Books
INTO THE MIRROR: A BUDDHIST JOURNEY THROUGH MIND, MATTER, AND THE NATURE OF REALITY
The unique conditions of modernity create special challenges for Mahayana practitioners. Into the Mirror brings a contemporary approach to the Mahayana's three trainings—the trainings in ethical conduct, meditation and wisdom—while maintaining the tradition’s vast vision, depth and profundity.
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SHAMBHALA PUBLICATIONS
05/23/2023
THE PRACTICE OF CONTEMPLATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY: SEEING THE WORLD WITH FRESH EYES
This is a richly illustrated book about perceiving the world and making photographs; about the functioning of mind; about living a rich and meaningful life.
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SHAMBHALA PUBLICATIONS
04/08/2011
PAGES: 240
CONTEMPLATING REALITY: A PRACTITIONER'S GUIDE TO THE VIEW IN INDO-TIBETAN BUDDHISM
When Buddhism is practiced within the profound view of emptiness, it becomes an effective path to liberation. You develop the profound view through studying, contemplating and meditating. Contemplating Reality offers a practical, graduated approach to realizing the view.
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SHAMBHALA PUBLICATIONS
04/10/2007
PAGES: 272
Articles
Between Neuro-Skepticism and Ultimate Liberation
In recent years, I’ve become concerned about the way behaviorism, scientific materialism, and other reductionist approaches to the mind present major obstacles to realizing the profound truths of the Buddhists teachings. Insights into this conflict crystallized for me recently when I watched Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky talk about his recent book, Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will.
Mind or Brain?
That little voice that’s narrating your experience as you read this—is it in your mind or in your brain? At first glance, this might seem like a stupid semantic question. But it cuts to the heart of a weighty dilemma for modern science that also has profound implications for Buddhist practice.
The Itch Science Can’t Scratch
So much material wealth is produced and consumed in the modern world, yet everyone hungers for something more. Even the unbelievably wealthy Jeff Bezos still seems needy. Maybe it is not material things that we lack.
Sharpen Your Prajna
Making the dharma personal by going beyond formulas makes it effective. Buddhism is a gradual path, not because the truth is complicated, but because delusion is complicated. To overcome delusion, the gradual path of study, contemplation and meditation develops the insight that sees the truth of things as they are.
How to Practice Contemplative Photography
Normally we don’t distinguish between perception and conception, but not recognizing the difference between these two is the source of delusion, both in photography and in life. Contemplative photography helps us unravel this confusion.
Mahamudra: Look Directly at the Knower
In the practice of mahamudra, you take whatever it is that obstructs you—thoughts, feelings, emotions—and use that as your practice. Whatever it is that binds you, just that will set you free.
A Way of Seeing
Introducing the view of contemplative photography and art in everyday life.
Dharma Dictionary: What Is Pramana?
Buddhism sees ignorance as the root cause of suffering, and wisdom as its antidote. Therefore, it is a path of knowledge. Understanding what constitutes reliable sources of knowledge helps clarify this path. The study of this is known by the Sanskrit term pramana.
Forum: Do You Believe in Miracles?
Buddhist stories of miracles challenge our beliefs about what is possible and what is not; what exists and what does not. Skillful practitioners can use these stories to get beyond limiting beliefs.
Reality Isn't What You Think
The key to transforming the claustrophobic experience of habitual reality into the open, spacious experience of liberation is cultivating insight through study, contemplation and meditation. The practice of contemplation, in particular, is essential for changing theoretical understanding into profound insight.
Forum: How Does Karma Really Work?
The teachings on karma are central to traditional Buddhism. They are also some of the most perplexing teachings for modern practitioners.
Dharma Dictionary: What Is Samvrti Satva?
The two truths framework is vital for understanding the Mahayana teachings on emptiness and dependent arising. Relative truth both reveals the interdependent play of phenomena and conceals its empty nature.