Essential Buddhism

Mysticism is popularly understood as becoming one with God or the Absolute. In this inspirational book, the Dalai Lama's thoughts on the nature and meaning of mysticism, how we can live lives infused with mystical experience, and how mysticism can result in both personal and social change are revealed. The book consists of four sections - an introduction, quotations, a lecture on mysticism by the Dalai Lama, and a glossary - that provide an accessible introduction to the Dalai Lama's core teachings concerning the mystical path.

Daily mindfulness practice has been around for thousands of years, and now the western world has come to appreciate the benefits of staying in the moment. Scientific evidence backs up what monks have known for centuries: daily meditation and mindfulness can reverse the damage from our modern stress-filled lives without any fancy equipment or classes.

Little is known of the life of Zen master Huang-Po (Obaku in Japanese). He was born in Fuzhou, China, and died about 850 AD. His main teacher was Pai Chang (Hyakujo) (720 - 814). The main source for Huang-Po's teaching is the Treatise of the Essentials of the Transmission of the Mind, compiled by his student, Pei Xiu. Huang-Po's teaching is focused on the concept of Mind, the essence of intrinsic Buddahood. According to the master, the search for enlightenment was a useless distraction, as seeking for something inevitably separates the seeker from what is being sought.