Monday 27 August 2012

TALES OF THE TURQUOISE - CORNEILLE JEST


RATING: C

A cross between details of a Nepalese Buddhist pilgrimage and a pile of Tibetan style folk-tales. Another 'easy-read' while my duties include keeping one ear open at all times rather than being able to put in total concentration. 

I have not got much to say other than that about this book - I would recommend it to anyone looking for a simple read, keeping to Buddhist subjects - but not in a situation to study and progress dramatically, or one interested in Tibetan culture.

Tuesday 21 August 2012

THE POCKET BUDDHA READER - ANNE BANCROFT






RATING: A-

The chapter on clarity stood out as especially useful in the way of personal advancement, though overall this book is a reminder of the basics in a simple format. I had been reading complex commentaries for some time. I have had to change to short passages or less complicated text, due to having no time for deeper concentration currently. (At any moment, my father is likely to call out and break me from my studies.)

This is a good book for those searching to cement the basics in their mind, for those looking for basic instructions to start from, or those who are interested but have not read any of the Buddha's teachings yet.

Monday 6 August 2012

MY SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY - HHDL







RATING: B-

Within the first 100 pages, there is mention of practice being of 24/7 nature, not five minutes here & half an hour there. This is something that stands firm in my own life - sometimes I have time to spend praying, reading, learning, studying - and sometimes I do not. In the times that I do not however, I remain practicing - I use mindfulness meditation or lessons I have learned to live by and from.

There is material on page 111 that makes me think. I am learning about the contents of page 112 due to my father's situation. I agree with page 113 - bugs and birds do behave better than humans, even if they have less intelligence. This point has been what I have been hung up on when trying to understand the Buddhist perspective of humanity being a better life than that of an animal - it is hard for me to accept this, seeing as it is the human species that has so ruined the planet we all share. Aryadeva's advice is well taken. The poem starting on page 145 is lovely - I relate well to the respect of nature. There is much more written concerning pro-nature further on.

I would recommend this book to other Buddhists who may be short of time when reading yet not short of life for practicing, and for those seeking an easy yet helpful read.