Wisdom in Exile: Buddhism and Modern Times

Lama Jampa Thaye’s new book considers the space for Buddhism in our culture – a space that has been opened up by the failure of our dominant systems of thought to provide an intelligent account of what it is to be human and how we should conduct ourselves in this world. “At the heart of the Buddha’s teachings is the insight that suffering arises primarily from our mistaken ideas about ourselves and the nature of the world. As Buddha pointed out, suffering afflicts all beings and hence is undoubtedly present in all cultures. However, maybe our culture is unique in selling the promise of happiness so strongly but delivering only disappointment and bewilderment. According to Buddha, liberation from suffering is always possible, through the transformation of our error into understanding. Thus, despite its ancient origins, Buddhism would seem to be uniquely well-suited to the modern world.” – Wisdom in Exile, Introduction. Wisdom in Exile examines how best the Buddha’s teachings might be understood and practised today – and argues that unless we discriminate between authentic and fake presentations and resist the temptation to assimilate it to contemporary ideologies, the opportunity for it to shape our lives will be lost and Buddhism itself is likely to remain in cultural memory as nothing more than a temporary fad. “Wisdom in Exile proposes a fresh approach to Buddhism, one in which the fundamental tenets of the Buddha’s teachings are rediscovered.” - His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin

Religion & Spirituality

Thaye, Jampa

Buddhism

Dechen Foundation

We look in every place for happiness. Some of us search for it in physical pleasure, some in power and some in religion. Yet it has always been within reach, for it is mind itself 'the king of all creators' which is the source of true joy, wisdom and compassion. It is this discovery that constitutes 'enlightenment', 'nirvana' or 'buddhahood'. Nowadays everything seems broken; many spiritual traditions appear to have lost their effectiveness. Yet Buddha's teaching, especially as preserved in the Tibetan tradition of Buddhism, can speak to all of us directly whether we are young or old, rich or poor, male or female. This book is designed as an introduction to this age-old yet startlingly contemporary tradition. It is written from the inside of the tradition but is aimed at a modern Western audience. It does not compromise the truth and beauty of Tibetan Buddhism but is structured so as to be accessible. It is not a do-it-yourself book. There are no secret mantras or mandalas revealed. Such things must be received in the appropriate context from one's master when one is ready. However, for those who wish to see into the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, this book offers the window.

The Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism (Dechen Foundation)

Rain of Clarity is a guide to all aspects of the Buddhist path according to the glorious Sakya tradition, including a detailed presentation of the Madhyamaka system of Sakya, known as 'Madhyamaka free from extremes'. The text is one of the first English-language treatises which, as well as possessing the qualities of a traditional Buddhist text, also addresses issues facing contemporary Western practitioners of Buddhadharma.

Rain of Clarity: The Stages of the Path in the Sakya Tradition

Thaye, Lama Jampa

The Lamp that Dispels Darkness is an interlinear commentary on 'The Shastra Distinguishing Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom', an important work of Buddhist philosophy and practise written in the 14th century by the renowned Buddhist master Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339). The commentary was composed in 1986 by the great Tibetan scholar and yogin, Karma Thinley Rinpoche, providing a definitive and clear guide to the concise original text. Though written in the classical style of the Tibetan commentarial tradition, Karma Thinley Rinpoche provides guidance with a Western audience in mind, helping to bridge the gap between the modern world view and the world view of Buddhism. The book also contains an afterword from the translator, 'Distinguishing "Consciousness" and "Vijnana"', distinguishing contemporary Western notions and assumptions about mind from the Buddhist understanding presented throughout this work.

The Lamp that Dispels Darkness: A Commentary on Karmapa Rangjung Dorje's 'Distinguishing Consciousness and Primordial Wisdom'

Rinpoche, Karma Thinley

The 8th century Indian master Śāntideva's classic guide to the Buddhist path, the Bodhicaryāvatāra or 'Entering the Bodhisattva Conduct', is to this day one of the most popular and important works of the Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition. Presented here in a new English translation, it is supplemented with a detailed commentary composed by Sonam Tsemo (1142-1182), one of the most celebrated masters of the Sakya school in Tibet. The commentary shines a brilliant light on Śāntideva's great work, clarifying every detail and resolving every difficult point. Translated into English from Tibetan for the first time, the commentary is an invaluable aid for all who wish for a full and deep understanding of the Bodhicaryāvatāra.Translated by Adrian O'Sullivan, a student of Lama Jampa Thaye for over two decades and a director of Sakya Samten Ling in Santa Monica, California. His previous translations include Tsarchen Losal Gyamtso's 'Opening the Door to Precious Accomplishments' (2005), 'Telescope of Wisdom' (2009) and 'The Lamp that Dispels Darkness' (2013), the latter two being translations of commentaries composed by the great Sakya and Karma Kagyu master Karma Thinley Rinpoche.

Bodhicaryavatara With Commentary

Santideva, Acarya

Tsemo, Sonam