The Buddha Journey

Of the hundreds of Buddhist introductory books on the market, The Buddha Journey: Questions and Answers for the Awakening Mind aims at bringing real questions from real people in one simple book. A Mahayana Buddhism approach, without any specialties or traditions, The Buddha Journey gives over 100 answers and perspectives to questions for those new to, curious in or advancing their Buddhist practices from a general point of view.

- Exploring the ancient Indian connection to the Occident - Discovering the unity in diversity of cultures connected by the 2,000 miles of the Silk Road and separated by 2,000 years of history - A unique spiritual sojourn into China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Mongolia On the Trail of Buddha - A Journey to the East is a unique sojourn in search of the richness, depth, and breadth of the spiritual, philosophical, and cultural linkages that bind India to the East Asia civilizations of China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. From the wandering monks of Asia to the temples and monasteries they visited; from the statues and frescoes in grottoes and temples to those in the museums; from the emperors who embraced Buddhism to the relics of Buddha spread far and wide; from the diverse ethnicities of the people to their common gods and goddesses - the book touches upon the entire gamut of the East-Asian culture and its deep-rooted linkages with the Indian civilization, which will be an eye-opener for many.

Based on the author's talks at Naropa University, this volume introduces the reader to the principles of tantra, based on the practice of meditation, which leads to the discovery of egolessness. Trungpa Rinpoche provides a direct and experiential picture of the tantric world, explaining the importance of self-existing energy, the mandala principle, the difference between Buddhist and Hindu tantra—stressing the nontheistic foundation of Buddhism. The role of the teacher and the meaning of tantric transmission are also presented. Written for the student of Buddhism rather than the scholar, Journey without Goal demystifies the vajrayana and at the same time affirms the power and sacredness of its ancient teaching.

Of the hundreds of Buddhist introductory books on the market, The Buddha Journey: Questions and Answers for the Awakening Mind aims at brining real questions from real people in one simple book. A Mahayana Buddhism approach but without any specialties or traditions, The Buddha Journey gives answers and perspectives from a general point of view. Questions will always come up for those new to, curious in or advancing their Buddhist practices, some simple, some complex. The Buddha Journey aspires to answer the most commonly asked questions beginning or advancing students would ask. The Buddha Journey covers your basic "Buddhism 101" introduction, then moves on to questions about compassion, anger, forgiveness, meditation, impermanence, sex, karma, death, becoming a Buddhist and more! Quang Tri writes in a simple, easy-to-understand way that allows the reader to understand the content and contemplate the subject matter on their own for their own interpretation."

Incorporating the novels, pamphlets and letters of Henry Miller, Killing the Buddha argues for Miller’s written work to be considered as a whole in relation to the theme of Zen Buddhism, specifically the concept of Satori (awakening). By reading Miller’s literary output and letters as a spiritual journey to awakening, it is possible to chart his development as a writer, and offer insight into his repetitive use of biographical material. Reflecting upon the influence of Otto Rank and Henri Bergson on Miller’s conceptualization of the role of the writer, and then by examining his complex rejection of Surrealism, it is possible to show Miller’s burgeoning Zen Buddhism as a life-long quest for acceptance and authenticity explicitly explored within his work. With close readings of the ‘Obelisk Trilogy’ of the 1930s (Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn and Black Spring) and The Rosy Crucifixion Trilogy (1949-1960), Miller’s complex journey to Satori is shown as a continuous progression from his early notorious novels through to the essays and pamphlets of his later career.

"This book is an introduction to Buddhism told as the story of the Korean pilgrim Hyecho, who traveled through the Buddhist world during its eighth-century golden age. Lopez tells the story of Hyecho's journey, along the way introducing key elements of Buddhism--its basic doctrines, monastic institutions, relationship to Islam, and importance of pilgrimage.

Ever wondered who exactly was the Buddha, also known by his birth name – Siddhartha Gauthama? Was he in reality a charming prince named Siddhartha; destined to become the greatest monarch of all time? Or was there truth in the tales of a wandering ascetic called Gauthama who was in pursuit of the ultimate truth? Was he the most recent incarnation of the great Hindu god Vishnu? Or as legends state, was he the Enlightened One, and one of the greatest teachers of all time? If you are looking for answers to the questions above, or are simply curious to discover more about the Buddha, look no further. This book will address all these questions, and more. To make this journey of discovery even more interesting, follow the author on his very own journey to explore the most significant of Buddhism sites in existence today, including the likes of Lumbini, Bodhgaya and Sarnath. Enjoy the story of the Buddha of our age within an engaging, excitement-filled adventure as we also attempt to understand why even more than 2 millenniums later, his life story and teachings continue to intrigue not just followers of Buddhism but generally almost everyone in existence.

In this book the core of the Buddha's teaching is comprehensively cast in modern models of thought - borrowed from science and philosophy - and informed by contemporary concerns. It sets out the basic instructions for the life-changing way of the Buddha (the so-called 'Noble Eightfold Path') wholly in the context of contemporary and everyday life, personal experience, human relationships, work, environmental concern and the human wish for peace. The reader, who may be completely new to Buddhism, is accompanied along the Path with practical exercises that are fully explained. The Path begins with an introductory overview and then proceeds through Right Speech, Right Acting, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Concentration, Right Mindfulness, Right Understanding and Right Resolve, and concludes with a short chapter on the relevance of the Path to the current global crisis. The reader is mentored throughout by practical meditational and contemplative exercises, with tables, diagrams, analogies and stories. Gradually the reader who has followed this handbook with commitment will feel the benefits of growing peacefulness, wisdom and compassion.