The Way of the Buddha: The Illustrated Dhammapada

The Way of the Buddha: The Illustrated Dhammapada . The Dhammapada, a core text for Buddhists all over the world, consists of more than 400 sayings from Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Here, in a handsome and giftable format, The Way of the Buddha presents the complete text of F. Max Müller’s 1881 translation, alongside illustrations from the extensive collections of the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City.

Inspirational words are accompanied by gorgeous pieces of traditional Buddhist artwork, portraying the Buddha as well as other sages in paintings, sculptures, and textiles. The Dhammapada itself covers a wide range of themes, including old age, happiness, pleasure, anger, self-awareness, wisdom, and evil.

Bound with a ribbon and gilded, The Way of the Buddha is a portable and elegant source of daily encouragement and spiritual illumination. See details

The World We Have: A Buddhist Approach to Peace and Ecology

The World We Have: A Buddhist Approach to Peace and Ecology . In this provocative book, noted Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh offers a dramatic vision of the future of a planet overheated by rapidly disappearing fossil fuels, degraded by massive overconsumption, and besieged by unsupportable population growth. Hanh finds answers to these critical problems in the Buddhist teaching of the impermanence of all things. He demonstrates how this teaching can offer inner peace and help us use our collective wisdom and technology to restore the Earth's balance. Mixing inspiring insights with practical strategies, Hanh cites projects his own monastic community has undertaken that can serve as models for any community. Both his “ No Car Day,” observed once a week, and the “Earth Peace Treaty Commitment Sheet” can impact our ecological footprint on the Earth. Above all, he shows how acceptance of problems is that first critical step toward a deeper understanding of the best way to care for our Earth. See details

Christ Our Hope: The Papal Addresses of the Apostolic Journey to the United States

Christ Our Hope: The Papal Addresses of the Apostolic Journey to the United States . Pope Benedict XVI s visit to the United States was met with great enthusiasm, hope, and joy, and is sure to inspire Catholics for years to come. Now, in commemoration of this significant event, this book gathers together in one volume the complete set of Pope Benedict XVI s addresses, speeches, and homilies from April 15-20, 2008, given in Washington, DC, and New York.

Beginning with his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base and concluding with his departure from John F. Kennedy Airport, this book offers the inspiring words and message of hope, as well as a historic record, of the 2008 papal visit to the United States.

Among the texts included are:

The Interview of the Holy Father during the Flight to the USA

The White House Visit with President George W. Bush on the South Lawn
U.S. Bishops at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Homily at Nationals Park
Catholic Educators at The Catholic University of America
The Jewish Community and Interreligious Leaders at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center
The General Assembly of the United Nations
Park East Synagogue
Ecumenical Prayer Service at St. Joseph s Church
Homily at St. Patrick s Cathedral
Visit with Disabled Youth
Youth Rally at St. Joseph s Seminary, Dunwoodie
Prayer at Ground Zero
Homily at Yankee Stadium
Departure from John F. Kennedy Airport

This valuable reference contains the exact words of Pope Benedict XVI and offers the opportunity to read and reflect upon the message of hope he proclaimed in this historic second transcontinental apostolic journey of his pontificate. More than that, it is a keepsake that will be cherished by those fortunate enough to have seen him in person or in the media. See details

Woman Spirit Awakening in Nature: Growing into the Fullness of Who You Are

Woman Spirit Awakening in Nature: Growing into the Fullness of Who You Are .This book is your invitation to experience the life-energizing process of reclaiming your spiritual roots through nature--be it your backyard or the wilds of the forest.

Nancy Barrett Chickerneo, a twenty-year veteran leading women's retreats, guides you on a journey into nature to reconnect with your senses--what you see, hear, touch, taste and smell--in order to reactivate your ability for personal discovery. Combining creativity, playfulness and spiritual depth, she poses eight life-changing questions that help you explore ways to awaken, transform and nurture your spirit. Practical exercises for individual or group use encourage you to let go of self-judgment and seek balance in your everyday life, empowering you to find your own path to spiritual growth.

Whether you have picked up this book out of curiosity, longing--even skepticism--you will be inspired to get out there into nature to reclaim the person you were created to be. See details

Buddhist Art and Architecture (World of Art)

Buddhist Art and Architecture (World of Art) .The 1993 edition of Fisher's "Buddhist Art and Architecture" was reprinted, with revisions, in 2002. The cover of the revised edition is like the 1993 edition (i.e. the Kansas Guanyin), but now framed within a diamond-shape which is inset into a black background. The text is current on recent scholarship, such as the role of aniconism in Early Buddhist art, and cosmological interpretations of Angkor Wat.

The book is organized by region: of its 200 pages, approximately 40-50 pages each are devoted to India, China, Korea/Japan, and Southeast Asia. The book's wide area coverage is both an advantage and a disadvantage, since much has been left out. For example, there is only one paragraph on the life of the Buddha himself, and not even a mention of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion), arguably Japan's most famous and beautiful architectural icon. I would also have liked to see a greater use of color illustrations (only 32 of 179, in the present edition). See details