Books published by Shambhala Publications Inc

Finding awareness in any kind of ordinary daily activity--the first book from a Southeast Asian Buddhist monk-teacher who is becoming prominent worldwide, particularly in the Insight Meditation community.The flame of wisdom can be kindled in the midst of any life, even one that might seem too full of personal and professional commitments to allow for it. Such is the teaching of Sayadaw U Tejaniya, who himself learned to cultivate awareness in the raucous years he spent in the Burmese textile business before taking his final monastic ordination at the age of thirty-six. Train yourself to be aware of the clinging and aversion that arise in any situation, he teaches. If you can learn to do that, calm and deep insight will naturally follow. It's a method that works as well for sorting the laundry or doing data entry as it does in formal sitting meditation. "The object of attention is not really important," he teaches, "the observing mind that is working in the background to be aware is of real importance. If the observing is done with the right attitude, any object is the right object."

An exposition of the similarities and differences between Vajrayana Buddhism and Zen, by one of the twentieth century's greatest meditation teachers.The Teacup and the Skullcup is made up of edited transcripts from two seminars that Chögyam Trungpa gave near the beginning of his North American teaching career in 1974--one in Barnet, Vermont, and one in Boston--called "Zen and Tantra." Although Trungpa Rinpoche belonged to the tantra tradition, he acknowledged the strength and discipline gained from Zen influence. Through these talks you can see his respect for the Zen tradition and how it led to his using certain Zen forms for his public meditation hall rituals. He discusses the differences in style, feeling, and emphasis that distinguish the two paths and shows what each one might learn from the other. Also included are Trungpa Rinpoche's commentary on the Ten Oxherding Pictures and an essay he composed in memory of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, a close friend with whom he continually exchanged ideas for furthering buddhadharma in America.

A contemporary and provocative examination of the life of the Buddha highlighting the influence of women from his journey to awakening through his teaching career--based on overlooked or neglected stories from ancient source material. In this retelling of the ancient legends of the women in the Buddha’s intimate circle, lesser-known stories from Sanskrit and Pali sources are for the first time woven into an illuminating, coherent narrative that follows his life from his birth to his parinirvana or death. Interspersed with original insights, fresh interpretations, and bold challenges to the status quo, the stories are both entertaining and thought-provoking—some may even appear controversial. Focusing first on laywomen from the time before the Buddha’s enlightenment—his birth mother and stepmother, his co-wives, and members of his harem when he was known as Prince Siddhartha—then moving on to the Buddha’s first female disciples, early nuns, and to female patrons, Wendy Garling invites us to open our minds to a new understanding of their roles.

A graphic novel version of the classic book that first introduced Westerners to the samurai ethos.This graphic novel version of the cult classic Bushido brings the timeless secrets of the samurai to life. Originally published in 1905, Bushido was the first book to introduce Westerners to the samurai ethos. Written by Inazo Nitobe, one of the foremost Japanese authors and educators of the time, it describes the characteristics and virtues that are associated with bushido—honor, courage, justice, loyalty, self-control—and explains the philosophy behind how samurai were educated and trained; the connection between the sword and the samurai; seppuku; and the position of women in samurai culture; among other themes. To this day,Bushido is considered a must-read for anyone who wants to understanding the soul of Japan and navigate their world with integrity and honor.

Step back into old Japan in this fascinating travelogue of the famous Kiso Road, an ancient route used by samurai and warlords, which remains much the same today as it did hundreds of years ago. Take a trip to old Japan with William Scott Wilson as he travels the ancient Kiso Road, a legendary route that remains much the same today as it was hundreds of years ago. The Kisoji, which runs through the Kiso Valley in the Japanese Alps, has been in use since at least 701 C.E. In the seventeenth century, it was the route that the daimyo (warlords) used for their biennial trips—along with their samurai and porters—to the new capital of Edo (now Tokyo). The natural beauty of the route is renowned—and famously inspired the landscapes of Hiroshige, as well as the work of many other artists and writers. Wilson, esteemed translator of samurai philosophy, has walked the road several times and is a delightful and expert guide to this popular tourist destination; he shares its rich history and lore, literary and artistic significance, cuisine and architecture, as well as his own experiences.

From celebrated author and blogger Béatrice Peltre comes a much anticipated second book, focusing on everyday foods (all gluten-free) to share with family and friends. To the French, food is one of life's greatest pleasures, and in Béatrice Peltre's home, each meal is a small celebration. In her kitchen, bright, colorful ingredients are transformed into wholesome, delicious dishes and served with love. Here, Béatrice's relaxed, modern approach to classic French cooking meets the challenge of creating healthy meals for the whole family-meals to be shared à table, presented with grace and style. In My French Family Table, Béatrice offers a beautiful assortment of over 120 recipes for naturally gluten-free dishes that feature whole grains, colorful produce, and distinctive spices. Every meal is an inspired work of love-from breakfast dishes such as Buttermilk, Lemon, and Strawberry Brunch Cake to a lunch of French Green Bean Salad with Croûtons, Olives, and Ricotta Salata alongside a healthy soup or vegetable tart. In the afternoon Béatrice loves to eat the traditional French goûter with her daughter, Lulu, whose favorite snack is Brown Butter Madeleines with Buckwheat and Chocolate Chips. Who could resist a Sunday supper of Chicken Stuffed with Herbs, Walnuts, and Grainy Mustard, followed by the sweet treat of Baked Apricots with Lemon Verbena or the indulgent Chocolate Mousse with Salted Caramel and Matcha Tea Cookies? Béatrice also includes recipes that are particularly child-friendly to cook and eat, inspired by her kitchen adventures with Lulu. With her creative use of ingredients, Béatrice ups the ante on what family foods can be-incredibly tasty, beautiful, and nourishing. Béatrice's signature bright photography, impeccable styling, and sweet storytelling make My French Family Table an inspiring collection of recipes for feeding a family and feeding them well.

Buddhist-inspired advice for working through romantic breakups and other painful emotional periods--by the best-selling author of The Buddha Walks into a Bar... Buddhism has a lot to say about suffering--and there are likely few times we suffer more intensely than when we break up with a romantic partner. It feels like you may never recover sometimes. But Lodro Rinzler has wonderfully good news for those suffering heartbreak: the 2,500-year-old teachings of the Buddha are the ultimate antidote for emotional pain. And you don't need to be a Buddhist for them to apply to you. In this short and compact first-aid kit for a broken heart, he walks you through the cause and cure of suffering, with much practical advice for self-care as you work to survive a breakup. The wisdom he presents applies to any kind of emotional suffering. It's a great, practical offering of consolation for someone you know who's going through a tough time, and for yourself when you're looking for the light at the end of the tunnel in your own situation.