Thursday, June 21, 2007

The Jātaka Tales Online

Here's a collection of links to versions of the Jātaka Tales. These stories "...are a voluminous body of folklore and mythic literature, concerned with previous births (jāti) of the Buddha." I've seen some tales done as children's stories. (See my previous post for another example.)

You Can Move Mountains: An Introduction to the Mind-Science of Dharma

This booklet by Rinchen Gyatso is a helpful read: "You Can Move Mountains: An Introduction to the Mind-Science of Dharma".

Diamond Sutra 101

This is a great 12 part lecture series on the Diamond Sutra by Venerable Hyun Gak (né Paul Muenzen). They're from the Korean Buddhist Television Network.




Here are links to the other eleven parts (each about 40 minutes long): Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12. (As a heads-up, there are up to 2 brief ads before parts 3 through 12.)

Vajrasattva Mantra



Found this via The-universe-is-all-in-your-head. Thanks.

Be a Lamp Upon Yourself

Be a Lamp Upon Yourself is an eBook published for free distribution by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery of Singapore. It's a compilation work: "The usefulness of this book is in its concise approach to the basic teachings of the Buddha."

Three Teachings

Three Teachings is an eBook published for free distribution by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery of Singapore. It's the teachings of the inspiring Venerable Tenzin Palmo. "[Her] Teachings on Retreat, Mahamudra Practice and Mindfulness are a delight to read. Transcribed from talks she gave in Singapore in May 1999, the Teachings are delivered in plain language, seasoned with plenty of audience participated. Each subject is discussed with humour, liveliness and compassion. She has the great gift of showing how the Dharma can be integrated into every part of our everyday lives."

All in One One in All by Thich Nhat Hanh

All in One One in All is an eBook published for free distribution by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery of Singapore. It's written by the ever-wonderful Thich Nhat Hanh, and concerns the nature of interbeing. "This Body is not me. I am not caught by this body. I am life without boundaries. I have never been born. I will never die. Look at me. Look at the stars and the moon. All of them are me, are manifestations of me. So smile to me, take my hand, say goodbye that we will see each other right away after this. We will see each other in every walk of life. We will recognize each other again and again, everywhere."

How to Overcome your Difficulties

How to Overcome your Difficulties is an eBook published for free distribution by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery of Singapore. It's written by Ven. K Sri Dhammananda. "Are you worried? Are you miserable? If so, you are invited to read this booklet to develop a better understanding of your problems. It is dedicated to you and to those who worry."

What Karma is

What Karma Is is an eBook published for free distribution by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery of Singapore. It's written by Sayadaw U Thittila. " Kamma is the natural and impersonal law of cause and effect. This booklet explains the workings of Kamma and teaches us self-responsibility. We have to plant the seeds of goodness now if we want to reap good fruits in this and future lives."

The Significance and Benefits of Six-syllable Mantra Recitation

This looks to be an interesting eBook, published for free distribution by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery of Singapore. Their description: "These teachings were given by His Eminence Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage, during a 100 Million Mani Recitation Retreat conducted at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery over year end retreat 2004. They explain the benefits and importance of doing the Mani recitation for the benefit of others and oneself, and the mental state in which the recitation is to be conducted."
The Significance and Benefits of Six-syllable Mantra Recitation

Children's Dharma eBooks

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery of Singapore has a couple of children's Dharma books available for free distribution:
  • Tales of the Buddha's Former Lives - Stories 51-100 (Table of Contents, p. 1-100, p. 101-216). These are Jātaka Tales, I believe. "Tales of the Buddha's Former Lives is a collection of simple stories written along the line of Aesop's Fables. Though meant for readers of all ages, they are especially useful to older children and teenagers, as these stories promote and highlight virtuous conduct and good behaviour, especially those human values that contribute to harmony, pleasure and progress."
  • We Are Good Children - This is really sweet - it's colorful and pleasant, and also bilingual. ^_^ It's meant for little ones. "Children should be taught and instilled with the right morals and ethics since young. The objectives of this bilingual book are to introduce, familiarise and inculcate young children the virtues of Buddhism and eastern culture like filial piety, gratitude and compassion. Through this process, we hope children would be imbued with the positive traits of self-reflection and self-correction of non-virtuous behaviour and conduct."

Thubten Chodron eBooks

Venerable Thubten Chodron, abbess of Sravasti Abbey, has several Dharma eBooks, made available for free distribution by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery of Singapore.
  • Transforming Our Daily Activities - "Spiritual practice need not be separated from daily living. Here is a book that teaches you how you can lead a more fulfilling life according to the Buddha's teachings and transform your daily activities into acts of compassion and loving-kindness. You can live and breathe the Dharma even while at work, driving or doing grocery shopping!"
  • Working With Anger - " "Working with Anger" offers many practical techniques for anger management. Although the Buddha is usually thought of as a religious leader, he was also a consummate psychologist and peacemaker. This presentation is based upon the Buddha's unique prescription for transforming anger and the author's interactions with mental health professionals, people in therapy and conflict mediators."
  • I Wonder Why - "This books covers the most fundamental questions and issues that arise in the minds of modern individuals who are new to this tradition of practical spirituality. Written in clear and engaging language, this book presents the Buddhist approach to the issues and concerns of daily life."

Coming Soon

Ha-ha - had to do that. This is kind of a personal venture for me - a way for me to keep track of online Dharma resources I run across. Hopefully it will be helpful to someone else, as well.