Monkfish is proud to reintroduce this spiritual classic in paperback edition. It was its first book in its Provenance Editions

The nature of a human life in the material world that Buddha clearly explicated in detail in The Four Noble Truths bears a resemblance to the nature of the “Copernican-Galilean-Newtonian Revolution” that the science claimed as the paradigm shift in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.As soon as we accept this body and live on this earth, we experience the gravitational force exerted by the earth and go through “birth, aging, sickness, death” along with four others (see Chapter Two of The Four Noble Truths) with absolutely no exceptions. Regardless of whether Buddha shared his personal experiences with us or not, regardless of whether Galileo Galilei advocated Heliocentrism or not, and regardless of whether Sir Isaac Newton confirmed the existence of gravitation or not, as long as we exist in this earth—that has always been and will always be rotating around the sun, we have no other choice.Many of us often wonder . . . (1) Is Buddhism a religion? (2) Will Buddha grant us things if we regularly go to Buddhist temples, make generous donations, and then sincerely beg him? (3) Will Buddha welcome us who routinely chant his name to heaven when we die?The answers to these three questions depend on “who we are” and “what we are looking for in life”. However, we will definitely find fully appropriate explanations and perfectly logical answers in The Four Noble Truths.Before taking a journey into our existing self with The Four Noble Truths, let us take a moment to analyze obvious facts . . . (1) Straightforwardly, Sakyamuni Buddha is neither God nor the Supreme Being. He is simply a "complete awakened oneness" whose wisdom transcends "far beyond infinity" and conscience attains "absolute perfect enlightenment". (2) Indeed, Buddha did not create anything, did not invent anything, did not conceive anything, did not establish any law, did not set up any rule, and did not make up any commandment. (3) More conspicuously, Buddha did not insist us to do anything to make him famous, did not demand us to follow any Dharma's he taught, did not expect us to donate any offerings, and did not need us to enthrone him.(4) Most recognizably, Buddha did not grant a miracle to any of us, did not authorize any of us to enter heaven, did not threaten to deny any of us, did not punish any of us, and did not send any of us to hell. (5) Buddha only shared his personal experiences with us. Believe him or not, it is our own choice. Follow his advices and/or teachings or not, it is our own decision. We have full control over our life!Regardless of whether we believe or not, notice or not, realize or not, and agree or not, as soon as we accept this physical body and live on this earth, we suffer.(1) Do we really suffer?(2) What do we suffer?(3) Do we notice that life is a series of seas full of miseries?(4) Why do we suffer?(5) Who makes us suffer almost all the time?(6) Which factors that make life become a series of seas full of miseries?(7) Can we be free from all forms of afflictions in life? (8) Do we realize that we are the only ones who can rescue our very own?(9) Who else can save us and bring us to the heaven of joys and tranquility?(10) Why can no one else liberate us except for ourselves?To appreciate the real nature of a human life in this material world, to realize what the real nature is like, and to recognize "why and how" we—the only ones—can completely emancipate ourselves from miseries, let's spare a few moments of our valuable time to read on Self-Realization through Self-Transcendence (The Four Noble Truths).

Theme of "Bridging Thought and Feeling: The Path to Self-Realization" The chief argument here is that the harmonious integration of the faculties of cognition and emotion is the path to self-realization. It discusses the relationship between thought-sochna and feeling-mehasoos karna-in their respective roles, influences, and in the balance required for wholesome growth and enlightenment of a person. Key Aspects of the Theme: 1. Duality in Human Experience: In this book, it has been underscored that human experience is dual in nature, where thought and feelings must complement each other. It is what determines that it is actually the way thoughts shape our emotions and vice-versa; thus, it propagates the theory of maintaining a balance which finally helps in overcoming day-to-day challenges in life. 2. Self-Realization as the Ultimate Goal: It puts great emphasis on the ultimate goal of human existence, which is to realize deeply and accept one's true self. The book defines this concept and puts it into context from a historical, philosophical, and practical standpoint. 3. Practical Techniques for Integration: Practical techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, journaling, cognitive behavioral techniques, and emotional regulation will fall in well for integrating thoughts and feelings efficiently. These will lead to the emergence of deeper awareness and presence that will yield self-realization. 4. Philosophical and Spiritual Insights: The book looks at philosophical traditions from both the standpoints of Eastern and Western perspectives and carries spiritual insights from famous teachers. It bridges intellectual understanding with heartfelt wisdom and urges one to adopt an integrated approach in personal development. 5. Building a Supportive Environment: With the emphasis on the need for a nurturing environment, this book charts the ways in which space and relationships can be used to support reflection, growth, and emotional well-being, with particular focus given to community development and shared consciousness. 6. Advanced Practices for Higher Consciousness: The book introduces some of the higher meditation techniques and practices for those who would like to dig deeper, which are meant to lead to higher states of consciousness. These turn out to be some of the turning points in the journey toward the realization of the true self. 7. Continuous Journey: Self-realization is seen, therefore, not as a destination but as a journey. Indeed, the book also invites one to continue with their practices, providing resources for further learning and development. Bridging Thought and Feeling: The Path to Self-Realization is an enjoyable and enlightening philosophical discussion interwoven with exercises that anyone can do on their own with real-life examples. Bridging Thought and Feeling calls on every reader to begin a deep process in bringing the mind and heart into a new relationship with each other to allow a full and wiser life.

The Lankavatara Sutra is the cornerstone of Chinese Chn and Japanese Zen, and the teachings in the Lankavatara Sutra are considered as the authentic words of the Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, and speaks of the transcendental awareness of all Buddhas, wherein the Diamond Sutra is a book of the Perfection of Wisdom, completing each other in this workbook, that as progressing step-by-step deeper into the enlightenment and transcendental awareness of Buddhas, and stages those on the Path of Enlightenment travel through, functions as the definitive guide to Nirvana. And as this workbook encourages the readers to write their interpretations of the teachings, the books create a deep contemplative atmosphere for readers, and gives writing tips to enforce the creative process when filling the spaces for interpretations. This is a book for all those who seek enlightenment, Nirvana or deeper understanding on the nature of Buddhist beliefs, in the spirit of the universal human a part of the demystified series. Mahamati, the error in these erroneous teachings that are generally held by the philosophers lies in this: they do not recognize that the objective world rises from the mind itself; they do not understand that the whole mind-system also rises from the mind itself; but depending upon these manifestations of the mind as being real they go on discriminating them, like the simple-minded ones that they are, cherishing the dualism of this and that, of being and non-being, ignorant of the fact that there is but one common Essence. On the contrary my teaching is based upon the recognition that the objective world, like a vision, is a manifestation of the mind itself; it teaches the cessation of ignorance, desire, deed and causality; it teaches the cessation of suffering that arises from the discriminations of the triple world.

"A Sutra that reveals the maxim that 'To know thyself before the arisal and cessation of all things' is the key to unlocking the mystery of the nirvanic entrance into the eternal kingdom of your own True Nature: the Dharmakaya; a breakthrough that inspires a deeper realization of the Buddhadharma."--Back cover.

For the first time for general readers, the Dalai Lama presents a comprehensive overview of the most important teaching of Buddhism. Perhaps the main difference between Buddhism and other religions is its understanding of our core identity. The existence of the soul or self, which is central in different ways to Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, is actually denied in Buddhism. Even further, belief in a “self” is seen as the main source of our difficulties in life. Yet a true understanding of this teaching does not lead one to a despairing, cynical worldview with a sense that life has no meaning—Far from it, a genuine understanding leads to authentic happiness for an individual and the greatest source of compassion for others. In 2003 and in 2007, the Dalai Lama was invited to New York to give a series of talks on the essential Buddhist view of selflessness. This new book, the result of those talks, is now offered to help broaden awareness of this essential doctrine and its usefulness in living a more meaningful and happy life. While the Dalai Lama offers a full presentation of his teachings on these key philosophical points for contemplation, he also shows readers how to bring these teachings actively into their own lives with recommendations for a personal practice. It is only by actually living these teachings that we allow them to bring about a genuine transformation in our perception of ourselves and our lives A Profound Mind offers important wisdom for those committed to bringing about change in the world through developing their own spiritual capabilities, whether they are Buddhists or not.

Renowned scholar-monk writes accessibly on some of the most contentious topics in Buddhism—guaranteed to ruffle some feathers. Armed with his rigorous examination of the canonical records, respected scholar-monk Bhikkhu Analayo explores—and sharply criticizes—four examples of what he terms “superiority conceit” in Buddhism: the androcentric tendency to prevent women from occupying leadership roles, be these as fully ordained monastics or as advanced bodhisattvas the Mahayana notion that those who don’t aspire to become bodhisattvas are inferior practitioners the Theravada belief that theirs is the most original expression of the Buddha’s teaching the Secular Buddhist claim to understand the teachings of the Buddha more accurately than traditionally practicing Buddhists Ven. Analayo challenges the scriptural basis for these conceits and points out that adhering to such notions of superiority is not, after all, conducive to practice. “It is by diminishing ego, letting go of arrogance, and abandoning conceit that one becomes a better Buddhist,” he reminds us, “no matter what tradition one may follow.” Thoroughly researched, Superiority Conceit in Buddhist Traditions provides an accessible approach to these conceits as academic subjects. Readers will find it not only challenges their own intellectual understandings but also improves their personal practice.

Becoming Buddha compiles the invaluable teachings of contemporary Buddhist teachers who have sought to illuminate the ways of the Buddha in a manner that is comprehensible to a wide audience. These lectures comprise easy to follow dialogues, with anecdotes from the Buddha s own life as well as the lives of ordinary people, to explain how everyone can attain Buddhahood. The message underlying these teachings is that becoming Buddha is not an unattainable ideal. Each person can be a Buddha by becoming the perfect spiritual practitioner, one who wants enlightenment for all fellow creatures. This is not achieved simply through prayers or offerings but through the practical application of Buddha s wisdom to our own lives. The book reaffirms the significance of taking responsibility for our actions and instructs us to cherish all sentient beings in this life. The friendly, empathetic tone puts the reader at ease, reducing the distance between teacher and disciple. Becoming Buddha includes a previously unrecorded lecture by the Dalai Lama, rare photographs of the other educators who speak through this book and an article by eminent Buddhist scholar Professor Robert Thurman, which locates enlightenment in a socio-historical context, establishing that it is not merely a spiritual desire but an essential tool for survival today.