Dharma Studies

Exploring Karma and Rebirth

Nagapriya

Exploring Karma and Rebirth helps us to unravel the complexities of these two important but often misunderstood Buddhist doctrines.

This thought-provoking book:

• clarifies these traditional Buddhist teachings
• examines them in relation to their cultural origins and considers how they are still relevant today, and
• offers an imaginative reading of what the teachings could mean for us now.

Above all, Exploring Karma and Rebirth insists that, to be of enduring value, these doctrines must continue to serve the overriding aim of Buddhism: spiritual awakening.

ISBN 1 899579 61 3

A Concise History of Buddhism

Andrew Skilton

An ideal introduction to the history of Buddhism. Andrew Skilton — a writer on and practitioner of Buddhism — explains the development of the basic concepts of Buddhism during its 2,500 years of history and describes its varied developments in India, Buddhism’s homeland, as well as its spread across Asia, from Mongolia to Sri Lanka and from Japan to the Middle East. A fascinating insight into the historical progress of one of the world’s great religions.

ISBN 0 904766 92 6

A Survey of Buddhism
Its Doctrines and Methods Through the Ages

Sangharakshita

Highly acclaimed at its first appearance in 1957 and now in its ninth edition, A Survey of Buddhism continues to provide an indispensable study of the entire field of Buddhist thought and practice, placing its development in a historical context.

ISBN 0 904766 93 4

What is the Dharma?
The Essential Teachings of the Buddha

Sangharakshita

To walk in the footsteps of the Buddha we need a clear and thorough guide to the essential principles of Buddhism. Whether we have just begun our journey or are a practitioner with more experience, What is the Dharma? is an indispensable exploration of the Buddha’s teachings as found in the main Buddhist traditions.

Constantly returning to the question How can this help me? Sangharakshita examines a variety of fundamental principles, including:

• Karma and re-birth
• Nirvana and shunyata
• Conditioned co-production
• Impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and insubstantiality
• Ethics, meditation and Wisdom.

The result is a refreshing, unsettling, and inspiring book that lays before us the essential Dharma, timeless and universal.

ISBN 1 899579 01 X

What is the Sangha?
The Nature of Spiritual Community

Sangharakshita

The usual image of the Buddha is of a man seated alone, deep in meditation. So it can be a surprise to find that Buddhism gives great importance to the Sangha, the spiritual community. Some may feel that their guru or teacher is all that they need. To others, the idea of sharing their inner and outer lives, triumphs and disappointments, with others can seem a challenge or even a threat.

But the spiritual community is not about unthinking conformity or belonging to a comfortable group. Rather, it is the free association of developing individuals choosing to help each other along the path. To explore the nature of the spiritual community is also to examine what makes us true individuals. This exploration ranges from our relationships with spiritual teachers through our friends, family and fellow workers to the benefits the spiritual community can offer to the wider world.

ISBN 1 899579 31 1

Know Your Mind
The Psychological Dimension of Ethics in Buddhism

Sangharakshita

An accessible introduction to the traditional Buddhist psychology of the Abhidharma which offers a clear description of the nature of the mind and how it functions and explores the part we play in creating our own suffering and happiness.

ISBN 0 904766 79 9

The Three Jewels
The Central Ideals of Buddhism

Sangharakshita

Three precious jewels lie at the heart of Buddhism, radiating the light of awakening into the world, the Buddha Jewel: as symbol of Enlightment (the figure of the Buddha), the Dharma jewel: the path to Enlightenment taught by the Buddha, the Sangha jewel, the Enlightened followers of the Buddha down the ages who have truly devoted their lives to his teachings. This book illuminates these precious gems in a clear and radiating light.

ISBN 1 899579 06 0

The Bodhisattva Ideal
Wisdom and Compassion in Buddhism

Sangharakshita

How can we be happy and at the same time responsive to the suffering of others? It can be done: this is the message of the Bodhisattva ideal. The image of the Bodhisattva, one who wishes to gain Enlightenment for the sake of all beings, lies at the heart of much of Indian, Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism. For one wishing to follow this path, the development of inner calm and positivity that leads to true wisdom is balanced by a genuine and active concern for others which flowers into great compassion. Sustained by a deep understanding gained through meditation and reflection, the Bodhisattva is able to work tirelessly for the benefit of all. Sangharakshita places the ideal of the Bodhisattva within the context of the entire Buddhist tradition. Unfolding this vision of our potential, he demonstrates how we ourselves can move towards this ideal.

ISBN 1 899579 20 6

Buddhism: Its Essence and Development

Edward Conze

Dr Edward Conze was one of the great Buddhist translators — a pioneer scholar who introduced key Buddhist texts to the Western world. This timely new edition of his Buddhist classic reminds us that true happiness is not to be found in material comfort and earthly satisfaction but in the pursuit of a higher ideal.

Demonstrating throughout his heartfelt response to the fundamental wisdom of the Buddha, Conze presents a readable introduction to the array of doctrines, methods, and literature that have developed in the many schools of Buddhism as a result of their different approaches to the goal.

ISBN 1 899579 40 0