The Buddha At War - Peaceful Heart, Courageous Action in Troubled Times

Author: Robert Sachs
Foreword/Introductio: Stephen Levine
Publisher: Viva Books
Year: 2007
Language: English
Pages: 242
ISBN/UPC (if available): 1842931741

Description

Buddhist masters say that we are in a Dark Age - but even in this difficult time all joy and possibilities are not lost.

If we are to strive for a new way of life and a lasting peace, we must become warriors. We must take responsibility for the future and guide the world through its Dark Age into a more enlightened and peaceful time.

To achieve this vision we need to:

• Understand the four thoughts that revolutionize the mind – and take personal responsibility for the future
• Understand the four noble truths – there’s no need to despair
• Understand and act on the four components of action – and change our attitude to life
• Use the power of meditation and turn the goodness of the human race into positive energy to help transform the world

The Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche used to say that it is always possible to cheer up. And ultimately, a mind that is transformed, free and cheerful can help create peace and happiness. Let us start down the path from this very moment.

Contents

Dedication

Preface by
His Holiness the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche

Foreword by
Stephen Levine

Introduction: A Ray of Hope


Chapter 1:
A Call to Action in a Dark Age

Chapter 2:
War and Buddhism

Chapter 3:
Why Bother? Revolutionizing the Mind

Chapter 4:
A Fine Mess: Handling the Truth

Chapter 5:
Intention: Planting the Seed of Action

Chapter 6:
Meditations and Mantras for Becoming a Conscious,
Engaged Activist

Chapter 7:
The Power of Compassion

Chapter 8:
"The Wheel of Sharp Weapons"

Chapter 9:
The Conscious, Engaged Activist

Chapter 10:
Pockets of Light, Sources of Inspiration

Chapter 11:
The Buddha at Peace


Appendix 1:
"How to React as a Buddhist to the
September 11th Tragedy"

Appendix 2:
Postscript on an American Election

Bibliography

Index