The first two limbs of the eight-fold path of yoga sutras--the basic text for classical yoga--are examined in this spiritual guide to the practice of yoga. Foundational to all yogic thought, they are considered to be the guidelines to the yoga way of living that free individuals to take ownership of their lives, direct them toward the fulfillment they seek, and gain the skills to choose attitude, thought, and action. The first five guidelines are referred to as the yamas--a Sanskrit word that translates to "restraints"--and encompass nonviolence, truthfulness, not stealing, nonexcess, and nonp... View More...
Reprint of the Harper & Bros. original of 1927. The memoirs of a stout 55-year-old Frenchwoman who trekked in disguise for four months to become the first Western woman to reach Lhasa. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or. View More...
Warm Smiles from Cold Mountains explores the life of passionate commitment that lies at the heart of the formal practice of Zen meditation. Written with the Zen master, as well as the Zen novice, in mind, it is a collection of dharma talks given by Reb Anderson, former abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center. In comprehensible, inclusive language, Warm Smiles from Cold Mountains draws on Anderson's thirty-year experience as a Zen priest exploring Buddhist yoga and psychology and the relationship of wisdom and compassion to the personal, social and ecological crises of our time. View More...
The understanding of the nature of reality is the insight upon which the Buddha was able to achieve his own enlightenment. This vision of the sublime is the source of all that is enigmatic and paradoxical about Buddhism. In Verses from the Center, Stephen Batchelor explores the history of this concept and provides readers with translations of the most important poems ever written on the subject, the poems of 2nd century philosopher Nagarjuna. View More...
In 1326, Ibn Battuta began a pilgrimage to Mecca that ended 27 years and 75,000 miles later. His engrossing account of that journey provides vivid scenes from Morocco, southern Russia, India, China, and elsewhere. ""Essential reading . . . the ultimate in real life adventure stories."" - History in Review. View More...
The beautiful practicality of her teaching has made Pema Chodron one of the most beloved of contemporary American spiritual authors among Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. A collection of talks she gave between 1987 and 1994, the book is a treasury of wisdom for going on living when we are overcome by pain and difficulties. Chodron discusses: - Using painful emotions to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and courage - Communicating so as to encourage others to open up rather than shut down - Practices for reversing habitual patterns - Methods for working with chaotic situations - Ways for cr... View More...
Deepak Chopra brings the Buddha back to life in this gripping New York Times bestselling novel about the young prince who abandoned his inheritance to discover his true calling. This iconic journey changed the world forever, and the truths revealed continue to influence every corner of the globe today.A young man in line for the throne is trapped in his father's kingdom and yearns for the outside world. Betrayed y those closest to him, Siddhartha abandons his palace and princely title. Face-to-face with his demons, he becomes a wandering monk and embarks on a spiritual fast that carries him to... View More...
In this book Pema Chodron shows us how to break free of destructive patterns in our lives and experience a new sense of freedom and happiness. Drawing on the Buddhist concept of shenpa, she helps us to see how certain habits of mind tend to "hook" us and get us stuck in states of anger, blame, self-hatred, and addiction. The good news is that once we start to see these patterns, we can begin to change our lives for the better. The key is learning a new way of facing the inevitable difficulties and insecurities of our daily lives: we must learn how to stay present and open our hearts. "This pat... View More...
This sumptuous, fully illustrated book by His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers a perfect introduction to Buddhism and the remarkable landscape and culture of Tibet. In the text, based on lectures on The Four Noble Truths given in London, the Dalai Lama lays out the fundamentals of the Buddhist path, showing us how we can develop our compassion and find happiness in any situation. The photographs, by Ian Cumming, show the context in which this profound teaching developed, from the stunning landscapes and Tibetan people, to scenes of monastery life, prayer wheels and beautiful artwork. This is a m... View More...
Danielou's masterpiece on the erotic nature of the sacred symbolism of the Hindu temple. - Includes stunning photographs from the major temple complexes of India. - By Alain Danielou, one of the greatest authorities on Hinduism. Ancient Indian architectural treatises state that a temple lacking erotic imagery would be ineffective and maleficent. The erotic statues and representations that cover the outer and inner walls of the Hindu temple serve both a magical and an instructional purpose. Through the power of the yantras--the magical diagrams created by the placement of the erotic imagery--th... View More...
More than thirty years ago, an entire generation sought a new way of life, looking for fulfillment and meaning in a way no one had before. Leaving his teaching job at Harvard, Ram Dass embodied the role of spiritual seeker, showing others how to find peace within themselves in one of the greatest spiritual classics of the twentieth century, the two-million-copy bestseller Be Here Now. As many of that generation enter the autumn of their years, the big questions of peace and of purpose have returned demanding answers. And once again, Ram Dass blazes a new trail, inviting all to join him on the ... View More...
An intimate guide to self-acceptance and discovery that offers a Buddhist perspective on wholeness within the framework of a Western understanding of self. For decades, Western psychology has promised fulfillment through building and strengthening the ego. We are taught that the ideal is a strong, individuated self, constructed and reinforced over a lifetime. But Buddhist psychiatrist Mark Epstein has found a different way. Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart shows us that happiness doesn't come from any kind of acquisitiveness, be it material or psychological. Happiness comes from letting g... View More...
This is the first book to bring together all elements of Tibetan Buddhist life; a fragile culture in danger of vanishing from our world. A testament to the beauty, wisdom, and strength of these people, the book is richly illustrated with over 200 stunning reproductions. Included are many remarkable pictures by the author, acclaimed photographer Don Farber, in addition to historic and contemporary photographs, and both ancient and modern Tibetan art. In-depth text explores the development of Tibetan Buddhism and its influence on other cultures; monastic and laic life--artistic and ritual expres... View More...
This engaging contemplation of maturity addresses the long neglected topic of what it means to grow up, and provides a hands-on guide for skilfully navigating the demands of our adult lives. Growing up happens whether we like it or not, but maturity must be cultivated. Challenged to consider his own sense of maturity while mentoring a group of teenage boys, Fischer began to investigate our preconceptions about what it means to be adultߡnd shows how crucial true maturity is to leading an engaged, fulfilled life. Taking Our Places details the marks of a mature person and shows h... View More...
Buddhism is all about training the mind, and boot camp is an ideal training method for this generation's short attention span. The chapters in this small book can be read in any order, and are simple and easy to understand. Each story, inspirational quote and teaching offers mindfulness-enhancing techniques that anyone can relate to. You don't need to be a Buddhist to find this book motivational. As the Dalai Lama says, "Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are."Whether it's Mother Teresa's acts of charity, Gandhi's persever... View More...
