Book Review

23 March 2013

“The Present”

I always have the perspective that "Now" is the best gift ever, and Spencer Johnson made it more obvious.   For instance, Spencer wrote something about "being in the present, pay attention to what is important now, enjoy the moment" which was reflected on the young boy in his story.  He realized that his work was getting easier bit by bit by just focusing on the task at the moment.

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10 March 2013

“A Buddhist Reflects on Spirituality”

When we speak of spirituality, people often relate it to religion.  However, spirituality is more than that; it is a whole manner of living often to reduce one’s dependence on materialism, so as to gain ultimate happiness.  Buddhism is not about mere beliefs or blind faith, but is often touted as a way of life.  It emphasizes the gradual, incremental practice of generosity, morality, and mental cultivation, whereby the practitioner overcomes ignorance by wisdom.

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12 January 2013

“Why Procrastinate?”

For many people, procrastination is part of everyday life, and many people feel guilty and powerless to do anything about it. However, this feeling may diminish after reading the book “Why Procrastinate?”.

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15 December 2012

“Recognizing the Dhamma”

Have you read a Dhamma book today?

Book title : Recognizing the Dhamma
Author : Ven. Bhikkhu Thanissaro
Topic : Concepts, Teachings and Practice

Introduction

Shortly after her ordination, Mahapajapati Gotami asked the Buddha for a short Dhamma instruction that would guide her in her solitary practice. The Buddha gave a discourse on the eight principles for recognizing what qualifies as Dhamma and Vinaya, and what does not. The eight principles have been widely cited ever since. In addition, there are passages on the principles of modesty, non-entanglement, dispassion, etc. in this compilation.  Read more

3 November 2012

“Friends & Foes in Meditation”

Who are our foes and friends in meditation?   In this book, Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso explains in detail the Five Hindrances which are the obstacles that we will meet in our meditation.  They stop us from becoming enlightened.  The understanding of these hindrances and overcoming them is crucial.

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20 October 2012

“Walking the World”

The Buddha teaches that the world is to be found ‘in this fathom-long body’.  Suffering and the cause of suffering, liberation and the path leading to liberation, are all to be found right here – in this mind, in this body. 

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24 August 2012

“A Constitution for Living”

Have you read a Dhamma book today?

Book title : A Constitution for Living : Buddhist Principles for a      Fruitful and Harmonious Life
Author : Ven. P. A. Payutto
Publisher : Inward Path, Penang
Topic : Concepts, Teachings and Practice

 

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17 August 2012

“Dhamma Everywhere”

Have you read a Dhamma book today?

Book title : Dhamma Everywhere : Welcoming each moment with Awareness + Wisdom
Author : Venerable Ashin Tejaniya
Publisher : Auspicious Affinity
Topic : Concepts, Teachings and Practice

 

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10 August 2012

“One Life Five Precepts”

Have you read a Dhamma book today?

Book title : One Life Five Precepts : Buddhist Ethics for Modern Living
Author : Venerable Faxun
ISBN : 9789810899905
Topic : Concepts, Teachings and Practice
Introduction

In this book, you will find a clear explanation of each precept and the benefits of living in accordance with it.  Use your mind of wisdom and compassion to contemplate your actions so that instead of living with the motivation “I want what I want when I want it, and it doesn’t matter what I do to get it,” you live with the intention “My life depends on the kind efforts of others.  Therefore I want to reciprocate their kindness by not harming them.  Furthermore, because I care about myself, I want to put the seeds of positive karma, not destructive karma, in my mindstream.”  Then experience the joy that comes from living an ethical life…

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3 August 2012

“Cittaviveka”

Synopsis Cittaviveka, which in Pāli means “the Mind of Non-Attachment”, is a work by Ajahn Sumedho based on his reflections of teaching Dhamma in the West.  The book is divided into two parts - the first part speaks about living our lives skilfully through letting go, listening to one’s mind and understanding the five hindrances. The second part talks about the functions of the monastery to the people and society. The learning from a monastery guides people to be free from attachments, which is the source of much suffering in the world.

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