Showing titles in Sacred Writings

The Treasury of Precious Instructions by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, one of Tibet's greatest Buddhist masters, is a shining jewel of Tibetan literature, presenting essential teachings from the entire spectrum of practice lineages that existed in Tibet. In its 18 volumes, Kongtrul brings together some of the most important texts on key topics of Buddhist thought and practice as well as authoring significant new sections of his own.

One of the earliest of all Buddhist texts, the Atthakavagga, or Book of Eights, is a remarkable document, not only because it comes from the earliest strain of the literature - before the Buddha, as the title suggests, came to be thought of as a "Buddhist" - but also because its approach to awakening is so simple and free of adherence to any kind of ideology. Instead the Atthakavagga points to a direct and simple approach for attaining peace without requiring the adherence to doctrine.

Ben Connelly guides us through the intricacies of Yogacara and the richness of the "Thirty Verses." His warm and wise voice contextualizes its wisdom, showing us how we can apply its ancient insights to our own modern lives, to create a life of engaged peace, harmony, compassion, and joy. Vasubandhu's "Thirty Verses" lay out a path of practice that integrates the most powerful of Buddhism's psychological and mystical possibilities. The "Thirty Verses" goes to the heart of the matter—how do we alleviate suffering through shedding our emotional knots and our sense of alienation?

The text called the “Seven-Line Prayer” is said to contain the most sacred and important teachings of the Nyingma school and is recited daily by many Tibetan Buddhists. White Lotus unlocks the secret of the prayer and explains its meaning on many levels. The author, Jamgön Mipham, was a celebrated nineteenth-century scholar who was known for his prolific, lucid, and original writings on many subjects, including science, medicine, and philosophy—in addition to Tibetan Buddhist practice and theory.

The Surangama Sutra, one of the most important works of Mahayana Buddhism, dates from some time before the 8th Century when the first Chinese translation was written, probably from an Indian original. It has long been a seminal work for Buddhist practitioners in East and South-East Asia, especially China and Korea. Indeed this “Sutra of the Indestructible”, as it is often translated, is regarded as a staple manual of practice for newly-ordained monks of the Ch'an and Zen schools, giving instruction, through the words of the Buddha himself.

The Khuddaka Nikāya is different in character from the other four Nikāyas of the Sutta Pitaka in the Theravada Pāli Canon in that rather than being a single work it is, as its customary translation ‘Minor Anthologies’ suggests, a collection of independent works.

Using the Upanishadic vision, Osho contrasts the teachings of Buddha, J. Krishnamurti, and the Vedas, and explains how these different teachings have relevance to the way we live today.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama provides intimate details on an advanced meditation practice called Dzogchen using a visionary poem by the 19th-century saint Patrul Rinpoche, author of the Buddhist classic Words of My Perfect Teacher. The Dalai Lama deftly connects how training the mind in compassion for other beings is directly related to - and in fact a prerequisite for - the very pinnacle of Buddhist meditation.

A fascinating compendium of literary and spiritual puzzles, Treasury of the Eye of True Teaching will challenge and inspire listeners to work with great doubt themselves and to discover their inborn potential for enlightenment. Masterfully translated by one of America's foremost translators of Chinese classics into English, it is a captivating window into the literary world of Chinese Zen and essential for students of all Zen schools today.

In this renowned translation of Buddhism’s most widely read scripture, freshly updated for a new generation of listeners, Gil Fronsdal provides extensive explanatory notes and easy-to-understand insight for practice. Whether a practicing Buddhist of any tradition or simply a listener of the world’s literary classics, all will be enriched by this centuries-old wisdom.

As with Volume 1, Volume 2 follows the traditional ordering of the individual works in the Khuddaka Nikāya, which makes for a curious, but invigorating collection. The first two texts, Therīgāthā and Theragāthā, present the traditional histories of the bhikkhunīs (nuns) and bhikkhus (monks) of the Buddha’s time. In each case, their biographies (written centuries later by Dharmapāla who had access to sources now lost) lead to verses ascribed to the real individuals on gaining nibbāna. Here are fascinating glimpses of life at the time of the Buddha.

Unlock the secrets of ancient Buddhist wisdom with The Tripitaka for Beginners: An Introduction to the Three Baskets. This comprehensive guide opens the door to the profound teachings of the Buddha, making them accessible and understandable for newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike. Dive into the heart of Buddhist philosophy, ethics, and practice. The Tripitaka for Beginners demystifies the core texts that have shaped Buddhism for over two millennia, providing clear explanations and practical insights. Discover the Three Baskets: Explore the Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma Pitakas, the ...

Unlock the secrets of enlightenment and transform your life with "Milarepa: A Beginner's Guide." This essential introduction delves into the extraordinary journey and timeless teachings of Milarepa, one of Tibet's most revered spiritual masters. Discover the inspiring journey of transformation from suffering and revenge to enlightenment and compassion. Milarepa's life story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the possibility of profound personal change. His teachings are a beacon of hope for anyone seeking spiritual growth and inner peace. Gain deep insights into Tibetan ...

Thubten Chodron’s illuminating explication of Togmay Zangpo’s revered text, The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas, doesn’t just explain its profound meaning; in dozens of passages she lets her students and colleagues share first-person stories of the ways that its teachings have changed their lives. Some bear witness to dramatic transformations.

Leading Buddhist scholar Sam van Schaik explores the history and essence of Zen, based on a new translation of one of the earliest surviving collections of teachings by Zen masters. These teachings, titled The Masters and Students of the Lanka, were discovered in a sealed cave on the old Silk Road, in modern Gansu, China, in the early twentieth century. All more than a thousand years old, the manuscripts have sometimes been called the Buddhist Dead Sea Scrolls, and their translation has opened a new window onto the history of Buddhism.

In this, the final volume in Dharma Audiobooks’ compilation of the Principal Texts of the Khuddaka Nikāya, the major work, and in some ways the most unusual, is Milinda’s Questions. For while the other two, the Buddhavaṃsa and the Cariyāpitaka, may date from the early years of Buddhism, there is no doubt that Milinda’s Questions comes from a later period.

Embark on a transformative journey with "Amitabha Sutra: A Beginner's Guide: Exploring Key Teachings." This meticulously crafted guide invites you into the serene and profound world of Pure Land Buddhism, making its timeless wisdom accessible to everyone. Imagine a place where peace reigns supreme, where golden trees and jeweled lakes reflect the boundless compassion of Amitabha Buddha. "Amitabha Sutra: A Beginner's Guide" opens the doors to this enchanting realm, the Pure Land, offering you the keys to spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment. Unlock the Teachings of Amitabha Buddha: Dive ...

Children and adults alike will enjoy these amazing, entertaining and fascinating stories from The Lotus Sutra. Originally told to illustrate the challenging concepts of the Buddha’s most important lesson, they easily stand on their own and will quickly become family favorites, presenting meaningful and useful insights today, tomorrow and for a lifetime. Read the exciting adventure of how children rescued themselves from a burning house, the rags to riches story of how a Janitor became CEO, how treasure hunters found a City of Dreams, how a man thought he lost everything because he ...

Embark on a Transformative Journey with "The Bodhisattva's Garland of Jewels": A Profound Commentary on Atisha's Bodhisattva Jewel Garland Welcome to a timeless exploration of wisdom, compassion, and the path to enlightenment. In the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism, "The Bodhisattva's Garland of Jewels" stands as a radiant gem, offering profound insights into the art of virtuous living. In this transformative commentary, Lama Gyurmey, a seasoned practitioner and scholar, guides you through the intricacies of Atisha's masterpiece, revealing its profound relevance for contemporary seekers.

The MSAC Philosophy Group is pleased to announce a new edition of that timeless classic in spiritual literature, The Dhammapada. Attributed to Buddha, this early text in Buddhism sheds a clear light on the teachings of the four noble truths and the eightfold path. This translation is from Max Mueller, the famous 19th century Indologist.