New book from Windhorse: This Being, That Becomes: The Buddha’s Teaching on Conditionality

News is just in of a new book released by Windhorse, Triratna’s prublishing house.  Sarah Ryan, their publishing manager, writes to say - “We’re very happy to announce to the readers of Triratna News that Dhivan’s new book, This Being, That Becomes: The Buddha’s Teaching on Conditionality is out now.

“It’s the latest title in our Buddhist Wisdom in Practice series, and is an insightful and practical exposition of the Buddha’s central insight into the nature of existence. We are very proud to be bringing out a new book on such an important topic. As well as using new translations and being a thorough study of the Pali sources and the teaching of the historical Buddha, at the same time it brings these teachings right into the contemporary world”.

You can read a short extract here and it’s available to buy online and from Triratna bookshops across the UK. 

Conditionality is one of the most central yet least-understood of the Buddha’s teachings.  Known as the doctrine of Pratitya Samutpada, it’s most succinctly expressed in the classic formulation "This being, that becomes; from the arising of this, that arises." This formula, recorded in texts and carved in inscriptions throughout the Buddhist world, is said to summarise the whole of the Dharma, the teaching of the Buddha.  But how can such a simple summary be the conceptual formulation that characterises the experience of a Buddha, an ‘Awakened One’, a state beyond all words and concepts?

Dhivan (whose English name is Thomas Jones) tells us how, and takes us into the heart of the Buddha’s insight that everything arises in dependence on conditions. With the aid of lucid reflections and exercises he prompts us to explore how conditionality works in our own lives, and provides a sure guide to the most essential teaching of Buddhism.

"Clearly and intelligently written, this book carries a lot of good advice."
Professor Richard Gombrich, author of What the Buddha Thought

News from Windhorse Publications

Sarah writes from Windhorse Publications, Triratna's Cambridge-based publishing house, to say - "I hope you’re well and getting some glorious sun! Some news from us below!

"We’re very pleased to announce that after just over a year Life with Full Attention, Maitreyabandhu’s best-selling book on mindfulness, has gone into its second press. It’s been tweaked a little and corrected where necessary and it’s available again now. To celebrate this, we’ve got a short video of Maitreyabandhu talking about why he wrote the book and the ways doing so has informed his own practice. We hope you enjoy!

With metta, Sarah

Maitreybandhu talks about Life with Full Attention
Buy the book


Life With Full Attention from Clear Vision Trust on Vimeo.

Reviews for Windhorse's new books - ‘The Art of Reflection’ and ‘The Poet's Way’

Two books newly published by Windhorse Publications have been garnering some great reviews recently, and we’re pleased to feature two of them - Ratnaguna’s ‘The Art of Reflection’ and ‘The Poet's Way’ by Manjusvara.

Both are available in full on the Reviews section of Triratna News but we include excerpts from both below.

Of The Art of Reflection, Advayacitta says -

“Ratnaguna has the knack of approaching complex or difficult issues and making apparently simple but not so obvious points that elucidate matters. In doing so he discusses spiritually vital practices that might just not occur to people. Thus he emphasises the important art of doing nothing as a basis for reflection. He discusses ‘talking to oneself’ in a manner that is actually a rigorous and honest debate that deliberately challenges one’s own assumptions. He looks at owning up to one’s own foolishness, and other difficult aspects of self-reflection. Such practices can be crucial in the cultivation of ethics, psychological integration and wisdom. The fact that Ratnaguna explicitly discusses them, and recommends them, is likely to be of much benefit to people.

“It is likely to be very helpful for many people in establishing and maintaining an effective reflection practice. It is also a delight to read. It is written with clarity and love, and is grounded in Ratnaguna’s own practice and experience”.

And of The Poet's Way, Padmacandra, herself a poet, writes -
“As I write this, the snow is falling outside the window, and leaving a tablet of pure white on the grass. Reflecting on Manjusvara's new book about writing and the spiritual path, The Poet's Way, I immediately think of the blank white page that the poet or aspiring writer must face before setting off on their journey.

“For some this white page may be terrifying, for others exciting, and for many both of these things, representing as it does the unknown, the not yet come into being. If I were to be setting out into the unknown through the snow, or through facing a blank page for the first time -and it always feels like the first time, indeed is new and unique each time - I would like to have the voice in my ear of someone who has already travelled the way: a voice that is trustworthy and intimate, humorous, enthusiastic and never patronising.

“Whilst reading the book I also felt the generosity of someone who was willing to share the tools of his trade in detail and without jargon, what he has learned through hard work along the way, both as a poet and experienced Dharma practitioner”.

Both books - and many others from Windhorse - are available in local Triratna Centre bookshops or direct from Windhorse - or your local bookseller.

The Poet’s Way: a review

Following yesterday’s story on Vishvapani’s new book 'Gautama Buddha', Sarah Ryan, Publishing Manager of Triratna’s Windhorse Publications, writes with news of one of their recent books. She says -

“We’ve received a beautiful review of Manjusvara’s new book The Poet’s Way which I’d love to share with everyone on Triratna News. It’s a lovely book and I’m so happy it’s been so well received.

With warm wishes for a happy mid-winter, Sarah

Padmachandra’s Review of The Poet's Way by Manjusvara, Windhorse Publications 2010

A Trustworthy Guide

“As I write this, the snow is falling outside the window, and leaving a tablet of pure white on the grass. Reflecting on Manjusvara's new book about writing and the spiritual path, The Poet's Way, I immediately think of the blank white page that the poet or aspiring writer must face before setting off on their journey. For some this white page may be terrifying, for others exciting, and for many both of these things, representing as it does the unknown, the not yet come into being. If I were to be setting out into the unknown through the snow, or through facing a blank page for the first time -and it always feels like the first time, indeed is new and unique each time - I would like to have the voice in my ear of someone who has already travelled the way. A voice that is friendly, accessible, straightforward, authentic, and which seems to be speaking specifically to me. A voice which also communicates that spark of magic that is in all creative enterprise. Manjusvara's voice is just like this throughout this simple yet profound book: a voice that is trustworthy and intimate, humorous, enthusiastic and never patronising. Whilst reading the book I also felt the generosity of someone who was willing to share the tools of his trade in detail and without jargon, what he has learned through hard work along the way, both as a poet and experienced Dharma practitioner.

“The first four chapters explore what a poem actually is and how it works to transport us from one realm of a more ‘mundane’ reality, to a deeper and more meaningful experience of the world and ourselves. He explores particularly the special use of language that is employed in poetry and how this changes our consciousness, if we allow it to. He also introduces many engaging examples and stories throughout the book to illustrate his points.

“Each chapter ends with an exercise that helps us to tap into this experience for ourselves. Manjusvara's take in both this work and his other book, Writing Your Way, is fairly unique in discussing the process of writing poetry within the more holistic context of an attempt to live life consciously and ethically.

“After chapter four Manjusvara goes into more precise detail about the craft of poetry. One highlight for me was Manjusvara's exploration of forms and line breaks in chapter five ‘oblongs and squares’ in which he explains very clearly – and shows by giving examples – the different effects of breaking lines in different places. I don't think I've read a more accessible and enjoyable account of the importance and significance of enjambment and where the poet breaks the line. I also particularly enjoyed chapter nine, Knowing when to stop, where Manjusvara again describes in detail the process he went through in writing a poem, the different decisions he made along the way, and why.

“Amongst other aspects of the craft of poetry Manjusvara discusses sound, rhythm and rhyme (which as a trained composer he is well qualified to discuss), different poetic forms, and shapes of poems in general. What is particularly helpful is that he always explains in very clear language the effects of different aspects of the poem, how and why they work.

“Reading this book for me was like entering an ocean. The entry seemed gradual and straightforward, but seemingly without effort or difficulty I found myself having been guided surely and steadily to deep places where inspiration and treasures were generously offered. I would recommend this book as a great and uniquely accessible guide for anyone sincerely wishing to understand and write poetry, especially where they value reading and writing as a means towards greater sensitivity and awareness of self and world.

“Padmacandra”

The Poet’s Way: new book from Windhorse Publications

Windhorse Publications, for many years the Triratna Buddhist Community’s main publishing house, is proud to announce their latest new title - ‘The Poet’s Way’.

Beautifully produced, it’s a practical guide to writing and sharpening up your poetry writing - everything from line to rhyme and shape on the page. Its special feature, of course, is that its written by Manjusvara, a long-ordained member of the Order and already well-known as the author of ‘Writing Your Way’ and co-founder of Wolf at the Door writing workshops. As such, he’s perfectly-placed to offer Buddhist reflections on the writing process and issues such as influence, memory, and the relationship with prayer and ritual - hence, to vividly demonstrate how poetry can reveal new aspects of spiritual life.

Sarah Ryan, their manager, says-

"The Poet’s Way is a step-by-step guide which breaks poetry writing down into its essential elements with chapters such as ‘Rhyme and the School of Song’, ‘The Mindfulness of Language’ and, ‘Letting the Silence Speak’. It’s a practical guide to writing and, at the same time, it communicates with great depth Buddhist wisdom, compassion and insight.

“We’ve had some wonderful words about it already...

‘.For anyone bewildered by poetry’s forms, shapes, and particular mind-ways, The Poet’s Way offers a warm-hearted, step-by-step awakening into the possibilities and powers of poems.” Jane Hirshfield, poet and author of Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry

‘This book will transform your writing no matter what stage in your career, and it may even transform your life” Des Dillon, Arvon Foundation tutor and award-winning poet.

“This is our last new book of the year and there are some interesting Winter themes I think – imagination, intuition and reflection. Plus a bit of magic and mystery too. Not to mention it goes very well with cups of tea on these chilly nights!

“And it’s out now! You can order by emailing us at sales@windhorsepublications.com or it should be available from most Triratna Buddhist Centres very soon.

Click on the links two video clips of Manjusvara talking about The Poet’s Way:

The Poets Way 1 http://vimeo.com/15472898
The Poet's Way 2 http://vimeo.com/15473004


The Poet's Way from Clear Vision Trust on Vimeo.


"With much metta, Sarah"

New Windhorse book: The Art of Reflection

Triratna’s Windhorse Publications has a new book out - ‘The Art of Reflection’, by Ratnaguna. Sarah Ryan writes to say: “I have some news for you! The Art of Reflection by Ratnaguna is coming out next Monday 25th October and we’re really excited about it.

“It’s got a gorgeous cover featuring a photo by Amoghavira and has had some pretty high praise already! Here’s some of the reviewers comments received so far -

“...this is a gem of a book that can be savoured and will enlighten.” Prof Paul Gilbert, author of The Compassionate Mind

“No one who takes seriously the study and practice of the Dharma should fail to read this ground-breaking book.” Sangharakshita

Ratnaguna’s going to be officially launching it at the Manchester Buddhist Centre on Monday 25th and we’ve got a little taster video of the kind of things he’s going to be saying. Click the embedded player below or here for the direct link.

We’re genuinely excited about this book – I hope others will be too!

Ratnaguna introduces his book 'The Art Of Reflection'

More info here! www.windhorsepublications.com/CartV2/Details.asp?ProductID=744

With much metta, Sarah

Windhorse launch 'Sangharakshita Classics' series

Sarah Ryan writes from Windhorse Publications, Triratna’s publishing wing, to say -

“We've just released the new editions of 'The History of My Going for Refuge', 'The Religion of Art' and 'The Ten Pillars of Buddhism'. These are the first in our new series, 'Sangharakshita Classics' and we're looking forward to adding more in the future.

“They've all got additional forewords or introductions and matching jackets - very handsome all together I think!

“They're available now from your local Buddhist centre or www.windhorsepublications.com.  

“With metta, Sarah”

New review of 'The Triratna Story'

Priyananda writes from Windhorse Publications, Triratna's publishing house, with news of a new review of their latest book, 'The Triratna Story', by Vajragupta. Written by Vajrapushpa, chair of the Karuna Trust and an Order Member for over 30 years, it's a thoughtful review of his account of our first 40 years.

Vajrapushpa makes it clear there are no easy answers - whether that's when you're setting up a new Buddhist movement, or writing a book about it, or even when reviewing the book!  Entitling it 'OF INNOCENCE AND EXPERIENCE', she opens her review by saying -

"The Triratna Story is an account of the first 43 years of the FWBO’s - now the Triratna Buddhist Community’s - history. In his book Vajragupta combines thorough research – his listening ear – with wise reflection and, using his storyteller’s touch, conjures up vivid scenes from the early history, from meetings, ordinations, public lectures, personal experiences. Above all he tells the story with a strong desire for balance and fairness; not avoiding the more painful, troublesome and confusing episodes and issues in the history of the Triratna Community".

And ends with the words -

"As the story continues, the Triratna Order and Community, too, will encounter new issues and situations for which there are no ‘explicit models’ in traditional Buddhism, or perhaps not even our own history. 


"If the lineage that Sangharakshita has established is going to mature and flourish spiritually, we – his disciples - will need to think for ourselves and work together, be well versed in the Dharma and attentive to our own experience. The story of the first four decades, as told by Vajragupta, offers us a pause for reflection, as well as encouragement and inspiration for the next chapter".

You can read her review in full on Triratna Features, or buy the book from your local Buddhist Centre or direct from Windhorse.  Highly recommended.

‘Dharma Day’ on the FWBO/Triratna International Retreat, and Vajradarshini's talk

Yesterday was ‘Dharma Day’ on the FWBO/Triratna International Retreat, and saw a fine talk by Vajradarshini. Uploaded overnight, it’s now available on VideoSangha at www.videosangha.net/video/Everything-Matters-Turning-Cons, or directly in the embedded player below.



Under the title ‘Everything Matters - Turning Consumerism on its Head’, Vajradarshini looked at the strategies Westerners use to gauge their levels of wealth and happiness - which seem to result all too often in all too many of us feeling not-very-wealthy and not-very-happy. She suggested that we could, instead, turn around our obsession with ever-newer and ever-larger to value what is old, or what has been mended, or what has been handed down to us - radically different ideas of wealth and beauty drawn from traditional societies and the Japanese Buddhist ethos of Wabi-Sabi. There was much more, too - but you’ll have to watch the talk to find out more!

Yesterday also saw the launch of Vajragupta’s new book ‘The Triratna Story’, sub-titled ‘Behind the Scenes of a new Buddhist Movement’. Find it at your local Triratna Centre bookshop or on-line at Windhorse Publications (see www.windhorsepublications.com/CartV2/Details.asp?ProductID=743). Well over a year in the writing, but exceptionally timely, Vajragupta describes it as “the story of mistakes made, lessons learnt and how a Buddhist community was built”.

 Others seem to agree - David Brazier, author of The New Buddhism, says "An excellent synopsis of the history of an important Buddhist movement"; and Zoketsu Norman Fischer, founder of the Everyday Zen Foundation and author of Sailing Home, comments that it’s "...a courageous and important book...it defies all expectations."

The Triratna Story: Behind the Scenes of a New Buddhist Movement

 We're delighted to bring readers of Triratna News a heads-up of a significant and very timely new book that's about to hit the bookshops.

It's "The Triratna Story: Behind the Scenes of a New Buddhist Movement", by Vajragupta - already well-known for his very popular title "Buddhism: Tools for Living Your Life".

The book tells the story of the Triratna Buddhist Community, now an international Buddhist movement, from its inception in London, to the first 40 years of its history and growth worldwide, during which it was known as the FWBO/Friends of the Western Buddhist Order - and most recently, to its change of name to the Triratna Buddhist Community.

It is the story of mistakes made, lessons learnt and how a Buddhist community was built. To quote from the book itself - “It's the nitty-gritty story of how a community evolves. It's a story of idealism and naivety, growth and growing pains, hard work and burn-out, friendship and fallout”.

David Brazier, author of The New Buddhism, says - "An excellent synopsis of the history of an important Buddhist movement". And Norman Fischer, founder of the Everyday Zen Foundation and author of Sailing Home, comments - "...a courageous and important book...it defies all expectations".

The book’s author, Vajragupta, has been involved with Triratna since 1990. He was director of the Birmingham Buddhist Centre for 8 years and teaches Buddhism and meditation across the UK. He currently works for the Triratna Chairs Assembly as part of their ‘Development Team’.

The book will be launched on the upcoming FWBO/Triratna International Retreat later this month, but should be available very soon at Buddhist Centres around the UK and beyond, at a price of £7.99 / $13.95 / € 9.95. It’s also available by mail-order direct from Windhorse - check their website www.windhorsepublications.com for details.

News from Windhorse Publications

Sagaraghosa, one of the Trustees of Windhorse Publications, the FWBO's publishing house, writes with some of their news.  She says -

"There are several changes afoot at present with Windhorse Publications, so it seems like an appropriate time to write with news. First, I am very pleased to be able to announce that Priyananda has been appointed as Publishing Director. He has already started and is working three days a week. His work includes developing the publishing strategy, commissioning new books and liaising with the rest of the movement. I am delighted that we have managed to find someone so experienced and skilled to do this work.

I shall be continuing in an advisory role, and Vidyadevi will be continuing to help with books by Bhante and some of the other books for the movement. Caroline and Sarah will be continuing to manage the office, production, marketing and sales. In addition, Lee Walford now works one day a week looking after the finances. So we are well placed with staffing for 2010 and have a strong team to take us forward.

"By the time you read this, Windhorse will have moved offices out of the Cambridge Buddhist Centre and into rented office accommodation in nearby Mill Road. The Buddhist Centre did not have enough room for the additional staff and needed more space themselves. The new office has much more space and is conveniently situated quite close to the station (and a rather good cafe!) The telephone number and email address stay the same.

"You may have noticed that we have recently published a batch of books for newcomers to Buddhism:

Life with Full Attention by Maitreyabandhu,
Meaning in Life by Sarvananda,
Vegetarianism by Bodhipaksa and
Saving the Earth by Akuppa.

"These books have made a promising start and have been received enthusiastically by book shops during sales visits.

"Bhante's new book, Living Ethically, needs a reprint shortly, which is also very pleasing. Our other recent title is 'Visions of Mahayana Buddhism' by Nagapriya which is a great introduction to this inspiring tradition. You should find it in most FWBO Centre bookshops - or you can order it direct from us.

"Looking forward to 2010, we shall be publishing 'The Story of the FWBO' by Vajragupta, starting to publish books to use with the new FWBO-wide Dharma Study Course for mitras, and reissuing some of Bhante's books with new introductions in a new 'Sangharakshita Classics' series, as well as hopefully some other new titles. Also we shall be revamping the web site.

"Our main challenge is still money. It takes a lot of juggling to pay the bills. So we shall be exploring ways to increase our sales and funding. Of course donations are always welcome, but you can also help by buying books from your Centre book shop or directly from us at www.windhorsepublications.com . Also if you have ideas for new books, please get in touch.

"With your help we can thrive in 2010 and beyond.

Sagaraghosa

Windhorse Publications move to larger offices

Sarah Ryan, from Windhorse Publications, the FWBO’s publishing house, writes to say -

“Dear all,

"After lots of preparation we are finally moving office to a larger space on Mill Road here in Cambridge, UK. This will be great as we will have more space and light, which we definitely need. It’s also going to be wonderful to be located on one of the most vibrant and independent streets in Cambridge.

"Having said this, our time at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre has been wonderful and we will miss sharing the space with such cheerful and friendly people – thank you very much to everyone there.

"From Tuesday 15th December our new address is:

Windhorse Publications
169 Mill Road
Cambridge
CB1 3AN

"Our telephone numbers and email addresses will be staying the same, and of course our website www.windhorsepublications.com .

"Wishing you all a warm winter
Sarah”

An invitation - to Windhorse Publications' first day-long book-launch party...

Sarah from Windhorse Publications, the FWBO’s publishing house, writes with some news - and an invitation… She says -

“We're very excited... about our brand new series, ‘A Buddhist View’!

“This series examines key issues in life from a Buddhist perspective, offering practical points on living in the 21st century. The first three books, by Akuppa, Bodhipaksa and Sarvananda, deal with our relationships with the environment, food and our perception of life respectively”.

To celebrate, we’d like to invite you to our first day-long book-launch party - on-line! It's TOMORROW FRIDAY 13th.

Whether you're Buddhist or not, vegetarian or not, feel free to drop in on Bodhipaksa, who’ll be online all day, on Facebook, Twitter (@bodhipaksa), and on his blog www.bodhipaksa.com, talking about the second edition of his book, which explains why he thinks Buddhists should be vegetarian.

“Come join the conversation! You can just drop by and say "hi" if that's all you have time for. Or read an article, enjoy the quotes he’ll be posting, watch a video, or join a conversation…

“To get you started, check Bodhipaksa’s video invitation to the event...

"Oh, and don’t forget to buy the book(s)! Available from your Centre bookshop, our website www.windhorsepublications.com, or your local High Street.

Much metta,
Sarah

Windhorse Publications: Books on Buddhism, Dharma, meditation from an FWBO Right Livelihood business

Windhorse Publications launch new book series 'A Buddhist View'

Sarah Ryan from the FWBO’s publishing house ‘Windhorse Publications’ (www.windhorsepublications.com) writes -

“I’ve got some news from WP for you!

“First of all, the first three books in our new series ‘A Buddhist View’ are now available – we’re really thrilled with how they’ve turned out. They are -

Meaning in Life by Sarvananda
Saving the Earth by Akuppa and
Vegetarianism by Bodhipaksa.

This brand new series from Windhorse Publications examines key issues in life from a Buddhist perspective, offering practical points on living in the 21st Century. The three books available so far deal with our relationships with the environment, food and our perception of life.

There’s various book launches going on - Sarvananda has been to the Cambridge and Ipswich Buddhist Centres.

Less conventionally Bodhipaksa is going to be launching Vegetarianism online on Friday 13th with a marathon 12-hour drop in discussion on his blog , Twitter and Facebook. We’re hoping FWBO News readers will drop in - I’ll write again with more details nearer the time.

Thank you very much for all of your help,
Best wishes,
Sarah Ryan
Windhorse Publications Ltd
t: 01223 911997

New book from Windhorse: Life with Full Attention

Windhorse Publications, the FWBO’s main publishing business, are proud to announce their new title ‘Life with Full Attention: A Practical Course in Mindfulness’.

Sarah Ryan from Windhorse writes to say “Maitreyabandhu’s new book has just come out and we’re really proud of it! A lot of work went in from a lot of people but it’s finally here. Can you please do a piece on it in the FWBO News next week?”

We’re happy to oblige...

The book’s blurb goes on to say -

Don’t live on automatic pilot – live life with full attention.


In this eight-week course on mindfulness, Maitreyabandhu gently guides readers, teaching them how to pay closer attention to their experience. Each week, he introduces a different aspect of awareness – such as mindfulness of the body, feelings, thoughts and the environment – and recommends a number of easy practices; from trying out a simple meditation to reading a poem.


Featuring personal stories, examples and tempting suggestions, Maitreyabandhu shows how by applying mindfulness we can steal back the lost moments of life.

Sarah ends by saying -

“Here the yellow leaves are just starting to drift across the street and even on sunny days the wind has a tooth in it – autumn is such a beautiful season.

Best wishes,

Sarah

Coming soon is Bodhipaksa's well-known exploration of vegetarianism. Click the image to find out more!

'Visions of Mahayana Buddhism' - new book by Windhorse

Sarah Ryan from the FWBO's Windhorse Publications writes with new of a new book, 'Visions of Mahayana Buddhism' -

“Mahayana means 'Great Way' or ‘Great Vehicle’ and refers to a powerful current of Buddhist thought, practice, and culture. Mahayana Buddhism spread across Asia, settling deeply in China, Korea, and Japan in particular. Its emphasis on wisdom and compassion continues to be deeply felt today.

"In a unique overview of this inspiring tradition, Nagapriya introduces its central themes and huge spectrum of practices, literature, and movements. Charting the evolution and expression of the Mahayana as a whole, he tracks its movement across South and East Asia, uncovering its history, culture, and doctrines. In doing so, he blends extensive knowledge with a strong element of lived practice.

"Ideal for both educational and personal use, this far-reaching and imaginative guide provides a solid foundation for any study in Buddhism and a valuable perspective on Asian history.”

"I hope you’re well and congratulations on the anniversary of FWBO News – long may it continue! Sarah

Nagapriya is already well-known as an author thanks to his critically-acclaimed 'Exploring Karma and Rebirth'. He lectures in Buddhist studies at Manchester University in the UK, specializing in Mahayana Buddhism.

Living Ethically: latest book by Sangharakshita

Sangharakshita's latest book has been released by Windhorse Publications, his publishers. It's entitled ‘Living Ethically: advice from Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland’ and is based, like many of his recent books, on edited transcripts of a seminar held many years ago. That's not as simple as it might sound - the seminar would have recorded, - probably at Padmaloka in 1975 or 1976, onto reel-to-reel tapes, painstakingly transcribed some years later using a typewriter, scanned still later - and now, finally, edited...

In this particular case what survived to be edited was only a single carbon-copy. Silabhadra, who did the scanning in 2004, commented as he began it "The only remaining original was just a carbon copy of the original typescript of the seminar. Much of what follows will, I predict, be totally incomprehensible!"

To illustrate just how true his prediction was, we copy below the first few lines of the scan of transcription:

All flght, let's go
on to Chapter One
and read a verse at
a time, going round the circle
and
t4~l
-
~
)
Chapter One
I bow down to theA i~~a;-2+. fre~from all defects,
... adorned with all virtues, the sole
friend o~~beings.
S.
There's quite a number of points to go into here.
Tho is being
saluted here, who is the author bowing down to?
The Pu-ddha.

From such unpropitious ingredients, we are fortunate indeed to have the book itself! Even the process of editing was not easy: Sangharakshita is now in his 84th year and has for some years suffered with little or no eyesight. The book was therefore produced in collaboration with Samacitta, chair of the nearby Birmingham Buddhist Centre, who visited him most days over the past year, reading him the manuscript and writing down his responses.

She writes - " I have been delighting in my contact with Bhante recently. Since he can no longer read with his own eyes, I was asked to help him edit his next book by reading the manuscript to him. The decline of his eyesight is obviously a great loss, not only for him personally but also indirectly for us, but for me it has led to a situation which is giving me a great deal of spiritual nourishment and inspiration".

On the book itself, Windhorse, his publishers, say –

“In a world of increasingly confused ethics, Living Ethically looks back over the centuries for guidance from Nagarjuna, one of the greatest teachers of the Mahayana tradition. Drawing on the themes of Nagarjuna’s famous scripture, Precious Garland of Advice for a King, this book explores the relationship between an ethical lifestyle and the development of wisdom. Covering both personal and collective ethics, Sangharakshita considers such enduring themes as pride, power and business, as well as friendship, love and generosity”.

‘Living Ethically' should be available in FWBO Centre bookshops - but can also be obtained on-line via Windhorse.

"The Essential Sangharakshita" launched, available through Windhorse

‘The Essential Sangharakshita’, a major new title showcasing 50 years of Sangharakshita's writings, has just been published by Wisdom Publications. It is available via Windhorse Publications.

Drawing on no less than 38 of Sangharakshita’s books, and totalling 792 pages, it’s a very substantial resource for anyone interested in his teaching, his life, his poetry, and the Dharmic influences behind the FWBO. In fact, it’s a must-buy!

A full review of the book is available on FWBO Features.

The book’s organising principle is based on the Mandala of the Five Buddhas - the central concerns of Buddhism in the central realm of Vairocana; material on ‘Buddhism and the Mind’ in the realm of Aksobhya; ‘Art, Beauty, and Myth in the Buddhist Tradition’ under Ratnasambhava; faith, devotion, friendship and meditation in the Western realm of Amitabha, and finally a lengthy final section on ‘Buddhism and the World’ in the realm of Amoghasiddhi. A major work indeed.

Vidyadevi, the book’s editor, is an Order Member of many years’ standing and has lived and breathed the project for much the past 5 years – she told FWBO News that she’d started by re-reading all Sangharakshita’s books!

For some, ‘The Essential Sangharakshita’ will suffice, and may even be the only book of his they ever need. Certainly it is a more-than-adequate introduction to Sangharakshita’s thought and teaching – if not to the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order itself. For others, it will be a gateway, a taster, to the 38 works from which it is drawn, even to those not represented, and they will be led through it deeper into Sangharakshita’s thought – and perhaps into the spiritual community he has founded and nurtured for he past 40 years.

‘The Essential Sangharakshita’, ISBN 0-86171-585-3, is available from Windhorse Publications (www.windhorsepublications.com) in the UK or Wisdom Publications (www.wisdompubs.org) in the US, and Windhorse Books (www.windhorse.com.au) in Australia and New Zealand . For other countries please contact your nearest bookstore.

Click here for the full review – other reviews are welcome (just email FWBO News) and will be added as received.

Windhorse Publications releases 2009 catalogue

Windhorse Publications, the FWBO’s main publisher, have released their 2009 catalogue – and very handsome it is!

There's lots on Buddhist practice, for instance Paramananda’s pocket guide to meditation focusing on ‘The Body’ – the third book in Windhorse’s best-selling series, which includes ‘The Heart’ and ‘the Breath’, both by Vessantara.

There’s a new edition of Transforming Self and World, Sangharakshita’s guide to the Sutra of Golden Light, aand new edition of the Dhammapada.

Windhorse don’t simply publish books – there’s a growing collection of multi-media introductions to meditation.

To be released are ‘Life with Full Attention’, an 8-week course on mindfulness by Maitreyabandhu; which will accompany the FWBO’s first International Urban Retreat in June 2009, and Nagapriya’s second book ‘Visions of Mahayana Buddhism’, which looks set to be as popular as his ‘Exploring Karma and Rebirth’.

Sangharakshita’s ‘Living Ethically – Advice from Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland’, also due for release during 2009, will join his existing books ‘Living with Awareness and ‘Living with Kindness’.

The catalogue is available on-line or to download from Windhorse’s very handsome new blog, which you'll find at windhorsepublications.blogspot.com.

They are also taking advance orders for ‘The Essential Sangharakshita’, just published by Wisdom. This eagerly awaited selection of Sangharakshita’s writings, edited by Vidyadevi, is available for pre-order now through Windhorse Publications for the bargain price of £16.99.

They say, "Due for release in January 2009, The Essential Sangharakshita is the culmination of over fifty years of one man's study, practice, and personal experience of Buddhism".

And we say, "Enjoy!"

New edition of FWBO Puja Book now available

Windhorse Publications, for many years the FWBO's principle publisher, have just released their new and updated edition of the FWBO Puja book. Among other things the translation of the Heart Sutra has been revised and the typeface made easier to read for shrine-room use. Also, for the first time, it is available in paperback.

Copies may be ordered via your local FWBO Centre or directly from Windhorse – both hardback or paperback . In Australia and New Zealand, contact Windhorse Books Australia.

Their website also carries extracts from the book, notably the Introduction, where Dhammadinna has beautifully written -

"Imagine a world without colour, beauty, poetry, myth, celebration, or ritual. Such a world would be a very dull, drab, dead world indeed. Such experiences are essential to human life; they cultivate our emotions, refine our senses, and enrich our imaginations. Poetry, symbol, myth, and ritual carry us – as Shelley suggests in his Defence of Poetry – 'to regions of light and fire, where the winged faculty of calculation dare not ever soar'. We cannot live in the realm of rational thought alone. To feel fully and vibrantly alive, we must feel in touch with all the different aspects and levels of our being.

"Buddhism is a spiritual tradition, and as such speaks to us in our wholeness. Its various practices can help us to bring into being a harmony of body, speech, and mind. Throughout its history, therefore, many forms of ceremony and ritual have been developed. These range from the simplest recitation of a few verses to the most complex andd lengthy rituals".

Highly recommended. Those interested in an introduction to the Puja as practiced in the FWBO will find several relevant talks at FreeBuddhistAudio.