Lama and is regarded
as some sort of incarnation (aren't we all?). Sogyal Rimpoche was informed
that he was not mature enough to teach in the Nyngma tradition and was asked
to return to Tibet. He refused.
Harvey kept the fee and Sogyal harvests the royalties.
This book is a cherry picked slice of Tibet's greatest teachings with
highlights on death, rebirth, compassion incorporating practices somewhat
external to a principal Tibetan source text on death and rebirth which forms
the basis of the book. It is recommended reading before you go on a Sogyal
retreat boosting sales. The book is not especially deep and designed to
appeal. Small wonder it attracts few detractors.
It reads rather well I suppose and Rimpoche remains a charismatic
teacher. As long as you don't swallow it lock, stock and smoking barrel. ...
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Subjects: 1. Buddhism 2. Buddhism -
General 3. China 4. Death 5. Death, Grief,
Bereavement 6. Doctrines 7. Philosophy 8. Religion - World
Religions 9. Religious aspects 10. Religious
life 11. Self-Help 12. Tibet 13. Self-Help / Death, Grief,
Bereavement
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10.
Meditation for Beginners
by Jack Kornfield
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Audio CD (01 August, 2001)
list price: US$24.95 -- our price: US$16.47
(price subject to change: see
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Isbn: 1564558673
Availabity: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Customer Reviews (2)
Great Meditation tape
After reading "A Path with Heart" by Jack Kornfield, I found his audio tape
to be very informative. If you are having doubts about how to pursue
meditation and spiritual life, I would highly recommend this audio. I can
never listen to it too often. Jack has a wonderful way of getting his point
across.
Kwan Yin Society highly recommends these tapes...
Jack Kornfield is perhaps the most gifted meditation teacher in the West.
His humor, compassion, clarity and insight make this tape series a life-long
treasure. Perfect for anyone who is new to meditation or who wantsmore peace
and compassion to stream from the heart. ...
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Subjects: 1. Audio - Relaxation / Meditation 2. Audio Adult:
New Age 3. Body, Mind & Spirit 4. Buddhism -
General 5. Meditation 6. Running Time: 150m
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11.
Infinite Life: Seven Virtues for Living Well
by Robert Thurman
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Hardcover (19 February, 2004)
list price: US$24.95 -- our price: US$16.47
(price subject to change: see
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Isbn: 1573222674
Sales Rank: 3596
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Editorial Review
Robert Thurman--father of Uma, outspoken critic of
George Bush'sadministration and one of the first Westerners to bring
popularize Buddhismin America—has written what is arguably his finest
book. In InfiniteLife he invites readers into a fascinating new way
of thinking livingand meditating that might do more to save the world than
any political actknown to humans. In recognizing that our lives and even our
moment-to-moment choices choices haveeternal ramifications, we are at once
free from the burden of pettypursuits yet suddenly saddled with the weight
of infinite responsibility.Thurman helps students understand that carrying
this weight is the only waywe can free ourselves and the rest of the world
form suffering. Buddhistsrecognize this as the path of "the bodhisattva,"
dedicated to the well-beingof all beings. In order to help readers make this
quantum shift in awareness, Thurmanstructure his chapters around the
paramitas, or transcendent virtues:wisdom, generosity, patience,
contemplation, justice (usually called"discipline"), and creativity
("diligence"). He adds a seventh virtue:art—as in the "art of infinite
living." Each chapter includes a lesson on avirtue as well as meditations
and life choices that support personal andglobal transformation.
"You can try out a whole new approach to life," he promises. "Then
we'llexplore how can put your new ideas into practice in the world, turning
yourthoughts into action. We'll examine the repercussions of your
personalchange on society and on the fragile, opalescent planet. We'll see
howpersonal transformation is social transformation."
He delivers his promise with political and spiritual punch. Some
criticizeThurman for his outspokenness against the current Bush
administration. Butfor those who want to use their spirituality to create
political change—thisbook is filled with excellent meditations and
lifestyle suggestions forbringing about global compassion and humanity. --Gail
Hudson ...
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Customer Reviews (5)
Infinite Life- 7 Virtues et al. by Robert Thurman
This is an excellent but somewhat controversial work which embellishes the
Mahayana School of Buddhism. The author espouses the virtues inherent in
selflessness and individual/collective
wisdom. He challenges the reader to embrace creativity and
generosity in interpersonal relationships. Most importantly,
the work demands that we do a critical self-examination to
determine what is within us. It is only by knowing ourselves
thoroughly that we can transcend our current condition.
This self-transformation is a condition precedent to achieving the
creativity and generosity of spirit needed to help others.
The book challenges us to transcend ourselves and achieve
levels of learning and experience outside the normal everyday
patterns of life. It is an important contribution to
religion, philosophy and the psycho-social sciences.
Infinite Life, A True Inspiring Message of Infinite Hope
There are so many facets of Buddhism -one compliments the others-, the true
embodiment of emptiness at the very heart of Buddhist teachings that nothing
has an inherent existence of its own. No one does a better job than Robert
Thurman, one of the most prominent Buddhist scholars representing the
Mahayana school of thoughts, in giving a cerebral erudition of the meanings
and interpretations of old manuscripts and their relevance to our
contemporary life. That is represented, again, in his latest craft.The
Mahayana tradition puts a huge emphasis on infinite and universal compassion
for all sentient beings, it is the basis of every effort toward
self-transformation, that ultimately entails self-transcendence in the
selfless spirit of the altruistic mind seeking for enlightenment for the
benefits of all. His book works on that basis in a very forceful, dense,
idealistic fashion but accessible at the same time.
This Bodhisatva ideal is so infinitely lofty to the point that many
people might find it impractical and unrealistic. However, as Thurman
point-blankly elaborates throughout the book, that ideal isn't an empty
dream of a romantic fool, but it's based on the infinite outlook of life
with infinite room for personal growth; infinity that stretches to the
"past" and "future" through infinite numbers of past and future lives,
intimately intertwined and interrelated.
In this infinite universe, that is supported by science needless to say,
there are infinite possibilities. That is one thing. The other is the
proclamation that we are all Buddha now, we just need to be awakened to that
fact. So if we are all enlightened beings with built-in infinite | |