Product Description
The Essence of Jung's Psychology and Tibetan Buddhism illuminates two very different yet remarkably similar traditions. Radmila Moacanin touches on many of their major ideas: the collective unconscious and karma, archetypes and deities, the analyst and the spiritual friend, and mandalas. Within Tibetan Buddhism she focuses on tantra and relates its emphasis on spiritual transformation, also a major concern of Jung. This expanded edition includes new material on the integration of the two traditions, and the importance of these paths of the heart in today's unsteady world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good start; makes valid points; opens the door
When originally published in 1986, it was groundbreaking; it's still worth reading, though there are similar books now (Daniel Meckel & Robert Moore's "Self Liberation: The Jung-Buddhist Dialogue" & others on Western Psychology & Buddhism [See my draft listmania]).Here the author effectively demonstrates many similarities/parallels between Jung's works & Vajrayana, but not Mahamudra/Dzogchen (MM/Dz).She provides an introduction to each system-with interesting observations-
p. 6: quoting Nancy Wilson Ross, Buddhism: A Way of Life and Thought (NY: Vintage, 1981) p. 44, "It has been said that [Hinayana] emphasizes the humanity of the Buddha; Mahayana emphasizes the Buddha nature of humanity."
p. 17: "According to one author [S. B. Dasgupta, An Introduction to Tantric Buddhism, University of Calcutta, 1974, p. 54] there was no one particular person who introduced tantra into Buddhism at any particular time, but rather that it has been gradually incorporated in the course of centuries.The same author maintains that there are no fundamental differences between Hindu and Buddhist tantras [p. 145]."Others disagree, stating "it was crystallized into a definitive form by the 3rd century" CE & that there are fundamental differences especially in the definition of yab-yum.
p. 21: "On the path toward freedom any passion and desire must be utilized and transformed into wisdom.This is a very basic principle of any Tantric practice.In this respect it is similar to homeopathy, working on the principle that like cures like.The very same element that causes a disease may if applied in a proper dose act as an antidote and a cure."

She then compares the methodologies, archetypal symbols, similarities/differences including--Tara, Vajrayogini vs. Jung's Anima, Book of the Dead, bliss vs. suffering, attachment, cultural differences, dangers, Buddhahood vs. individuation, compassion, & synchronicity.For example, she claims that Tibetans coming west was not coincidence but a synchronistic event.I agree with the vast majority of her assertions.However, since p. 102: "Jung claims he does not make philosophical or metaphysical statements and that his work is based on empirical evidence only," it seems likely that Jung's limitations of individuation vs. Buddhahood were due to his lack of empirical observation of a Buddha.So, this distinction may be illusory.Further, despite his Thinker orientation, Jung's lack of compassion may be overstated considering his guidance to therapists regarding empathy during individual dyadic relationships with clients vs. the application of theory.Also, many (e.g. Bhikshuni Lekshe Tsomo) have commented upon the effects on Buddhism in new countries-now starting to manifest in the West.Some psychological differences were shown in Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron's "Blossoms of the Dharma"- p. 144: "Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are prevalent in Westerners...Tibetans do not have words in their language for low self-esteem or guilt, so Westerners' problems with these feelings are not readily comprehensible to them.His Holiness had difficulty understanding how someone could not like himself.He looked around this room of educated, successful people and asked, `Who feels low self-esteem?'Everyone looked at each other and replied, `We all do.'His Holiness was shocked."Also, Bhikshuni Wendy Finster (a clinical psychologist from Australia) p. 158 "Only enlightened persons are totally mentally healthy."She speaks to sangha dangers, responsibilities, & cultural differences and says: p. 166: [not meeting one's expectations] "causes us to judge ourselves harshly and feel guilty, and as a result our self-esteem plummets.This surprises our Asian teachers; they do not realize the level of self-criticism and self-hatred that can arise in individuals raised in our culture."This view does not conflict with Jung's warning about going native with Eastern religions.Nevertheless, Moacanin argues convincingly for adoption from the East: pp. 104-5: "Eastern symbols are fresh to the Western mind and therefore possess a greater capacity to inspire and stimulate the imagination, while unfortunately for many in the West our symbols have become ossified and thus have lost their intrinsic meaning."Since she states p. 47: "Concepts are instruments of protection from experience" which reflects deep similarities in the 2 systems (& MM/Dz), it remains to be seen how the 2 will interact in the future.Still, archetypal symbols are universal.Thus, the 4-sided deity mandalas of Vajrayana and their Mt. Meru surrounded by 4 continents do not significantly differ from John Weir Perry's "Lord of the 4 Quarters."

Prescription for the 21st Century
Wisdom Publications has issued a new 2003 edition of the 1986 classic by Radmila Moacanin. In 22 pages, she provides with exquisite clarity the most concise summary available of Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism. This compelling overview will provide both a novice and an experienced practicioner with a few insights, undoubtedly due to the depth of the author's insight. Tying the essence of Vajrayana Buddism to Jungian psychology has always been, in my view, the best way to articulate the experience of Tibetan diety practice to the Western mind. The Tibetan tankas used for meditative practice are not only beautiful works of art. They are powerful devices that can provide a window into an alternative reality. The encounter with a deity (or with a Jungian archtype) results in a stronger force which compels the practitioner to take another path. One no longer chooses a goal, it chooses him or her. The goal becomes the manifestation in practical reality of one's higher Self. Experienced initially as something "other," the Self embodied as the diety or archtype, shatters the conventional ego-centric view of the world and liberates the mind from self-imposed imprisonment.

The encounter with unconscious forces can be risky. Many Western teachers have recommended depth psychology and a thorough analysis as a prerequisite to the journey. At a minimum, it would help everyone to gain familiarity with unconscious contents and how to deal with them. Failing that, encountering deep feelings unexpectedly in the experience of daily life, as everyone does at one time or another, can be a disorienting experience. Fear and uncertainty can lead to negative actions or support of irrational idealism leading to failure or destruction of life and relationships, while positive acceptance can lead to transformation, caring, love, and reconciliation. Jungian psychology can prepare one for deity meditation and the rapid path of Vajrayana Buddhism, help smooth out the bumps in the road along the way, and train one for the inevitable life-changing forces encountered at the most unexpected times. Jung's vision is timeless:

"Every individual needs revolution, inner division, overthrow of the existing order, and renewal, but not by forcing them on his (or her) neighbours under the hypocritical cloak of Christian (or other religious) love or the sense of social responsibility or any of the other beautiful euphemisms for unconcious urges to personal (or collective) power. Individual self-reflection, return of the individual to the ground of human nature, to his (or her) own deepest being with its individual and social destiny - here is the beginning of a cure for that blindness which reigns at the present hour." [Jung. Two Essays on Analytical Psychology. p. 5.] ... Read more

Product Description
Compassion for all creatures is the true religion.—Buddha-charitaWesterners often mistake Buddhism for an intellectual or nihilistic religion whose sole focus is "enlightenment," but the true teachings of the Compassionate Buddha have for more than 2,500 years shared a "Gospel" of Loving-kindness and selfless concern for all sentient beings that has blessed the hearts and lives of millions around the world. Let the 400 sayings in this collection – one for each day of the year, with dozens to spare! – be a constant, daily reminder to open your heart as well as you mind to the light – and love! - of the Awakened One. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Daily Dharma
This inexpensive little book of Buddhist quotes, excerpts from sutras and traditional aphorisms can't be beat for the price as a source of daily reminders (one for every day of the year, with many to spare) of the importance of compassion and of the grace and beauty embodied in the Dharma. This is a great beside companion. As soon as you wake up in the morning, read a verse to set your heart/mind on the right path for the day. Read the same verse again before retiring at night to see how well you managed to live your compassion that day. A fabulous exercise for developing bodhichitta! ... Read more

Product Description
Buddhism is a major spiritual and ethical force in the world today--and certainly one of the fastest growing religions in the West. Its compelling insights into human existence offer an ancient and radical alternative to the materialism of the modern age. More and more people are turning to Buddhism to rediscover the human and the spiritual values they find lacking in traditional Western religions. Now, in this strikingly illustrated and authoritative volume, general readers have an illuminating introduction of one of the world's great living faiths. Based on the most recent scholarship, Buddhism provides a vibrantly written and marvelously illustrated overview of this ancient and yet still vital religion. Each chapter is written by an acknowledged authority in the field. The book describes the origins and historic development of Buddhism as well as current trends. Perhaps most important, it explores the central, unifying principles of a religious and philosophical system that finds expression in an extraordinary diversity of forms, from the elaborate and esoteric rituals of Tantric Buddhism to the rarefied, minimalist refinement of Zen. A major section is devoted to an analysis of the religion's more important sacred writings. And throughout the book, magnificent illustrations capture the sacred art, architecture, daily practices, and symbols inspired by the Buddha and his teaching.Buddhism in the United States has grown dramatically. Buddhism: The Illustrated Guide offers a wealth of reference information that will deepen one's understanding and appreciation of this ancient Eastern faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

educational
A very good book for introducing one to Buddhism.Good history, good photots, good order of events.

A good overview
This book's layout is quite unique for a text book. Each page details a certain aspect of Buddhism, so it is more of a reference book, not necessarily a great book for beginners with no path to guide them along. Lots of great photos. The binding is pretty poor, after about 5 weeks of owning this book, it's falling apart.

Intelligently conceived, sophisticated yet accessible
Enlightenment depends on seeing, on waking up, on the visual insight. This practice uses illumination via the mind's eye to the spirit. Its editor, featured on the recent PBS "The Buddha," compiles what's designed to appeal to the eye as text and as image.

It's accessible yet scholarly; a timeline, glossary, and an academically oriented reading list append short articles ranging across the spectrum of what may attract the gaze of the curious investigator. Todd T. Lewis joins Trainor in discussing origins, in the Hindu and ancient Indian contexts, which precede a life of the Buddha. Then, the principals and practices, doctrines and philosophical schools follow. Mark L. Blum and John Peacock add chapters. Holy writings as the sutras and pitakas find elaboration, a feature often skimmed over in introductory texts. Finally, the adaptation of Buddhism across first Asia and then the world gains treatment. Art, ethics, and cultural impacts all gain coverage. It's all presented efficiently, with terms explained and cross-references helping one's own orientation.

As for the illustrations, they can dazzle, as in a two-page sleeping Buddha figure from Burma. The concept of emptiness gets the simple circle from a depiction of the famous Ox-Herding Zen sequence; it matched well the description of what on pg. 140 I spot-checked as a test case of how well the text managed to convey for me a difficult to summarize concept, that of "dependent co-origination." Try this and see if it works: the teaching concludes that "all known realities are constructed realities whose identities are merely intellectual conventions used to order the world so that it can be understood."

It did for me. Kevin Trainor and co-contributors probably faced severe editorial constraints to fit some complicated explanations into short sections on these lively pages. Such topics as the role of women get brief but thoughtful comment, and the links between sections I found especially helpful to connect ideas that otherwise might not have been threaded and enriched. One cross-reference was inaccurate, and the elegant pages can be hard to read in the Oxford UP reprint in paperback as the text falls towards the gutter of the center spine. But these are minor flaws.

The team that produced this guide did so well. I recommend this as a portal into the realms that the Buddhist texts and commentaries and studies in the references at the end continue to elaborate. It's an affordable, engaging, and intelligently sequenced overview that can serve well for a classroom or for one's own study.

Great book on Buddhism!
I really enjoyed reading this book!The book is comprehensive, yet written clearly and understandably. The book gives you the history of the religion and originating countries.Well-written and enjoyable!

Suitable for both the scholar and the laity
Written by some of the most respected scholars in the field, Buddhism the Illustrated Guide is both highly accessible and sophisticated. The authors have managed to present the vast and complex array of beliefs, practices, and relationships constitutive of this world religion with the brevity of exceptional scholarship. Yet, astoundingly, throughout the entire compendium, one is never deprived of the rich texture and depth of lived Buddhism, which is quite rare in objective scholarship. This debasing of religion to trite, and often insipid, historical outlines is, unfortunately, often characteristic of most erudite attempts to impartially summarize religions. On another note, this work also represents a paradigmatic shift in contemporary Buddhist studies away from the western presupposition of Buddhism as primarily a rational quest and a new attempt to "rematerialize" Buddhism by emphasizing the role of ritual, image, and relic. This introduction is simply unmatched in its treatment of Buddhism, and it has enough flavor to get anyone excited about learning. From its exquisite high quality images which adorn almost every page and regular sidebar commentaries, to its easily accessible chapter sections, Buddhism practically comes to life as you flip the pages. ... Read more

Product Description
With a history stretching back to ancient India, Buddhism has influenced American culture since the American Transcendentalist movement in the 1830s and ´40s. Only in the past few decades, however, has this transplanted philosophy begun to blossom into a full-fledged American religion, made up of three broad groups: a burgeoning Asian immigrant population, numerous native-born converts, and old-line Asian American Buddhists. In Buddhism in America, religious historian Richard Seager offers a perceptive and engaging portrait of the communities, institutions, practices, and individuals that are integral to the contemporary Buddhist landscape.
The book begins with a brief survey of Buddhist beliefs -the story of the Buddha´s life, the meaning of enlightenment, realization, the cultivation of nonattachment, and other core concepts -and Buddhist history in both Asia and the United States. In part 2, Seager presents six well-crafted profiles of Buddhist traditions that have been brought to the United States from Japan, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere. This section highlights challenges and problems that have come with transporting and adapting an Asian religion to late twentieth-century America: Who can teach and who can lead? What are the proper roles of laypeople and monks in a society lacking a strong monastic tradition?
The last section takes up the general theme of Americanization, looking at recent developments in three important areas -gender equity, progressive social change, and intra-Buddhist and interreligious dialogue. Arguing that the gulf between recent converts and new immigrant communities is the most prominent feature of the contemporary scene, Seager assesses American Buddhism as a whole and looks into its future: Will the dharma, traditional Buddhist teachings, be watered down to suit the lifestyles of middle-class, consumerist Americans? Will this highly decentralized religion develop strong national associations, as Catholicism and Judaism have? What institutions -universities, monasteries, or dharma centers run by and for laypeople -will be most effective in preserving and developing an American Buddhist tradition? This lucid survey lays the foundations for understanding one of the United States´ most vital new religions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Buddhism (History of)
I received this book in a couple of days after ordering it.Still reading, very educational and easy to follow.

Love this book, have used it for several classes
In "Buddhism in America", Richard Seager gives a history of the events, people, and places that lead to the development of the Buddhism we now see as a separate, functioning, religion in the United States.In his first chapter, Seager gives a short overview of Buddhism as it is practiced today in America and introduces the reader to the different types of practitioners; he says these types are "convert Buddhists", "immigrant Buddhists", and those "who have practiced Buddhism in this country for four or five generations" (Seager 9-10).He then uses these categories to discuss differences in practice and ideology for the remainder of the book. In the following chapters he tells the history of Buddhism in America, starting with events that shaped it's beginning and development, moving into discussions of important groups and people, and finally talks about social issues that are specific to the religion in America.He uses extensive research and quotations directly from American Buddhist text as the background for his writing.

Seager does a great job of providing a thorough and detailed history while managing to stay accessible to readers who may be new to the topic.His goal is to show and explain how Buddhism has been Americanized since its arrival, and how it is now its own entity, different from the Buddhist sects around the world.He has example after example to support his statements; when talking about the "flower power" 60s, he quotes several different people and gives specific details about times and places such as "Storlie recalls finding himself at Sokoji for the first time in 1964, after an LSD trip on Mount Tamalpais" (Seager 99).There is no room for generalizations in his work, andthis book represents a wealth of knowledge that could probably not be equaled in five other books on the subject.

The only problem with this book is that he spends so much time detailing events and the lives of the people involved in them, that he neglects to really discuss the practices and thoughts driving the Americanization.There are points where the reader is so caught up in keeping track of people, places, and events that when he makes a statement such as, "Some Buddhists are also concerned that Americanization will lead to a decline in the dharma if the aspiration to realize Buddha mind becomes overidentified with psychotherapy, or if practice becomes too accomodating to the economic and emotional needs of the American" (Seager 112), that the reader is too surprised to really pay attention to the point of the statement.These few ideological statements are usually posited at the very end of chapters, probably because he feels he needs to say something conclusive before moving on to the next sections.These would be much more interesting if he actually gave them attention in the bulk of the text, instead of as afterthoughts related to the history.The reader reaches the end of the work having gained a multitude of knowledge regarding specific information about Buddhist American history, but having no knowledge of the ideas and actual practices that were at the heart of Buddhist Americanization.

Engaging and informative
This "road map to the American Buddhist landscape" succeeds inbeing both "engaging and informative," as the author intended. While it could be used as a text for a college class, it will also be ofinterest to American practitioners of Buddhism (like me) who want to knowmore about our roots and about the variety of forms of Buddhism inAmerica.

Part One provides background material on the history of Buddhismand its transmission to America and includes a short chapter on "VeryBasic Buddhism" for those new to the subject or wanting a refresher. Part Two, the largest part, discusses the various forms of Buddhism inAmerica, with chapters on Jodo Shinshu, Soka Gakkai, Zen, Tibetan,Theravada, and "other Pacific Rim migrations."And Part Threeexplores some "Selected Issues": gender equity, socialengagement, intra-Buddhist and interreligious dialogue, and theAmericanization of Buddhism.

An important and scholarly addition to Buddhist history.
Religious historian Richard Hughes Seager provides a revealing and candid portrait of the communities, practices and individuals who are central to the modern Buddhist life, examining not only Buddhist beliefs and historyin Asia and the US, but providing profiles of Buddhist traditions whichhave been brought into the U.S. Buddhism In America rounds out ourinformation and provides important insights into the Americanization ofBuddhism and is an important addition to the growing library of Buddhisthistorical liteature.

An important contribution to Buddhist historical literature.
Religious historian Richard Hughes Seager provides a revealing and candid portrait of the communities, practices and individuals who are central to the modern Buddhist life, examining not only Buddhist beliefs and historyin Asia and the US, but providing profiles of Buddhist traditions whichhave been brought into the U.S. Buddhism in America rounds out ourinformation and provides important insights into the Americanization ofBuddhism and is an important addition to the growing library of Buddhisthistorical liteature. ... Read more

Product Description
This illustrated book for children and families explores the history, culture and religion of Buddhism. It includes information on the different branches of Buddhism and their spread around the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Grow!Learn! Read!
We were very interested in how this complicated and ancient religion would be portrayed from a Western, visiting eye.We were pleased at DK's clear delineation between the major sects were given as much devotion to detail as the sects in DK's Christian book (as well as fair portrayal in the DK Religions book!).The differences included practices by the people versus the monks, by evolution through countries, and recent adaptation to America.I don't know that the Editorial Reviewer got it right when they said the belief in afterlife was obscured.It's a Western measurement that negates what the DK Religions book and Buddhism book gives a vantage to.Very interesting stuff for those ready to move past the 9/11 God-centered/Christian-Islamic dialogue toward a more inclusive world view!Read on about Eastern religions that preceded these dialogues by a few hundred years!Very insightful! ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
In this dynamic series of lectures, Alan Watts takes us on an exploration of Buddhism, from its roots in India to the explosion of interest in Zen and the Tibetan tradition in the West.Watts traces the Indian beginnings of Buddhism, delineates differences between Buddhism and other religions, looks at the radical methods of the Mahayan Buddhist, and reviews the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Provides excellent feel for Zen Buddhism to a Westerner
After first providing a sketchy Indian historical perspective, Alana Watts proceeds to describe the dialog that bridges Eastern Buddhism with Western Buddhism, that is, the way Westerners would most likely understand and think of Buddhism. Not to be found in the book are lengthy lists and sub-lists which characterize so many introductions to Buddhism, so it is not an introduction in that sense; instead, it attempts to lift and inspire the reader into Alan Watts' dream and imagination where his spirit of Buddhism resides. He successfully pries his way beyond Buddhist orthodoxy, doctrine, practice, and static tenets and into the world of Buddhism, a living dialog that can grow into every person and uplift each person into awakening in the true Mahayana spirit. Traditional religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, as part of their evolution into dispensers of doctrinal morality and social control, have become cluttered with appendages that obscure the true meaning. It is precisely this true spirit of Buddhism that Alan Watts captures: a) his description of rebel monks, their ideologies, their art; b) his personal forward looking interpretation of sutra passages; c) his distillation of doctrine into the quintessential. It's funny. This book is all about self-help through a religion which proclaims no self; and that, in a whimsical broad brush idea, is what Buddhism: The Religion of No-Religion is all about. Despite that many practicing Buddhists might dislike the book because of its somewhat iconoclastic style, I highly recommend the book as one of his best.

Buddhism without Buddhism
Watts was great about overlooking "religion" to get the essence of something's metaphysics.This offers a portrait of Buddhism without it's overtly religious aspects.

A nice read and reference
I have read quite a few books on mindfulness, buddhism, and eastern philosophy in general.This book is rather academic, which I liked.It is not a technique oriented book.This is a book for individuals interested in the philosophy of buddhism, not necessarily for those looking for a "how to".Of course, philosophy and "how to" should go hand and hand.

perfect
Well i just recommend all of the works of Alan watts, he is realy the nummber 1 in modern philosophy and extremly good with words, that makes him very easy to undersatnd.

Buddhism clarified
This is a collection of Watts' recorded lectures in which he lays bare with lucid description the most difficult Buddhist concepts. ... Read more

Product Description
This account is written by Jinananda, an English-born Buddhist. The three CDs are divided into three "Jewels": "The Buddha", a life of the historical figure; "The Dharma", an account of the fundamental teachings; and "The Sangha", the disciples, both lay and monastic throughout the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

cd
Gret cd, lisen to it every day to work.And I learn something differenteverytime I lisen to it.

The Middle Way: The Story of Buddhism
This book is a very good overview of Buddhism.It is divided into three parts:the life of the Buddha, the teachings of the Buddha (the Dharma), and the manifestations of the Buddha in life (the Sangha).Accompanying the three CDs is a 20 page booklet detailing the contents of each CD, and illustrations of deities from Buddhist art.The readers are easy to listen to.Excellent addition to a library.

Another good Naxos Audiobook
This Audiobook "The Middle Way" is an excellent introduction to the

subject of Buddhism. The readers present the work respectfully and without

any obvious attempt at conversion. I originally purchased this audiobook

out of curiousity about Buddhism, and found out many useful things about

it. A good listen, and a good work!

Highly entertaining introduction to Buddhism!
Three British actors bring Buddhism's "Three jewels" to life in and engaging and entertaining manner.About 4 1/2 hours long.Includes history and teachings.If you are looking for on audio book to give you a good general knowledge of Buddhism, this is it.It may even spur you on to other teachings!

For those curious about Buddhism
Being largely ignorant of the religion, I always found Buddhism to be little more than an odd philosophy masked as psuedo-religion.I bought the CD so that I could get a quick rundown of the the religion for my Easter Religion class (Religion 102). What I ended up doing after listening the the CD a few times was absorbing more literature on buddhism, and I have now converted. The CD was compelling--and it is so without sounding or being a overzealous propaganda recruiting tool. Loved it. ... Read more

Product Description
First published in French in 1956, this classic work integrates the study of Buddhist doctrine with that of Chinese society from the fifth to the tenth centuries. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an inspiring guide to the practice of Chan (Chinese Zen) in the words of four great masters of that tradition. It includes teachings from contemporary masters Xuyun and Sheng Yen, and from Jiexian and Boshan of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Though the texts were written over a period of hundreds of years, they are all remarkably lucid and are perfect for beginners as well as more advanced practitioners today. All the main points of spiritual practice are covered: philosophical foundations, methods, approaches to problems and obstacles—all aimed at helping the student attain the way to enlightenment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Accept No Substitute
Sometimes in a dream you're in some familiar place, at home, at a friend's, at work, and you suddenly notice a door that was never there before. You go over to it (and you're there very quickly), you open it, and beyond is some entirely unexpected space, maybe a public swimming-pool with ropes of light dancing on the blue ceiling.
This book looks like a typical product of the modern mass-production printing-press. But then you open it up and suddenly you're in the realm of Ch'an/Zen.

The writings left by the great T'ang and Sung Dynasty Masters are unsurpassable but at times too much for us.This book presents writings closer to us: by two 17th century Masters, Po-shan and Yüan-yün Chieh-hsien; then by Hsü-yün, perhaps the greatest Ch'an Master of the 20th century; lastly by living Master Sheng-yen. Without departing by a hair from the truth of Ch'an/Zen they expand and enlarge just enough to make it clear for us, us latecomers who will never be Enlightened on hearing one word, or enter the Inconceivable after one blow or shout. Yüan-yün's specification of the qualities of a Zen Master should be essential reading today when anything and everything is taught as "Zen". Hsü-yün's careful account of Zen meditation, what it is and what it isn't, should also be a touchstone.

All these writings come from a Chinese perspective, so those involved in Rinzai or Sôtô Zen may have to adjust a little. But it's hard to imagine a more directly, practically useful book for the current Zen practitioner: because these are the voices of people who didn't just "practise" but achieved the aim of practice, who broke through Birth and Death and realised their True Nature.

Excellent, practical guide for helping with Zen practice
I must have good "karmic roots" to have found this book. It is an excellent guide to help with Chan (Chinese Zen) practice.

I was already aware of how exceptional Master Sheng-yen is as a teacher, having read his books
Faith in Mind: A Commentary on Seng Ts'an's Classic
and
There Is No Suffering: A Commentary on the Heart Sutra
It was on the strength of these two books that I ordered "Attaining the Way", but I still didn't expect anything this helpful. I completed my first reading of this book a month ago and it has been helping me with my practice.

I found "Faith in Mind" more than a decade ago, sometime after I began my Buddhist (and Zen) practice. It is quite impressive but it does not go into details about Chan practice whereas in the section of this book by Master Sheng Yen (also entitled "Attaining the Way"), he provides considerable help in both Chan concepts and methods of practice. As he says, concepts and methods are the "twin pillars" that Chan relies on, without both which "your practice with lack a firm foundation". He provides help with both in his section of this book.

The book also includes sections by other Chan masters:
1) "Exhortations on Investigating Chan" by Master Boshan (1575-ca.
1630)
2) "Discourse on Chan Teaching" from the records of Master
Yuanyun Jiexian (1610-1672)
and
3) "The Essentials of Chan Practice" by Master Xuyun (1839-1959)

None of these works are "fillers" although Master Sheng-yen's section is certainly useful in itself. But so are the others. Master Yuanyun Jiexian's section, however, is addressed to teachers of Chan, so although it was (and will be) of use to me, it seemed advanced and answering many issues that have not become pertinent for me yet. All of these works emphasize and are informative about the role of the "doubt sensation" for Chan practice and the use of the huatou (the Chan method that uses a "baffling question" such as "Who is reciting the Buddha's name?" with the intent of arousing the doubt sensation). As helpful as zazen (meditative sitting), also known as silent illumination, has been to me, I'm finding a benefit in mixing in other methods. This book was the first that led me to strongly appreciate the possible value of either the use of koans or huatous.

Master Sheng-yen's teachings on such subjects as impermanence, faith, relaxation, silent illumination ("just sitting"), the expressing of gratitude and how to regard enlightenment are among those also included in his section. Unlike other Zen teachers such as Shunryu Suzuki
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
who I found difficult to follow, at times paradoxical as many Zen teachers can be, I find Master Sheng-yen to be surprising clear on a subject whose attainment can be said to perhaps "take lifetimes".
Similarly, with this book I feel I am just now beginning to deepen my practice in a way I had not from traditionally esteemed books that focused on concepts or lacked guidance on practice such as
The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch,
Master Dogen's Shobogenzo, Book 1,
Bankei Zen: Translations from the Record of Bankei,
or a koan collection such as
Gateless Barrier: Zen Comments on the Mumonkan.
All of these works, of formidable reputation, despite how inspiring they can be for me, have overwhelmed me. But "Attaining the Way", especially Master Sheng-yen's section, seems accessible and I will keep using his advice.
... Read more

Product Description
A profound reflection on how complementary themes in Buddhism and Christianity could serve as the basis for a truly ecumenical faith

• Compares Zen meditation with the Greek Orthodox practice of Hesychasm (prayer of the heart)

• Shows how Buddha and Jesus represent the distinct yet complementary values of meditation and compassion

In Asian spiritual traditions the mountain traditionally symbolizes meditation while the ocean signifies compassion. Jean-Yves Leloup uses this metaphor to compare Buddhist and Christian approaches to meditation and compassion to reveal the similarities and divergences of these profound practices. Emphasizing their complementary nature, Leloup describes how Jesus and Buddha are necessary to one another and how together they form a complete system: Jesus as awakening through love, and Buddha as awakening through meditation. Where Buddha represents the forests, Jesus represents the trees. Buddha is brother to the universe, whereas Jesus is brother to humanity.

Nevertheless, these two religious traditions have a profound common ground. Compassion is central to Buddhism, and meditation practices have been central to many Christian traditions. Both view murder, theft, and the destructive use of sexuality as great barriers to realizing our essential being, and both agree on the need to rise above them. Here, however, Leloup suggests that both faiths could benefit from the precepts of the other. The complementary aspects of Christianity and Buddhism offer the possibility for a truly profound ecumenical religion whose interfaith relations are based on deep understanding of the true meaning and practice of meditation and compassion and not merely shared goodwill.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book on comparative religion
If one is interested in Buddhism or Christianity
this book is the link between one and the other.

New age and spiritual libraries on both sides need this
COMPASSION AND MEDITATION: THE SPIRITUAL DYNAMIC BETWEEN BUDDHISM AND CHRISTIANITY is a fine comparative religion guide surveying Asian spiritual traditions and comparing Buddhist and Christian thinking. These two religious traditions have many common links, and both faiths could benefit from understanding these links. New age and spiritual libraries on both sides need this. ... Read more

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Buddhism ought to be an animal rights religion par excellence. It has long held that all life forms are sacred and considers kindness and compassion the highest virtues. Moreover, Buddhism explicitly includes animals in its moral universe. Buddhist rules of conduct—including the first precept, "Do not kill"—apply to our treatment of animals as well as to our treatment of other human beings.

Consequently, we would expect Buddhism to oppose all forms of animal exploitation, and there is, in fact, wide agreement that most forms of animal exploitation are contrary to Buddhist teaching. Yet many Buddhists eat meat—although many do not—and monks, priests, and scholars sometimes defend meat-eating as consistent with Buddhist teaching.

"The Great Compassion" studies the various strains of Buddhism and the sutras that command respect for all life. Norm Phelps, a longtime student of Buddhism and an acquaintance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, answers the central questions of whether Buddhism demands vegetarianism and whether the Buddha ate meat. He is not afraid to examine anti-animal statements in Buddhist lore—particularly the issues of whether Buddhists in non-historically Buddhist countries need to keep or to jettison the practices of their historical homelands. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Profound and accessible
Norm Phelps is a fine writer (I've read all his books) and The Great Compassion a profound, well-researched yet accessible book (even for a non-Buddhist like myself). It's written in a gentle tone, with a compassionate heart (as a Buddhist, Phelps advocates compassion and respect for all, even those who hurt animals), which doesn't stop the author from calling nonsense nonsense (e.g. when discussing arguments used by some Buddhist to excuse the killing of animals, or being indifferent to their suffering).

Inspiring!
This is one of the most well written and inspiring books about animal rights I have read in a long time. On top of that the connection to Buddhism makes quite the argument against the eating of meat, dairy, and eggs. (something I already do not partake in) Some western Buddhists twist the meaning of the Buddha's teachings in a way that makes meat eating seem okay. Well, this book sets the record straight. It is well thought out and written. I would recommend this book not just to animal rights folks or just buddhists..but both. The two things go hand in hand!

Lacking in understanding
I have greatly enjoyed reading this book. It has provided fuel for discussions and debates with teachers and friends. For that I would have given it 4 Stars. However, I was a bit disturbed by what seems to be a lack of understanding of the point of view of some teachers the author openly critizes without futher exploring their statements. Something the author fails to understand is that one can be vegan and still be full of anger and rage. One can eat meat and be further along in working with the nature of their mind. I am personally vegan and a Buddhist monk, and I believe veganism to be a natural progression on the Path. Yet non-violence is defined in abhidharma literature as the absence of anger and intention to do harm. As such, one can be 100% vegan and still not be non-violent due to presence of strong anger in their mindstream. In Buddhism, all facets must be taken into account for the debate to be valid. We cannot just rely on our feelings as they are what have kept us blinded to our state in samsara for all these eons. This is a wonderful book to use for discussion, yet one must read it with a grain of wisdom to see beyond the author's own point of view.

The compelling case for not eating animals or animal products from a Buddhist perspective
This is a wonderful book about the direct connection between eating animals and products made from animals and the unimaginable suffering caused by the production of food and other consumer products made from the bodies of animals.For those who are curious about what the Buddha and the dharma said about these issues, Norm Phelps presents a thorough and compelling review of the Buddha's teachings. He also responds directly to the "justifications" offered in support of eating animals and products made from animals. A very important contribution to the "modern day" view of the dharma and animal slaughter. Very highly recommended.

Compassion for all
I love Norm Phelps. Really. As a vegan who was drawn to Buddhism because of its philosophy of interconnectedness and compassion, imagine my dismay when I discovered that some Buddhists ate meat. Phelps has helped me to understand the social and historical context of the various forms of Buddhism, as well as the excuses of Buddhists when it comes to eating animals. Rather than throw up his hands in disgust, he encourages the reader to think 'OK,this is wrong - but that doesn't mean that Buddhism is to blame'. There is a phrase called 'idiot compassion' in Buddhism, but Phelps doesn't indulge in that. He is reasonable, fair but firm, pulling no punches when it comes to examining the ethical 'loopholes' that some Buddhists create to justify their diet. However, he offers hope also, in the form of compassionate alternatives. There is a better way, a way that liberates animals from suffering as well as liberating ourselves from cruelty and self-seeking behaviours. All animals, including us, deserve no less - so read this book, be thankful for this big-hearted, compassionate and inspiring writer - and hopefully you too will take a few brave steps towards a kinder way of life. There are a million and one good reasons to be veggie - or even better, vegan. With a wealth of great recipe books (and gorgeous food), benefits to the animals, your own health, the environment and the world's hungry, it's never been a better time to make the change.
... Read more

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There has been a recent upsurge in interest in Buddhist philosophy, but there is as yet no satisfactory text on the subject. "Buddhism as Philosophy" fills that void. Unlike other texts that serve to introduce Buddhist thought, it is written by a philosopher and it shows how the Buddhist tradition deals with the same sorts of problems that get treated in Western philosophy and employs the same sorts of methods. This book does more than just report what Buddhist philosophers said; it presents the arguments of the Buddhist philosophers, in their own words, and it invites the reader to assess their overall cogency. In short, "Buddhism as Philosophy" investigates the Buddhist tradition by way of the characteristically philosophical concern for finding out the truth about complicated matters in metaphysics, epistemology and ethics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Takes on the toughest arguments of the greatest Buddhist thinkers
Mark Siderits' Buddhism as Philosophy tackles Buddhist ideas, arguments and texts from a philosophical point of view. As the author points out, Buddhism has a long history of argument and debate, and holds that reason is part of the path to individual salvation, unlike in the West. Buddhism inherited and built upon Indian philosophy, since Ancient India developed a philosophical world view as robust as Ancient Greece's. And when I say philosophy, I mean legit philosophy - using logic and analysis to investigate premises, conclusions and determine the soundness & cogency of rational arguments.

Siderits evaluates arguments for suffering and cessation of suffering, non-self, ethical arguments derived from non-self, reductionism, emptiness, representationalism, impressions-only and Buddhist logic. He cites plenty of original sources, but takes the time to explain the Buddhists' arguments in clear and engaging ways. He explores other (non-Buddhist) Indian schools of thought, including one in-depth Hindu school that argued directly against Buddhism for the existence of persons and real wholes. In doing so, this book pinpoints some of the hot-button issues of Ancient Indian philosophy and manages to explain a good deal of the Indian analytic approach and even Indian logic (yes, Indic philosophy was also analytic hundreds of years before European philosophy!).

Another reviewer pointed out that this book isn't "spiritual" in a sense (no focus on loving-kindness or meditation). Siderits addresses this clearly: "To study Buddhism as philosophy means primarily studying texts... We will say very little about the Buddhist practice of meditation, and nothing at all about such lay Buddhist devotional practices as stupa worship" (p. 11). Indeed, the arguments, theories and teachings developed by earlier Buddhist philosophers are dense and do the heavy lifting of Buddhism. Without them, or if you cannot accept them, many of these other practices become ornamental. As a longtime student and teacher of philosophy, this is exactly the kind of meat I tried to dig out of other sources before I chanced upon this one.

I read vigorously and only occasionally write reviews. This book deserved my attention, and I've used it as teacher of introductory logic. It's not only one of the best introductions to the core of Buddhist thought, it's one of the smoothest reads in introductory analytic philosophy. Do yourself a favor - look inside, start reading, and buy it if you like what you see.

Buddhism as Philosophy: An Introduction Review
This book was delivered on time. However, there was way more writing in it, then it lead to in the description.

Buddhism or Philosophy
If your after a book on Buddhism you might want to try another title. If you are into college level Philosophy and Buddhism then this is a 5 star book. I now know much more about epistemology, metaphysics, ontology, and many other philosophical ideas and how Buddhism fits into standard philosophical frameworks. It is a great book for a rigorous analitical study of Buddhism from a strict scientific point of view but if your looking for something on meditation, loving-kindness, and other Buddhist practices go elsewhere.

A great achievement
This is a superlative work on the philosophical underpinnings of this, the most philosophically oriented of religions/spiritual practices. Buddhism is interesting to many people and many writers, but my experience has been that many writers who write books on Buddhism tend to produce vague and prolix and -- especially -- horrifyingly unclear works. That is, these books are filled with jargon and vacuous, if not downright meaningless, platitudes. Therefore it is with gratitude that one turns to Siderits' excellent and lucid work. Siderits is obviously trained in Buddhist thought, but perhaps more uniquely for a Buddhist, he is also trained in Western (largely analytical) philosophy. Here he brings these two tradition together in an uncommonly interesting dialogue. There is no doubt that this fine book will save you a great deal of time and energy, if you want the philosophical rudiments of Buddhism laid out in one volume. It will render many lesser works redundant and disposable. It is not an easy read, but that's because of the complexity of the topics treated (from Buddhist ethics and the non-self doctrine, through to the denial of physical objects and the doctrine of emptiness), and not because Siderits is unclear, for he is exceptionally clear. This, then, is a most enjoyable, lucid and important introductory work, certain to appeal to all kinds of readers, though it's carefulness and thoroughness will put off lazy New Agers. Let me conclude with a quotation that gives you a sense of his lucidity as a writer:

"The view that all things are empty, or devoid of essence, is definitive of philosophical Mahayana. In the last chapter we examined how Yogacara tried to defend this doctrine by giving it an idealist reinterpretation. It is now time to see whether the doctrine of emptiness is philosophically defensible when taken literally. ... But before we do any of this we need to be clear about the difficulties facing anyone who takes the doctrine of emptiness at face value. This will enable us to sort out the various ways that Madhyamaka might be interpreted, and why some interpretations might be more plausible than others." ... Read more

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Selected as one of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles (2000), Engaged Buddhism in the West is founded on the belief that genuine spiritual practice requires an active involvement in society. This book illuminates the evolution of this newest chapter in the Buddhist tradition including its history, leadership, and teachings, and it addresses issues such as violence and peace, race and gender, homelessness, prisons, and the environment. Eighteen new studies explore the activism of renowned leaders and organizations, such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Bernard Glassman, Joanna Macy, the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, the Free Tibet Movement, and the emergence of a new Buddhism in North America, Europe, South Africa, and Australia.Amazon.com Review
If Buddhism ever needed to prove itself in the field of social activism, the men and women featured in Engaged Buddhism in the West have gone beyond a shadow of a doubt. In sober, unadorned accounts, read about the dramatic life of Thich Nhat Hanh and the development of his worldwide Order of Interbeing, now numbering about 300 communities; learn about the acclaimed former mathematician turned Zen priest Bernie Glassman and his Peacemaker Order that works with the destitute and downtrodden; enter Naropa Institute, America's first accredited Buddhist-inspired college and its special program in Engaged Buddhism. Prison meditation groups, the Free Tibet Movement, walking for peace--the expressions of Buddhist activism turn out to be as varied and vibrant as the communities that spawn them. That goes for the communities of Europe, Africa, and Australia, in addition to those made up of women and gays, each of which is addressed here in a separate chapter. A collection of essays, many by academics, the tone of Engaged Buddhism in the West, can tend to the stale and analytic, with "three categories of this" and "four reasons for that." But the revelations outnumber the stumbling blocks and are sure to open many eyes. --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

informative and inspiring
This book definitely provides A LOT of information about wonderful people, projects and ideas curently going on in engaged bouddhist movement. It helped me to fill part of a promising worldwide movement, exciting in manyways : this is one of the active scene of the transformative assimilationof the East by the West. Many references to other books allow to deepen theprefered subjects. This book will detroy the widespread idea thatbouddhists spend there time looking at their belly button looking for someunhealthy nothingness. And also if you are buddhist, it really make youthink your relationship to the world by facing the good questions : doesbuddhist engagement mean something ? is engagement in itself a practice oreven a yana ? This book really reveals that through its very new contactwith the west, buddhism is today already living a transformation, that willperheaps be as deep as the hynayana/mayana transition.

"Meditate or organize a protest?"
This book is a follow up to Queen's 1996 "Engaged Buddhism," which I have not read.His new book is an inspiring, 544-page collection of nineteen essays (20 if you count his introduction), followed by a resourceful, 10-page bibliography.Each essay defines socially-engagedBuddhism by example, introducing us to Thich Nhat Hanh (who tells us allBuddhism is engaged), Bernie Glassman, Joanna Macy, and the 22-year-oldBuddhist Peace Fellowship, among others.Their stories not only show thatit is possible to engage oneself with social issues such as violence, race,gender, homelessness, and the environment on a meaningfull, daily basis,but that it is also possible through spiritual commitment to make adifference in our "high pressure, political world" (p. 174).Itis reassuring, for instance, to find in these pages socially-engagedBuddhists quietly practicing in hospices, prisons, at nuclear test sites,and in old-growth redwood forests with positive results.Every moment inlife presents an opportunity for engagement.The subject matter of thisbook deserves my 5-star rating.However, much of the writing here tends tobe highly researched, footnoted, and tightly organized to the point that itmight put many readers off.At times, this book reads more like a PhDdissertation than the handbook for social engagement it could be.But readit anyway!

G. Merritt ... Read more

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Buddhism: Introducing the Buddhist Experience, Second Edition, focuses on the depth of Buddhist experience as expressed in the teachings and practices of its religious and philosophical traditions. Taking a broad and inclusive approach, this unique work spans over 2,500 years, offering chapters on Buddhism's origins in India; Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism; and Buddhism in Southeast Asia, Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan. It also includes an extensive discussion of modern, socially engaged Buddhism and a concluding chapter on the spread of Buddhism to the West. Author Donald W. Mitchell provides substantial selections of primary text material throughout that illustrate a great variety of moral, cultural, psychological, meditative, and spiritual Buddhist experiences.
Buddhism features twenty-two boxed personal narratives by respected Buddhist leaders and scholars, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharma Master Sheng Yen, Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Jeffrey Hopkins, Sulak Sivaraksa, Rita M. Gross, Chatsumarn Kabilsingh, and Robert Aitken. The text also includes photographs, maps, a pronunciation guide, and a glossary of technical terms. Integrating more information about how Buddhism is actually practiced around the world today, the second edition adds six brief end-of-chapter essays by scholars and practitioners on cultural experiences of Buddhism in Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, and America. Ideal for courses in Buddhism, Asian religions, and Asian philosophy, this edition also offers additional photographs, new sections on topics like Buddhist cosmology, expanded coverage of Buddhism and globalization, and updated suggestions for further reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good details
I read this book for part of my Master's Degree in International Relations: Asian Studies...
I felt it was informative but DRY at times.I guess that is a common thread with all text books.For a basic understanding of Buddhism, this is a good place to start, but I could also recommend a book call "Buddha" by Karen Armstrong...it is a little less "technical" and a bit easier to read than this book...

Not worth it
The book was very worn, with post-it notes still in it and extensive highlighting and writing inside.

Review of the fine 2007/8 2nd ed.
This introductory textbook on Buddhism covers the essentials that a Western reader might expect, but it goes deeper than a recitation of facts, dates, and names from the past 2,500 years. Anyone curious about the beliefs, the culture, and the practitioners of dharma will benefit from this attractively designed presentation. It covers its origins, Theravada and Mahayana "vehicles," and then explores in separate sections how Buddhism spread into Southeast Asia, Korea, Japan, China, and Tibet.

Included you'll find additional aids for understanding what can be for a newcomer like me (therefore I cannot pass judgment on doctrinal or academic debates that may arise from a specialized familiarity with this subject) daunting obstacles. The textual legacy of each national expression of Buddhism gains elucidation, with excerpts from verses, illustrations (unfortunately all monochrome, but the costs are kept down as a result), and the best part: testimonies from current practitioners of the Thai, Tibetan, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and American-- from a convert who became a monk-- "cultural experiences." These, as well as panel sidebars with brief narratives or anecdotes by scholars and believers that retell stories or lessons, enrich this volume.

I also like the attention given to morality throughout the text; this concentration, blended with more focus in the second edition on the U.S. transformation of Buddhist practice, makes the mentions of the influences of feminism, ecumenism, ecology and globalization also relevant. In fact, I wish more space had been devoted to each of these topics, but the limit to eleven chapters, so as to fit a semester or even a quick quarter of a course, may have necessitated a narrower scope. However, each part concludes with an up-to-date reading list. There's also a technical glossary of terms with accent and vowel markings to guide pronunciation of what can be formidable terms for teachers and students alike.

Again, while I cannot weigh in on the demerits (if any) of this textbook's scholarly claims, for an introduction, this deserves attention beyond the required textbook list on a syllabus. Libraries and seekers and followers all can find, I predict, valuable information made more accessible. Westerners often think Buddhism's detached, secretive, or nihilistic, but a careful grasp of the multiplicity of how its precepts come into daily practice to assist others, and its emphasis on the social impact of its teachings, may help change many prejudices we may have about this ancient, resilient, and flexible approach towards compassionate wisdom and spiritual fulfillment. ... Read more

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"A richly imaginative and learned journey through many of the highways and byways of Buddhist tradition from its inception to the present day . . . destined to become a classic in its field."—Julius Lipner, professor of Indian religion and chair of the Divinity Faculty at the University of Cambridge

"The Different Paths of Buddhism offers one of the most comprehensive introductions to the main branches of the Buddhist tradition under one cover."—Chün-fang Yü, professor of religion at Columbia University

"This unique blend of traditional history and doctrine, narrative and practice, provides an engaging overview of Buddhist cultures . . . [and] how people actually live Buddhist lives."—William Waldron, professor of South Asian religion and philosophy at Middlebury College

For centuries, Buddhist teachers and laypeople have used stories, symbols, cultural metaphors, and anecdotes to teach and express their religious views.In this introductory textbook, Carl Olson draws on these narrative traditions to detail the development of Buddhism from the life of the historical Buddha to the present.

The book offers a comprehensive introduction to the main branches of the Buddhist tradition in both the Mahayana and Theravada schools, including the Madhyamika school, the Yogacara school, Pure Land devotionalism, Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and village folk Buddhist traditions. Chapters explore the life and teachings of the Buddha in historical context, the early development and institutionalization of Buddhism, its geographic spread across Asia and eventually to the United States, philosophy and ethics, the relationship between monks and laity, political and ethical implications, the role of women in the Buddhist tradition, and contemporary reinterpretations of Buddhism.

Drawn from decades of classroom experience, this creative and ambitious text combines expert scholarship and engaging stories that offer much-needed perspective to the existing literature on the topic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The history of Buddhism's various branches
Distinguished professor of religious studies Carl Olson presents The Different Paths of Buddhism: A Narrative-Historical Introduction, a comprehensive introduction to the various branches of Buddhist tradition in both the Mahayana and Theravada schools, including the the Madhyamika school, the Yogacara school Pure Land devotionalism, Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and village folk Buddhist traditions. Chapters explore recurring themes in Buddhist narratives, philosophy and ethics in context, detailed technical examinations, scrutiny of the history of various schools, and much more. A smattering of black-and-white photographs illustrate this scholarly evaluation, ideal for those interested in acquainting themselves with the history of Buddhism's various branches. ... Read more

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This study moves beyond the treatment of the original enlightenment doctrine as abstract philosophy to explore its historical dimension. Drawing on a wealth of medieval primary sources and modern Japanese scholarship, it places this discourse in its ritual, institutional and social contexts, illuminating its importance to the maintenance of traditions of lineage and the secret transmission of knowledge that characterized medieval Japanese elite culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Benefit for Eggheads (like me)
This book was pretty weighty - real live scholarly work, rather than simple sectarian gloss.I particularly enjoyed the way Professor Stone placed the religious leaders of the time into their proper historical context and showed the way the traditions cross-pollenated with each other.The part on Nichiren was most informative, and gave an objective perspective on the events which occurred after Nichiren's death.Cool pictures of lots of mandalas, too.

Major insights into Tendai Buddhism
Original Enlightenment and the Transformation of Medieval Japanese Buddhism by Jacqueline Ilyse Stone (Studies in East Asian Buddhism, No. 12:University of Hawaii Press) Being recognized as a major study in Buddhist studies and recognized as one of the best religious studies books of 2000, Original Enlightenment and the Transformation of Medieval Japanese Buddhism represents some important historical and conceptual clarifications of perennial themes in Mahayana Buddhism.
From flyleaf: Original enlightenment thought (hongaku shiso) dominated Buddhist intellectual circles throughout Japan's medieval period. Enlightenment, this discourse claims, is neither a goal to be achieved nor a potential to be realized but the true status of all things. Every animate and inanimate object manifests the primordially enlightened Buddha just as it is. Seen in its true aspect, every activity of daily life?eating, sleeping, even one's deluded thinking?is the Buddha's conduct. Emerging from within the powerful Tendai school, ideas of original enlightenment were appropriated by a number of Buddhist traditions and influenced nascent theories about the kami (local deities) as well as medieval aesthetics and the literary and performing arts.
Scholars and commentators have long recognized the historical importance of original enlightenment thought but differ heatedly over how it is to be understood. Some tout it as the pinnacle of the Buddhist philosophy of absolute nondualism. Others claim to find in it the paradigmatic expression of a timeless Japanese spirituality. According to other readings, it represents a dangerous antinomianism that undermined observance of moral precepts, precipitated a decline in Buddhist scholarship, and denied the need for religious discipline. Still others denounce it as an authoritarian ideology that, by sacralizing the given order, has in effect legitimized hierarchy and discriminative social practices. Often the acceptance or rejection of original enlightenment thought is seen as the fault line along which traditional Buddhist institutions are to be differentiated from the new Buddhist movements (Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren) that arose during Japan's medieval period.
Jacqueline Stone's groundbreaking study moves beyond the treatment of the original enlightenment doctrine as abstract philosophy to explore its historical dimension. Drawing on a wealth of medieval primary sources and modern Japanese scholarship, it places this discourse in its ritual, institutional, and social contexts, illuminating its importance to the maintenance of traditions of lineage and the secret transmission of knowledge that characterized medieval Japanese elite culture. It sheds new light on interpretive strategies employed in premodern Japanese Buddhist texts, an area that hitherto has received little attention. Through these and other lines of investigation, Stone problematizes entrenched notions of "corruption" in the medieval Buddhist establishment. Using the examples of Tendai and Nichiren Buddhism and their interactions throughout the medieval period, she calls into question both overly facile distinctions between "old" and "new" Buddhism and the long?standing scholarly assumptions that have perpetuated them. This study marks a significant contribution to ongoing debates over definitions of Buddhism in the Kamakura era (1185-1333) , long regarded as a formative period in Japanese religion and culture. Stone argues that "original enlightenment thought" represents a substantial rethinking of Buddhist enlightenment that cuts across the distinction between "old" and "new" institutions and was particularly characteristic of the medieval period.

New Insight on Medieval Tendai and Kamakura Buddhism
Is Enlightenment something that we acquire?Or are we really Enlightened already and just have to realize that?Is Enlightenment something that will take us uncounted ages to achieve?Or can we achieve Enlightenment inthis life and in this body?Such were some of the key issues of MedievalJapanese Buddhism.Some of the most popular conclusions, that we areEnlightened already, i.e. are Originally Enlightened, and that we canachieve Enlightenment in this life and in this body, remain both popularand controversial even today.Jacqueline Stone takes us into the littleknown world of the Tendai temples and hermitages on Mt. Hiei, the statelymountain above Kyoto, where much of the doctrine of Original Enlightenmentthought was developed -- and whence it spread to the famous founders ofKamakura Buddhism, including Honen and Nichiren.Stone gives us a panoramaof what was going on, what we known about it (not enough), and the longhistory of what happened and the debates that continue down to the present,debates that involve scholars, sectarian apologists, and the religiouspractice of many people, not just in Japan, but around the world.Afundamental book for one of the great, and still growing, religioustraditions in the world.

Invaluable for Nichiren Buddhists
Dr. Stone has provided an invaluable window into the current state of Japanese scholarship around the issues of orignal enlightenment teachings (hongaku shiso) and its role in the formation of Kamakuran Buddhism andNichiren Buddhism in particular.I believe that she quite successfullybrings out the complexities of this teaching and shows that it does notnecessarily lead to antinomian conclusions and that it was not summarilyrejected by the founders of Kamakuran Buddhism including Nichiren. Thechapter on Nichiren in this book could also stand alone as an excellentguide to Nichiren's teachings and practice.She shows that there is muchmore to Nichiren Buddhism than vainly repeating the Sino-Japanese title ofthe Lotus Sutra in order to gain worldly benefits.She really brings outthe depth and profundity of Nichiren Buddhism. This book, however, is notan apologetic for Nichiren Buddhism or even for original enlightenmentteachings.Dr. Stone maintains a very objective and impartial stancethroughout the book (which could be disturbing to those for whom thisreligion and these issues are literally a matter of life and death).Sheprovides both the pros and the cons of the issues that she addresses.Sheis not so much providing a new theory about Nichiren Buddhism or originalenlightenment so much as she is attempting to show that originalenlightenment and its impact on Japanese Buddhism needs to be reevaluatedand that the issues are far from black-and-white. I would highlyrecommend this book to serious scholars of Japanese Buddhism and to thosewho want to delve more deeply into the current state of scholarship inJapan surounding Nichiren Buddhism.This is not, however, a book for thosewho want simple answers to simple questions, or who want a primer onNichiren Buddhism.For those hard core Nichiren Buddhists and scholars whowant to find out the real truth about Nichiren Buddhism and the developmentof the Nichiren tradition, this book is worth every penny of its rathersteep price tag.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, Ryuei Michael McCormick ... Read more

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In the Forest of Faded Wisdom
This book makes history: it is the first time Gendun Chopel's poems are assembled in an anthology and University of Chicago Press has made a bi-lingual edition, Tibetan-English. Donald Lopez' sensitive translation is inspiring, beautiful to read aloud. It is ideal to share with people who have no idea of Tibetan poems --- and with Tibetan friends who suddenly re-appreciate poetry in their own language, very special poems indeed. With this book, Gendun Chopel's poetry transcends political and cultural barriers, allowing modern readers to discover an alternative voice from 20th century Tibet. ... Read more

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Few teachers in the West possess both the spiritual training and the scholarship to lead us along the path to enlightenment. Robert Thurman is one such teacher. Now, in his first experiential course on the essentials of Tibetan Buddhism, adapted and expanded from a popular retreat he led, Thurman -- the first Westerner ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself -- shares the centuries-old wisdom of a highly valued method of insight used by the great Tibetan masters.

Tibetans think of their cherished tradition of Buddhism as a "wish-fulfilling jewel tree" for its power to generate bliss and enlightenment within all who absorb its teachings. Happiness, in fact, is the true goal of Tibetan spirituality, and the wish-fulfilling jewel tree will enable you to reach that goal. Using a revered, once-secret text of a seventeenth-century Tibetan master, with thorough explanations for contemporary Westerners, The Jewel Tree of Tibet immerses you fully in the mysteries of Tibetan spiritual wisdom. A retreat in book form as well as a spiritual and philosophical teaching, The Jewel Tree of Tibet offers a practical system of understanding yourself and the world, of developing your learning and thought processes, and of gaining deep, transforming insight.

One of the most explicit teachings of the steps on the path of enlightenment available, explained by a skilled Western teacher, The Jewel Tree of Tibet will enable you to honor the full subtlety and hidden depths of the Tibetan Buddhist path and realize at last its deeper rewards -- for yourself and others.Amazon.com Review
Robert Thurman is probably best know for his translation of the sacred text The Tibetan Book of the Dead, although he has published many works of both translation and exploration of Tibetan Buddhism. The Jewel Tree of Tibet is a significant addition to Thurman’s contribution to this field of spiritual scholarship. His deep knowledge and devotion are in evidence on every page. His style is straightforward and inviting. He also provides a short introduction to the history of Buddhism which is as clear and straightforward as possible for what can be an exceptionally complex and entangled topic.

In short, Thurman writes for real people with an interestin (perhaps longing for) a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. In addition to a clear and inviting style and providing the reader with an accessible understanding of important spiritual matters, this book is exceptionally openhanded and openhearted. While Thurman wants us to share the dharma of the Jewel Tree he also wants the reader to know that they are already on their path- no matter what their faith or non-faith,political beliefs, no matter what manner of thinking may appear to divide, separate, or individualize us: Thurman presents a view of the self in which we can see that it is possible to overcome these limitations and alienations and to see ourselvesas inhabiting common ground with the suffering, the joy, and the seeking of others. His bias is ecumenical in the best and most generous sense of the word.

This is an excellent book for the person just awakening to their spiritual path and for the seeker of many years.--Julian Riepe ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

great overview and indepth of buddhism
I have been reading this indepth book an find it quite revealing
of buddhism, on a deeper level than i've encountered before.

Deep and profound, but a little hard to understand in places
Based on the Fourth Panchen Lama's text Mentor Devotion, Thurman uses Tibet's beautiful wish-fulfilling jewel-tree imagery to help the reader to generate bliss and enlightenment. The core of this book are the visualization exercises where you draw inspiration and compassion from a revered being and then extend their heartfelt loving kindness to others. Thurman says it's up to you who you perceive to be such a revered being. It could be the Buddha or the Dalai Lama, or Christ, Moses, your mother, etc. Thurman also discusses the history of Buddhism, its contrast to much of Western thought, and how the major tenants of Buddhism can work for people from the West.

"Through the great bliss state, I myself become the mentor deity. From my luminous body, Light rays shine all around, Massively blessing beings and things, Making the universe pure and fabulous, Perfection in its every quality."

I found this book to be deep and profound, but a little hard to understand in places. I especially liked the section where Thurman encourages us to meditate on the loving-kindness of our mothers.

a Jewel in visualization
Robert Thurman is a master, this is a hands on visual experience with great explanations of various things that are hard to understand. It puts you right into the field of merit.I was quite moved by the experience.I did not realize the close proximity of the Buddhas.

Stalled in the introduction/history
I will probably go back to it, but I stalled in the first pages (introduction/history). Mr. Thurman's use of English is a little off, making it awkward to follow some concepts and sentences, and some concepts themselves are a little "off".
He states that Buddha invented the monastic system ("ordained as a monk or nun so that the people would be supported by the collective to escape from the collective". I've read Buddha avoided the issue of allowing women for a long time and, historically, many cultures placed their priests and priestesses in separate compounds to learn and practice, supported by the community. He states that Buddha chose India for this "because India was the wealthiest place then", when of course, Gautama was in fact born in India. He states "this system caught on like wildfire in India", something I'd never read before. I'd always had the impression that Buddhist practice was small compared to historical practice and local Deities. "It was as if Buddha created holes in the cheese of societ-he Swiss-cheesed the society". And the holes were the Sangha, the community, the renunciate institution, where people could go for a lifelong free lunch", (page 19). "At first Buddha...didn't dictate to his fellow warrior kings..."you better stop doing this, and you better not do that". My understanding is that he never did and he had renounced being a "warrior king".
In his History the Indian people became so non violent, wise and pleasure loving, there was no harsh discipline in the schools or conflict in families or between families, they were no longer ruthless (and this is why they were invaded), as opposed to the west, "permeated with that violence, and our minds are permeated with the violence. Even our physical posture is permeated with that violence". In fact, "We are the most militaristic society history has ever seen." I imagine while he was involved on his personal quest (and became enamored of other cultures) he bypassed reading many history books.
I was even more concerned by his description of how, once one reaches the "bliss state", "nothing is wrong in that universe. It is perfect" Except that "others don't see it that way...You may automatically wish to free them, which could lead to frustration if, in your initial glimpse of this awakening, you lacked compassion".
I've been there a few times and, in seeing that nothing was wrong, nothing was wrong including others not seeing it and compassion seemed a complete part of the experience. I hope someday I'll be able to stay there for longer periods.
On page 4 he says, "I have grown older and become less sure about everything---and even confused and discouraged when my inherited negative personality traits reemerge in the heat of relationship."
I'm wondering if this is a teaching I want to follow through this book.

Great Introductory Overview of Tibetan Buddhism
This book is a modified retreat transcript, so it has the strengths of an experiential emphasis. But it also is intelligent and quite readable. Thurman covers the entire scope of the Buddhist path from a Tibetan perspective, and he does this in the order that one would learn and practice these teachings developmentally. The reader is invited regularly to participate in the meditations along the way and to adapt them to his or her own religious background. But the book is also a lively guided tour with a number of brief visits to important teachings.So it progressively maps and highlights a path that actually takes years to experience. This is a classic approach, called Lam-Rim in Tibetan, that Bob Thurman makes accessible, even for beginners. ... Read more