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A bodhisattva—for anyone who may be unfamiliar with that Buddhist term—is an “enlightenment being”: someone who postpones his or her own passage into nirvana until everyone else can attain it as well—and who doesn’t just sit by passively waiting for that to happen, but whose entire existence is dedicated to working toward the seemingly impossible goal of universal enlightenment. First up this month are two new books that teach you how to set out on this path of radical compassion.
The Healing Power of Loving-Kindness: A Guided Buddhist Meditation Avalokitesvara is the name given to the bodhisattva who embodies loving-kindness. In this book and audio combination, one of today’s most beloved Tibetan Buddhist teachers leads you through a series of traditional practices related to this great archetypal symbol of unconditional love. In the 144-page book Tulku systematically introduces the twelve stages of loving-kindness practice. In the audio program (three hours total, on three CDs), he guides you through meditations and visualizations to awaken the loving-kindness that’s already in you. “If we are enjoying loving-kindness in our mind,” he says, “our physical presence will then become a source of peace, joy, and love for those whose minds are open. Whatever we say or do, even a simple smile, could become a source of heartwarming joy and long-lasting peace for others. Our mere presence could radiate the light and energy of loving-kindness to others in both visible and invisible ways.” Do these practices and then come hang out around me for a while, OK?
For the Benefit of All Beings: A Commentary on The Way of the Bodhisattva The Bodhicharyavatara (“Way of the Bodhisattva”) is the classic instruction book for aspiring bodhisattvas. The Dalai Lama said of it that, “If I have any understanding of compassion and of the bodhisattava path, it is entirely on the basis of this text that I possess it.” Here is his detailed commentary on select passages of this essential text of Mahayana Buddhism. It’s a great introduction to the classic in general, and it’s also full of much practical advice about making the practice of putting others’ needs before your own into a habit. This is a reissue of the book that was originally titled A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night. It’s also available in an unabridged audio version.
The Truth of Suffering and the Path of Liberation The truth of life has never been better or more succinctly articulated than in the Buddha’s teaching on suffering, its cause, and its cessation—the formulation known as the Four Noble Truths. This concise handful of words is the foundation on which all subsequent Buddhist teachings rely. Their wisdom is as pertinent to the scholar of Buddhist philosophy as it is to the ordinary practitioner, as it is indeed to anyone, anywhere, who aspires to liberation. Chögyam Trungpa’s in-depth exploration of the Four Noble Truths reveals the subtlety and sophistication that lie beneath the deceptively simple words. He emphasizes their profound relevance not just as an inspiration when we set out on the path but at every other moment of our lives as well, showing how we can join view (intellectual understanding) of the teaching with practical application in order to interrupt suffering before it arises.
Linen, Wool, Cotton: 25 Simple Projects to Sew with Natural Fabrics Here’s one of the first books in our new Make Good: Crafts + Life series, which focuses on the exciting trends in handcrafts that have been coming out of Japan lately. Few of the projects in these books have a particularly “Japanese” feel to them; they’re mostly just fun, attractive, and easy to make. This one focuses on some of the delightful things you can do with great-feeling natural fabrics, among them: a sarong-style apron, a bath mat, a lingerie case, a duvet cover, an elegant and comfy cotton jumper, and a messenger bag like no other messenger has. The projects are all photo-illustrated and come with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions (no previous sewing experience necessary!). All the books in the series share the striking and playful aesthetic qualities for which the modern Japanese crafting revolution is celebrated.
Patchwork Style: 35 Simple Projects for a Cozy and Colorful Life Nothing says “home” quite like patchwork. It imparts charm to anything it touches. This second new book in the Make Good series asks you to expand your patchwork consciousness beyond the usual suspects to include pillowcases, potholders, handbags, and all kinds of other stuff—and also to re-envision the patchwork look as something that can truly be on the “cutting edge” of design. None of the 35 projects you’ll find in this book will bear much resemblance to your grandmother’s quilt, but each is guaranteed to brighten up your life and home with color and charm, whimsy and warmth.
Vitality, Energy, Spirit: A Taoist Sourcebook Also this month, we’re reissuing a longtime favorite from the prolific translator Thomas Cleary. It’s an anthology of Taoist teachings on the three qualities that comprise the book’s title. These are the traditional “three treasures” of Taoism, and their cultivation is of critical importance, since they are considered the source of any kind of intelligence or creativity. The material is taken from over the whole history of Taoism, and includes writings by Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, Lü Yen, Chang Po-tuan, and Liu I-ming. That’s it for news this month. Look for these books in your favorite bookstore, or order them from us online. And drop us a line—we love to hear from you. Until next month, |
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