Is Yoda a Zen Master? Is the story of Luke Skywalker a spiritual epic? The answers, as well as excitement, adventure, and a lot of fun, are here! This revised and expanded edition of The Dharma of Star Wars uses George Lucas’ beloved modern saga and the wise words of the Buddha to illuminate each other in playful and unexpectedly rewarding ways. Matthew Bortolin writes an inspiring and totally new take on this timeless saga, from A New Hope through Revenge of the Sith and television's Clone Wars. Great fun for any Star Wars fan. Includes instruction in The Jedi Art of Mindfulness and Concentration and The Padawan Handbook: Zen Contemplations for the Would-Be Jedi.

Sensed a disturbance in The Force lately? This is whats been setting your midi-chlorians tingling. Seventeen Jedi adepts got together to probe the deeper reaches of the Star Wars epic. A hazardous quest philosophy is more risky than not letting a ...

The Jedi in the Lotus is the first-ever examination of the Star Wars universe from a Hindu perspective, illuminating many hitherto undiscovered aspects of the background and meaning of the widely acclaimed film series. We are shown how its creators were influenced by the famed mythologist, Joseph Campbell, whose reading of the ancient Indian Epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, can be seen throughout the Star Wars films. This book also demonstrates how the metaphysical understanding of the Jedi Knights and the divinity conceived of as 'the Force' have resonances with teachings passed down by Hindu gurus and mystics for centuries, and how fantastic worlds and technology similar to that of the Star Wars universe were described in myths that are millennia old - and may even have had some basis in reality. Finally, The Jedi in the Lotus shows us how the Hindu traditions at the basis of Star Wars offer an alternative vision to the purely materialistic, soulless world of modernity. Steven J. Rosen (Satyaraja Dasa) is an initiated disciple of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He is also founding editor of the Journal of Vaishnava Studies and associate editor of Back to Godhead. He has published twenty-one books in numerous languages, including the recent Essential Hinduism (Rowman & Littlefield, 2008); The Yoga of Kirtan: Conversations on the Sacred Art of Chanting (FOLK Books, 2008); and Krishna's Other Song: A New Look at the Uddhava Gita (Praeger-Greenwood, 2010). 'In conclusion, I can only say that The Jedi in the Lotus is a breakthrough book when it comes to understanding the mythic depth of the Star Wars epics. Steven J. Rosen uses his masterful grasp of the Eastern traditions to explain the secrets of the most successful film series ever. This book also shows us why Joseph Campbell loved the wisdom tales from India, and, for those who found the Star Wars adventures memorable, this is a truly illuminating book.' - Dr. Jonathan Young, from the Foreword

Entertaining and engaging, this new follow-up to Wisdom’s bestseller The Dharma of Star Wars stands on its own and will captivate a broad audience with the Star Wars story from a Buddhist perspective. Did you ever wonder why R2-D2 is: Always calm and cool under pressure, The key to the rebellion’s survival, The one who never fails to save the day? Could it be because he’s secretly a Zen master? Discover your inner R2—and the truth about who you really are! This delightful and illuminating romp unfolds in the form of a fictional dialogue between the author—a die-hard Star Wars devotee with a deep connection to Zen—and two cosplayers dressed as C-3PO and R2-D2 who insist on being called by their character names. Along the way, you’ll come to see what everyone’s favorite astromech can teach us about peace, happiness, and life’s true meaning.

An accessible introduction to the profound experience of enlightenment—with instructions on how to wake up to, and feel confident about, our true nature We can realize the highest truth in each moment when we learn to see through the illusion of the self. Anam Thubten, in remarkably easy-to-understand language, provides teachings for doing exactly that, based on the wisdom of the Buddhist traditions. He illuminates the path of going beyond the misconceptions of the ego to experience the reality of our true nature, which is already enlightened. He communicates with clarity, humor, and refreshing honesty, lighting the way to a life full of love, compassion, and true satisfaction.

This book is a new version of the classic ancient text, the Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu. It is based upon a new and revised translation, originally published in the book, The Secret Tao: Unearthing the Hidden History and Meaning of Lao Tzu, by D. W. Kreger. Then, as a fun experiment, Dr. Kreger did another version in which he substituted the word Force everywhere it says Tao, and substituted Jedi everywhere it says Holy-man or Sage . The result is truly astonishing. The fit between the Tao Te Ching and philosophy of The Force is uncanny. Each of the 81 verses reads like pearls of wisdom by Master Yoda himself. This version of Lao Tzu, dubbed The Tao of Yoda, was originally released as an e-book online, and the response was amazing. Combining Taoism and The Force is a natural! And, a new pop-culture phenomenon was born. It is a must-have gift for any fan of Star Wars, Pop Culture, Taoism, or Eastern Religion. So was Lao Tzu a Jedi knight from distant galaxy? You decide. And, may the Force be with you!

Celebrated paper artist and designer Marc Hagan-Guirey has applied his genius to the Star Wars galaxy in this book of 15 unique kirigami (cut-and-fold) ships featured in the saga's films. Ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, each beautifully detailed model features step-by-step instructions and a template printed on cardstock—all that's needed are a utility knife, a cutting mat, and a ruler. Clear tips and guidance through the tricky stages help readers craft their own X-wing, Imperial Star Destroyer, Millennium Falcon, and a dozen more ships and vehicles, each accompanied by colorful and inspiring photographs of the final model on display (or ready for a jump to Hyperspace). © and TM Lucasfilm Ltd. Used Under Authorization