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Discover hidden practices, secretly transmitted in authentic Zen lineages, of using body, speech, and mind to remove obstructions to awakening.Though Zen is best known for the practices of koan introspection and "just sitting" or shikantaza, there are in fact many other practices transmitted in Zen lineages. In modern practice settings, students will find that Bodhidharma's words "direct pointing at the human mind" are little mentioned, or else taken to be simply a general descriptor of Zen rather than a crucial activity within Zen practice. Reversing this trend toward homogeneous and superficial understandings of Zen technique, Hidden Zen presents a diverse collection of practice instructions that are transmitted orally from teacher to student, unlocking a comprehensive path of awakening.This book reveals and details, for the first time, a treasury of "direct pointing" and internal energy cultivation practices preserved in the Rinzai Zen tradition. The twenty-eight practices of direct pointing offered here illuminate one's innate clarity and, ultimately, the nature of mind itself. Over a dozen practices of internal energetic cultivation galvanize dramatic effects on the depth of one's meditative attainment. Hidden Zen affords a small taste of the richness of authentic Zen, helping readers grow beyond the bounds of introspection and sitting to find awakening itself.

Leading African American Buddhist teachers offer lessons on racism, resilience, spiritual freedom, and the possibility of a truly representative American Buddhism. With contributions by Acharya Gaylon Ferguson, Cheryl A. Giles, Gyozan Royce Andrew Johnson, Ruth King, Kamilah Majied, Lama Rod Owens, Lama Dawa Tarchin Phillips, Sebene Selassie, and Pamela Ayo Yetunde. What does it mean to be Black and Buddhist? In this powerful collection of writings, African American teachers from all the major Buddhist traditions tell their stories of how race and Buddhist practice have intersected in their lives. The resulting explorations display not only the promise of Buddhist teachings to empower those facing racial discrimination but also the way that Black Buddhist voices are enriching the Dharma for all practitioners. As the first anthology comprised solely of writings by African-descended Buddhist practitioners, this book is an important contribution to the development of the Dharma in the West.

Released in paperback for the first time, this brilliant translation of Longchenpa's famous work presents the entire scope of the Buddhist view combined with pith instructions for pointing out the nature of one's mind.Longchen Rabjam's Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind is a classic Buddhist manual for attaining true liberation through familiarizing ourselves with our most basic nature--our clear, pristine, and aware mind. Written in the fourteenth century, this text is the first part to Longchenpa's Trilogy of Rest, a work of the esoteric Tibetan Dzogchen tradition. This unique presentation of the Buddhist view and path combines the scholastic expository method of explanation with direct pith instructions designed for yogi practitioners. This text systematically presents the view in thirteen chapters, outlining all that a practitioner must know in order to embark on the complete Buddhist path. Here we find fundamental instructions on the need to turn away from materialism, how to find a qualified guide, how to develop boundless compassion for all beings, tantra and its associated practices, calm abiding (samatha) and deep insight (vipasyana) meditation techniques, all culminating in the practice presented from the perspective of Dzogchen. This first volume of the Trilogy of Rest is a comprehensive teaching on the view from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, setting the foundation for the following two volumes: Finding Rest in Meditation, which focuses on meditation practice, and Finding Rest in Illusion, which focuses on post-meditation yogic conduct. The Padmakara Translation Group has provided us with a clear and fluid new translation of Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind, which will serve as a genuine aid to study and meditation.

The definitive guide to learning effective skills for engaging in open and honest conversations about divisive issues from three professional mediators.When a conversation takes a turn into the sometimes uncomfortable and often contentious topics of race, religion, gender, sexuality, and politics, it can be difficult to know what to say or how to respond to someone you disagree with. Compassionate Conversations empowers us to transform these conversations into opportunities to bridge divides and mend relationships by providing the basic set of conflict resolution skills we need to be successful, including listening, reframing, and dealing with strong emotions. Addressing the long history of injury and pain for marginalized groups, the authors explore topics like social privilege, power dynamics, and, political correctness allowing us to be more mindful in our conversations. Each chapter contains practices and reflection questions to help readers feel more prepared to talk through polarizing issues, ultimately encouraging us to take risks, to understand and recognize our deep commonalities, to be willing to make mistakes, and to become more intimate with expressing our truths, as well as listening to those of others.

Internationally known yoga teacher Tias Little shares powerful, inspiring wisdom from a lifetime of practice.For over 30 years, Tias Little has explored yoga as a spiritual path. In this book he offers key teachings from his journey that will resonate with anyone who has dedicated themself to a mind-body discipline. In short, accessible chapters, Little shares his struggles and joys as a yogi and chronicles the transformation of his understanding and practice along the way. There are many physical and emotional trials that come up in yoga as a spiritual practice: the urge toward perfectionism, the desire to get it all right, the way we push ourselves in the practice, being with "not-knowing," and the many ways some people use yoga as a sedative. To help the reader embody and experience each theme, Little includes companion practices at the end of each chapter including poses, reflections, meditations, and explorations.

After years of practicing persistently and developing technical prowess, advanced students in the Japanese sword arts need to cultivate a strategic mind if they are to advance to the rarefied level of master swordsperson. Rather than passively absorbing the sword techniques, an ambitious student needs to focus more directly on the two ultimate goals of the art—to cut the opponent while avoiding being cut and to move toward perfection of character.In Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship—the third volume in his invaluable series on Japanese swordsmanship—Nicklaus Suino, one of the most respected swordsmen in the United States, clearly and concisely presents a tactical approach to training, grounded in these two objectives. He provides a framework for learning strategy in swordsmanship, and demonstrates techniques and drills that help put the strategies into practice.Some of the topics that Suino covers include:    •  the nature of strategy, timing, and distance    •  sword handling    •  the importance of vision and state of mind    •  timing and distancing     •  reading an opponent’s intention Suino shows how through careful consideration of the technical issues, consistent practice, and ceaseless reflection, a diligent student can cultivate a strategic mind and learn how to achieve mastery over any opponent. To learn more about the author, Nicklaus Suino, go to <a title="www.artofjapaneseswordsmanship.com" target="_blank" href="http://www.artofjapaneseswordsmanship.com/">www.artofjapaneseswordsmanship.com</a>.<a href="http://www.artofjapaneseswordsmanship.com/" target="_blank" title="www.artofjapaneseswordsmanship.com"> </a> Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.  <a title="Page 135" target="_blank" href="http://www.shambhala.com/images/illus/strategy_japanese_sword_135.jpg"> <img vspace="0" hspace="0" border="0" align="bottom" alt="Page 135" src="http://www.shambhala.com/images/illus/strategy_japanese_thumb.jpg" /> </a> Page 135 <h6> </h6>

There are many forms of liberation—some that exist at the mercy of circumstance and others that can never be taken away. In this stirring and timely collection of stories, essays, poems, and letters, Jarvis Jay Masters explores the meaning of true freedom on his road to inner peace through Buddhist practice. He reveals his life as a young African American man surrounded by violence, his entanglement in the criminal justice system, and—following an encounter with Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche—an unfolding commitment to nonviolence and peacemaking. At turns joyful, heartbreaking, frightening, and soaring with profound insight, Masters’s story offers a vision of hope and the possibility of freedom in even the darkest of times.

"In the full bloom of spring, in a beautiful garden, in a place called Lumbini, a prince was born." So begins the extraordinary story of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who would become the enlightened Buddha, the Awakened One. This classic tale follows Prince Siddhartha's journey of truth-seeking and discovery, including his life-altering encounters with human suffering and his realization of the Four Noble Truths. Today, millions of people all over the world follow the Buddha's teachings on meditation, selflessness, and compassion. Rendered here in exquisite original watercolor illustrations, this inspiring story is brought to life for young readers curious about one of history's most monumental and influential figures.

Winner of the Moonbeams Children's Animals/Pets Non-Fiction Gold Medal!A story about the fundamental connection between animals and people and how we can treat all of Earth's creatures with compassion and empathy.Furry polar bears, playful sea otters, slow sloths, prickly porcupines, and slimy snakes are just a few of the many animals we share our world with. And even though we might not look the same or have the same needs as our animal neighbors, we have more in common with them than we might think. Our Animal Neighbors introduces children to the importance of treating all animals with the care and compassion they deserve. We all want to experience love, safety, and respect and this book is the first step to instilling those values at an early age. This planet is our home, and we should all be free to live a prosperous life regardless of whether we have hands, hooves, scales, or fur."A serious message delivered with humor, simplicity, and charm makes this book an excellent purchase for families that value open-ended discussions. Also a good resource for classrooms and libraries that welcome diverse opinions and points of view."-School Library Journal

Potent advice on how to think and act strategically in business, politics, and relationships--drawn from classic Chinese military and political expertise.The ancient strategies of war and politics have much to offer us in navigating the complicated challenges we face today--and to help us wisely and effectively meet our business, political, and relational goals. Here, eminent Chinese scholar and Taoist teacher Eva Wong unpacks the wisdom of The Thirty-Six Strategies, a collection of advice encoded in sayings, steeped in Chinese history and culture. She explores strategies attributed to renowned military philosophers such as Sun Tzu and Zhuge Liang (aka "The Sleeping Dragon"), along with other less-known advisors, that were implemented during three of the most chaotic eras of Chinese history--the Spring and Autumn Period, the Warring States Period, and the Three Kingdoms. Covering three categories of strategy--proactive, reactive, and desperate--Wong expertly connects the words of ancient military philosophers with timeless advice, as useful today as it was in the Tang dynasty (618-906) when this collection was originally gathered. In Chinese military philosophy and political theory, the thirty-six strategies are considered "yin" or "shadow" in nature, meaning that they operate best in darkness and concealment. As Wong writes, "Desperate times call for desperate measures, and since the thirty-six strategies rose out of times of war and conflict, it is inevitable that they were used to win wars, triumph over opponents, take advantage of situations, and survive when defeat is imminent."

Joanna Macy is a scholar of Buddhism, systems thinking, and deep ecology whose decades of writing, teaching, and activism have inspired people around the world. In this collection of writings, leading spiritual teachers, deep ecologists, and diverse writers and activists explore the major facets of Macy's lifework. Combined with eleven pieces from Macy herself, the result is a rich chorus of wisdom and compassion to support the work of our time. "Being fully present to fear, to gratitude, to all that is-this is the practice of mutual belonging. As living members of the living body of Earth, we are grounded in that kind of belonging. Even when faced with cataclysmic changes, nothing can ever separate us from Earth. We are already home."- Joanna MacyTo learn more, visit www.joannamacy.net.

A fascinating exploration of the role that magic has played in the history of BuddhismAs far back as we can see in the historical record, Buddhist monks, nuns, and other ritual specialists have offered services including healing, divination, rain making, aggressive magic, and love magic to local clients. Studying this history, scholar Sam van Schaik concludes that magic and healing have played a key role in Buddhism''s flourishing, yet they have rarely been studied in academic circles or by Western practitioners. The exclusion of magical practices and powers from most discussions of Buddhism in the modern era can be seen as part of the appropriation of Buddhism by Westerners, as well as an effect of modernization movements within Asian Buddhism. However, if we are to understand the way Buddhism has worked in the past, the way it still works now in many societies, and the way it can work in the future, we need to examine these overlooked aspects of Buddhist practice. In Buddhist Magic, van Schaik takes a book of spells and rituals--one of the earliest that has survived--from the Silk Road site of Dunhuang as the key reference point for discussing Buddhist magic in Tibet and beyond. After situating Buddhist magic within a cross-cultural history of world magic, he discusses sources of magic in Buddhist scripture, early Buddhist rituals of protection, medicine and the spread of Buddhism, and magic users. Including material from across the vast array of Buddhist traditions, van Schaik offers readers a fascinating, nuanced view of a topic that has too long been ignored.

A lyrical translation of an inspired selection of verses from the earliest Buddhist monks and nuns--now updated with additional translations.More than two thousand years ago, the earliest disciples of the Buddha put into verse their experiences on the spiritual journey--from their daily struggles to their spiritual realizations. Over time the verses were collected to form the Theragatha and Therigatha, the "Verses of Elder Monks" and "Verses of Elder Nuns" respectively. In Songs of the Sons and Daughters of the Buddha, renowned poets Andrew Schelling and Anne Waldman have translated the most poignant poems in these collections, bringing forth the visceral, immediate qualities that are often lost in more scholarly renditions. This updated edition contains new translations, as well as a new introduction and afterword. These selections reveal the fears, loves, mishaps, expectations, and joys of the early monks and nuns, when, struck by wild insight, they cried out the anguish or solace they knew in their lives.

An insightful collection of teachings about death and dying to help face life's greatest mystery calmly and with equanimity.Lifetimes of effort go into organizing, designing, and structuring every aspect of our lives, but how many people are willing to contemplate the inevitability of death? Although dying is an essential part of life, it is an uncomfortable topic that most people avoid. With no idea what will happen when we die and a strong desire to sidestep the conversation, we make all kinds of assumptions.Living Is Dying collects teachings about death and the bardos that have been passed down through a long lineage of brilliant Buddhist masters, each of whom went to great lengths to examine the process in minute detail. Renowned author and teacher Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse responds to the most common questions he's been asked about death and dying--exploring how one prepares for death, what to say to a loved one who is dying, and prayers and practices to use as a handhold when approaching the unknown territory of death. Whether you are facing death today or decades from now, preparing for it can help to allay your worst fears and help you appreciate what it means to be truly alive.

A fun, modern, and irreverent introduction to healing herbs, this field guide to feeling good includes more than 20 plant profiles.Here is an invitation to the wild world of healing plants growing right outside your door. Highlighting herbs from catnip and plantain to nettles and rosemary, this book provides the information you need to assemble an herbal arsenal for combatting any ailment-everything from brewing up a slick lube tea for sexual health to fashioning a simple summer band-aid from backyard "weeds" to crafting an herbal smoking blend to quiet a busy mind. This accessible guide covers questions like: What is plant medicine? What can I put in my mouth and where do I find it? Can I still go to my doctor? We've got you covered.

Achieve vibrant health in every season with the holistic techniques of traditional Chinese medicine.This friendly guide to a 2,000-year-old lineage of healing wisdom integrates both the Five Element theory and the practices of traditional Chinese medicine to uncover what your body needs for balance and optimal health. Everyday Chinese Medicine demystifies, simplifies, and reveals patterns to help you take control of your own well-being from the comfort of your own home and kitchen. Mindi Counts-a holistic medical practitioner, acupuncturist, and herbalist-walks you through the seasons, elements, and organ systems to help you understand your unique constitution and how to achieve energetic and physical balance. With simple recipes, self-care practices, and time-tested herbal remedies, Everyday Chinese Medicine is the perfect companion on your path to complete wellness.

Create your own magical prehistoric terrariums and dioramas while teaching kids about dinosaurs and their habitats.Tiny Dino Worlds shows dinosaur lovers of all ages how to create prehistoric habitats with real plants. From active volcanoes and dino poop to handmade fossils and interactive terrariums, kids and adults alike will have fun building living habitats for all of their favorite dinos.Design a Jurassic world with plants that actually look just like prehistoric ones--or stage an epic battle between the vicious T-rex and the stubborn Triceratops. The book includes 26 simple projects (appropriate for kids ages 4-10), ranging from making sticky mud traps from homemade slime to cracking open "ice eggs" to reveal the dino hidden inside. Written by a crafty mom and vetted by two paleontologists, this book is jam-packed with fun, educational projects, weird but true facts about dinosaurs, and gorgeous step-by-step photography. Tiny Dino Worlds is sure to delight all the dinosaur-lovers in your life!

A modern introduction to traditional Buddhist psychology This practical overview of Buddhist psychology outlines step-by-step methods for examining the source of our habitual tendencies and hangups. In order to truly free ourselves from perpetuating patterns of suffering, the Buddha offered a clear system for understanding our psychological dispositions, processes, fixations, and challenges--a system known as the Abhidharma. This tradition has been studied by Buddhists for over two millennia. Professor Steven Goodman has taught on the Abhidharma in both universities and Buddhist retreats for over twenty years, making these traditional teachings accessible for a modern readership for the first time. Goodman explains how becoming aware of our mental patterns can liberate us from cycles of emotional pain and shows how the Abhidharma can be applied to meditation practice through exercises of observation and reflection. This is the go-to manual for anyone interested in the world of Buddhist psychology.

Navigate changing emotions with this beautifully illustrated meditation deck featuring 30 cards to help kids ages 4 and up connect more deeply with themselves and others.Help your child become more focused, calm, and capable of dealing with overwhelming emotions. The Monkey Mind Meditation Deck explores the playful and powerful qualities of animals and nature to inspire your child to discover the same qualities in themselves and others. Vibrant images from illustrator Alexander Vidal are paired with key phrases and short meditations or activities to help children learn about themselves without judgment. By getting to know the impulses that give rise to their actions, children can become empowered to make choices that truly serve them best.The deck includes a short booklet explaining the various ways to use the cards and additional notes to tailor the meditations and activities to meet the needs of your child. Encourage playful discovery to help your child learn how to be a captain of their own ship, appreciate the present moment, and venture outside their cocoon. Whether your child wants to draw the cards face down for spontaneous inspiration or select one face up to work on a specific theme, the deck offers authentic exploration and a creative way for children to reflect on difficult topics. The cards will help your child cultivate a safe inner space to handle life's ups and downs, release tension and anxiety, and maintain the emotional freedom needed to explore their unique gifts as they navigate an increasingly complex world.

This collection contains four of the most cherished Tibetan Buddhist commentaries on the practices of visualization, mantra recitation, and meditative absorption-elements that form the core of development stage meditation, one of the most important practices of Buddhist Tantra. The texts within this volume-Ladder to Akanistha, Clarifying the Difficult Points in the Development Stage, The Four Stakes That Bind the Life-Force, and Husks of Unity-are among the most widely studied commentaries on this topic and have formed the basis for spiritual study and practice for centuries. In these eloquent and inspiring translations, Jigme Lingpa, Patrul Rinpoche, and Getse Mahapaṇdita explain the fundamental philosophy of the development stage, illuminating its profound insights into the nature of reality and how to utilize these insights through the practice of meditation.

The Tibetan teaching of Dzog-chen (pronounced ZOAK-chen), also known as Ati yoga, is considered by its adherents to be the definitive and most secret teaching of the Buddha. Primordial Experience is a translation of a key text articulating the Dzog-chen teachings, "Gold Refined from Ore," by Mañjusrimitra, an Indian disciple of the first teacher of Ati yoga. According to the Dzog-chen teachings, purity of mind is always present and only needs to be recognized.

Here is a concise and user-friendly presentation of the ancient Chinese principles of leadership and strategy in the words of the masters themselves. Thomas Cleary has put together this collection of gems of wisdom from six of the great classics, including excerpts from his best-selling translation of The Art of War and other lesser-known but insightful texts.