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His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama tells the story of his life with stunning illustrations by world-renowned artist Rima Fujita.One of the most revered spiritual figures of our time—His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama—tells the story of his life in this intimate, timeless, and approachable book. Featuring luminous illustrations from world-renowned artist Rima Fujita and some never-before-shared details, it’s the perfect way to explore the life of the Dalai Lama. This simple yet powerful text combined with stunning artwork will captivate readers of all ages—and will take you on a mystical journey you won’t soon forget. 

The first complete English translation of renowned scholar-saint Tsongkhapa's Middle-Length Treatise on the Stages of the Path.Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), the author of the well-known Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment and the teacher of the First Dalai Lama, is renowned as one of the greatest scholar-saints that Tibet has ever produced. A dozen years after writing the Great Treatise, he wrote the Middle-Length Treatise on the Stages of the Path, presented here in its first complete English translation.  Half the length of the well-known Great Treatise, this work similarly presents a systematic overview of the Buddhist path. Tsongkhapa begins by abridging the longer work, distilling its explanations for quicker integration. He presents a series of meditations, beginning with recognizing the rarity of our human existence and the great opportunities it affords, followed by reflections on impermanence, suffering, and the promise of liberation from our past actions, until proceeding to the path of bodhisattvas, whose universal compassion seeks to free every being from suffering. Tsongkhapa gives especially detailed instructions on samatha, the deep meditative concentration that is a precondition for the highest insight into the nature of reality. The final and largest section, on that very insight, is unique to this work, particularly Tsongkhapa’s presentation of conventional truth and ultimate truth. Those new to Tibetan Buddhist teachings will benefit from the approachable style of this classic handbook for enlightenment, and beginners and longtime practitioners alike will cherish the clear guidance from one of Tibet’s great luminaries.

A Zen Buddhist story for all ages on how to cultivate harmony amid our differences.A story for children of all ages about interconnection and learning to live in harmony amid differences, from a leading light of contemporary Zen—based on a parable from Kosho Uchiyama’s classic bestseller Opening the Hand of Thought.  "[Squabbling Squashes] offers a teaching which is perfectly suited for the heart of a child and yet merits a lifetime of careful tending and cultivation. A gorgeous, colorful picture book . . . this read is equally light and profound." —Lion's Roar  

The author explores poetry as a spiritual practice with example poems from contemporary and historical poets, particularly as they relate to Buddhism. Includes meditations on poems and writing prompts for readers to experiment with on their own.

Discover how to explore and deepen your connection to nature with a rich array of do-anywhere meditations.Meditations on the Trail offers a rich array of do-anywhere meditations that will help you explore and deepen your connection to nature, and yourself, in new ways, making the most of your time on the trail.   This small book—perfect for throwing in a daypack or a back pocket as you head out for the trail—is filled with practices to take you into the heart of the natural world and uncover your most vibrant self. You’ll return home grateful, more aware of interconnection, and maybe just a little wiser.  “For walkers of all paces and geographies, this lovely book is a helpful guide for savoring moments on the trail, and feeling how deeply related we are to all existence.”—Stephanie Kaza, author of Conversations with Trees: An Intimate Ecology

The sixth volume of the Dalai Lama's definitive Library of Wisdom and Compassion series.Courageous Compassion, the sixth volume of the Library of Wisdom and Compassion series, continues the Dalai Lama's teachings on the path to awakening. The previous volume, In Praise of Great Compassion, focused on opening our hearts with love and compassion for all living beings, and the present volume explains how to embody compassion and wisdom in our daily lives. Here we enter a fascinating exploration of bodhisattvas' activities across multiple Buddhist traditions-Tibetan, Theravada, and Chinese Buddhism. After explaining the ten perfections according to the Pali and Sanskrit traditions, the Dalai Lama presents the sophisticated schema of the four paths and fruits for sravakas and solitary realizers and the five paths for bodhisattvas. Learning about the practices mastered by these exalted practitioners inspires us with knowledge of our minds' potential. His Holiness also describes buddha bodies, what buddhas perceive, and buddhas' awakening activities. Courageous Compassion offers an in-depth look at bodhicitta, arhatship, and buddhahood that you can continuously refer to as you progress on the path to full awakening.

Renowned scholar-monk writes accessibly on some of the most contentious topics in Buddhism—guaranteed to ruffle some feathers.Armed with his rigorous examination of the canonical records, respected scholar-monk Bhikkhu Analayo explores—and sharply criticizes—four examples of what he terms “superiority conceit” in Buddhism: the androcentric tendency to prevent women from occupying leadership roles, be these as fully ordained monastics or as advanced bodhisattvas the Mahayana notion that those who don’t aspire to become bodhisattvas are inferior practitioners the Theravada belief that theirs is the most original expression of the Buddha’s teaching the Secular Buddhist claim to understand the teachings of the Buddha more accurately than traditionally practicing Buddhists Ven. Analayo challenges the scriptural basis for these conceits and points out that adhering to such notions of superiority is not, after all, conducive to practice. “It is by diminishing ego, letting go of arrogance, and abandoning conceit that one becomes a better Buddhist,” he reminds us, “no matter what tradition one may follow.” Thoroughly researched, Superiority Conceit in Buddhist Traditions provides an accessible approach to these conceits as academic subjects. Readers will find it not only challenges their own intellectual understandings but also improves their personal practice.

Essential instructions on Mahamudra from one of today’s greatest Mahamudra masters.In his first major book, His Eminence the Twelfth Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, the head of the Zurmang Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, elucidates the essence of a fundamental mahamudra teaching. At the heart of this book are Rinpoche’s practical instructions on how to settle the mind and meditate in a way that directly works with the mind, with the aim of discovering and becoming familiar with the nature of the mind. These instructions are given as commentary to a short text written by Bokar Rinpoche, which is itself a concise commentary on the Ninth Gyalwa Karmapa Wangchuk Dorjé’s Ocean of Definitive Meaning, which is considered to be one of the most authoritative and exhaustive treatises on mahamudra. The book covers topics such as the preliminary practices, the practice of samatha and vipasyana according to the mahamudra tradition, and advice for overcoming obstacles and making progress along the path.  His Eminence Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche offers revealing commentary on Bokar Rinpoche’s pithy teaching, illuminating and unlocking it for contemporary readers, showing us the way to understand the very nature of our own minds.

New translations of teachings on meditative practice from four highly influential Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Drawing primarily from the Pacification, Severance, Shangpa Kagyü, and Bodongpa traditions, Four Tibetan Lineages presents some of Tibet’s most transformative yet lesser-known teachings on meditative practice. Most works in this volume are drawn from a Tibetan anthology known as the Treasury of Precious Instructions compiled by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé (1813–1900). A vast preservation project, this anthology reflects Kongtrul’s attempt to rescue rare teachings from disappearing. By foregrounding the teachings of masters like Khedrup Khyungpo Naljor (d. 1135), Dampa Sangyé (d. 1117), Machik Labdrön (1031/55–1126/50), Jonang Taranatha (1575–1634), and Jamyang Khyentsé Wangpo (1820–92), this volume extends Jamgön Kongtrul’s preservation efforts into the modern world. ___   "This carefully researched and meticulously organized work presents serious students and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism with a treasury of knowledge, wisdom, and clearly detailed practices. At a time when the continuity of the Tibetan tradition of valid masters and lineage holders is challenged, this publication will serve to both clarify and preserve the lineages’ gems."   —Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, Founding Director of Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, author of Reflections on a Mountain Lake: Teachings on Practical Buddhism     "A collection of unique and precious original translations from one the most experienced first-generation Western translators of Tibetan texts. This book is like a delicious box of chocolates to be eaten slowly, and each one savored and appreciated as a special gift."   —Lama Tsultrim Allione, Founder of Tara Mandala, author of Wisdom Rising     "The massive collection of scriptures preserved by the nineteenth-century masters Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé and Jamyang Khyentsé Wangpo can be overwhelming for contemporary readers in their richness. We are fortunate to have access to this carefully selected compilation of interrelated core teachings from four important Tibetan lineages—Pacification, Severance, Shangpa Kagyü, and Bodong—all beautifully rendered with Sarah Harding’s cogent and elegant translation expertise."     —Sarah Jacoby, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Northwestern University, author of Love and Liberation: Autobiographical Writings of the Tibetan Buddhist Visionary Sera Khandro   "Four Tibetan Lineages contains gems of practice-oriented instructions from four distinct Buddhist lineages, prominent in Tibet but lesser known internationally, namely, Pacification, Severance, the Shangpa Kagyü, and Bodong tradition. Drawn mainly from Jamgön Kongtrul’s famed Treasury of Precious Instructions, this ecumenical collection of profound teachings is masterfully translated by Sarah Harding."   —Holly Gayley, Associate Professor of Buddhism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, author of A Gathering of Brilliant Moons: Practice Advice from the Rimé Masters of Tibet

Renowned scholar-monk and bestselling translator Bhikkhu Bodhi’s definitive, practical guide on how to read ancient Buddhist texts in the original language.Bhikkhu Bodhi’s sophisticated and practical instructions on how to read the Pali of the Buddha’s discourses will acquaint students of Early Buddhism with the language and idiom of these sacred texts. Here the renowned English translator of the Pali Canon opens a window into key suttas from the Samyutta Nikaya, giving a literal translation of each sentence followed by a more natural English rendering, then explaining the grammatical forms involved. In this way, students can determine the meaning of each word and phrase and gain an intimate familiarity with the distinctive style of the Pali suttas—with the words, and world, of the earliest Buddhist texts.  Ven. Bodhi’s meticulously selected anthology of suttas provides a systematic overview of the Buddha’s teachings, mirroring the four noble truths, the most concise formulation of the Buddha’s guide to liberation. Reading the Buddha’s Discourses in Pali shares with readers not only exceptional language instruction but also a nuanced study of the substance, style, and method of the early Buddhist discourses.

A translation of a foundational scripture in beautiful, lyrical translation, perfect for recitation.A key text for one of the most important Buddhist tantric traditions, the Chakrasamvara Root Tantra has been passed down to us from the ancient mahasiddhas of India, such as the great yogi Saraha. This foundational ritual text is one of the earliest of the yogini tantras, tantric scriptures that emphasize female deities. This melodic translation by David Gonsalez (Ven. Losang Tsering) maintains the poetic structure of the original, making it ideal for practitioners and harmonious to recite. It is at once an object of devotion, a profound instruction, and a beautiful poem meant to inspire spiritual seekers.

The third volume in a historic six-volume series containing many of the first English translations of the classic mahamudra literature compiled by the Seventh Karmapa. Sounds of Innate Freedom: The Indian Texts of Mahamudra are historic volumes containing many of the first English translations of the classic mahamudra literature. The texts and songs in these volumes constitute the large compendium called The Indian Texts of the Mahamudra of Definitive Meaning, compiled by the Seventh Karmapa Chötra Gyatso (1456-1539). Translated, introduced, and annotated by Karl Brunnhölzl, acclaimed senior teacher at the Nalandabodhi community of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, the collection offers a brilliant window into the richness of the vast ocean of Indian mahamudra texts cherished in all Tibetan lineages, particularly in the Kagyu tradition, giving us a clear view of the sources of one of the world's great contemplative traditions. This third volume contains twenty-four texts, the bulk of which are dohas by Saraha and commentaries on them, as well as works by other renowned Indian Buddhist mahasiddhas such as Naropa, Krsna, and Sakyasribhadra. The extensive commentaries brilliantly unravel enigmas and bring clarity to the songs they comment on as well as to many other songs of realization in the series. These expressive songs of the inexpressible offer readers a feast of profound and powerful pith instructions uttered by numerous male and female mahasiddhas, yogis, and dakinis, often in the context of ritual ganacakras and initially kept in their secret treasury. Displaying a vast range of themes, styles, and metaphors, they all point to the single true nature of the mind-mahamudra-in inspiring ways and from different angles, using a dazzling array of skillful means to penetrate the sole vital point of buddhahood being found nowhere but within our own mind. Reading and singing these songs of mystical wonder, bliss, and ecstatic freedom and contemplating their meaning will open doors to spiritual experience for us today just as it has for countless practitioners in the past.

If Dr. Seuss were drawing on classical Buddhist texts for inspiration, this is what he'd write-with playful yet traditional illustrations by the award-winning artist behind The Empty Pot, whose books have sold half a million copies. Destined to be a classic.An instant classic, this book will help children (and their parents) learn patience and to see the good in everyone-including themselves! It will also help children meet difficult circumstances, such as being sick, doing chores, and not getting everything they want-and help them overcome low self-esteem and negative self-talk. I See You, Buddha is based on a chapter in the Lotus Sutra, one of the most influential Buddhist texts worldwide-a classical scripture that has inspired a whole genre of works, especially in Japan, known as Lotus Literature. The Lotus Sutra teaches the way of the bodhisattva-a being engaged in compassionate, enlightened activity in the service of all-by offering examples of what this activity might look like in the world. One such model in the text is Bodhisattva Never Disrespectful (or Never Disparaging), who, despite troubling encounters with and even harsh treatment from others, bows down respectfully to everyone, recognizing their Buddha nature and honoring their own journeys along the bodhisattva path to enlightenment-whether they know they're future buddhas or not!

"Eihei Dåogen-the thirteenth-century Japanese Zen Master of peerless depth and subtilty-heard the music of the universe that sounds as all events and places, people, things and spaces. He experienced reality as a great dance moving through time, coming to life in the thoughts and acts of all beings. It is a most special dance, for it is the dance that the whole of reality is dancing, with nothing left out, that you are I are dancing, that is dancing as you and me. In The Zen Master's Dance, Jundo Cohen takes us deep into the mind of Master Dåogen-and shows us how to join in the great and intimate dance of the universe. Through fresh translations and sparkling teaching, Cohen opens up for us a new way to read one of Buddhism's most remarkable spiritual geniuses"--

"In the same everyman-style that appealed to readers in A Fool's Guide to Actual Happiness, Mark Van Buren returns with A Fool's Guide to Mindfulness. This book's emphasis is bold and clear: your entire life is the Path, your entire life is meditation-every aspect and every circumstance can become a place of practice. Nothing is too mundane, and nothing at all is left out. Van Buren excels at communicating in a simple and breezy fashion the nothing-special quality of spiritual practice, and leaves the reader feeling empowered, encouraged, and up for the task of living into a life of at least just a little bit more freedom and peace"--

A groundbreaking English translation of a key tantric text in the history of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism.English translation of the “root text” of the Taramula-kalpa, a scripture-ritual compendium that documents the emergence of  the quintessential female Buddha Tara in seventh-century India. This book contains an English translation of the “root text” of the Taramula-kalpa, a scripture that captures an important Buddhist tantric tradition in mid-formation. In this regard it is utterly unique and unlike any other text in the Buddhist canon. Its contents document the emergence of the quintessential female Buddha Tara in seventh-century India. As her popularity grew, her cult spread throughout Southeast Asia, as well as Tibet, where she became revered the “Mother” of the Tibetan people. Tara is worshipped for a variety of reasons from health and long life, to wealth, protection from enemies, and ultimately, the mind of enlightenment. Her presence pervades the evolution of Buddhism in Tibet, within royal circles, as well as mentor and guide to many important Buddhist scholars, practitioners, and lineage holders.

A new take on the interplay of emotional and spiritual development, in the tradition of Safran’s Psychoanalysis and Buddhism, which has sold nearly 13,000 copies.“Please read this book. Joseph Bobrow is a true meditation teacher who walks his talk and enjoys his practice.” —Thich Nhat Hanh What do Zen and psychotherapy have in common? How do they differ and how do they support each other’s goals? This book is an intimate dialogue that examines the interplay of emotional and spiritual development through the lens of Zen Buddhism and psychotherapy. Zen and Psychotherapy artfully illuminates the intrinsic connections between the two practices, and demonstrates how these traditions can be complementary in helping to live a truly fulfilled and contented life. Zen teacher and psychologist Joseph Bobrow deftly explores how integrating these two streams can help us to better understand our conscious and unconscious experiences and more fully develop the fundamental capacities of the self. Bobrow shows how the major themes of trauma, attachment, emotional communication, and emotional regulation play out in the context of Zen and psychotherapeutic practice, and how, in concert, both provide a comprehensive, interactive model of fully functioning human life.

A plain-English introduction to a major school of Tibetan Buddhism, by His Holiness the Sakya Trichen, its emeritus head.This book will give you the rare opportunity to learn directly from His Holiness the Sakya Trichen. Collected from teachings by His Holiness, this book is a warm and comprehensive introduction to the Buddhist path as told by the patriarch of the Sakya order. His Holiness offers explanations of the philosophical tenets of the Mahayana path and in particular the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism—giving down-to-earth advice for practicing in the world today: -the principles of tantra, -the value of retreat, -the history of the Sakya lineage, -ecology from a Buddhist perspective, -biographies of great women practitioners, -and other commonly asked questions. A must-read for anyone interested in following a Buddhist spiritual path.

The fifth volume of the Dalai Lama’s definitive Library of Wisdom and Compassion series, which has sold nearly 15,000 copies to date.In Praise of Great Compassion, the fifth volume of the Library of Wisdom and Compassion, continues the Dalai Lama’s teachings on the path to awakening. While previous volumes focused on our present situation and taking responsibility for creating the causes for the happiness we seek, this volume is about opening our hearts to others and generating the compassion, joy, and fortitude to make our lives meaningful by benefiting them. We are embedded in a universe with other beings, all of whom have been kind to us in one way or another. More than any other time in human history, we depend on one another to stay alive and flourish. We are sometimes oblivious to their kindness, or take it for granted, which leads to feelings of discontent. But when we look closely, it becomes apparent that we have been the recipient of great kindness and naturally we want to repay it. To do this, we begin by cultivating a positive attitude toward others by contemplating the four immeasurables—immeasurable love, compassion, empathic joy, and equanimity—and the altruistic intention of bodhicitta. We learn to challenge the deluded logic of the self-centered attitude that leads to misery and replace it with a more realistic perspective that helps us to remain balanced when we experience either happiness or suffering. This enables us to make all circumstances favorable to the path to awakening.

Khenpo Sodargye translates and provides commentary on the Diamond Sutra, the oldest printed book in China, shedding light on the Buddha’s teachings on how to destroy attachment without being led astray; the author is a household name in China and his books and CDs sell in the millions in China.To study the Diamond Sutra is to realize that fluctuations of change, happiness, fear, anger, and sorrow are not the true essence of your life. The dialogue between the Buddha and his disciple, Subhuti, gives a view of the world that deconstructs our normal categories of experience to indicate that we are always relating to figments of our own imagination, that what we think are real entities in the world are conceptualizations. The Buddha teaches us to cut our attachment to all phenomena and realize that there has never been anything such as an “I,” which is empty of inherent existence. Attachment is the root cause of our suffering; even the most minor attachment can still cause unending distress. Yet the Buddha also teaches that it is better to have attachment as gigantic as the mythic Mount Meru to “existence” than attachment as tiny as a mustard seed to “nonexistence.” That is, when we believe we are giving up attachment, and that because all phenomena are empty there is no need to be attached to virtue, we fall into the worst trap of all—the deluded attachment to emptiness. So how do we destroy attachment without being led astray? With this question in mind, Dzogchen Master Khenpo Sodargye provides sparkling commentary on the Diamond Sutra from the view of the Sutrayana—so that the reader will understand its actual meaning (incidentally preparing the reader to understand the view of the Great Perfection and Mahamudra). Before recognizing the nature of the mind, we learn we must hold on to things that are virtuous and right. Like a boat, these can help us cross a river; until we reach the other shore, it makes no sense to give them up. The division of the sutra into thirty-two chapters, according to the Chinese Buddhist tradition, makes it easier for readers to understand the meaning of the Buddha’s teaching stage by stage.

New translations two of the most revered and important tantric texts in Tibetan Buddhism, essential for meditators, scholars, and students alike.“If one knows the Self-Arisen Vidya Tantra, the Self-Liberated Vidya Tantra, and the Tantra Without Syllables, one will have command over the general meaning of the tantras, like a king who has command over his subjects.”—Treasury of the Supreme Vehicle The eleventh-century Seventeen Tantras are among the most important texts in the tradition of the Great Perfection—and in all of Tibetan Buddhism. This set provides these two luminous root texts in crystal-clear translation, along with their commentaries, which break down the tantra passage by passage under headings that contextualize many instructions for the practice of the Great Perfection. The two texts are published together because they contain some of the most detailed expositions on which are based the two essential practices of the Great Perfection: trekchö, the cultivation of the four modes of unfettered equipoise unique to the Great Perfection, and thögal, the cultivation of the four contemplative visions of the Great Perfection that lead to the realization of the body of light. The Tantra Without Syllables focuses on the theoretical basis for trekchö, and the Blazing Lamp focuses on the theoretical basis of thögal. The actual tantra discussed is not the body of the root text of the tantra, but rather the subject matter that the root text points to: the continuum of one’s own vidya, personal knowledge of one's true condition, confirmed in a direct perception, which cannot be explained in words. Malcolm Smith’s simple and lucid introductions bring clarity to an intricate subject, making these volumes vital reading for any student of Dzogchen.

An encouraging guide for the angry or heartbroken soul, in the form of uplifting stories and quotations.Sometimes forgiveness can feel unfathomable, unreachable, or even just plain wrong. Inspiring Forgiveness throws wide open the doors of possibility within the human heart with the wise words of philosophers, writers, poets, and great thinkers from across centuries and continents. Each offering can serve as guideposts along the path to bringing greater forgiveness into our lives. This book also tells the stories of real-world people-from the Dalai Lama to Congressman John Lewis and more-whose lives were changed forever by forgiveness, including for themselves. Just bearing witness to these experiences can itself be transformative. One wise teacher quoted in this book, Pema Chödrön, offers a simple practice for cultivating forgiveness: "First we acknowledge what we feel-shame, revenge, embarrassment, remorse. Then we forgive ourselves for being human. Each moment is an opportunity to make a fresh start." This book is a collection of those moments. Inspiring Forgiveness consists of twelve true stories of people who have endured great pain at the hands of others and have found a way to open themselves to forgiveness in its many forms. Each story is followed by extraordinary poems that speak to forgiveness as well as a collection of over 100 inspiring quotations. "What a wonderful illumination of the power of forgiveness Barbara Bonner has given us. The book's unique gathering of personal stories, poems, and quotations shows that forgiveness is not a momentary feeling but an attitude toward life, a practice of deep self-healing, and a path to freedom. Inspiring Forgiveness is aptly titled, for it does more than tell us about forgiveness, it inspires us to live it." -John Brehm, editor of The Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness, and Joy

Author of "Mindfulness In Plain English" Bhante Gunaratana advises on how to incorporate meditation, mindfulness and holistic ideas from Buddhism into busy modern life, reaping the benefits in relationships, work and other aspects of experience.

A Tibetan Buddhist lama gives advice on the issues facing people in the modern world.In this book, Khenpo Sodargye, a world-famous Tibetan Buddhist lama and scholar, offers guidance on an issue that troubles so many of us in the modern world: What is true happiness, and how do we achieve it? Bombarded with information, endlessly pursuing possessions-we look for happiness in all the wrong places. Khenpo Sodargye, one of the busiest Buddhist teachers in the world, shows us how to redirect our attention away from such distractions and instead calm our minds and find true contentment. His wide-ranging advice covers careers and conventional notions of material success, romantic relationships, and the environment. Erudite and compassionate, he points the reader to inspiration from sutras, Zen masters, Confucius, and the daily news, offering warm, heartfelt encouragement for these troubled times.

The definitive biography of Shinjo Ito, the founder of one of the main traditions of Buddhism, which has almost 1 million members worldwide.This is the first major biography of Shinjo Ito, the founder of the Shinnyo-en tradition of Buddhism and one of the twentieth century's most innovative spiritual teachers. Shinjo Ito was schooled in the millennium-old esoteric Buddhism of Japan, and used that as the basis for developing a unique lay practice grounded in the principles and concepts of the Mahayana version of the Nirvana Sutra. Sculpting the Buddha Within is an important book that traces Shinjo Ito's evolution not only as a spiritual master but also as a human being. Living in a time of unprecedented change, Shinjo Ito's personal life was often marked by hardships and personal grief, experiences that became the foundation for cultivating universal compassion. Committed to making buddhahood tangible for others and a goal worth aspiring to, Shinjo Ito also excelled as a sculptor of devotional images. His wish was to help his practitioners see their own potential for goodness so that they, too, would want to work diligently to shape and give form to their inner buddha. Rather than encouraging his followers to believe in a fixed system of practice or beliefs, Shinjo Ito taught how to live life in accordance with one's buddha nature-and the gratitude, creativity, and happiness latent within it.