Lotus

Photographs by Allan Baillie

Text and translation by Kaz Tanahashi

(128 pp., Wisdom Publications, 2006)

This book flows with the grace of lotuses on a pond. It is a sensuous blend of photography and poetry that captures the essence of the legendary flower and what it represents. The shades of color and the various lotus forms are mesmerizing. For those interested in the symbolism of the lotus, the appendix provides a wealth of information.

Visions of Tibet: Outer, Inner, Secret

Photographs by Brian Kistler

Introduction by Robert Thurman

(150 pp., Overlook Press, 2005)

Each majestic photograph of the people, landscape and sacred objects/rituals of Tibet offers a glimpse into a culture that is rapidly changing. Although the photographs have been taken over the past fifteen years, their eternal quality makes it difficult to tell whether they’re ancient or modern. In its own way, each photo speaks to the potential for transcendence within us all.

Portraits of Tibetan Buddhist Masters

Photographs by Don Farber

Foreword by Sogyal Rinpoche

(180 pp., University of California Press, 2005)

Don Farber helped create a work of history by taking portraits of the last of the living Buddhist masters who received their training in Tibet. Two of the most delightful are the side-to-side pictures of Kalu Rinpoche, who died in 1988, and his reincarnation, Yangsi Kalu Rinpoche, at the age of six. Farber brings alive the spirit of these masters through brief biographies and quotations that give readers a taste of their wisdom and compassion.

The Architecture of Thailand: A Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Forms

by Nithi Sthapitanonda and Brian Mertons

(256 pp., Thames and Hudson, 2006)

The wide variety of Thai architecture is artfully represented here. Of particular interest to Buddhists are pictures of temples, monks’ cabins (kutis) and memorial towers (chedis). The accompanying essays provide both descriptive and historical information to enhance the power of the images.

The Dalai Lamas: A Visual History

Edited by Martin Brauen

(304 pp., Serindia Publications, 2005)

This book is a record of an exhibition designed by the author to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s seventieth birthday. Photographs and sacred objects, many never seen before, fill its pages. Essays by scholars cover the history of all fourteen Dalai Lamas.

Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon

Photographs and text by John Berthold

(163 pp., Wisdom Publications, 2005)

This book features a wide variety of stunning images, among them one of young novices who cast their robes aside and wade through a crystal-clear river, another of a monastery built into a cliff at an altitude of 10,300 feet, and another of an elderly man lying on his stomach stringing prayer beads. Bhutan’s magical and mystical qualities are expressed in this collection.

201 Little Buddhist Reminders

by Barbara Ann Kipper

(248 pp., Ulysses Press, 2006)

This charming compilation of gathas (mindfulness verses) reminds us that even “ordinary” activities like turning off the television and encountering a rainstorm are perfect opportunities for mindfulness. Gathas help us wake up to the sacredness and potential of each moment and, ultimately, lead to the transformation of our lives. One chapter explains the origin and structure of gathas, thereby deepening their meaning in our daily lives.

More Daily Wisdom: 365 Buddhist Inspirations

Edited by Josh Bartok

(388 pp., Wisdom Publications, 2006)

When you’re in need of some bite-sized wisdom or a subject for reflection, this friendly book can help. Both ancient and modern Buddhist masters are quoted on many themes, including love, joy, generosity and compassion. If you’re looking for a specific theme or reference, there is a helpful index by topic as well as a bibliography and index of all the sources.

You’ve Got to Draw the Line Somewhere

by Dan Clurman

(137pp., Dan Popkin-Clurman, 2006)

Inquiring Mind readers have enjoyed the cartoons of Dan Clurman for many years. His work is now available in the new bookYou’ve Got to Draw the Line Somewhere. Clurman “enjoys playing with people’s ideas,” whether as a cartoonist, poet, coach or trainer. He is also author of a book of poetry and drawings, Floating Upstream, and coeditor of Conversations with Critical Thinkers. To order a copy, visit www.dantoons.com.

From the Fall 2006 issue of Inquiring Mind (Vol. 23, No. 1)

© 2006 Inquiring Mind