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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Buddhism
Buddhism Goes to the Movies: Introduction to Buddhist Thought and
Practice explains the basics of Buddhist philosophy and practice
through a number of dramatic films from around the world. This book
introduces readers in a dynamic way to the major traditions of
Buddhism: the Theravada, and various interrelated Mahayana
divisions including Zen, Pure Land and Tantric Buddhism. Students
can use Ronald Green's book to gain insights into classic Buddhist
themes, including Buddhist awakening, the importance of the theory
of dependent origination, the notion of no-self, and Buddhist ideas
about life, death and why we are here. Contemporary developments
are also explored, including the Socially Engaged Buddhism
demonstrated by such figures as the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh,
Aung San Suu Kyi, and other Buddhist activists. Finally,
comparisons between filmic expressions of Buddhism and more
traditional artistic expressions of Buddhism-such as mandala
drawings-are also drawn. An important addition to any introduction
to Buddhist philosophy and practice, Buddhism Goes to the Movies is
an excellent way to bring Buddhist thought, history, and activity
to the uninitiated and interested reader.
Dapha, or dapha bhajan, is a genre of Hindu-Buddhist devotional
singing, performed by male, non-professional musicians of the
farmer and other castes belonging to the Newar ethnic group, in the
towns and villages of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The songs, their
texts, and their characteristic responsorial performance-style
represent an extension of pan-South Asian traditions of raga- and
tala-based devotional song, but at the same time embody distinctive
characteristics of Newar culture. This culture is of unique
importance as an urban South Asian society in which many
traditional models survive into the modern age. There are few
book-length studies of non-classical vocal music in South Asia, and
none of dapha. Richard Widdess describes the music and musical
practices of dapha, accounts for their historical origins and later
transformations, investigates links with other South Asian
traditions, and describes a cultural world in which music is an
integral part of everyday social and religious life. The book
focusses particularly on the musical system and structures of
dapha, but aims to integrate their analysis with that of the
cultural and historical context of the music, in order to address
the question of what music means in a traditional South Asian
society.
Tiantai Buddhism emerged from an idiosyncratic and innovative
interpretation of the Lotus Sutra to become one of the most
complete, systematic, and influential schools of philosophical
thought developed in East Asia. Brook A. Ziporyn puts Tiantai into
dialogue with modern philosophical concerns to draw out its
implications for ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics. Ziporyn
explains Tiantai's unlikely roots, its positions of extreme
affirmation and rejection, its religious skepticism and embrace of
religious myth, and its view of human consciousness. Ziporyn
reveals the profound insights of Tiantai Buddhism while stimulating
philosophical reflection on its unexpected effects.
In the early twentieth century The Eastern Buddhist not only shared
in pioneering presentations of Buddhism to the west but invited
interaction with non-Japanese authors. This interactive process
increased dramatically in the post-war period, when dialogue
between Buddhist and Christian thought began to take off in
earnest. Significant here was the philosophical Buddhism of the
frequently cited Kyoto School, a tradition of thought and teaching
named after Kyoto University where it was largely based. At the
same time these debates and dialogues brought in not only Zen
voices but also thinkers from the Shin Buddhist tradition. Both of
these orientations are reflected here. While the contributions stem
mainly from the fifties, sixties and seventies, they have
significantly influenced subsequent Buddhist-Christian dialogue. It
was still a time of exciting mutual discovery. Anybody wishing to
enter into this process of dialogue and exchange will therefore
find it of great interest and value to approach it by considering
the ideas and insights presented here. Because of the wealth of
materials the selection has been spread across two volumes in the
series Eastern Buddhist Voices and the present volume includes
contributions from the earlier part of the period (Interactions
with Japanese Buddhism includes contributions from the later part).
Based on newly discovered texts, this book explores the barely
known but tremendously influential thought of the Tibetan Buddhist
teacher, Mabja Jangchub Tsoendru (d. 1185).This Tibetan Buddhist
master exercised significant influence on the interpretation of
Madhyamaka thinking in Tibet during the formative phase of Tibetan
Buddhism and plays a key role in the religious thought of his day
and beyond. The book studies the framework of Mabja's philosophical
project, holding it up against the works of both his own Madhyamaka
teachers as well as those of central authors of the later
"classical period". The emerging account of the evolution of
Madhyamaka in Tibet reveals a striking pattern of transformative
appropriations. This, in turn, affords us insights into the nature
and function of tradition in Tibetan religious culture and Mahayana
Buddhism at large. Innovation is demanded for both the advancement
and consolidation of tradition. This ground-breaking book is an
invaluable contribution to the study of Tibetan philosophy. It is
of great interest to Buddhist practitioners, specialists in
Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan Buddhism.
First published in 1914, this is a fascinating investigation of the
origins of Buddhism, drawing on a wealth of evidence relating to
the life and teachings of the Buddha. First considering how the
study of the Buddhist doctrine can be used to critique religious
systems such as Christianity, Barthelemy Saint-Hilaire proceeds to
discuss Buddhism at three different periods of its history: the
life and legend of the Buddha as demonstrated within canonical
works, Buddhism in India during the seventh century, and finally,
Buddhism in Sri Lanka (formally 'Ceylon') at the start of the
twentieth century. Principally a philosophical study surrounding
the origins and principles of Buddhism, this reissue will be of
particular value to students researching contemporary perceptions
of the Buddhist faith.
First published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor &
Francis, an informa company.
Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not
used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad
quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are
images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to
keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the
original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain
imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made
available for future generations to enjoy.
Ecotherapy in Practice reflects the growing interest and research
in this field. Drawing on a diversity of experience from the
counselling and psychotherapy professions, but also from
practitioners in community work, mental health and education, this
book explores the exciting and innovative possibilities involved in
practising outdoors. Caroline Brazier brings to bear her experience
and knowledge as a psychotherapist, group worker and trainer over
several decades to think about therapeutic work outdoors in all its
forms. The book presents a model of ecotherapy based on principles
drawn from Buddhist psychology and Western psychotherapy which
focuses particularly on the relationship between person and
environment at three levels, moving from the personal level of
individual history to cultural influences, then finally to global
circumstances, all of which condition mind-states and psychological
wellbeing. Ecotherapy in Practice will provide refreshing and
valuable reading for psychotherapists and counsellors in the field,
those interested in Buddhism, and other mental health and health
professionals working outdoors
First Published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor &
Francis, an informa company.
The philosophy of Buddhism, originating in India, has undergone
considerable changes in its adoption in the Far East. It has, in
Japan, assumed a more practical aspect, and has come to play an
important role in the everyday life of action. But in this process
Japanese Buddhism has split itself into many sects with greatly
differing doctrines, though all profess a method destined to
elevate the soul and a method of action. The understanding of this
spiritual movement is an important key to the understanding of the
contemporary Japanese state of mind, and The Buddhist Sects of
Japan gives the first complete account of it in the English
language.
Buddhist origins and discussion of the Buddha's teachings are
amongst the most controversial and contested areas in the field.
This bold and authoritative book tackles head-on some of the key
questions regarding early Buddhism and its primary canon of
precepts. Noting that the earliest texts in Pali, Sanskrit and
Chinese belong to different Buddhist schools, Roderick S. Bucknell
addresses the development of these writings during the period of
oral transmission between the Buddha's death and their initial
redaction in the first century BCE. A meticulous comparative
analysis reveals the likely original path of meditative practice
applied and taught by Gautama. Fresh perspectives now emerge on
both the Buddha himself and his Enlightenment. Drawing on his own
years of meditative experience as a Buddhist monk, the author
offers here remarkable new interpretations of advanced practices of
meditation, as well as of Buddhism itself. It is a landmark work in
Buddhist Studies.
Using the example of China's Wutai Shan-recently designated both a
UNESCO World Heritage site and a national park-Robert J. Shepherd
analyzes Chinese applications of western notions of heritage
management within a non-western framework. What does the concept of
world heritage mean for a site practically unheard of outside of
China, visited almost exclusively by Buddhist religious pilgrims?
What does heritage preservation mean for a site whose intrinsic
value isn't in its historic buildings or cultural significance, but
for its sacredness within the Buddhist faith? How does a society
navigate these issues, particularly one where open religious
expression has only recently become acceptable? These questions and
more are explored in this book, perfect for students and
practitioners of heritage management looking for a new perspective.
The Light of Wisdom Vol. I contains the root terma ---hidden
treasure text --- of Padmasambhava, The Gradual Path of the Wisdom
Essence and its commentary The Light of Wisdom by Jamgon Kongtrul
the Great. Annotations on the commentary Entering the Path of
Wisdom spoken by Jamyang Drakpa and recorded by Jokyab Rinpoche are
included as well as clarifications from other masters.
Volume I presents in-depth explanations of the Vajrajana Buddhist
perspective. It begins with the nature of the ground, the buddha
nature present in all beings, continues with the teachings that are
common to all vehicles, and concludes with the Mahayana and the
link to Vajrayana.
This essence of the causal and resultant vehicles,
Especially the core of the realization the three sections of the
inner tantras,
Linking together the ground with the path,
Makes you abandon the temporary defilements along with their
tendencies,
Realize fruition and quickly accomplish the welfare of self and
others,
In this way it is in conformity with each yet exalted above them
all.
-Padmasambhava
The root text of Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo, a terma revealed by the
great treasure- finder Chokgyur Lingpa, and its commentary by
Kongtrul Rinpoche, the great translator in person, form together a
complete scripture that embodies all the tantras, statements and
instructions of the Nyingma School of the early translations, which
is most rare to find in the past, present, or future.
-Kyabje Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche
Since the Buddha did not fully explain the theory of persons that
underlies his teaching, in later centuries a number of different
interpretations were developed. This book presents the
interpretation by the celebrated Indian Buddhist philosopher,
Candrakirti (ca. 570-650 C.E.). Candrakirti's fullest statement of
the theory is included in his Autocommentary on the Introduction to
the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatarabhasya), which is, along with his
Introduction to the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatara ), among the
central treatises that present the Prasavgika account of the
Madhyamaka (Middle Way) philosophy. In this book, Candrakirti's
most complete statement of his theory of persons is translated and
provided with an introduction and commentary that present a careful
philosophical analysis of Candrakirti's account of the selflessness
of persons. This analysis is both philologically precise and
analytically sophisticated. The book is of interest to scholars of
Buddhism generally and especially to scholars of Indian Buddhist
philosophy.
'Once upon a time there was a rich old man who lived in a vast
mansion ...' Aware that whatever our age, we never lose our
responsiveness to story, myth and drama, the Buddha often told
stories and parables, and in the Mahayana phase of the development
of Buddhism, the stories became ever more mythical and magical. In
this volume, Sangharakshita introduces us to the strange and
wonderful worlds of three of the best-loved Mahayana sutras, worlds
from which - if we pay close attention - we can return with
treasures in the form of teachings and advice. Thanks to
Sangharakshita's imaginative and creative approach to these sutras,
their gems, mythical or even magical though their origins may be,
turn out to be exchangeable for hard currency - the practical
business of how we are to live our lives in the everyday world.
From the transcendental critique of religion and the means of
unification offered by the Vimalakirti-nirdesa to the light shed on
economics, ecology and politics by the Sutra of Golden Light, and
the vision of life as a journey offered by the White Lotus Sutra,
these commentaries offer a unique and transformative perspective on
the value of human existence.
Providing a rigorous analysis of Buddhist ways of understanding
religious diversity, this book develops a new foundation for
cross-cultural understanding of religious diversity in our time.
Examining the complexity and uniqueness of Buddha's approach to
religious pluralism using four main categories - namely
exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralistic-inclusivism and pluralism -
the book proposes a cross-cultural and interreligious
interpretation of each category, thus avoiding the accusation of
intellectual colonialism. The key argument is that, unlike the
Buddha, most Buddhist traditions today, including Theravada
Buddhism and even the Dalai Lama, consider liberation and the
highest stages of spiritual development exclusive to Buddhism. The
book suggests that the Buddha rejects many doctrines and practices
found in other traditions, and that, for him, there are
nonnegotiable ethical and doctrinal standards that correspond to
the Dharma. This argument is controversial and likely to ignite a
debate among Buddhists from different traditions, especially
between conservative and progressive Buddhists. The book fruitfully
contributes to the literature on inter-religious dialogue, and is
of use to students and scholars of Asian Studies, World Religion
and Eastern Philosophy.
Using the example of China's Wutai Shan-recently designated both a
UNESCO World Heritage site and a national park-Robert J. Shepherd
analyzes Chinese applications of western notions of heritage
management within a non-western framework. What does the concept of
world heritage mean for a site practically unheard of outside of
China, visited almost exclusively by Buddhist religious pilgrims?
What does heritage preservation mean for a site whose intrinsic
value isn't in its historic buildings or cultural significance, but
for its sacredness within the Buddhist faith? How does a society
navigate these issues, particularly one where open religious
expression has only recently become acceptable? These questions and
more are explored in this book, perfect for students and
practitioners of heritage management looking for a new perspective.
Ideal for courses in beginning Sanskrit or self-study, this
textbook employs modern, tried-and-tested pedagogical methods and
tools, but requires no prior knowledge of ancient languages or
linguistics. Devanagari script is introduced over several chapters
and used in parallel with transliteration for several chapters
more, allowing students to progress in learning Sanskrit itself
while still mastering the script. Students are exposed to annotated
original texts in addition to practise sentences very early on, and
structures and systems underlying the wealth of forms are clearly
explained to facilitate memorisation. All grammar is covered in
detail, with chapters dedicated to compounding and nominal
derivation, and sections explaining relevant historical phenomena.
The introduction also includes a variety of online resources that
students may use to reinforce and expand their knowledge: flash
cards; video tutorials for all chapters; and up-to-date links to
writing, declension and conjugation exercises and online
dictionaries, grammars, and textual databases.
Heaven and hell exist within our mind while we are living in this
world. Thus, we don't need to wait for the Judgment Day, and we can
reflect upon which direction we are heading each day. To do so, it
is vital to know the Spiritual Truth clarified in this book now. We
can still go to hell, regardless of whether we are caught and
punished by earthly laws. Unfortunately, now more than ever, hell
is rapidly expanding its territory-numerous new areas of hell are
being created, which are actually caused by people's mindset and
activities in this modern age. This is a book of salvation
providing critical Truth about how to identify hell in our everyday
life and the countermeasures that will help us to overcome it. It
is the author's sincere wish for all people in this age to fully
equip themselves with the proper knowledge about Hell and Demons as
they exist in every field, even among religion. Knowledge is power
and it sets us free from unnecessary and unrealistic fear.
Regardless of your spiritual belief or even if you don't believe in
hell, the contents of this book are unquestionably invaluable for
you to live a better and happier life. The book also provides the
solutions to relinquish our own hell by taking control of our
everyday emotions and minds which create hell. As we become more
conscious about our own inner hell, and as we learn to let it go,
we can generate light from within that is capable of positively
transforming the world. In this way, we can become happier
individuals collectively engaged in creating a brighter future.
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