Considerations of Mind - a Buddhist Enquiry


Book Description

Considerations of Mind - a Buddhist Enquiry This volume primarily focuses upon the Yogācāra- Vijñānavādin concepts of mind and its means of expression such as the various consciousnesses, the nature of the bījas, and the ālayavijñāna. From this basis, related topics such as the nature of light, the simile of a river with respect to the flow of a consciousness-stream, and the nāḍīs that convey prāṇas, are explored. This allows consideration of the attributes of time and certain chakras that exist below the diaphragm. The ‘soul’ concept then comes into view and its relation to śūnyatā is revealed.




Buddha Taught Nonviolence, Not Pacifism


Book Description

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, this thought-provoking essay explores the Buddha's teaching to find one prescription: not war, not pacifism but nonviolence.




The 'Self' or 'Non-self' in Buddhism


Book Description

The 'Self' or 'Non-self' in Buddhism This book is a cogent reinterpretation of many of the key arguments of Mahāyāna philosophy, providing new insights in relation to the question of what a ‘self’ may or may not be, relativistically perceived as an I-consciousness in light of the doctrine of the Void (śūnyatā). The major classical logic relating to such things as the Two Truths, Dependent Origination, the Sevenfold Reasoning, are properly examined by presenting an esoteric view (the Dharmakāya Way) that represents the middle way between extremes. In doing so many concepts are modernised and inherent errors expunged via the presentation of a new valid hermeneutic.




The Buddha-Womb and the way to Liberation


Book Description

The Buddha-Womb and the way to Liberation This volume resolves the ontology from the two previous volumes concerning the concept of a ‘subtle self’. First a commentary of the Tantra Great Gates of Diamond Liberation, that presents detailed information concerning the nature of the Heart, Throat, Diaphragm, and Splenic centres I and II. This adds to what was earlier provided on the Solar Plexus, Sacral and Base of Spine centres. The focus of this book concerns the attributes of the Sambhogakāya Flower, utilising The Uttaratantra of Maitreya and the Buddha’s testimony, thus revealing an esoteric doctrine that has been veiled in Buddhist scriptures.




Meditation and the Initiation Process: Vol 6 of A Treatise on Mind


Book Description

This book provides practical background information and teachings on meditation primarily for a Western audience. Through meditation, compassionately focused actions, and group sharing the Heart centre is awakened and Bodhicitta is manifested. For this to occur the development of wisdom is essential. The associated process concerning the path of Initiation into the Mysteries of being/non-being, and the planetary Head centre (Shambhala) shall be provided. The subtleties of the Initiation path will be revealed through an esoteric interpretation of passages from the Bible, as the New Testament constitutes a major text on this subject. This philosophy is complimentary to the Buddhist foundation presented in the previous volumes of this series.




Esoteric Cosmology and Modern Physics


Book Description

This book endeavours to integrate the concepts gleaned through modern physics with those of the esotericist, hence with the lore derived from meditative penetration of high dimensions of perception. This incorporates the nāḍī and chakra system, via which all phenomena is derived, and of the nature of the projection of thought-forms from the subjective domains to the phenomenal world. This book consequently endeavours to show how the laws discovered by physicists derive from those of the subjective universe. Many abstruse ideas therefore need to be discussed which the scientifically minded are unaware, as well as unfamiliar concepts for most religionists and philosophers. Hopefully this syncretic approach will evoke many revelations in all these schools of thought. Readers should not dismiss the ideas presented out of hand, but rather should rationalise what is logically correct as a valid basis for further research and enquiry into the origin and nature of things.




An Esoteric Exposition of the Bardo Thodol Part B


Book Description

Part A dealt with the process of conversion of saṃskāras into enlightenment attributes, whereas part B explains the nature of those attributes in terms of the natural radiance of the Clear Light of Mind. The various aspects of the conversion of mind into Mind are explicated in this exploration of chapter 4 of the Bardo Thödol, titled ‘Natural Liberation through Naked Perception’. This ground-breaking study explains the importance of the Throat and Heart chakras in generating and transmitting attributes of Mind, as well as the zodiacal implications. It also shows how the sections of the two chapters are correlated in one complete thesis of praxis and result.




Mandalas: Their Nature and Development


Book Description

Maṇḍalas – Their Nature and Development This book deals with the question of what exactly constitutes a ‘cell’ metaphysically. The cell is viewed as a unit of consciousness that interrelate with other cells to form maṇḍalas of expression. Each such cell can be considered a form of ‘self’ that has a limited, though valid, body of expression. It is born, sustains a form of activity, and consequently dies when it outlives its usefulness. This mode of analysis is extended to include the myriad forms manifest in the world of phenomena known as saṃsāra including the existence and functioning of chakras. A Treatise on Mind Outline Volume 1 The “Self” or “Non-self” in Buddhism Volume 2 Considerations of Mind—A Buddhist Enquiry Volume 3 The Buddha-Womb and the Way to Liberation Volume 4 Maṇḍalas: Their Nature and Development Volume 5 An Esoteric Exposition of the Bardo Thödol Volume 6 Meditation and the Initiation Process Volume 7 The Constitution of Shambhala Whilst the numbers of Buddhists are growing in the world, the techniques and discourses of Buddhism have not changed to meet the radically different conditions of the contemporary world. Thus Buddhism needs a true restorative flowering to rival that of the renaissance of debate and innovative thinking of the early post-Nāgārjunian era. In order to achieve this it must synthesise the present wealth of scientific knowledge, alongside the best of the Western world’s philosophical output – this is the primary task of this seven volume treatise. The treatise investigates Buddhist ideas concerning what mind is and how it relates to a concept of a ‘self’. It is principally a study of the complex interrelationship between mind and phenomena, from the gross to the subtle—the physical, psychic, supersensory and supernal. This entails an explanation of how mind incorporates all phenomena in its modus operandi, and how eventually that mind is liberated from it, thereby becoming awakened. Thus the treatise explores the manner in which the corporeally orientated, concretised, intellectual mind eventually becomes transformed into the Clear Light of the abstracted Mind; a Buddha-Mind.




The Constitution of Shambhala


Book Description

The Constitution of Shambhala The theme of the first of the two parts of this volume concerns the feminine deva hierarchy, their relation to Hierarchy and Shambhala. Many concepts are introduced that most seekers have little cognisance (e.g., the nature of the deva Lord Varuna). The Mother of the World’s role is revealed, and the feminine function in cosmos, (e.g., the Pleiades). Advanced teaching concerning the Lord of the World (Sanat Kumāra), and the higher Initiations are provided. The second part is a long esoteric poem detailing many inner plane revelations concerning the type of vision obtained when accessing Shambhala, plus Initiation teachings for disciples.




The Buddha's Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony


Book Description

In a world of conflict and strife, how can we be advocates of peace and justice? In this volume acclaimed scholar-monk Bhikkhu Bodhi has collected and translated the Buddha’s teachings on conflict resolution, interpersonal and social problem-solving, and the forging of harmonious relationships. The selections, all drawn from the Pali Canon, the earliest record of the Buddha’s discourses, are organized into ten thematic chapters. The chapters deal with such topics as the quelling of anger, good friendship, intentional communities, the settlement of disputes, and the establishing of an equitable society. Each chapter begins with a concise and informative introduction by the translator that guides us toward a deeper understanding of the texts that follow. In times of social conflict, intolerance, and war, the Buddha’s approach to creating and sustaining peace takes on a new and urgent significance. Even readers unacquainted with Buddhism will appreciate these ancient teachings, always clear, practical, undogmatic, and so contemporary in flavor. The Buddha’s Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony will prove to be essential reading for anyone seeking to bring peace into their communities and into the wider world.