New ebooks by Charles S. Prebish and Damien Keown
Charles S. Prebish, who you may recall from my review of his memoir “An American Buddhist Life: Memoirs of a Modern Dharma Pioneer” (from Sumeru Press) and author of more than twenty books has released a new ebook. Titled “Looking West: A Primer for American Buddhism” this is a basic introduction to Buddhism in America highlighting the large variety of Buddhist traditions in America with a focus mainly on Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
It offers a clear typology for examining the American Buddhist tradition which includes ethnicity, practice, democratization, social engagement, and adaptation. It describes how we determine just who is a Buddhist in America and how Buddhists present on American soil can work together respectfully while maintaining sometimes differing sectarian affiliations.
The ebook is available for $9.99 via either from Smashwords or from Amazon and be sure to be on the lookout for a review on this blog in the coming weeks.
Also of note is an ebook by Damien Keown titled “Buddhism and Bioethics” which offers a review of contemporary issues in bioethics from a Buddhist perspective. Tackling controversial subjects such as abortion, suicide and euthanasia and drawing from ancient and modern sources, this ebook is available for $9.99 again from either Smashwords or Amazon
Win the “Watching the Paint Dry” Contest
Something tells me that meditators may have an advantage in this contest.
Hopefuls must send in a picture of themselves watching paint dry and state the longest time they’ve managed to stare at a wall of drying paint without looking away. We also want to know your favourite paint colour and why.
Entrants don’t need to be physically fit or participate in a vigorous training regime, what’s more important is mental strength, concentration and endurance. Previous paint watching experience isn’t essential, but a bit of practice might help prepare you for the mammoth task ahead.
Next on my reading list…
This cool piece of work is by Sacramento-based Graphic Designer David Angstead and was created initially for a talk Brad Warner gave in Summer 2011.
Stickers, hoodies and tshirs with this smiling Daruma-Simmons can be purchased here
Haters…
I’ve been blessed with a gene that allows me to be quite diplomatic and able to see all points of an argument without feeling the need to shout over anyone to get my point across, be mean or cut someone down just to make a point.
Dont’ get me wrong. I’ve worked for some time on this acquired skill. I wasn’t always so kind in tone. I wasn’t always such a great listener, but by the grace of cultivating patience and attempts at Right Speech and not clinging to views, I’m a lover that knows when to be a fighter (rare, but it happens).
I don’t have all the answers. I’m walking the path. Investigating my mind. This world. So thank you haters. You are helping me grow. Funny how when we think we’re tearing someone down, we are in fact sometimes only helping them to build strength, resolve and courage.
