BODHISATTVA ATTITUDE - LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE

RATING: A-

This book has brought awareness to some faults of mine. Page 32 mentions the joy in assisting insects. The prayer on page 172 is also meaningful to me. I would like to take on the main practices, but my time schedule does not allow this in addition to my current practice. Some of the prayers from the appendices will be able to be learned and taken on though - for instance, the one for ensuring that if you tread on a bug it is reborn in a favorable place is one I shall definitely be learning.

I found this a very helpful book and recommend it to those learning how to practice Mahayana Buddhism, those interested in making their practice worthwhile, and those with enough time to get deeply involved in this practice - either alone or in addition to their current practice.

WORDS OF WISDOM - LAMA SURYA DAS

RATING: B+

This small and short book could be gobbled down in an hour if you chose to, but I feel it is best appreciated when given more time in order to linger over each short phrase/verse. It is a collection of wise and witty sentences and sayings that makes you smile whilst encouraging contemplation.

I would recommend this book to those looking for modern short sayings to ponder as well as LSD fans.

MEDICINE BUDDHA SADHANA - LAMA THUBTEN ZOPA RINPOCHE/VEN. THUBTEN GYATSO

RATING:B

This is another version of the Medicine Buddha Sadhana that I can practice from. (I am currently memorizing one version, and have also read a shorter version, a longer version, and a book.) Medicine Buddha Sadhana is the last practice my former teacher gave me to work on before dying late last year and I therefore wish to pursue the practice as well as I possibly can in his memory. I have also had reason to increase my practice and prayers due to a recent situation in Golok - http://campaigntibet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/recent-petition.html

I found this to be a decent length version with a similar layout to the version I am currently working on - but with less Tibetan. It would therefore suit someone who does not want to persevere with Tibetan pronunciation, yet still wished to practice the Medicine Buddha Sadhana.

BEING WITH DYING - JOAN HALIFAX

RATING: C

A bookful of advice for carers dealing with those that are dying and close to death. As a FT carer to my 89YO father, I thought this an appropriate book to read, especially as it comes from a Buddhist viewpoint, if mainly zen. HIGHLIGHTS: Page 27 - the entry beginning 'true compassion just does what needs' stands out. Chapter 5 was especially interesting to me.

I would recommend this book - as indeed I actually have - to carers who are dealing with those close to death, the elderly, or those seeking to further their general experience of caring from a Buddhist point of view.

THE WISDOM OF NO ESCAPE - PEMA CHODRON

RATING: B-

Chapter 9 on energy and the elements related to things I have been working on. I can see the 'undercurrent' energy below the words and actions people use. I did dot practice which helped me see the connections of energy flow. I also related easily to the chapter on Tonglen. Chapter 15 was also especially helpful to me personally.

I would recommend this book to anyone searching for some basic helpful ideas in their Western world practice, those that would like to go on a PC retreat but cannot, and those that find PC's language easy to understand and advice helpful.

LOTUS - KAZUAKI TANAHASHI & ALLAN BAILLIE

RATING:C

A collection of beautiful pictures and verse concerning the lotus flower. The photography is splendid and the verses wide of range - covering Buddhist, Hindu, Japanese and Chinese among the collection. A pleasant relaxing - and quick - read.

I would recommend this book to those seeking to have a leisurely read, interested in plant photography, or specifically drawn to the lotus flower/plant.