The Library

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.3443 · Religion

Amid stress, anxiety, and life’s challenges, Buddhism offers a path that can meet them fearlessly with awareness, compassion, and wisdom. This core resource for Buddhist practice offers accessible teachings for beginners or for anyone ready to explore meditation more deeply. Buddhism is rooted in the simple idea that you can train your mind to suffer less and flourish more. In this experiential guide, Cortland Dahl will take you on a journey through the core principles and meditation practices of the Buddhist tradition. The journey begins with teachings on the Four Noble Truths, practical observations that will help you understand the causes of unhappiness, and how you can access inner calm and deep insight through meditation. The journey continues with teachings on compassion, buddha nature, and the profound principle of emptiness, before culminating in a discussion of meditation practices that use common experiences like dreams and strong emotions to awaken. Through accessible teachings and relatable stories, you will learn simple methods to transform your mind and embrace true, unshakeable happiness.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294 · Meditations, Mental healing, Attention, Quotations, Self-Help, buddhism, meditation

Mindfulness opens us up to the possibility of being fully human as we are, and of expressing the humane in our way of being. Mindlessness de facto closes us up and denies us the fullness of our being alive. This book may on the surface appear to be merely another offering in the genre of daily readings. But deep within these 108 selections lie messages of profound wisdom in a contemporary and practical form that can lead to both healing and transformation. We so urgently need to rotate in consciousness in order to safeguard what precious sanity is available to us on this planet. How we carry ourselves will determine the direction the world takes because, in a very real way, we are the world we inhabit. Our world is continuously being shaped by our participation in everything around us and within us through mindfulness. This is the great work of awareness. Welcome to the threshold . . . to the fullness of arriving at your own door!

200 — Religion · DDC 299.5144

Dewey 299.5144 · Taoism, Philosophy / Eastern, Eastern, Eastern - General, Philosophy, Chinese Philosophy, Religion - World Religions

In 1993, archaeologists unearthed a set of ancient bamboo scrolls that contained the earliest known version of the Dao de jing. Composed more than two thousand years ago, this life-changing document offers a regimen of self-cultivation to attain personal excellence and revitalize moral behavior. Now in this luminous new translation, renowned China scholars Roger T. Ames and David L. Hall bring the timeless wisdom of the Dao de jing into our contemporary world. In this elegant volume, Ames and Hall feature the original Chinese texts of the Dao de jing and translate them into crisp, chiseled English that reads like poetry. Each of the eighty-one brief chapters is followed by clear, thought-provoking commentary exploring the layers of meaning in the text. This new version of one of the world’s most influential documents will stand as both a compelling introduction to Daoist thought and as the classic modern English translation.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.3923 · Religion

Essential Teachings presents the first English translation of a series of talks given in 1974 by the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya, India—the site of the Buddha's enlightenment—to a gathering of Tibetan refugees and Western Buddhists. His precise and eloquent commentary on the "Path of the Bodhisattva," one of the most important teaching texts of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, offers a step-by-step guide to thirty-seven practices designed to help cultivate the spirit of compassion for all life and service to others that is at the heart of Buddhism.

200 — Religion · Judaism

Dewey 296.706 · Religion

A renowned political speechwriter rediscovers Judaism, finding timeless wisdom and spiritual connection in its age-old practices and traditions. “Sarah Hurwitz was Michelle Obama’s head speechwriter, and with this book she becomes Judaism’s speechwriter.”—Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Give and Take, Originals, and co-author of Option B After a decade as a political speechwriter—serving as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama, a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama, and chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton on her 2008 presidential campaign—Sarah Hurwitz decided to apply her skills as a communicator to writing a book . . . about Judaism. And no one is more surprised than she is. Hurwitz was the quintessential lapsed Jew—until, at age thirty-six, after a tough breakup, she happened upon an advertisement for an introductory class on Judaism. She attended on a whim, but was blown away by what she found: beautiful rituals, helpful guidance on living an ethical life, conceptions of God beyond the judgy bearded man in the sky—none of which she had learned in Hebrew school or during the two synagogue services she grudgingly attended each year. That class led to a years-long journey during which Hurwitz visited the offices of rabbis, attended Jewish meditation retreats, sat at the Shabbat tables of Orthodox families, and read hundreds of books about Judaism—all in dogged pursuit of answers to her biggest questions. What she found transformed her life, and she wondered: How could there be such a gap between the richness of what Judaism offers and the way so many Jews like her understand and experience it? Sarah Hurwitz is on a mission to close this gap by sharing the profound insights she discovered on everything from Jewish holidays, ethics, and prayer to Jewish conceptions of God, death, and social justice. In this entertaining and accessible book, she shows us why Judaism matters and how its message is more relevant than ever, and she inspires Jews to do the learning, questioning, and debating required to make this religion their own. “Searching for meaning in the ancient scripture and traditions of Judaism, Sarah Hurwitz takes us along on an enriching journey of discovery. In Here All Along, she explores her birthright as a Jew and finds timeless and valuable life lessons.”—David Axelrod, director of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama

200 — Religion · Judaism

Dewey 296.709 · Cabala, Religion

Unraveling the web of ancient traditions hidden in such texts as the Sefer Yetzirah and the Zohar, this book traces history and offers an accessible introduction to understanding Kabbalah and its practices. Jewish mysticism has flourished—sometimes brilliantly, sometimes darkly—over five thousand years. This pioneering, popular text on Jewish mysticism was the first written for a general audience, and in it, Perle Besserman offers a lively and accessible introduction to the methods, schools, and practitioners of this intriguing world. She traces the history of Kabbalah through the lives of its illustrious scholars and saints and unravels the web of ancient traditions hidden in such texts as Sefer Yetzirah and the Zohar. Running through these pages are the words of the outstanding Kabbalists and mystics—including Simeon bar Yohai, Isaac Luria, Abraham Abulafia, and the Baal Shem Tov—giving instructions on practices ranging from contemplation of the Bible’s secret teachings to ritual, ecstatic prayer, and intensive meditation.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.3444 · Buddhism -- Doctrines, Spiritual life -- Buddhism, Philosophy

Can an ordinary person with family responsibilities achieve Nirvana or Buddhahood? What should be the spiritual limit of ambition for a busy professional? How do you stay positive when confronted with environmental and human injustice? Answering these and a host of other questions from his most recent annual Dharma Celebration, His Holiness delivers a message about the paths to “right living” and the need to overcome negative emotions in order to develop one’s inner consciousness. Wise, compassionate, and always pragmatic, he offers advice on the many issues that confront us every day: how to free ourselves from emotional afflictions and petty cravings, how to transform anxiety into contentment, and how to initiate and keep alive interfaith dialogue in the troubled times we live in.

200 — Religion · Christian theology

Dewey 230 · Religion, History, Middle East

Why have the monotheistic religions failed to produce societies that live up to their ethical ideals? A prominent rabbi answers this question by looking at his own faith and offering a way for religion to heal itself. In Putting God Second, Rabbi Donniel Hartman tackles one of modern life’s most urgent and vexing questions: Why are the great monotheistic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—chronically unable to fulfill their own self-professed goal of creating individuals infused with moral sensitivity and societies governed by the highest ethical standards? To answer this question, Hartman takes a sober look at the moral peaks and valleys of his own tradition, Judaism, and diagnoses it with clarity, creativity, and erudition. He rejects both the sweeping denouncements of those who view religion as an inherent impediment to moral progress and the apologetics of fundamentalists who proclaim religion’s moral perfection against all evidence to the contrary. Hartman identifies the primary source of religion’s moral failure in what he terms its “autoimmune disease,” or the way religions so often undermine their own deepest values. While God obligates the good and calls us into its service, Hartman argues, God simultaneously and inadvertently makes us morally blind. The nature of this self-defeating condition is that the human religious desire to live in relationship with God often distracts religious believers from their traditions’ core moral truths. The answer Hartman offers is this: put God second. In order to fulfill religion’s true vision for humanity—an uncompromising focus on the ethical treatment of others—religious believers must hold their traditions accountable to the highest independent moral standards. Decency toward one’s neighbor must always take precedence over acts of religious devotion, and ethical piety must trump ritual piety. For as long as devotion to God comes first, responsibility to other people will trail far, far behind. In this book, Judaism serves as a template for how the challenge might be addressed by those of other faiths, whose sacred scriptures similarly evoke both the sublime heights of human aspiration and the depths of narcissistic moral blindness. In Putting God Second, Rabbi Hartman offers a lucid analysis of religion’s flaws, as well as a compelling resource, and vision, for its repair.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.3443 · Buddhist Philosophy, Oriental Philosophy, Philosophy, Self-Help, Buddhism - General, Personal Growth - General, Philosophy / Eastern, Eastern, Buddhism, Religious life, meditation

200 — Religion · Judaism

Dewey 296 · Conservative Judaism, Prayer

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.5514 · Religion

Today’s foremost yoga researcher offers a clear and lively introduction to the history, philosophy, and practice of the Tantric spiritual tradition Tantra—often associated with Kundalini Yoga—is a fundamental dimension of Hinduism, emphasizing the cultivation of “divine power” (shakti) as a path to infinite bliss. Tantra has been widely misunderstood in the West, however, where its practices are often confused with eroticism and licentious morality. Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy dispels many common misconceptions, providing an accessible introduction to the history, philosophy, and practice of this extraordinary spiritual tradition. The Tantric teachings are geared toward the attainment of enlightenment as well as spiritual power and are present not only in Hinduism but also Jainism and Vajrayana Buddhism. In this book, Georg Feuerstein offers readers a clear understanding of authentic Tantra, as well as appropriate guidance for spiritual practice and the attainment of higher consciousness.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.385 · Philosophy

The Bodhicaryavatara is one of the best-loved Buddhist texts. It tells of a noble ideal: a compassionate life lived for the well-being of the world. Through his uplifting verses, Santideva, the eighth-century monk and poet, outlines the training undertaken by one wishing to follow his vision - a path of selflessness which is much needed today. This is the first hardback edition of the translation by Kate Crosby and Andrew Skilton, with clear explanatory notes and an introduction by Paul Williams.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.3823

Discover the most important teachings of the Buddha in this new translation of one of the most beloved and best-known Buddhist scriptures in the Pali Canon In more than 400 verses, the Buddha clearly expounds his noble path of virtue for everyman. This foundation scripture teaches the supreme doctrine of nirvana and the way to the highest possible happiness for mankind. Oxford professor Dr. Max Muller, a great scholar and Orientalist, did the translation.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.385 · History

The Lotus Sutra is considered to be the fundamental Mahayana Buddhist sutra and has had a profound impact on Chinese and Japanese literature. This edition condenses the sutra from the most authoritative version.

200 — Religion · DDC 299.792

Dewey 299.792 · Self-Help

The incredible New York Times and international bestselling guide to true happiness. “This book by don Miguel Ruiz, simple yet so powerful, has made a tremendous difference in how I think and act in every encounter.”—Oprah Winfrey In The Four Agreements, a perennial bestseller published in dozens of languages worldwide, don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. “Don Miguel Ruiz’s book is a roadmap to enlightenment and freedom.”—Deepak Chopra, Author, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success “An inspiring book with many great lessons.”—Wayne Dyer, Author, Real Magic “In the tradition of Castaneda, Ruiz distills essential Toltec wisdom, expressing with clarity and impeccability what it means for men and women to live as peaceful warriors in the modern world.”—Dan Millman, Author, Way of the Peaceful Warrior

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.543 · Health & Fitness / Yoga, Body, Mind & Spirit, Health & Fitness, Personal Transformation, Self-help, Spirituality, Spirituality - General, Yoga, Body, Mind & Spirit / Spirituality / General, Health/Fitness

A spiritual guide to the practice of yoga. It provides a relationship between the physical postures (Asanas)and the whole of yoga as outlined by Patanjali, the founder of yoga, over 2000 years agao. It explains the conditions of behavior necessary to fully integrate yoga practice with our minds and with our hearts.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.337 · Religion

This is a collection of thoughts on life, death and rebirth from the Dalai Lama. It reveals His Holiness' thoughts on various important subjects: the world today; the different world views of faith; science and religion; and the nature of life, death and rebirth.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.3422 · Religion

OVER 3 MILLION COPIES SOLD • The international bestseller and spiritual masterpiece that presents ancient wisdom for modern healing—A sweeping, contemporary presentation of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings and innate wisdom "One of the international bestselling Buddhism books of all time." —Book Authority "This book is an extraordinary blessing: heartfelt, wise, practical, luminous – filled with inspiring stories, skillful teachings, and the great compassionate heart of the Buddha." —Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart "Sogyal Rinpoche...has delivered the Tibetan equivalent of The Divine Comedy. One could imagine that this is what Dante might have written had he been a Buddhist metaphysician rather than a Christian poet." —New York Times Book Review "Rinpoche’s teachings have much to offer.... His down-to-earth tone, peppered with songs and poetry from Buddhist sages, takes away much of the intense fear of death and makes it seem like an old friend." — Los Angeles Times "A clear-eyed and contemporary exploration of the profound insight of The Tibetan Book of the Dead." —Stephen Levine, author of Turning Toward the Mystery "I have encountered no book on the interplay of life and death that is more comprehensive, practical and wise." —Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions Buddhist meditation master and international teacher Sogyal Rinpoche brings together the ancient wisdom of Tibet with modern research on death and dying and the nature of the universe to provide a magnificent source of sacred inspiration and a guide to the spiritual path from the heart of the Tibetan tradition. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying provides a lucid and inspiring introduction to the unparalleled wisdom of Buddhist beliefs, helping readers accessibly yet empathetically journey across: · The practice of meditation and living mindfully · The nature of mind and overcoming fear and trauma · Karma, rebirth, and reincarnation · Compassionate love and care for the dying · And the trials and rewards of the spiritual path and living with divine gratitude With unprecedented scope, this book clarifies the majestic vision of life and death and the truth of impermanence that underlies the classic sacred text The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Rinpoche presents simple yet powerful practices from the soul of this ancient tradition that anyone—regardless of their religion or background—can do to transform their lives, prepare for death, help the dying, and navigate grief and the bardo states with both grace and courage. An essential, timeless tool for spiritual growth and healing, radical self-discovery, and becoming your most mindful, compassionate, and complete self.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.3423 · Religion

One of the greatest works created by any culture and overwhelmingly the most significant of all Tibetan Buddhist texts in the West, The Tibetan Book of the Dead has had a number of distinguished translations, but none encompassed the work in its entirety. Now, in one of the year's most important publishing events, the entire text has not only been made available in English but in a translation of quite remarkable clarity and beauty. With an introductory commentary by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, who calls this translation "an extraordinary accomplishment undertaken with great care over many years" this complete edition faithfully presents the insights and intentions of the original work. It includes one of the most detailed and compelling descriptions of the after-death state in world literature, exquisitely written practices that can transform our experience of daily life, guidance on helping those who are dying, and an inspirational perspective on coping with bereavement. Translated with the close support of leading contemporary masters, including HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and learned scholars such as Khamtrul Rinpoche and Zenkar Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama says, "I hope that the profound insights contained in this work will be a source of inspiration and support to many interested people around the world."

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.3443 · Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques, Self-Help & Practical Interests, Asian And Oriental Religions, Psychology, Religion - World Religions, Psychotherapy - Counseling, Buddhism - General, Meditation, Philosophy / Mind & Body, Body, Mind & Spirit, Eastern Philosophy, Buddhism

"In language totally fresh and jargon-free, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche distills the wisdom of many centuries. Simple as it is profound, his book bears reading many times."—Peter Conradi, author of Iris Murdoch: A Life and Going Buddhist Strengthening, calming, and stabilizing the mind is the essential first step in accomplishing nearly any goal. Growing up American with a Tibetan twist, Sakyong Mipham talks to Westerners as no one can: in idiomatic English with stories and wisdom from American culture and the great Buddhist teachers. Turning the Mind Into an Ally makes it possible for anyone to achieve peace and clarity in their lives.

200 — Religion · Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism)

Dewey 294.3 · Teachings, Doctrines, Religion - World Religions, Buddhism - General, Religion / Buddhism, Buddha and Buddhism, Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, Religion

"Revised and expanded edition with texts from Suttas and Dhammapada"--Cover of 1996 printing.