The merchant who lives in the mansion at the end of the rainbow sends for the hermit who lives at the other end to learn how to find peace and be happy, and even though the hermit declines the accomodations and the company the merchant offers him, he does manage to leave something behind from which peace can grow.

Seeds of Peace is a critique of modern society and a proposal for a more humane and livable world. Sulak Sivaraksa of Thailand is one of Asia's leading social thinkers and social activists. His wide-ranging work includes founding the International network of Engaged Buddhists, inviting those in war zones from Burma and Sri Lanka to come for meditation retreats in Thai monasteries, and organizing poor workers throughout the Third World to discuss their hardships. In Seeds of Peace, Sulak draws on his study and practice of Buddhism to approach a wide range of subjects, including economic development, the environment, Japan's role in Asia, and women in Buddhism. At once critical and compassionate, Sulak offers intelligent and creative alternatives to the destructive patterns of living so prevalent in the world today.

As a young girl in Kenya, Wangari was taught to respect nature. She grew up loving the land, plants, and animals that surrounded her--from the giant mugumo trees her people, the Kikuyu, revered to the tiny tadpoles that swam in the river. Although most Kenyan girls were not educated, Wangari, curious and hardworking, was allowed to go to school. There, her mind sprouted like a seed. She excelled at science and went on to study in the United States. After returning home, Wangari blazed a trail across Kenya, using her knowledge and compassion to promote the rights of her countrywomen and to help save the land, one tree at a time.

‘In South Africa, the struggle for freedom was won largely through non-violent means – 95% of the struggle was non-violent. The non-violent foundations laid in the preceding years are, I believe, what made our peaceful transition to democracy possible in 1994.’ Rommel Roberts’ words express his conviction which was underlying all his efforts as an activist opposing the apartheid regime in South Africa. In his book ‘Seeds of Peace’ Rommel Roberts wants to focus on ordinary people who with their courage and commitment have achieved a change in South African conditions but have never been recognised and acknowledged. In all his stories of brave women and men and in all forms of protest and human rights activities in which Rommel Roberts played a key role this incredible spirit of non-violence was prevalent and finally successful.

In this essential and lucid book, author Bhante Kaboggoza Buddharakkhita offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercises by describing theories and benefits along with various approaches as a means to learning the skills of meditation and mindfulness - becoming awake and fully aware. The author lays out gently progressive and practical guidelines that introduces newcomers to meditation, ranging from the general to more specific techniques for healing and self-development. In doing so, the book integrates the formal practice seamlessly with daily life mindfulness. As the author describes: "Meditation is not about the content of our lives; it's about how we relate to our daily experiences, whatever they may be. Meditation is about waking up and seeing clearly how we're doing, what we're doing, and why we're doing it. Meditation is a reality check." This manual is a great introduction for those curious about and interested in exploring mindfulness meditation and will make a highly useful tool for teaching beginner students.

The tale of two men who live at opposite ends of a rainbow. The merchant has everything his heart desires but is still unhappy; the other, a hermit, has nothing but is the happiest man alive. The hermit visits the merchant to see if he can help to sow the seeds of peace in the merchant's heart.

"War and peace begin in the hearts of individuals," declares Pema Chodron in her inspiring and accessible new book, which draws on Buddhist teachings to explore the origins of aggression and war.