V. Psychology, Philosophy, Society

Abhidhamma in Daily Life, Nina van Gorkom, Bangkok: Dhamma Study Group, 1975, 257p. An exposition of absolute realities in detail. Its purpose is to encourage the right application of Buddhism in order to eradicate wrong view and eventually all defilements. Many Pali terms are used, but they are defined as they are introduced. The book is therefore suitable for beginners as well as practising Buddhists. It is detailed and precise and an invaluable aid to unlocking the deep meaning of the entire Tipitaka.(P#002)

Abhidhamma Studies: Researches in Buddhist Psychology, Nyanaponika Thera, Kandy: BPS, 1965, 2^nd ed., 126p. The author writes energetically on the psychological and philosophical foundations of the Abhidhamma; an illuminating chapter on time. He sees the possibility that this system of analysis and classification of consciousness can once again become "a living force which stimulates thought and aids the meditative endeavour for the mind's liberation".(P#003)

Buddhism and Social Action, Ken Jones, Kandy: BPS, 1981, 64p., (WH 285/286). A practical, contemporary exploration of the place of social action in a Buddhist framework.(P#014)

Buddhism and the Age of Science, U Chan Htoon, Kandy: BPS, 1962, 62p, WH 36/37. Two lectures delivered by a former Judge of the Burmese Supreme Court at two religious conferences in the United States. The main purpose of the talks is to show the unique role that Buddhism plays in the present-day conflict between scientific thought and established religious beliefs.(P#200)

Buddhism Society and Environment, Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Wimalaratana, Sri Lanka, 1989, 59p. A collection of twelve short essays on topics ranging from social service to ecology.(P#017)

Buddhist Charter, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (ed.), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, 1990, 39p. 136 proposed items adopted at the Buddhist Assembly on the 50^th Anniversary of Suan Mokkhabalarama monastery in 1982. The result is a practical guide to help us tackle personal and social problems properly and in accordance with the Buddha-dhamma principle.(P#188)

Buddhist Economics: A Middle Way for the Market place, Ven. P.A. Payutto, Bangkok: Buddhadhamma Foundation, 1994, 99p., 974-89070-3-1. A Thai Buddhist scholar "confronts the ethics of making money in a way that is practical without being preachy". Discusses competition and cooperation, Right Livelihood, wealth and spiritual development.(P#144)

Buddhist Logic, (Two Volumes), Th. Stcherbatsky, New York: Dover, 1962, 559p. & 468p., 0-486-20955-5, 0-486-20956-3. A coverage of the Mahayana Buddhistic logic of the school of Dignaga. A classic of oriental research, it is founded on a thorough study of original Indian and Tibetan treatises.(P#161)

Buddhist Perspectives on the Ecocrisis, Klas Sandell (ed.), Kandy: BPS, 1987, 76p., (WH 346/348) 955-24-0027-9. Six essays present aspects of Buddhist philosophy that inspire the development of an enduring and harmonious relationship between people and nature.(P#025)

Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma: The Abhidhamma Sangaha of Acariya Anuruddha, Bhikkhu Bodhi (General Editor), Kandy: BPS, 1993, 400p., 955-24-0103-8. The 12^th century author Acariya Anuruddha concisely surveys the central concepts of the Abhidhamma: states of consciousness and mental factors, the functions and processes of mind, the material world, dependent arising, the methods and stages of meditation. The book offers an exact translation of the Sangaha along with the original Pali text, a long explanatory introduction on the basic principles of the Abhidhamma, and a detailed, section-by-section explanatory guide designed to lead the modern reader through the complexities of this ancient philosophical psychology.(P#090)

Confused Society, Dr. K.N.S. Karunatilake, Colombo: Buddhist Information Centre, 1976, 120p. A book on economic development based on Buddhist principles by a director of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.(P#031)

Constitution for Living: Buddhist Principles for a Fruitful and Harmonious Life, Ven. P.A. Payutto, Bangkok: Buddhadhamma Foundation, 1998, 84p., 974-7891-71-9. A presentation of the minimal standards for conducting one's life as described by the Buddha in the Singalaka Sutta (D. III.180-193). The author also offers a compilation of general Dhamma principles for leading a virtuous life. Sets out roles (e.g. breadwinner, householder, spouse, friend, community member, employee, employer) based on compassion rather than exploitation.(P#145)

Freedom: Individual and Social, Phra Debvedi (Prayudh Payutto), Bangkok: Buddhadhamma Foundation, 1990, 97p., 974-8358-59-3. Essays and lectures on the subjects of: (a) Buddhism and peace, and (b) Sangha: the ideal world community.(P#047)

Going to Pieces without Falling Apart: a Buddhist Perspective on Wholeness, Mark Epstein, NY: Broadway Books, 1998, 200p., 0-7679-0235-1. A Buddhist psychotherapist offers a radically different way of understanding the self. Beginning with the Buddhist doctrine that no-self is the key to self, Epstein divides his book into four parts "based on the nicknames that Tibetan Buddhists sometimes give to their spiritual practices". These nicknames derive from the activity of falling in love, because in such activity one "simultaneously forgets and discovers oneself". Using stories drawn from his own Buddhist practice, his patients, and his Buddhist teachers, the author shows how spiritual practice can transform our everyday lives.(P#276)

Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values, and Issues, Peter Harvey, Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press, 2000, 478p, 0-521-55640-6. A clear and accessible presentation of Buddhist ethics that includes its unifying themes (morality, generosity, rebirth, kamma, etc.) and the particularities of the different Buddhist traditions. Contemporary issues that are discussed include: humanity and nature, economics, war and peace, euthanasia, abortion, the status of women, and homosexuality.(P#297)

Knowledge and Conduct: Buddhist Contributions to Philosophy and Ethics, Prof. O.H. de A. Wijesekera et al, Kandy: BPS, 1963, 55p., (WH 50). Three essays on ethics, truth, and the moral challanges that arise in the practice of the Dhamma.(P#050)

Nourishing the Roots: Essays on Buddhist Ethics, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Kandy: BPS, 1978, 46p., (WH 259/260), 955-24-0072-4. Four essays concerning the role of Buddhist ethics, not as a guide to interpersonal relations and social action, but as an integral part of the quest for purification and liberation.(P#131)

One Foot in the World: Buddhist Approaches to Present-day Problems, Lily de Silva, Kandy: BPS, 1986, 64p., (WH 337/338). Eight essays on the issues of: dealing with stress, Buddhist attitudes to gain and honour, livelihood and development, facing death without fear, the human body, and modern sensualism.(P#130)

Psychological Aspects of Buddhism, Piyadassi Thera, Kandy: BPS, 1972, 31p. A general talk on psychology in Buddhism given to the Colombo Young Men's Buddhist Association.(P#067)

Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of the Buddha, Tara Brach, NY: Bantam Books, 2003, 333p., 0-553-80167-8. A psychotherapist and Buddhist meditation teacher in the tradition of Jack Kornfield (who contributes a foreword), first-time author Brach offers readers a rich compendium of stories and techniques designed to help people awaken from what she calls "the trance of unworthiness." The sense of self-hatred and fearful isolation that afflicts so many people in the West can be transformed with the steady application of a loving attention infused with the insights of the Buddhist tradition. Interweaving stories from her own life as a hardworking single mother with many wonderful anecdotes culled from her therapy practice and her work as a leader of meditation retreats, Brach offers myriad examples of how our pain can become a doorway to love and liberation.(P#294)

Schopenhauer and Buddhism, Bhikkhu Nanajivako, Kandy: BPS, 1970, 93p., (WH 144/146). A selection of the philosopher's writings on Buddhism with especial attention given to the Four Noble Truths.(P#105)

Sleeping, Dreaming, and Dying: an Exploration of Consciousness with the Dalai Lama, Boston: Wisdom Pub., 1997, 254p., 0-86171-123-8. The account of a dialogue between leading Western scientists and the Dalai Lama revolving around the three key moments of consciousness of sleep, dreams, and death.(P#108)

Small Boat, Great Mountain: Theravadan Reflections on the Natural Great Perfection, Amaro Bhikkhu, Redwood Valley, CA: Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, 2003, 194p., 0-9620640-6-8. A collection of teachings given by Ajahn Amaro on retreats he participated in or co-led with Venerable Tsoknyi Rinpoche. The theme of the talks is on the consciousness that is beyond all conditions - even life and death itself - and how at this very moment we can rest in the space of the deathless.(P#274)

Small is Beautiful: a Study of Economics as if People Mattered, Dr. E.F. Schumacher, London: Sphere Books, 1973, 255p., 0-349-13140-6. Challenges the current widespread pursuit of economic profit and progress. Proposes a system based on smaller work units, communal ownership, and regional workplaces using local labour and resources.(P#073)

Thoughts without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective, Mark Epstein, New York: BasicBooks, 1995, 242p., 0-465-08585-7. An original and instructive book on how Buddhism can enhance Western psychology arranged in three parts: the Buddha's psychology of mind, meditation, and therapy.(P#109)

Violence and Disruption in Society: A Study of the Early Buddhist Texts, Elizabeth J. Harris, Kandy: BPS, 1990, 58p., (WH 392/393), 955-24-0119-4. This essay explores the roots of violence in human society, and reveals how the Buddhist teachings of non-violence are just as applicable today as they were in the Buddha's day.(P#124)

Zen Therapy, David Brazier, London: Constable, 1995, 282p., 0-09-474690-7. Presents Zen as a psychotherapeutic practice and offers a fresh perspective on Buddhist psychology. Intended for the interested layperson and students of psychotherapy, Buddhism and personal growth.(P#179)