Upcoming Author Events @ Bodhi Books and Gifts

 

6pm on Friday 20th August:
David Michie launches his new book: "Enlightenment to Go: the classic buddhist path of compassion and transformation"

David Michie, author of the bestselling titles, "Buddhism for Busy People" and "Hurry Up and Meditate", will be launching his latest book. "Enlightenment to Go" illuminates what David calls 'the world’s first self-help book' - an 8th century text by the Buddhist sage Shantideva - which H H The Dalai Lama consistently recommends for its life-changing psychological tools and transcendent wisdom.

In "Enlightenment to Go", David Michie provides a lively, accessible introduction to the 'best of' Shantideva. He shows how modern psychology confirms the insights of Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, and he unpacks its powerful antidotes to contemporary problems, including stress, anxiety and depression. He also offers a structured meditation program to help readers integrate transformational insights at deeper levels of consciousness where genuine change becomes possible. Recounting stories from his own journey, Michie illustrates the relevance of Shantideva’s breakthrough teachings to a typically busy Westerner with warmth and humour.

As always David Michie's work is both thought-provoking and interesting. We would live in a better world if we were to implement some of his philosophy.' —Justin Langer, former Australian Test cricketer

'The compassionate wisdom of Shantideva is brought alive in this practical and helpful guide' —Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, Tibetan Buddhist nun from Cave in the Snow

David was born in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, educated at Rhodes University, South Africa, and lived in London for ten years. He is married and is based in Perth, Australia.

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6pm on Monday 11th October:
Stephen Batchelor talks about his latest book: "Confession of a Buddhist Atheist"

Confession of a Buddhist Atheist is a personal account of the author's thirty-eight year engagement with Buddhism. The first part of the book (Monk) follows the author's journey from his departure from England at the age of 18, his first meeting with the Dalai Lama in 1972, his six years training as a Tibetan Buddhist monk, his disillusion with the Tibetan tradition and departure for a three year Zen training as a monk in South Korea. The second part (Layman) recounts the author's return to lay life in Europe and focuses on his quest to find out who was Siddhattha Gotama, the historic Buddha, and discover what is truly distinctive in his teaching. This quest interweaves reflections on early Buddhist doctrine, a journey through modern India to visit the sacred sites of Buddhism, and a detailed reconstruction of the Buddha's life on the basis of the Pali Canon.

Stephen Batchelor was a Buddhist monk in the Tibetan and Zen traditions for ten years. Known for his agnostic and secular approach to the Buddhadharma, he has authored several books, including the bestselling Buddhism Without Beliefs . His latest book is Confession of a Buddhist Atheist. He lives in France with his wife Martine and teaches seminars and leads meditation retreats worldwide.

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6pm on Tuesday 12th October:
Martine Batchelor introduces "Spirit of the Buddha"

The Spirit of the Buddha introduces the life and teachings of the Buddha in a contemporary manner, explores the development of the tradition up to the present day, and shows how different schools of Buddhism have remained true to or departed from the original teachings. The aim of The Spirit of the Buddha is to introduce the life and fundamental teachings of the Buddha in an accurate and contemporary manner for a general but knowledgeable public. The book also considers the development of the tradition up to the present day, thus showing how different schools of Buddhism have remained true to and departed from the original teachings. The book is based on original scriptures from the Pali Canon, understood in the light of the most recent scholarship, while being practical and accessible throughout. It explores essential Buddhist ideas in a modern context, thereby making the Buddha's teachings relevant for our times.

MARTINE BATCHELOR lived in Korea as a Zen nun under the guidance of Master Kusan for ten years. She is the author of Meditation for Life , The Path of Compassion , Women in Korean Zen and Let Go: A Buddhist Guide to Breaking Free of Habits . She is a member of the Gaia House Teacher Council. She teaches meditation retreats worldwide and lives in France. Her latest work is The Spirit of the Buddha.