Frank Carlson Library

Explores a range of Buddhist perspectives in a distinctly American context. The US seems to be becoming a Buddhist country. Celebrity converts, the popularity of the Dalai Lama, motifs in popular movies, and mala beads at the mall indicate an increasing inculcation of Buddhism into the American consciousness, even if a relatively small percentage of the population actually describe themselves as Buddhists. This book looks beyond the trendier manifestations...

"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." For the Dalai Lama it is kindness that makes the world go 'round. Kindness at the heart of human nature, and it is kindness that is the essential component to developing healthy bodies, minds, and spirits. It is the glue that holds society together. Its absence results in isolation,...

The problem of illness, Buddhist philosopher and activist Daisaku Ikeda writes, "is not only physical symptoms but that it can rob people of the hope to live, destroy their livelihood and sense of well-being, and put their future on hold." Nichiren Buddhism has always fought against this negative energy and given people the spiritual strength and courage to go on living with dignity. These essays, based on the thirteenth-century Buddhist reformer...

In this collection of essays for women, SGI President Ikeda sings the praises of the "mothers of kosen-rufu" for their strength, wisdom, and faith. Filled with stories of women he's met or women from history, Shine Like the Morning Sun explores Buddhist philosophy from myriad angles. Women of all ages willdiscover guidelines to live by and inspiration to spread sunshine in their families, communities, and the SGI's movement for peace and happiness....

This Zen tale tells the story of two monks crossing a stream. They start to wade across when a young woman approaches. The monks' rules dictate that they are not supposed to deal with women. Will they help this woman across?

The Challenge of the Mind is an excellent guide to exploring the infinite potential of our mind from Buddha's perspective. In this book, author Ryuho Okawa shows how we can apply the essential teachings of Buddha to our lives and cultivate deep wisdom and promote a happy, peaceful everyday life. Through expounding such principles as the laws of cause and effect, egoless-ness, and the middle way, in simple, clear, but thought-provoking language, Okawa...

Despite the widespread popularity of Buddhist practices (like meditation), there is little understanding of the complex philosophy behind Buddhism. The historical Buddha, Gautama, was a real person-a radical-who challenged the religious leaders of his day. Buddha For Beginnersintroduces the reader to the historical Buddha, to the ideas that made him change his life, and to the fascinating philosophical debates that engaged him and formed the core...

#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • FEATURES EXCLUSIVE NEW MATERIAL ON THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY  "Makes the case for unity in a world rife with divisions." -New York Times Book Review In this brief yet profound address to global humanity, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet reveals that we all hold the seeds of world peace within us: "I see with ever greater clarity that our spiritual well-being depends," the Nobel Peace Prize winner writes, "on our innate...

Essential Chan Buddhism is the rare unearthing of an ancient and remarkable Chinese spiritual tradition. Master Guo Jun speaks through hard-won wisdom on Chan's spiritual themes familiar to Western readers, such as mindfulness and relaxation in meditation, as well as profound, simply expressed teachings and insightful explorations of religious commitment. Essential Chan Buddhism filters formal spiritual practices through the lens of mundane and everyday...

A Garland of Gold' is a history of the early masters of the great Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, such as Saraha, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa and their spiritual heirs. This history represents the testament of the Kagyu lineage forefathers, showing us how they developed devotion and confidence in their gurus, received the inspiration of the dakini messengers, obtained the precious lineages, attained the vision of mahamudra, and spread the keys to...