Sunday, March 2, 2008

Recommended books

Taoism

Tao Te King, le livre du Tao et de sa vertu, Lao Tseu, Éditions Dervy
If you are French-speaking or bilingual, this is a valuable edition. Half the book is dedicated to explanatory notes that are a classic in themselves. Alex
The Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu (English version)
Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realise there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you
I Ching or Book of Changes, Wilhelm/Baynes
Penetrating reflection must not be pushed too far, lest it cripple the power of decision. After a matter has been thoroughly pondered, it is essential to form a decision and to act
Back to beginnings, Huanchu Daoren
When fate slights me in terms of prosperity, I respond by enriching my virtue. When fate belabours me physically, I make up for it by making my mind free
Wandering on the Way, Chuang Tzu
The Importance of Living, Lin Yutang
The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach
Barefoot Doctor's Guide to the Tao, A Spiritual Handbook for the Urban Warrior, Stephen Russell
Doubting is an indulgence that, however tempting, is best avoided at all times, especially in cases of extreme emergency
How would Confucius ask for a raise?, Carol Osborne

Buddhism

Training the Mind, Chogyam Trungpa
The person who collects merit has to be humble and willing to give rather than being willing to collect
Healing anger - The power of patience from a Buddhist perspective, H.H. the Dalai Lama
A Study in Karma, Annie Besant
Yoga and Destiny, Elisabeth Haich and Selvarajan Yesudian

Zen

Hara, The Vital Centre of Man, Karlfried Graf Durkheim
Man, as a living being, is not rooted in himself. Rather he is nourished, sustained, and held in order by Nature whose laws operate without his knowledge and assistance
Zen in the Art of Archery, Eugen Herrigel
Zen in the Art of the Tea Ceremony, Horst Hammitzsch
The Book of Five Rings, Myamoto Musashi
Wabi Sabi - The Japanese art of impermanence, Andrew Juniper

Eastern philosophy

The Story of Oriental Philosophy, L. Adams Beck

Western philosophy

The Power of your Subconscious Mind, Dr. Joseph Murphy
The trouble with most people is they don't have any invisible means of support
Meditations - the spiritual teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Mark Forstater

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Discover The Tale of Genji, the 11th Century classic of Japan (click image)

Discover The Tale of Genji, the 11th Century classic of Japan (click image)
Kiyomizudera Temple has a large veranda looking out over Kyoto and beyond