RECOMMENDED BOOKS

We have selected the following books as being particularly useful for those new to Buddhism and those looking for teachings aids in the classroom. The first four books on our list together provide a very sound basis for teachers to cover the knowledge requirements of Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.

THE BUDDHIST HANDBOOK (ref..SB101)     £ 11.50   John Snelling. If there is one book to read to gain a good understanding of the core Buddhist beliefs, this is it. Writing in a simple and clear style, the author presents essential information on the main teachings of Buddhism and the practice of meditation. He also provides an outline of Buddhist literature and the different schools of Buddhism including theravadan and mahayanan traditions, tibetan, zen, pureland, nichiren and others. As well as this, there is an account of the spread of Buddhism to the West, a 'Whos Who' amongst contemporary teachers, writers and practitioners, a list of useful addresses and recommended further reading. Paperback; 373 pages; £12.99 reduced to £11.50 for schools.

---

WHAT THE BUDDHA TAUGHT (ref..SB102)     £ 8.00   by The Venerable Dr Walpola Sri Rahula. In this somewhat more challenging book, the author draws richly on extracts from ancient texts to provide clear and direct explanations of Buddhism's essential teachings. These include: The buddhist attitude of mind; The Four noble truths; The noble eightfold path; Meditations and mental development; What the Buddha taught and the world today. The book also includes a very useful glossary of Buddhist terms. Dr Walpola Sri Rahula was a Buddhist monk and scholar. He received a traditional training and education in his native Sri Lanka before studying at the University of Calcutta and Sorbonne. He is widely regarded as one of the most qualified and enlightened scholars of the Buddhist tradition with a deep knowledge of original texts. "By far the best introduction to Buddhism available" - Prof R.F. Gombrich, Boden Professor of Sanskrit , University of Oxford. paperback; 151 pages; £8.99 reduced to £8.00 for schools.

---

BUDDHISM FOR BEGINNERS (ref..SB103)     £ 8.00   by Thubten Chodron This excellent book is written in question-and-answer format. The author addresses fundamental questions and issues about applying Buddhism in everyday life in Western Society. Questions include: What is the goal of the Buddhist path? What is the difference between compassion and pity? What are the benefits of meditation? What is karma and how does it work? How can we deal with fear? Wouldn't life be boring without attachment? Are Buddhists concerned with the environment? What does the Buddha say about romantic love and marriage? What is the difference between a prayer and a mantra? In her straightforward answers to these and other questions, the author shows us how Buddhists' beliefs and practices can help them live a more peaceful, mindful and satisfying life. Thubten Chodron is an American born Tibetan Buddhist nun. She studied and practised Buddhism in India and Nepal since 1975; now based in the USA, she travels worldwide, teaches and leads meditation retreats paperback; 160 pages; £8.95 reduced to £8.00 for schools.

---

THE GOSPEL OF BUDDHA (ref..SB104)     £ 8.00   compiled from ancient records by Paul Carus. This classic book provides relatively simple and concise renditions of ancient writings common to the many different traditions within Buddhism. The short, pithy chapters summarise writing about the Buddha's birth, life and beliefs and parables and stories associated with Buddhism. A very good source for stories of the Mustard Seed, the 'Lost Son' (Lotus Sutra) etc. The book is illustrated with simple and beautiful line drawings that are based on the ancient paintings of the Ajanta caves and works from the classical period of Buddhist art. Of particular interest is a reference table showing the main sources of the chapters and their parallels with Western thought and Christian gospels. A glossary is also included. Paperback; 311 pages; £8.95 reduced to £8.00 for schools.

---

BUDDHA'S LITTLE INSTRUCTION BOOK (ref..SB105)     £ 6.25   by Jack Kornfield. In this lovely little book, the author has distilled and adapted key messages from the Buddhist literature into short verses which explore the themes of individual awareness and kindness, wise relationships, and the interconnectedness of all beings eg. "If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete"; "When asked, 'Are you a god or a man?' the Buddha replied, 'I am awake'". The book also includes six meditations to quiet the mind and open the heart in the midst of everyday life. Jack Kornfield was trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand, Burma and India. He is now a well-respected Buddhist teacher and psychologist. Paperback; 151 pages; £6.99 reduced to £6.25 for schools

---

ZEN COMICS (ref..SB109)  Click Here    £ 4.50   by Ioanna Salajan The wonderful cartoons in this little book convey perfectly the spirit of Zen and the challenge of Zen riddles. Laughter deflates pretension and a good rap on the head sometimes transcends so-called logic! In the words of Zen, ''Nothing is left for you but to laugh!'' paperback; 88 pages. £4.95 reduced to £4.50 for schools.

---

ZEN COMICS II (ref..SB110)  Click Here    £ 4.50   by Ioanna Salajan This is the second of Ioanna Salajan's wonderful books of cartoons that convey perfectly the spirit of Zen and the challenge of Zen riddles. Student: "master how is it you see things so clearly?" Master: "I close my eyes". Student: "Master, is it true you can see in the dark?" Master: "Yes I can." Student: "Then why are you carrying a lamp?" Master: "To keep other people from bumping into me." paperback; 88 pages. £4.95 reduced to £4.50 for schools.

---

20 Jataka Tales (ref..SB106)     £ 10.75   Retold by Noor Inayat Khan. This delightful book contains 20 tales drawn from the famous legends concerning the former lives of the Buddha. Beloved by children and adults alike, they tell of people and animals moved to acts of sacrifice by the noble example of their fellow creatures. The flavour is often suggestive of Aesop as are the lessons that are so subtly and keenly conveyed. Presented in a simplified narrative, the tales maintain the magical and timeless beauty of the Far Eastern origins. The stories are ideal for reading to children as they tell of highly dramatic adventures that are resolved by non-violent and compassionate means. Challenging circumstances bring forth courage and the capacity to love, opening the way to solutions against seemingly impossible odds. Exquisite illustrations by the well-known illustrator H Willebeek le Mair. Paperback; 148 pages; £11.99 reduced to £10.75 for schools.

---

THE MOUNTAINS OF TIBET (ref..SB107)     £ 4.50   written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein. This most beautiful little tale recounts the adventures of a small boy who grows up to be a woodcutter. When he dies, he discovers that life after death includes the opportunity to live again. Now he has to choose where he most wants to live, and what he most wants to be. This highly acclaimed and award winning children's story offers a delightfully thought-provoking introduction to the concept of reincarnation and that life and death are parts of one whole. It is beautifully and imaginatively told and the illustrations are exquisite. Paperback; 32 pages; £4.99 reduced to £4.50 for schools.

---

EXPLORE TIBET (ref..SB108)     £ 6.25   by Kimberly Eveers, Kevin Heller, Alejandro Ramirez, Jane Reid, Enola Romano. Explore Tibet is intended for children ages 7 - 13; it is designed to introduce the young reader to Tibetan culture. It contains a combination of hands-on activities with text and illustrations and offers something for every child including: Learning about the everyday life of a nomad; Meeting a Tibetan family; Making and tasting some tibetan food; Completing a connect-the-dots picture; Constructing a festival tent; Seeing a tibetan alter; Negotiating a mandala maze; Making a mask; Playing a board game. Paperback; 31 pages, including cut-outs; £6.95 reduced to £6.25 for schools

---

THE TIBETAN ART COLOURING BOOK (ref..SB111)  Click Here    £ 9.00   by J. Jamyang Singe. J. Jamyang Singe is a renouned painter of Tibetan sacred art. Here he has created 12 exquisitly detailed thangka (sacred art) drawings ready to colour. Each drawing is printed with a blank back and is suitable for framing. The book includes a clear explanation of the ancient principles of thangka art. An account is also given of the various deities and symbols that appear in the drawings. 12 line drawings with 5 pages of text.

---

http://www.garudatrading.com