Commentaries on Buddhist Sutras and Texts

The Inconceivable Emancipation
Themes from the Vimalakirti-Nirdesa

Sangharakshita

Step into the magical, paradoxical world of a Mahayana Buddhist scripture. Mahayana Buddhism, to which the Zen and Tibetan traditions are related, emphasizes the ideal of the Bodhisattva, one who seeks to become Enlightened out of a compassionate desire to help all living beings. In the Vimalakirti-Nirdesa we meet the Bodhisattva Vimalakirti, a worker of wonders, a formidable debator and skilful teacher. Sangharakshita’s commentary illuminates this original text, its myths and symbols, and explores the powerful figure of Vimalakirti and the significance of his teachings. By journeying into this scripture we can find the wisdom and compassion that lie at the heart of the Bodhisattva path and discover, communicate and put into action Vimalakirti’s message.

ISBN 0 904766 88 8

The Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment
Parables, Myths, and Symbols of the White Lotus Sutra

Sangharakshita

An image or story can mysteriously convey a sense of truth that the most convincing intellectual argument cannot. In the White Lotus Sutra, bursting with symbols, imagery and myths, we meet the Buddha as a story-teller. Indeed, this sutra tells the greatest of all stories, that of human life and human potential. This great story takes the cosmos as its stage and all sentient beings as its players, yet within it lie many tales that address aspects of our lives or personalities. This delightfully illustrated commentary on one of the most influential, revered and well-loved Buddhist scriptures brings these stories vividly to life and shows how they relate to our own spiritual quest.

ISBN 0904766594

The Eternal Legacy
An Introduction to the Canonical Literature of Buddhism

Sangharakshita

This book offers a clear and comprehensive survey of the entire body of Buddhist canonical literature.... Not only will this book provide the general student of Buddhism with a concise survey of the Buddhist scriptures, but its chapters on the Mahayana sutras will enable the Theravadin reader to acquire knowledge of the sacred texts followed by his Mahayana compeers.

Ven. Bhikku Bodhi, BPS Newsletter

ISBN

The Ten Pillars of Buddhism

Sangharakshita

In a world marked by rapid changes, shifting lifestyles and values, how can we be sure that we are making the best choices for ourselves, others and the world?

This small book explores ten basic Buddhist ethical principles and the liberating view of ourselves contained within them. Buddhist ethics are not a list of laws imposed from outside, but guiding principles we can apply to everyday situations. Emphasising personal responsibility and choice, not blind obedience, the Buddhist path of ethics leads us into a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. To apply them is to put to the test the promise of the Buddha: that by our own efforts we can transform our actions, emotions and thoughts to allow our compassion and wisdom to shine through all that we do.

ISBN 1 899579 21 4

Vision and Transformation
An Introduction to the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path

Sangharakshita

We are all familiar with those times when a beautiful sunset, a piece of music, a few words in a book, or some profound event that occurs in our lives, gives us a moment of vision into hidden reality, a deeper truth. Through the Buddha’s teaching of the Eightfold Path this book shows us how we can grasp the implications of that vision and transform ourselves in its light.

Sangharakshita’s vivid commentary covers every aspect of life — speech, emotion, action, and livelihood — reminding us that the spiritual dimension is available to us here and now, at every minute of the day. The complete text is available for free download from <www.sangharakshita.org>.

ISBN 0 904766 95 0

Wisdom Beyond Words
The Buddhist Vision of Ultimate Reality

Sangharakshita

Dangerously disorientating to the unwary student, the Prajnaparamita or Perfection of Wisdom teachings can offer a fast route to some well-trodden blind alleys — or to the very heart of Reality.

Sangharakshita’s clarity, scholarship and insight are revealed in this commentary on the Diamond Sutra, the Heart Sutra and the Ratnagunasamcayagatha — core teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. Using this book as a guide we can begin our own investigation of these sublime teachings — and also perhaps be rewarded with a world-shattering glimpse of the Buddhist vision of ultimate Reality.

ISBN 0 904766 77 2

The Yogi’s Joy
Three Song's of Milarepa, Tibetan Mystic

Sangharakshita

Three of Milarepa's Hundred Thousand Songs — The Tale of Red Rock Jewel Valley, Song of a Yogi's Joy and The Meeting at Silver Spring — are explored here in such a way that the wisdom and teachings Milarepa drew out in his songs are made relevant to life to us today.

Available soon.

ISBN 1 899579 66 4

Bodhicaryavatara

Santideva: Andrew Skilton & Kate Crosby (Editors)

The Bodhicaryavatara is one of the best-loved Buddhist texts. It tells of a noble ideal: a compassionate life lived for the well-being of the world. Through his uplifting verses, Santideva, the eighth-century monk and poet, outlines the training undertaken by one wishing to follow his vision — a path of selflessness which is much needed today. This is the first hardback edition of the translation by Kate Crosby and Andrew Skilton, with clear explanatory notes and an introduction by Paul Williams.

ISBN 1 899579 49 4

Dhammapada

Sangharakshita (Translator)

Experiences are preceded by mind, led by mind, and produced by mind. If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow that never departs.

The Dhammapada is one of the most popular and influential of Buddhist scriptures. Contained within its short verses are the essential teachings of the Buddha, words to be savoured, reflected upon and revisited.

This edition presents a new translation of the scripture, one that brings a refreshing sense of directness and immediacy to these verses. The complete text is available for free download from <www.sangharakshita.org>.

ISBN 1 899579 35 4