The main theme of all Aukana publications is the practical application of the Buddha's teachings to everyday life. Written in straightforward language, free of esoteric terminology and attractively produced, our current list includes ten titles, available directly from the Trust. (See How to Order below)
To support the publication of our latest title, we are currently offering a discount of 20% on any online order placed for three or more books, including postage and packing.
'When the sun is obscured by cloud we say that the sun has not come out today, but actually we know that it is always there shining. In the same way, enlightenment is always available right here, now, but remains hidden behind a thick mental fog of misapprehension, confusion, resistance and clinging attachment... these are the things that obscure the radiant, eternal truth.'
There is a way to end all psychological distress and realise for ourselves the true nature of life beyond the mere appearance of things. Using straight-forward language and with characteristic humour, the Buddhist Insight meditation teacher, Paul Harris, reflects on the realities of the suffering inherent in life and the universal search for peace and understanding.
The Buddha’s ancient training in ethical living, meditation and the cultivation of wisdom, he maintains, is as profound and effective today as it has ever been. And, with its emphasis on discovery through direct, personal investigation, it is a philosophy and practice that is perfectly in harmony with the outlook of our pragmatic, twenty-first century world.
ISBN 0 9930054 0 4
224pp 216 x 138mm
'Based on profound
experience and very clearly written ... there is much throughout the
book which will prove of benefit to many'
- The
Middle Way
'A very informative
book about the nature of the practice... of benefit to both beginners
and more experienced meditators'
- Visuddhacara Bhikkhu,
author of Curbing Anger, Spreading Love
A new updated edition of this popular work ...
The Buddha said that there is just one way to overcome the suffering seemingly inherent in the human condition. The practice of mindfulness generates insight into the way our minds work, revealing why it is that we feel dissatisfied and distressed, and exactly how suffering can be overcome.
With a clarity and directness of approach
that can only come from understanding, Alan and Jacqui James elucidate
the practice of mindfulness, covering such topics as how to meditate,
hindrances to the practice and how to surmount them, the relationship
between teacher and student—and enlightenment itself, the final goal
of the spiritual journey.
ISBN 0 9511769 0 0
224pp incl. 19 b/w photographs
216 x 138mm
The Unfolding of Wisdom is uncompromising. It presents the facts about spiritual progress. It is not for those who would speculate about symbolism or metaphor but for those who would dare to approach truth directly
' ... it is like having lived all your life in a dark cave, never being sure where the walls, the ceiling or the exits were, never being sure of the real shape of the space around you. When at last you bring in some light to the darkness, immediately your old idea of the cave disappears. The illumination of true vision eliminates what had been total darkness, including all your speculations about the reality of the cave.
'When this occurs, there is never any need to refer to your earlier idea of how things were; it simply becomes irrelevant. Now you know things as they are. What interest can speculative fantasies have for you now?'
A key title in the Aukana range,The Unfolding of Wisdom provides a practical guide to the Buddha's path from start to finish, from choosing a spiritual path to attaining the final goal, enlightenment itself.
ISBN:
0 9511769 5 1 (softback)
0 9511769 4 3 (hardback)
224pp 230 x 155mm
‘Our task in life is to become aware that there is no end point that we are supposed to be getting to—that experiencing what is happening in our lives right now is the purpose of life ... Living contentedly with what one finds in the moment is nibbàna.’
Between these covers you will find a vivid and frank account of spirituality. This book is grounded in Jacqui James’s experience of searching for and realising enlightenment, and subsequently teaching the Buddha’s way.
In straightforward language Jacqui explains what genuine spirituality means, and in the process explodes many myths. There is a searching examination of Buddhism, asking: what is essential in the journey to enlightenment, and what is just tradition and folklore?
The emphasis throughout is on how modern women and men can apply the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. Jacqui shows how this can improve life beyond measure, how it leads onward towards enlightenment, and why this is the purpose of life.
A concise introduction to Buddhist meditation - this is Buddhism without history, without politics, without jargon.
Buddhism: The Plain Facts provides a clear, systematic guide to vipassana meditation, the practice of insight which lies at the heart of the Buddha's path. This book focuses on the original teachings of the Buddha and shows how they can be applied today.
ISBN: 0 9511769 7 8
176pp 216 x 138mm
'The Buddha's teaching is as relevant today as it ever has been. It describes the facts of human life which are observable by anyone who cares to take the trouble to investigate.'
Presenting timeless truths in a 20th-century context, Modern Buddhism provides answers to questions that have always haunted mankind.
Death and dying: a wasted and terrifying experience - or an opportunity for spiritual growth? A meditation teacher describes the way she helped her mother approach the doors of death.
Family relationships: why do some families live in harmony whilst others are constantly at war? What is the purpose of the family unit?
Sexuality: what sexual habits are most conducive to progress along the path?
Alan & Jacqui James belong to the tradition of teachers who present the essence of Buddhism in a way which is totally in tune with the needs of their own time and culture.
'In a confused and dark world, the book is like a ray of light, showing the path to sanity and peace' - Buddhism Today, Brisbane
ISBN 0 9511769 1 9
176pp 215 x 135mm
“The successful spiritual traveller completely understands suffering. He knows through experience its conditioned nature, its origins and its cessation. Having won to the deathless, he knows with a knowing that goes beyond words that he is free — that the universe is love — that the journey is ended — there is no more to do. He is finally at peace.”
Inner tranquillity is a universal goal.
Inner tranquillity, it could be argued, is the universal goal, the goal of all existence, however varied our attempts to reach it.
The Buddha uncovered a systematic, comprehensive and - most importantly - effective pathway to the attaining of that which all of us seek.
In this collection of lectures, Alan James draws on over thirty years of teaching experience to illuminate this path to the ultimate peace.
'There is much that is wise and helpful here... a detailed and useful guide to meditation'- Buddhism Now
'Written with a down-to-earth tone... James gives lots of practical advice... from the perspective of someone who has travelled the path' - Living Traditions, Australia
ISBN: 0 9511769 8 6
224pp 234 x 156mm
'An inspiring story of Buddhist devotion' - Light of Peace, Bangkok
'An exceptionally fine Dhamma-read' - Buddhism Now
May 1954, Bangkok - 10,000 people converge on the outlying temple of Wat Paknam to witness an historic ceremony. Forty-seven year old journalist- photographer Richard Randall is taking the saffron robe to ordain as a Buddhist monk. Known henceforth as Kapilavaddho Bhikkhu he is the first Englishman to enter the monkhood in Thailand.
After an intensive period of meditation and some remarkable experiences in concentration and insight practice, Kapilavaddho comes to understand that the heart of the Buddha's teaching can be found only in this life, here and now.
This is the story of the man who later went on to play a key role in the introduction of Buddhist meditation to the West. It is the autobiography of a true pioneer who more than lived up to his name, Kapilavaddho - 'he who spreads and increases the teaching'.
'A thoroughly readable introduction to the subject' - Holistic London Guide
Food, sleep, relationships, sex: do you go for quality, quantity or moderation? Or would you prefer to live without them?
Buddhist Character Analysis is a practical guide to the infinite complexities of human behaviour.
You're offered your own TV show. Do you think, 'What took them so long?' Or would you rather die?
Based exclusively on observable facts, Buddhist Character Analysis identifies our fundamental motives and assumptions.
Does your heart sink at the prospect of a quiet weekend? Or do you believe that the world could be a wonderful place if it wasn't for all those people?
Skilful use of Buddhist Character Analysis leads to a greater understanding of human nature and increasing happiness in daily life.
How do you see the enlightened person? An aloof Himalayan hermit, master of self-control? Or a charismatic leader using his powers to create a better world?
Combined with a spiritual training, Buddhist Character Analysis deepens insight into the true nature of reality.
ISBN 0 9511769 3 5
144pp 197 x 125mm
'Covers in an admirably clear manner the fundamentals of the Buddhadharma ... a book to be recommended' - Amadeo Sole-Leris, Journal of Buddhist Ethics
'A pleasure to read - lucid, unambiguous and expressive' - Buddhism Now
Written by a western student of a western teacher, who was himself taught by a westerner, Buddhism in a Foreign Land is third-generation western Buddhism.
As Buddhism is taking root in the West, evolving new forms to suit new conditions, much of its traditional oriental context is being called into question. In this intriguing and provocative collection of talks, Robert Mann addresses many of the issues which confront Buddhism as it adapts to modern western culture. Rebirth and traditional cosmology, the role of ethics in 20th-century consumer society, the dangers inherent in confusing therapy with spirituality - these are just some of the topics included in this controversial book.
'When the sun is obscured by cloud we say that the sun has not come out today, but actually we know that it is always there shining. In the same way, enlightenment is always available right here, now, but remains hidden behind a thick mental fog of misapprehension, confusion, resistance and clinging attachment... these are the things that obscure the radiant, eternal truth.'
There is a way to end all psychological distress and realise for ourselves the true nature of life beyond the mere appearance of things. Using straight-forward language and with characteristic humour, the Buddhist Insight meditation teacher, Paul Harris, reflects on the realities of the suffering inherent in life and the universal search for peace and understanding.
The Buddha’s ancient training in ethical living, meditation and the cultivation of wisdom, he maintains, is as profound and effective today as it has ever been. And, with its emphasis on discovery through direct, personal investigation, it is a philosophy and practice that is perfectly in harmony with the outlook of our pragmatic, twenty-first century world.
ISBN 0 9930054 0 4
224pp 216 x 138mm
The Unfolding of Wisdom is uncompromising. It presents the facts about spiritual progress. It is not for those who would speculate about symbolism or metaphor but for those who would dare to approach truth directly
' ... it is like having lived all your life in a dark cave, never being sure where the walls, the ceiling or the exits were, never being sure of the real shape of the space around you. When at last you bring in some light to the darkness, immediately your old idea of the cave disappears. The illumination of true vision eliminates what had been total darkness, including all your speculations about the reality of the cave.
'When this occurs, there is never any need to refer to your earlier idea of how things were; it simply becomes irrelevant. Now you know things as they are. What interest can speculative fantasies have for you now?'
A key title in the Aukana range,The Unfolding of Wisdom provides a practical guide to the Buddha's path from start to finish, from choosing a spiritual path to attaining the final goal, enlightenment itself.
ISBN:
0 9511769 5 1 (softback)
0 9511769 4 3 (hardback)
224pp 230 x 155mm
A concise introduction to Buddhist meditation - this is Buddhism without history, without politics, without jargon.
Buddhism: The Plain Facts provides a clear, systematic guide to vipassana meditation, the practice of insight which lies at the heart of the Buddha's path. This book focuses on the original teachings of the Buddha and shows how they can be applied today.
ISBN: 0 9511769 7 8
176pp 216 x 138mm
“The successful spiritual traveller completely understands suffering. He knows through experience its conditioned nature, its origins and its cessation. Having won to the deathless, he knows with a knowing that goes beyond words that he is free — that the universe is love — that the journey is ended — there is no more to do. He is finally at peace.”
Inner tranquillity is a universal goal.
Inner tranquillity, it could be argued, is the universal goal, the goal of all existence, however varied our attempts to reach it.
The Buddha uncovered a systematic, comprehensive and - most importantly - effective pathway to the attaining of that which all of us seek.
In this collection of lectures, Alan James draws on over thirty years of teaching experience to illuminate this path to the ultimate peace.
'There is much that is wise and helpful here... a detailed and useful guide to meditation'- Buddhism Now
'Written with a down-to-earth tone... James gives lots of practical advice... from the perspective of someone who has travelled the path' - Living Traditions, Australia
ISBN: 0 9511769 8 6
224pp 234 x 156mm
'A thoroughly readable introduction to the subject' - Holistic London Guide
Food, sleep, relationships, sex: do you go for quality, quantity or moderation? Or would you prefer to live without them?
Buddhist Character Analysis is a practical guide to the infinite complexities of human behaviour.
You're offered your own TV show. Do you think, 'What took them so long?' Or would you rather die?
Based exclusively on observable facts, Buddhist Character Analysis identifies our fundamental motives and assumptions.
Does your heart sink at the prospect of a quiet weekend? Or do you believe that the world could be a wonderful place if it wasn't for all those people?
Skilful use of Buddhist Character Analysis leads to a greater understanding of human nature and increasing happiness in daily life.
How do you see the enlightened person? An aloof Himalayan hermit, master of self-control? Or a charismatic leader using his powers to create a better world?
Combined with a spiritual training, Buddhist Character Analysis deepens insight into the true nature of reality.
ISBN 0 9511769 3 5
144pp 197 x 125mm
'Based on profound
experience and very clearly written ... there is much throughout the
book which will prove of benefit to many'
- The
Middle Way
'A very informative
book about the nature of the practice... of benefit to both beginners
and more experienced meditators'
- Visuddhacara Bhikkhu,
author of Curbing Anger, Spreading Love
A new updated edition of this popular work ...
The Buddha said that there is just one way to overcome the suffering seemingly inherent in the human condition. The practice of mindfulness generates insight into the way our minds work, revealing why it is that we feel dissatisfied and distressed, and exactly how suffering can be overcome.
With a clarity and directness of approach
that can only come from understanding, Alan and Jacqui James elucidate
the practice of mindfulness, covering such topics as how to meditate,
hindrances to the practice and how to surmount them, the relationship
between teacher and student—and enlightenment itself, the final goal
of the spiritual journey.
ISBN 0 9511769 0 0
224pp incl. 19 b/w photographs 216 x 138mm
‘Our task in life is to become aware that there is no end point that we are supposed to be getting to—that experiencing what is happening in our lives right now is the purpose of life ... Living contentedly with what one finds in the moment is nibbàna.’
Between these covers you will find a vivid and frank account of spirituality. This book is grounded in Jacqui James’s experience of searching for and realising enlightenment, and subsequently teaching the Buddha’s way.
In straightforward language Jacqui explains what genuine spirituality means, and in the process explodes many myths. There is a searching examination of Buddhism, asking: what is essential in the journey to enlightenment, and what is just tradition and folklore?
The emphasis throughout is on how modern women and men can apply the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. Jacqui shows how this can improve life beyond measure, how it leads onward towards enlightenment, and why this is the purpose of life.
'The Buddha's teaching is as relevant today as it ever has been. It describes the facts of human life which are observable by anyone who cares to take the trouble to investigate.'
Presenting timeless truths in a 20th-century context, Modern Buddhism provides answers to questions that have always haunted mankind.
Death and dying: a wasted and terrifying experience - or an opportunity for spiritual growth? A meditation teacher describes the way she helped her mother approach the doors of death.
Family relationships: why do some families live in harmony whilst others are constantly at war? What is the purpose of the family unit?
Sexuality: what sexual habits are most conducive to progress along the path?
Alan & Jacqui James belong to the tradition of teachers who present the essence of Buddhism in a way which is totally in tune with the needs of their own time and culture.
'In a confused and dark world, the book is like a ray of light, showing the path to sanity and peace' - Buddhism Today, Brisbane
ISBN 0 9511769 1 9
176pp 215 x 135mm
'An inspiring story of Buddhist devotion' - Light of Peace, Bangkok
'An exceptionally fine Dhamma-read' - Buddhism Now
May 1954, Bangkok - 10,000 people converge on the outlying temple of Wat Paknam to witness an historic ceremony. Forty-seven year old journalist- photographer Richard Randall is taking the saffron robe to ordain as a Buddhist monk. Known henceforth as Kapilavaddho Bhikkhu he is the first Englishman to enter the monkhood in Thailand.
After an intensive period of meditation and some remarkable experiences in concentration and insight practice, Kapilavaddho comes to understand that the heart of the Buddha's teaching can be found only in this life, here and now.
This is the story of the man who later went on to play a key role in the introduction of Buddhist meditation to the West. It is the autobiography of a true pioneer who more than lived up to his name, Kapilavaddho - 'he who spreads and increases the teaching'.
'Covers in an admirably clear manner the fundamentals of the Buddhadharma ... a book to be recommended' - Amadeo Sole-Leris, Journal of Buddhist Ethics
'A pleasure to read - lucid, unambiguous and expressive' - Buddhism Now
Written by a western student of a western teacher, who was himself taught by a westerner, Buddhism in a Foreign Land is third-generation western Buddhism.
As Buddhism is taking root in the West, evolving new forms to suit new conditions, much of its traditional oriental context is being called into question. In this intriguing and provocative collection of talks, Robert Mann addresses many of the issues which confront Buddhism as it adapts to modern western culture. Rebirth and traditional cosmology, the role of ethics in 20th-century consumer society, the dangers inherent in confusing therapy with spirituality - these are just some of the topics included in this controversial book.
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