Taoism Buddhism

For the first time, the great depth and diversity of Taoist spirituality is introduced in a single, accessible manual. Taoism, known widely today through the teachings of the classic Tao Te Ching and the practices of t'ai chi and feng-shui, is less known for its unique traditions of meditation, physical training, magical practice, and internal alchemy. Covering all of the most important texts, figures, and events, this essential guide illuminates Taoism's extraordinarily rich history and remarkable variety of practice.

Buddhism is practiced by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, from Tibetan caves to Tokyo temples to redwood retreats. To an outside viewer, it might be hard to see what they all have in common. In Buddhism, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and American Buddhist nun Thubten Chodron map out with clarity the convergences and the divergences between the two major strains of Buddhism - the Sanskrit traditions of Tibet and East Asia and the Pali traditions of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

With characteristic humility, His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins this landmark survey of the entire Buddhist path by saying, "I think an overview of Tibetan Buddhism for the purpose of providing a comprehensive framework of the path may prove helpful in deepening your understanding and practice." In this book the Dalai Lama delivers a presentation that is both concise and profound, accessible and engaging.

Over the course of twenty-five centuries, Buddhism spread from its place of origin in northern India to become a global tradition of remarkable breadth, depth, and richness. Donald S. Lopez Jr. draws on the latest scholarship to construct a detailed and innovative history of Buddhism—not just as a chronology through the centuries or as geographic movement, but as a dense matrix of interconnections.

An ancient and deeply revered practice, Buddhism is even more popular now than it has been in decades. The secret behind its steady rise is due in part to the plethora of benefits Buddhism reaps upon those who practice it and apply its teachings to their lives. Through mindfulness and meditation, Buddhism injects peace and clarity into the minds and lives of those who dedicate themselves to it. Those wonderful benefits can be a part of your life as well through the careful study of its various tenets.

This lucid overview of the Buddhist path takes the perspective of the three "vehicles" of Tibetan Buddhism: the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. While these vehicles are usually presented as a historical development, they are here equated with the attitudes that individuals bring to their Buddhist practice. Basic to them all, however, is the need to understand our own immediate condition. The primary tool for achieving this is meditation, and The Essence of Buddhism serves as a handbook for the various meditative approaches of Buddhist practice.

In his 80th year, the great sage Lao Tzu made a difficult journey to the western gate of China. He was disillusioned that others were unwilling to learn his path to natural goodness and harmony with nature. At this legendary gate, a guard asked the old man to write down his wisdom. The result...

This very short introduction offers listeners a superb overview of the teachings of the Buddha, as well as a succinct guide to the integration of Buddhism into daily life.

In this book, you’ll learn the story of the original Buddha, and the lessons he taught. You’ll find out about his four noble truths – and how to incorporate them in your daily life! Buddhism is more than a religion – no matter your belief or creed, you can benefit from this ancient knowledge! There are plenty of values taught through Buddhism that can increase your happiness and quality of life!

Andrew Skilton - Senior Research Fellow in Buddhist Studies, Kings College, London - explains the development of the basic concepts of Buddhism and its spread across the continents during its 2,500 years of history. He begins with a close look at Buddhism in India, where it flourished until the 12th/13th century CE, charting the growth of different schools and practices. By the time it disappeared from its homeland midway through the millennium, it had become established in Central Asia and the Far East in a variety of forms.

As the practice of mindfulness permeates mainstream western culture, more and more people are engaging in a traditional form of Buddhist meditation. However, many of these people have little interest in the religious aspects of Buddhism, and the practice occurs within secular contexts such as hospitals, schools, and the workplace. Is it possible to recover from the Buddhist teachings a vision of human flourishing that is secular rather than religious without compromising the integrity of the tradition?

Begin your journey toward spiritual exploration and deepen your connection with the earth. Taoism for Beginners is your easy-to-understand guide to a rich, spiritual Chinese religion and a new holistic perspective.

Meshel Laurie has had a very varied career, but whether she's working the front desk at a brothel or anchoring drive-time radio, it's always had one common thread: she is a self-confessed workaholic. Thankfully, over the years she's learnt to temper her tendencies with a bit of Buddhist perspective - and you can too! Meshel shares her own experiences with wit and wisdom and explores how to navigate the modern workplace (and stay sane).

Speaking to an audience of Western students, the Dalai Lama shows us how to apply basic Buddhist principles to our day-to-day lives. Starting with the very foundation of Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths, he provides the framework for understanding the Buddha’s first teachings on suffering, happiness, and peace. He follows with commentary on two of Buddhism’s most profound texts: The Eight Verses on Training the Mind and Atisha’s Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, often referring to the former as one of his main sources of inspiration for the practice of compassion.

In this simple yet important book, Noah Rasheta takes profound Buddhist concepts and makes them easy to understand for anyone trying to become a better whatever-they-already-are.

Discover everything you’ve ever wondered about the legendary spirits, creatures, and figures of Japanese folklore including how they have found their way into every corner of our pop culture from the creator of the podcast Uncanny Japan. Welcome to The Book of Japanese Folklore: a fascinating...

Taoism is a Chinese philosophy or religion based on the ancient belief of the Tao. The Chinese word "Tao" has no exact translation in English, but the philosophy itself can be described as living in perfect harmony with nature. It can be described as living with nature in its pure form. But Taoism is not just a philosophy or religion. It is about a way of living your life. It is about flowing with life, living with all your heart, and accepting yourself.

We understand that stress and chaos dominate modern-day life. We also know that every human being longs for freedom from negativity at some point. Through this book we seek to highlight the teachings of Gautama Buddha, who was none other than the master of peace and tranquility. Buddha once said that he was neither god nor an angel. He said he was merely "awake". So what is an "awakening"? How do we achieve this state?

The Tao of Tranquility is the definitive translation and explanation of the Qingjing Jing, the Taoist classic from the Tang Dynasty more than a 1,000 years ago. It has a special place in the history of Eastern thought, because it is the only sutra to weave Tao insights and Buddhist teachings together. This forms a wondrous tapestry of enlightenment and creates a synergistic fusion that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Now, for the first time, Western listeners can explore this ancient treasure and reap the benefits of its wisdom.

Learn how to find fulfillment and still your mind through the teachings of Buddha. This book contains a brief overview of Buddhism. Like many heroic stories, the tale of this religion starts with one man's quest. Siddhartha Gautama was no ordinary man. He was a prince who gave up riches and a life of comfort in order to pierce the veil of body, mind, and spirit. With his fearless confidence and deep compassion for others, he achieved what few before him had ever known.