Donald S. Lopez

Examines the history of "The Tibetan Book of the Dead," arguing that this text gained popularity due to the human obsession with death, the Western romance of Tibet, and the manner in which Walter Evans-Wentz compiled the text in a way that reflects American religious life.

A Biography

"The Tibetan Book of the Dead"

Lopez finds that even as Tibet's romance is invoked by exiled lamas, it ultimately imprisons those who seek the goal of Tibetan independence from Chinese occupation.

Tibetan Buddhism and the West

Prisoners of Shangri-La

Steven C. Rockefeller

In this book, the authors explore and reconsider the contemporary significance of the Christ and the Bodhisattva. The volume includes essays by three eminent Christian theologians, Langdon Gilkey, Brother David Steindl-Rast, and Ann Belford Ulanov, that explore the significance of the Christ from the perspectives of the Roman Catholic contemplative tradition, modern depth psychology, and liberal Protestantism. Drawing on information previously unavailable in English, three distinguished scholars of Buddhism, Robert Thurman, Luis Gomez, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, investigate the significance of the Bodhisattva in India, East Asian, and Tibet. A substantive introduction sets the historical background for the Christ in Christianity and the Bodhisattva in Buddhism. Contributors' essays enhance our understanding of current presuppositions, problems, and prospects for the Buddhist-Christian dialogue.

The Christ and the Bodhisattva

Over the past century, Buddhism has come to be seen as a world religion, exceeding Christianity in longevity and, according to many, philosophical wisdom. This volume provides a unique introduction to Buddhism by examining categories essential for a nuanced understanding of its traditions.

Critical Terms for the Study of Buddhism

Given its vast literature and its practice of teaching what is appropriate for a particular disciple, the Buddhist tradition has long had to wrestle with the question of which of his many scriptures represented the Buddha`s highest view. In response to that problem, Buddhist commentators developed sophisticated systems of interpretation, Buddhist hermeneutics. The present volume of essays by leading Western Buddhologists surveys the rich variety of strategies employed by Buddhist thinkers of India, Tibet, China, and Japan to interpret their sacred texts.

Buddhist Hermeneutics

A critical history of the study of Buddhism in the West, incorporating insights of colonial and post-colonial cultural studies. Social, political and cultural conditions that have shaped the course of Buddhist studies are discussed.

The Study of Buddhism Under Colonialism

Curators of the Buddha

Renowned for its terse declaration of the perfection of wisdom, the Heart Sutra is the most famous of Buddhist scriptures. The author draws on previously unexamined commentaries, preserved only in Tibetan, to investigate the meanings derived from and invested into the sutra during the later period of Indian Buddhism. The Heart Sutra Explained offers new insights on "form is emptiness, emptiness is form," on the mantra "gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha," and on the synthesis of Madhyamika, Yogacara, and tantric thought that characterized the final period of Buddhism in India. It also includes complete translations of two nineteenth century Tibetan commentaries demonstrating the selective appropriation of Indian sources.

Indian and Tibetan Commentaries

The Heart Sutra Explained

Éste es un libro particular puesto que nos ofrece una visión desmitificada y rigurosa de las múltiples tradiciones buddhistas existentes a través de Asia y a lo largo de los siglos. Aquí, no encontramos el buddhismo con el que sueña Occidente. Por el contrario, en esta obra el buddhismo habla por sí mismo, con sus propias historias y anécdotas, a partir de sus personajes históricos y legendarios, desde sus escrituras canónicas y sus textos apócrifos, y en sus múltiples lenguas y rostros originarios de la India, Sri Lanka, Tailandia, el Tíbet, China o Japón. Tampoco es éste un manual más de buddhismo que, como si de un manual de mecánica se tratara, exponga uno tras otro los principios "esenciales" del buddhismo. En El buddhismo. Introducción a su historia y sus enseñanzas, Donald S. Lopez adopta una visión de conjunto y transversal del buddhismo, que nos presenta como una realidad viva, con matices y en constante evolución, no como un conjunto de teorías abstractas o un conjunto de prácticas mistificadas. Este libro va dirigido a quien desee introducirse y profundizar en el conocimiento del buddhismo.

Introducción a su historia y sus enseñanzas

El buddhismo

Éste es un libro particular puesto que nos ofrece una visión desmitificada y rigurosa de las múltiples tradiciones buddhistas existentes a través de Asia y a lo largo de los siglos. Aquí, no encontramos el buddhismo con el que sueña Occidente. Por el contrario, en esta obra el buddhismo habla por sí mismo, con sus propias historias y anécdotas, a partir de sus personajes históricos y legendarios, desde sus escrituras canónicas y sus textos apócrifos, y en sus múltiples lenguas y rostros originarios de la India, Sri Lanka, Tailandia, el Tíbet, China o Japón. Tampoco es éste un manual más de buddhismo que, como si de un manual de mecánica se tratara, exponga uno tras otro los principios "esenciales" del buddhismo. En "El buddhismo. Introducción a su historia y sus enseñanzas", Donald S. Lopez adopta una visión de conjunto y transversal del buddhismo, que nos presenta como una realidad viva, con matices y en constante evolución, no como un conjunto de teorías abstractas o un conjunto de prácticas mistificadas. Este libro va dirigido a quien desee introducirse y profundizar en el conocimiento del buddhismo.

El Buddhismo: Introduccion a Su Historia y Sus Ensenanzas

Peggy McCracken

Looks at the medieval tale of St. Josaphat, a prince who gave up everything to follow Jesus, and traces its origins in the story of the Buddha, looking at the various versions of the story, their similarities, and their differences.

In Search of the Christian Buddha: How an Asian Sage Became a Medieval Saint

Gregory Schopen

Collected Papers on the Archaeology, Epigraphy, and Texts of Monastic Buddhism in India

Bones, Stones, and Buddhist Monks

Lopez reveals unexpected points of instability and contradiction in the Heart Sutra, which, in the end, turns out to be the most malleable of texts, where the logic of commentary serves as a tool of both tradition and transgression.

Elaborations on Emptiness - Uses of the Heart Sutra

Dalai Lama XIV Bstan-ʼdzin-rgya-mtsho

Jeffrey Hopkins

An introduction to Buddhism, written by the Dalai Lama himself, provides an complete look at the Buddhist philosophies and ideals, as well as the vital necessity of treating others with kindness and compassion. Reprint.

Opening the Eye of New Awareness

This engaging introduction to Buddhism by leading Buddhist scholar Donald S. Lopez Jr. offers an expert but lucid account that demystifies Buddhism and explains its practices, teachings, and schools. Blending penetrating analysis with engaging storytelling, Lopez makes Buddhism accessible and compelling as he reveals the commonalities and differences among the major traditions. The Story of Buddhism focuses on actual lived practice and shows why Buddhism has been so appealing and helpful through many centuries and many cultures, including our own. Lopez begins with the creation and structure of the Buddhist universe and then tells the story of the life of the Buddha, weaving a tapestry of history, legend, and doctrine (a traditional approach in Buddhist literature). He explores important concepts such as dharma -- including devotional practices and techniques of meditation -- and sangha -- the communities of monks, nuns, and laypeople who follow the teachings of the Buddha. Finally, the author probes the meaning of enlightenment as a path to the realization of one's true nature and freedom from suffering. Complete with a glossary, detailed index, and comprehensive bibliography, The Story of Buddhism is a rich presentation of the Buddhist tradition. Whether you are a practicing Buddhist, a student of world religions, or both, this concise, accessible introduction to the teachings, practices, and historical development of Buddhism is an invaluable guide that will set the standard for years to come.

Donald S. Lopez

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