The Treasure House of Secrets
By Seten Tomh
Paper, 162 Pages
The original title of this work may be translated as the Scripture of the Lotus Blossom of the Fine Dharma or the Sutra on the White Lotus of the Sublime Dharma. Originating in the first century BCE, the Lotus Sutra has been regarded as the Buddha’s final and highest teaching. The Lotus Sutra takes the form of a drama, consisting of several scenes. Sangharakshita says that the Lotus Sutra’s stage is the cosmos, its actors are a host of mythic beings, and its language is images or symbols. For this reason the Lotus refers to itself as a treasure house of secrets. Seten Tomh’s introductory commentary to the Lotus Sutra, transcribed from a series of talks at the Buddha Center, identifies and discusses some of the esoteric ideas of the Sutra.
The Good Path of Laozi
By Seten Tomh
Paper, 103 Pages
REVISED EDITION IS NOW AVAILABLE.
Laozi, literally “Old Master,” probably lived during the Warring States period of the 4th century BCE. This was an era in ancient Chinese history characterized by war, as well as bureaucratic and military reforms and consolidation, leading to the Qin dynasty, the first unified Chinese empire. Laozi was an official in the imperial archives, a scholar who worked as the Keeper of the archives for the royal court of Zhou. This allowed him broad access to the works of the Yellow Emperor and other classics. Laozi never opened a formal school but attracted a large number of students and loyal disciples. Laozi tired of the moral decay of life in Chengzhou and, noting the kingdom’s decline, travelled west to live as a hermit in the unsettled frontier at an advanced age. At the western gate he was recognized by the guard Yinxi. He asked the old master to record his wisdom before he would allow him to pass. The text Laozi wrote was the Tao Te Ching.
Dharma Talks
By Alexander Duncan
Paper, 210 Pages
Alexander Duncan began his quest for the ultimate spiritual truth at the age of ten. Over half a century, this quest has involved him in everything from astrology to Zen. Dharma Talks is committed to the proposition that Buddhism represents the pre-eminent spiritual tradition of humanity. He found the perfection of wisdom in the vow of a bodhisattva and Dzogchen Buddhism. These are his thoughts on the Dharma Transmission to the West. This book replaces Dharma Notes.
Conversations with the Buddha
By Alexander Duncan
Paper, 474 Pages
SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND CORRECTED IS NOW AVAILABLE.
Conversations with the Buddha originated in a series of talks given at the Buddha Center in 2014-2015 by Alexander Duncan. This book examines the 34 suttas of the Digha Nikaya, the first book of the Sutta Pitaka, comprising the oldest extant introduction to the teachings of Siddattha Gotama the Buddha. Unlike sectarian exegetes, who preselect passages to support their particular theories, Duncan excludes nothing, collating all relevant texts in order to arrive at a comprehensive evaluation of the whole dharma from a non-sectarian, universalist perspective. Second edition includes eight suttas of the Majjhima Nikaya as a supplement, for a total of 42 dharma talks. “Like listening to the Buddha speak.”
Fundamental View
By Alexander Duncan
Paperback, 188 Pages
SECOND EDITION, REVISED IS NOW AVAILABLE
Join Seten Tomh on a journey through the heart of early Buddhist thought in Fundamental View. This series of talks, presented to members of the Buddha Center in the summer and fall of 2013, weaves together the suttas of the Buddha into a philosophical essay that explores the underlying patterns of meaning in Buddhist thought. With its meticulous analysis of the texts and holistic interpretation, Fundamental View provides valuable insights into the origin of Buddhist thought, exploring the universal themes that are difficult to discount. This book approaches the subject matter with an open mind, yet is grounded in a lucidly critical and critically relevant perspective. Whether you’re a student of Buddhism or simply interested in exploring the rich history of this ancient religion, Fundamental View offers a unique and insightful journey through the heart of early Buddhist thought. So, join Seten on a journey to uncover the truth of Buddhist thought, and discover the universal patterns of meaning that underlie this fascinating religion.
Theragatha
By Bhikkhu Sujato
Hardcover, 462 Pages
Bhikkhu Sujato has published 6 books on early Buddhist thought. His groundbreaking new translation of the Theragatha is a collection of poetry of the early elder monks. The poems are presented in clear modern English, without recourse to hybrid idioms or technical obscurities, while retaining the symbolic depth and enthusiasm of the original teachings. It is approachable by laypersons and scholars alike, and deserves close study from anyone desiring to thoroughly understand the tenor of early Buddhist teaching. The poems are arranged from shortest to longest, with each section named after the number of stanzas in each poem, except for the final chapter. Of the translation, Bhikkhu Sujato writes, “My aim was to make a translation that is first and foremost readable, so that this astonishing work of ancient spiritual insight might enjoy the wider audience it so richly deserves.” Note: Copyright pertains to front and back cover and internal page design, including fonts, font sizes, page layout, etc.
Dharmata 