Virtue and Reality. Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Tibetan Buddhism. Dharma

Virtue and Reality. Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Tibetan Buddhism. Dharma

Lama Zopa Rinpoche passed away a couple weeks ago. I have a couple of his books on my shelves and felt compelled to take this one out. I'm enjoying "Virtue and Reality: Method and Wisdom in the Practice of Dharma."


This book contains methods for transforming everyday actions into the cause of enlightenment, anger into patience, and the ordinary view of phenomena as inherently existent into the wisdom realizing emptiness. It also includes several meditations led by Rinpoche, although everything in the book is a topic for meditation.

It would be hard to find a simpler, clearer, more practical explanation of the two fundamental paths of compassion and wisdom than the one Lama Zopa offers us here.

This book is made possible by kind supporters of the Archive who, like you, appreciate how we make these teachings freely available in so many ways, including in our website for instant reading, listening or downloading, and as printed and electronic books.

Our website offers immediate access to thousands of pages of teachings and hundreds of audio recordings by some of the greatest lamas of our time. Our photo gallery and our ever-popular books are also freely accessible there.

Please help us increase our efforts to spread the Dharma for the happiness and benefit of all beings. You can find out more about becoming a supporter of the Archive and see all we have to offer by visiting our website.

The Diamond Cutter. The Buddha on Strategies for Managing Your Business and Your Life. Geshe Michael Roach

The Diamond Cutter. The Buddha on Strategies for Managing Your Business and Your Life. Geshe Michael Roach

I'm enjoying "The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Strategies for Managing Your Business and Your Life" by Geshe Michael Roach. It is a unique and interesting approach to conducting business with karma in mind. 


The now classic work on Buddhism and business from the foremost American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism- reissued in a tenth anniversary edition with compelling case studies that showcase its principles in action around the globe.

With a unique combination of ancient and contemporary wisdom from Tibetan Buddhism, The Diamond Cutter presents readers with empowering strategies for success in their personal and professional lives. The book is presented in three layers. The first is a translation of The Diamond Sutra, an ancient text of conversations between the Buddha and his close disciple, Subhuti. The second contains quotes from some of the best commentaries in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. And the third layer, the main text, is the practical application of Buddhist philosophies to the world of business, based upon Geshe Michael Roach's seventeen-years of experience as an employee of the Andin International Diamond Corporation, a company that grew during his tenure from four employees to a world leader in the jewelry industry.

Roach’s easy style and spiritual understanding make The Diamond Cutter an invaluable source of timeless wisdom for those familiar or unfamiliar with Tibetan Buddhism. His focus on practical personal and business applications has resonated with and changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals the world over since its original publication. 

 

Introduction to Tantra. The Transformation of Desire. Lama Yeshe. Tibetan Buddhism. Deity Yoga

Introduction to Tantra. The Transformation of Desire. Lama Yeshe. Tibetan Buddhism. Deity Yoga

Westerners studying Eastern subjects tend to be drawn to Tantra (using desires as energy towards Enlightenment). "Introduction to Tantra: the Transformation of Desire" by Lama Yeshe is among the best books with which to start. Lama Yeshe was a beloved teacher. He passed away about 40 years ago, but a foundation is dedicated to preserving and publishing his writings.


What is tantra? Who is qualified to practice it? How should it be practiced? What are the results? According to Buddhism, every human being has the potential to achieve profound and lasting happiness. And according to the tantric teachings of Buddhism, this remarkable transformation can be realized very quickly if we utilize all aspects of our human energy- especially the energy of our desires. Introduction to Tantra is the best available clarification of a subject that is often misunderstood. Tantra recognizes that the powerful energy aroused by our desire is an indispensable resource for the spiritual path. It is precisely because our lives are so inseparably linked with desire that we must make use of desire's tremendous energy not just for pleasure, but to transform our lives. Lama Yeshe presents tantra as a practice leading to joy and self-discovery, with a vision of reality that is simple, clear, and relevant to 21st-century life.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead. The Bardo Thodol

The Tibetan Book of the Dead. The Bardo Thodol. Buddhism. Mindfulness and Liberation

I'm traveling back to the 14th Century and re-reading the Bardo Thodol, better known as the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The Bardo is one of the most widely read Tibetan scriptures, party because it was the first such text to be translated into English.


In this classic scripture of Tibetan Buddhism—traditionally read aloud to the dying to help them attain liberation- death and rebirth are seen as a process that provides an opportunity to recognize the true nature of mind. This translation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead emphasizes the practical advice that the book offers to the living. The insightful commentary by Chögyam Trungpa, written in clear, concise language, explains what the text teaches us about human psychology. This book will be of interest to people concerned with death and dying, as well as those who seek greater spiritual understanding in everyday life.

Awakening the Buddha Within. Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World. Lama Surya Das. Dzogchen. Buddhism

Awakening the Buddha Within. Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World. Lama Surya Das. Dzogchen. Buddhism

Lama Surya Das is an American (born as Jeffrey Miller in New York) who has dedicated most of his life to the study and teaching of Tibetan Buddhism. He has a wonderful clarity to his words while communicating Eastern spiritual ideas to a Western audience. Originally published in the 1990s, "Awakening the Buddha Within" is probably his best known work.



Lama Surya Das, the most highly trained American lama in the Tibetan tradition, presents the definitive book on Western Buddhism for the modern-day spiritual seeker.
The radical and compelling message of Buddhism tells us that each of us has the wisdom, awareness, love, and power of the Buddha within; yet most of us are too often like sleeping Buddhas. In Awakening the Buddha Within, Surya Das shows how we can awaken to who we really are in order to lead a more compassionate, enlightened, and balanced life. It illuminates the guidelines and key principles embodied in the noble Eight-Fold Path and the traditional Three Enlightenment Trainings common to all schools of Buddhism:
Wisdom Training: Developing clear vision, insight, and inner understanding—seeing reality and ourselves as we really are.
Ethics Training: Cultivating virtue, self-discipline, and compassion in what we say and do.
Meditation Training: Practicing mindfulness, concentration, and awareness of the present moment.
With lively stories, meditations, and spiritual practices, Awakening the Buddha Within is an invaluable text for the novice and experienced student of Buddhism alike.

Mindfulness in Plain English. Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. Vipassana Insight Meditation. Buddhism

Mindfulness in Plain English. Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. Vipassana Insight Meditation. Buddhism

I'm enjoying "Mindfulness in Plain English" by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. It is a straightforward "how to" guide to vipassana, or insight meditation.



Mindfulness in Plain English was first published in 1994, is one of the bestselling and most influential books in the field of mindfulness. It’s easy to see why.
Author Bhante Gunaratana, a renowned meditation master, takes us step by step through the myths, realities, and benefits of meditation and the practice of mindfulness. The book showcases Bhante’s trademark clarity and wit as he explores the tool of meditation, what it does, and how to make it work.

This book is:
A best-selling introduction to mindfulness
Full of practical advice on developing a meditation practice
Written in approachable, clear language
Containing chapters on loving-kindness and concentration

The reader can gain deeper understanding, inner peace, and clarity through meditation practice with the thoughtful guidance of this classic book. Written for those without any meditation background, but also an essential handbook for established students, Mindfulness in Plain English is a must-have for anyone exploring the benefits of Buddhist meditation.
This expanded edition includes the complete text of its predecessor along with a new chapter on cultivating loving kindness, an especially important topic in today’s world. For anyone who is new to meditation, this is a great resource for learning how to live a more productive and peaceful life.

How to Practice. The Way to a Meaningful Life. His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mindfulness. Buddhism

How to Practice. The Way to a Meaningful Life. His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mindfulness. Buddhism

I'm enjoying a read through of "How to Practice" by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In this relatively short book, His Holiness examines the principles of Mindfulness and offers advice on how to apply those ideas in one's day to day life.



As human beings, we all share the desire for happiness and meaning in our lives. According to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the ability to find true fulfillment lies within each of us. In this very special book, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet, Nobel Prize winner, and bestselling author helps readers embark upon the path to enlightenment with a stunning illumination of the timeless wisdom and an easy-access reference for daily practice.
Divided into a series of distinct steps that will lead spiritual seekers toward enlightenment, How to Practice is a constant companion in the quest to practice morality, meditation, and wisdom. This accessible book will guide you toward opening your heart, refraining from doing harm, and maintiaining mentaltranquility as the Dalai Lama shows you how to overcome everyday obstacles, from feelings of anger and mistrust to jealousy, insecurity, and counterproductive thinking. Imbued with His Holiness' vivacious spirit and sense of playfulness, How to Practice offers sage and practical insight into the human psyche and into the deepest aspirations that bind us all together.

How to Be Happy. Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Meditation. Tibetan Buddhism

How to Be Happy. Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Meditation. Tibetan Buddhism

Lama Zopa Rinpoche is a Tibetan Buddhist scholar, who has long been esteemed for his ability to communicate Eastern ideas to the West. This little book, "How to Be Happy", consists of his insights on finding peace through kindheartedness and meditation.



In How to Be Happy, Lama Zopa Rinpoche helps us find our good heart, the heart that rejoices in the happiness of others.
How to transform problems into happiness, how to find compassion for our "enemies", how to treat ourselves with kindness; it is on these persistent and universal challenges that Lama Zopa offers his wise and warm teachings. Including three wonderfully rich and evocative guided meditations, How to Be Happy works with the reader to show that happiness in this present moment is dependent on the wisdom of a truly open and generous heart.
Anyone looking for advice on how to be happy—truly, meaningfully happy—will find Lama Zopa Rinpoche to be a trustworthy and skillful guide. He is a tireless teacher of methods that work for us when all is well, and also when life's troubles, big and small, seem unmanageable.