Author: Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya Publisher: Arktos ISBN: 1907166327 Category : Political Science Languages : en Pages : 194
Book Description
The Dharma Manifesto is a call to action for those who seek a form of social and political action that has a firm spiritual foundation, but which also challenges the prevailing social and religious order in the postmodern West. It does not merely offer criticism - it is also a blueprint for how a national community founded upon Dharmic principles could operate in the twenty-first century. Its author defines the term "Dharma," which in the ancient Sanskrit language means "Natural Law," in an unconventional way. For those who embrace Dharma Nationalism, Dharma is predicated upon the pressing need for the organic and munificent resacralization of culture and of all human endeavor, as well as the manifestation of the highest potentials attainable by every individual in society in accordance with transcendental principles. Thus, Dharma does not only refer to traditions with which it is usually associated such as Hinduism and Buddhism, but also to the Taoist, Confucian, Zoroastrian, Native American, and European pagan traditions, all of which, this book holds, share a common, basic worldview. This book is therefore a resource for those who want to carry out both an inward, contemplative revolution within themselves as well an outer, social revolution in the world around them, in harmony with one another. It is intended to serve as a systematic program signaling the beginning of a what will hopefully be a new era in humanity's eternal yearning for meaningful freedom and happiness.
Author: B. Alan Wallace Publisher: Columbia University Press ISBN: 0231158343 Category : Medical Languages : en Pages : 306
Book Description
A radical approach to studying the mind. Renowned Buddhist philosopher B. Alan Wallace reasserts the power of shamatha and vipashyana, traditional Buddhist meditations, to clarify the mind's role in the natural world. Raising profound questions about human nature, free will, and experience versus dogma, Wallace challenges the claim that consciousness is nothing more than an emergent property of the brain with little relation to universal events. Rather, he maintains that the observer is essential to measuring quantum systems and that mental phenomena (however conceived) influence brain function and behavior. Wallace embarks on a two-part mission: to restore human nature and to transcend it. He begins by explaining the value of skepticism in Buddhism and science and the difficulty of merging their experiential methods of inquiry. Yet Wallace also proves that Buddhist views on human nature and the possibility of free will liberate us from the metaphysical constraints of scientific materialism. He then explores the radical empiricism inspired by William James and applies it to Indian Buddhist philosophy's four schools and the Great Perfection school of Tibetan Buddhism. Since Buddhism begins with the assertion that ignorance lies at the root of all suffering and that the path to freedom is reached through knowledge, Buddhist practice can be viewed as a progression from agnosticism (not knowing) to gnosticism (knowing), acquired through the maintenance of exceptional mental health, mindfulness, and introspection. Wallace discusses these topics in detail, identifying similarities and differences between scientific and Buddhist understanding, and he concludes with an explanation of shamatha and vipashyana and their potential for realizing the full nature, origins, and potential of consciousness.
Author: Thanissara Publisher: North Atlantic Books ISBN: 158394916X Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 225
Book Description
Time to Stand Up retells the story of the historical Buddha, one of the greatest sacred activists of all time, as a practical human being whose teachings of freedom from suffering are more relevant than ever in this time of global peril. Evolving onward from the patriarchal template of spiritual warriors and their quests, former nun Thanissara explores awakening from within a feminine view where the archetypes of lover and nurturer are placed as central and essential for a sustainable world. Vital is an investigation into the pinnacle of Buddhist practice, the realization of the "liberated heart." Thanissara questions the narrative of "transcendence" and invites us into the lived reality of our deepest heart as it guides our journey of healing, reclamation, and redemption. As the book unfolds, the author examines traditional Buddhism--often fraught with gender discrimination--and asks the important question, "Can Buddhist schools, overly attached to hierarchal power structures, and often divorced from the radical and free inquiry exemplified by the Buddha, truly offer the ground for maturing awakening without undertaking a fundamental review of their own shadows?" Chapter by chapter, the book relates Siddhartha Gautama's awakening to the sea-change occurring on Earth in present time as we as a civilization become aware of the ethical bankruptcy of the nuclear and fossil fuel industry and the psychopathic corporate and military abuse of power currently terrorizing our planet. Thanissara relates the Buddha's story to real-life individuals who are living through these transitional times, such as Iraq war veterans, First Nation People, and the Dalai Lama. Time to Stand Up gives examples of the Buddha's activism, such as challenging a racist caste system and violence against animals, stopping war, transforming a serial killer, and laying down a nonhierarchical structure of community governance, actions that would seem radical even today. Thanissara explores ways forward, deepening our understanding of meditation and mindfulness, probing its use to pacify ourselves as the cogs in the corporate world by helping people be more functional in a dysfunctional systems--and shows how these core Buddhist practices can inspire a wake-up call for action for our sick and suffering planet Earth. About the Sacred Activism series When the joy of compassionate service is combined with the pragmatic drive to transform all existing economic, social, and political institutions, a radical divine force is born: Sacred Activism. The Sacred Activism Series, published by North Atlantic Books, presents leading voices that embody the tenets of Sacred Activism--compassion, service, and sacred consciousness--while addressing the crucial issues of our time and inspiring radical action.
Author: Dharma Pravartaka Acharya Publisher: ISBN: 9780986252631 Category : Languages : en Pages : 164
Book Description
Sometimes known as "Hinduism", or alternately as the Vedic tradition, the religion of Sanatana Dharma is the most ancient, continuously practiced spiritual tradition on earth. The term "Sanatana Dharma" is translated from the Sanskrit language to English as the "Eternal Natural Way". It is the religion of over one-billion of the world's current inhabitants. In this very accessible and easily readable new book, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya, one of the world's greatest living authorities on the tradition of Sanatana Dharma, provides us with a brief, yet extremely authoritative, introduction to this remarkable spiritual path. Acharya explains the many contributions of Sanatana Dharma to the world, including being the original source of natural medicine, meditation, martial arts, philosophy, science, and sacred arts and culture. As Acharya demonstrates in this book, Sanatana Dharma is much more than just a religion. Sanatana Dharma is a divine civilization. Introduction to Sanatana Dharma explains the philosophical world-view and practices of this amazing spiritual tradition in an easy to follow and understand format, as well as reveals how Sanatana Dharma can help bring deep spiritual meaning and peace to our daily lives. If you are seeking philosophical answers to life's deepest mysteries, as well as a spiritual path that delivers joy, peace, contentment and purpose, Introduction to Sanatana Dharma is a must read for you.
Author: Noah Levine Publisher: Harper Collins ISBN: 0061870633 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 219
Book Description
Buddha was a revolutionary. His practice was subversive; his message, seditious. His enlightened point of view went against the norms of his day—in his words, "against the stream." His teachings changed the world, and now they can change you too. Presenting the basics of Buddhism with personal anecdotes, exercises, and guided meditations, bestselling author Noah Levine guides the reader along a spiritual path that has led to freedom from suffering and has saved lives for 2,500 years. Levine should know. Buddhist meditation saved him from a life of addiction and crime. He went on to counsel and teach countless others the Buddhist way to freedom, and here he shares those life-changing lessons with you. Read and awaken to a new and better life.
Author: Dharma Pravartaka Acharya Publisher: ISBN: 9780986252600 Category : Languages : en Pages :
Book Description
The all-in-one guide to the world of Yoga, Vedanta, meditation and Hinduism. This book is an unmatched celebration of the tradition of Vedic spirituality. In this magnum opus, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya has provided us with a valuable introduction to the philosophy and practice of this ancient spiritual path.Sanatana Dharma: The Eternal Natural Way is the most comprehensive summary of this profound spiritual tradition ever written. It is the first English language systematic theological and philosophical exposition of the entire world-view of Sanatana Dharma. With an easy to follow format, detailed glossary, and style of writing that is both authoritative, yet inviting to any reader, this book is your doorway to a rarely visited realm of spiritual awakening. www.dharmacentral.com
Author: Dharma Pravartaka Acharya Publisher: ISBN: 9780986252624 Category : Languages : en Pages :
Book Description
"Living Dharma: The Teachings of Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya" is a collection of powerful wisdom teachings revealed directly from the pen of one of the world's foremost living Dharma Masters over a span of two years, ranging from 2008 to 2010. In these inspirational and enlightening teachings, we gain a precious and rare glimpse of the very essence of Dharma, as well as practical guidance for how we can practice Dharma, meditation and Yoga spirituality in an authentic, meaningful and effective way. This book is meant for the serious spiritual seeker. If you can fully understand and apply its teachings to your life, with humility, sincerity, openness and enthusiasm, your life will be radically transformed.
Author: Kittisaro Publisher: North Atlantic Books ISBN: 1583948392 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 297
Book Description
A husband and wife share stories of struggle and triumph along the path of the Buddha, distilling his most essential teachings in this guide that is “luminous in clarity and depth” (Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance) Husband and wife Kittisaro and Thanissara take turns co-authoring chapters in this deeply personal dharma book exploring the inner practice of meditation in support of awakening. Within the context of the lives of the authors, both monastics in their youth, awakening unfolds as a multifaceted process following the archetypal journey of the hero(ine). Traveling from innocence to disillusionment through the fields of trials and despair that lead to maturity, and ultimately to inspiration and a blessed life, Listening to the Heart tells the story of two unconventional individuals who have together embraced spirituality as the keystone of their lives. At the heart of the book, through teachings on the nondual nature of reality, we enter the “intimacy with all things” as revealed in core Buddhist texts. Without ending at the goal of personal freedom, Thanissara and Kittisaro encourage us to go beyond the experience of inner peace to embodying wisdom in acts of service within the world. With a realistic appraisal of our current global crisis in which sustainability is threatened by catastrophic climate change, the authors encourage a preparedness that enables a mindful balance of equanimity and passionate engagement whatever the outcome of our global evolutionary journey. The guiding refuge for this journey is the Buddha, the historical teacher and—most profoundly—that immediate and direct pure awareness, which we all can access. The book also draws on teachings and stories of Buddhist masters who are fearless, funny, and challenging. Eventually, we are led into the Mary-like presence of the goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin who, as a great archetype within Buddhist cosmology, reveals the deepest mystery of our own hearts and our capacity for merciful and compassionate response. As the inner process of awakening unfolds, it transforms seekers and their lives, as modeled by the authors. It both heals the personal self in its journey through its wounds and shadows, and yet at the same time dissolves identification with the self. The book then ends by returning to the simplicity of the authors' primary teacher, Ajahn Chah, with his encouragement to “Be the Dharma.”
Author: Rabbi Nilton Bonder Publisher: Shambhala Publications ISBN: 1570629242 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 129
Book Description
A treatise on when and why to heed your soul's transgressive instinct, with examples drawn from biblical history and Hasidic lore. Rabbi Bonder turns a few conventional ideas on their heads as he identifies the forces at play in individual, social, and spiritual transformation. Many people believe that obedience to the established moral order leads to the well-being of society as well as the salvation of their souls. On the contrary, says Bonder, the human spirit is nourished by the impulse to betray and transgress the ways of the past. Even the Bible legitimizes our God-given urge to disobey in order to evolve, grow, and transcend. It is this "immoral" soul of ours that impels us to do battle with God--and out of this clash, Bonder predicts, a new humanity will emerge. In the course of discussion, he examines a variety of intriguing issues touching on religion, science, and culture, including the findings of evolutionary psychology; the relation of body and soul; infidelity in marriage; the stereotype of Jew as traitor; sacrifice and redemption in Judaism and Christianity; and the Messiah as archetypal transgressor.
Author: Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya
Author: B. Alan Wallace
Author: Thanissara
Author: Dharma Pravartaka Acharya
Author: Noah Levine
Author: Dharma Pravartaka Acharya
Author: Dharma Pravartaka Acharya
Author: Kittisaro
Author: Subhuti
Author: Rabbi Nilton Bonder