"Walking the spiritual path properly is a very subtle process;
it is not something to jump into naively. There are numerous sidetracks
which lead to a distorted, ego-centered version of spirituality; we can
deceive ourselves into thinking we are developing spiritually when instead
we are stengthening our egocentricity through spiritual techniques. This
fundamental distortion may be referred to as spiritual materialism."
First discussed are the various ways in which people involve themselves
in spiritual materialism; the many forms of self-deception into which aspirants
may fall. After this tour of the sidetracks along the way, the broad outlines
of the true spiritual path are discussed. The approach presented is a classical
Buddhist one; not in the scholastic sense but in the manner of directly
and simply presenting the heart of the Buddhist approach to spirituality.
Although the Buddhist way is non-theistic, these insights do not conflict
with the contemplative and moral persuits of theism.There may be various
differences of view and practices between the religions, but the basic
problems of spiritual materialism are commonly found in all spiritual endevours.
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Dharma
Art
Chögyam Trungpa,
with Judith Lief
"Dharma Art" refers to creative works that spring from the awakened
meditative state, characterized by directness, unselfconsciousness and
nonaggression. Trungpa Rinpoche shows that dharma art provides a way to
appreciate the nature of things as they are and to express that appreciation
without any struggle or ambition.
The Dignity of the Artist -- A work of dharma art brings out the goodness
and dignity of the situation it reflects -- dignity that comes from the
artist's interest in the details of life and sense of appreciation for
experience.
Study the Traditions -- At the same time, the author stresses the need
for artists to study their craft, develop skill and absorb the knowledge
and insight passed down by tradition. Finally, he extends the principles
of dharma art to everyday life, showing how any activity can provide an
opportunity to relax and open ourselves to the phenomenal world.
Artwork by the Author -- Among the twenty black-and-white illustrations
are artworks by the author including photographs, paintings, calligraphies
and flower arrangements.
Meditation
in Action
Chögyam Trungpa
This classic teaching continues to inspire both beginner and long-time
practitioners of Buddhist meditation. Trungpa Rinpoche shows that meditation
extends beyond the formal practice of sitting to build the foundation for
compassion, awareness and creativity in all aspects of life.
He explores the six activities associated with meditation in action
-- generosity, discipline, patience, energy, clarity, and wisdom -- revealing
that through simple, direct experience one can attain real wisdom: the
ability to see clearly into situations and deal with them skillfully without
the self-consciousness connected with ego.
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The
Myth of Freedom
and
the Way of Meditation
Chögyam Trungpa
Freedom is generally thought of as the ability to achieve goals and
satisfy desires. But what are the sources of these goals and desires? If
they arise from ignorance, habitual patterns and negative emotions -- psychologically
destructive elements that actually enslave us -- is the freedom to pursue
them true freedom or just a myth?
In this book Trungpa Rinpoche explores the meaning of freedom in the
profound context of Tibetan Buddhism. He shows how our attitudes, preconceptions
and even our spiritual practices can become chains that bind us to repetitive
patterns of frustration and despair. He also explains the role of meditation
in bringing into focus the causes of frustration and in allowing these
negative forces to become aids in advancing toward true freedom.
Trungpa's unique ability to express the essence of Buddhist teachings
in the language and imagery of contemporary American culture makes this
book one of the most immediately available sources for the meaning of the
Buddhist doctrine ever written.
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The
Wisdom of No Escape
and
the
Path
of Loving-Kindness
Pema Chödron
This book is about saying yes to life; about making friends with ourselves
and our world; about accepting the delightful and painful situation of
"no-exit." It exhorts us to wake up wholeheartedly to everything and to
use the abundant richly textured fabric of everyday life as our primary
spiritual teacher and guide.
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When
Things Fall Apart:
Heart
Advice for Difficult Times
Pema Chödron
The beautiful practicality of her teaching has made Pema Chödrön
one of the most beloved of contemporary American spiritual authors, among
Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. This new collection, taken from talks
she gave between 1987 and 1994, is a treasury of wisdom for going on living
"when things fall apart", when we are overcome by pain and difficulties.
The good news, according to Pema, is that when we fearlessly approach
suffering, relaxing into the groundlessness of our situation, we will discover
a simple, subtle yet indestructible kind of happiness. With clarity and
humor she shows how we can cultivate maitri, loving-kindness, and a fearlessly
compassionate attitude toward our own pain and that of others.
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Start
Where You Are:
A
Guide to Compassionate Living
Pema Chödron
An inspiring and practical book on how to make friends with ourselves
and develop genuine compassion toward others. With insight and humor, Pema
Chödrön presents down-to-earth teachings on how we can overcome
our own suffering as well as alleviate the suffering of others. This is
only possible, the author says, if we "start where we are", embracing rather
than pushing away the painful aspects of our lives. Pema Chödrön
frames her teachings on the fifty-nine traditional Tibetan Buddhist slogans
that make up the Seven Points of Mind Training by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje.
The slogans include such maxims as:
"Always apply only a joyful state of mind."
"Don't seek others' pain as the limbs of your own happiness."
"Always meditate on whatever provokes resentment."
"Be grateful to everyone."
Working with these slogans and through the meditation practice of tonglen
-- sending and taking -- the author shows how anyone can develop the courage
to face difficulties and discover inner joy, well-being, and confidence.
Start Where You Are is an indispensable handbook for cultivating fearlessness
and awakening a compassionate heart.
Places
That Scare You:
A
Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times
Pema Chödron
We always have a choice, Pema Chodron teaches: We can let the circumstances
of our lives harden us and make us increasingly resentful and afraid, or
we can let them soften us and make us kinder.
Pema's previous works provided the inspiration and guidance to confront
the problems and difficulties that life throws our way. Here she provides
the specific tools to deal with them - to cultivate the awakened, compassionate
ability to open our hearts and minds to our own suffering and that of others.
This wisdom is always available to us, Pema teaches, but we usually block
it with habitual patterns rooted in fear. Beyond that fear lies a state
of openheartedness and tenderness.
In The Places That Scare You, Pema Chodron shows us how awaken our basic
goodness, cultivate loving-kindness, and stay in the present moment by
seeing through the strategies of ego that cause us to resist life as it
is.
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