The first part of this volume consists of Sangharakshita’s writings about Anagarika Dharmapala, a Sri Lankan Buddhist who made it his life’s mission to restore the sacred site of Bodh Gaya, and whom Sangharakshita came to revere as one of the great Buddhists of the twentieth century. The second part is made up of articles Sangharakshita wrote for the Maha Bodhi journal, first as a regular contributor and then as the editor. They include poetic and philosophical reflections on the Dharma, as well as trenchant observations on the Buddhist world and calls to action on the issues of the day. The third part is a collection of book reviews published in the Maha Bodhi journal and other magazines over the course of nearly fifty years, from the days when the appearance of any new translation or commentary was a significant event, to more recent times, when readers could choose between hundreds of new titles.

Beating the Drum is a collection of editorials written between 1954 and 1964 for the leading Buddhist journal of the time. The themes are diverse and surprising, and just as relevant to men and women of today. Whether pointing out the effects of horror comics (for which read computer games), bringing attention to the plight of animals, or calling into question the apparent indifference of the Buddhist world, the voice of the Editor is one of sanity, clarity, humour, compassion and above all, challenge.

"Himalaya Calling: The Origins of China and India" will take the reader through a journey through the periods of time and places starting from the beginning of civilization from the Himalayas and extending into the Himalaya Sphere. The chapters in the book enable the reader to view the dynamics of China and India from the geo-civilizational paradigm of the Himalaya Sphere. Among the other new concepts introduced is a new understanding of the Buddhist tryst with China's developing process as a super-state and the interaction of the dynamics of wandering ascetics from India and householder in China. It conveys the message of two civilization-states as akin to oases in the desert of modern nation-states and advocates the Indian spiritual goal of "Vasudhaiva kutumbakam" (the whole world is one single family) and the Chinese spiritual goal of "tianxia datong" (grand harmony all-under-Heaven). The book is a must-read for all the leaders and policy makers of China and India. It is a culmination of decades of learning by the author who has lived in both the countries. The reader will begin to understand the shared origins of China and India and how the civilizations have been linked through the ages. The book is timely as it coincides with the commemoration of the diamond jubilee (50th anniversary) of the Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence) in 2014.Contents: ForewordPrefaceIntroductionThe 'Himalaya Sphere' Lives in the Spirit of China and IndiaCivilization Twins Grew Side by SideCivilization and State in China-India Relations'Himalaya Sphere' into Universal Prosperity Readership: Policy makers, historians, leaders in China and India and anyone interested in knowing more about China and India. Key Features: No other book in the market that fundamentally offers fresh perspective on understanding of China and IndiaEnables the reader to view the dynamics of China and India from the geo-civilizational paradigm of the Himalaya SphereAdvocates the Indian spiritual goal of '"Vasudhaiva kutumbakam"' (the whole world is one single family)and the Chinese spiritual goal of '"tianxia datong" ' (grand harmony all-under-Heaven)"

Modern Chinese history told from a Buddhist perspective restores the vibrant, creative role of religion in postimperial China. It shows how urban Buddhist elites jockeyed for cultural dominance in the early Republican era, how Buddhist intellectuals reckoned with science, and how Buddhist media contributed to modern print cultures. It recognizes the political importance of sacred Buddhist relics and the complex processes through which Buddhists both participated in and experienced religious suppression under Communist rule. Today, urban and rural communities alike engage with Buddhist practices to renegotiate class, gender, and kinship relations in post-Mao China. This volume vividly portrays these events and more, recasting Buddhism as a critical factor in China's twentieth-century development. Each chapter connects a moment in Buddhist history to a significant theme in Chinese history, creating new narratives of Buddhism's involvement in the emergence of urban modernity, the practice of international diplomacy, the mobilization for total war, and other transformations of state, society, and culture. Working across an extraordinary thematic range, this book reincorporates Buddhism into the formative processes and distinctive character of Chinese history.

The sixteen sutras in this book are English translations of texts selected from the Chinese Buddhist Canon. Thirteen of them have never before been published in book form. The translators introduction to Buddhist doctrine provides an organized background for readers at all levels to better understand and appreciate the teachings in these sutras, which cover a wide range of interesting topics. For example, in Sutra 1, the Buddha teaches karmic requitals and how one can avoid or mitigate unfortunate requitals. In Sutra 6, He predicts that long after His Dharma has perished, the next Buddha, Maitreya, will bring the Dharma back to this world. In Sutra 13, the Buddha reveals the mystery of consciousness, giving a detailed description of ones rebirth according to karmic force. In Sutra 14, He declares the eternity of nirvana and ones Buddha nature. In Sutra 16, He affirms that ones great compassion for all sentient beings will quickly lead one to Buddhahood. These English translations are easy to read, and Buddhist terms are explained in the glossary. One can read this book for pleasure, or study it for spiritual development. One can also recite the sutras, prayers, and mantras as a spiritual practice. Students in Buddhist Studies certainly can use this book to support and enhance their learning.

The Lotus blooms, pure and bright, Sutra’s wisdom, guiding light. One true path, to Buddhahood leads, Skillful means, fulfill all needs. Buddha’s life, eternal and vast, Teaching Dharma, present and past. Parables profound, lessons so clear, White Lotus Sutra, cherished and dear. The Noble Truths, a path so wise, Suffering’s end, in truth it lies. Karma’s law, cause and effect, Good deeds bring joy, evil we reject. Mindfulness and peace, in every breath, Meditation leads to freedom from death. Compassion and love, for all beings, Buddha’s teachings, wisdom it brings.

The Lotus Sutra clearly and definitively reveals the buddha nature that is an integral part of the lives of all people. And it makesclear that the Buddha desires and acts so that all people, by opening up this buddhanature inherent within themselves, mayattain the state of buddhahood forthemselves. The sutra further stresses that the continued observance of such action is the true mission of the bodhisattva, and never ceases to praise the observance of this practice.