Last month I wrote a blog about the upcoming series on the Zen Teaching of Huang Po, lamenting the fact that my favorite edition of Blofeld’s translation, the Shambahla Pocket Book Edition, is now extinct. So, then, what kind of selections does Shambahla market these days in pocket-size? The Pocket Pema Chodron and The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh, of course! Why of course these two contemporary cultural icons have replaced perhaps the greatest Zen Master of all time! This is the kind of stuff that people interested in Buddhist spirituality just have to read! Move over, Huang Po! Move over Sutras! Make-way for the new kids on the block; after all, this is the kind of stuff that sells; that appeals to people’s baser knowledge base. Oh, let’s forget about the Buddhadharma and just satisfy our psycho-emotional and physical needs—that’s what really matters after all! Listen to the stuff that litters my mailbox:
Pema Chodron: Here is a treasury of 108 short selections from the best-selling books of Pema Chödrön, the beloved Buddhist nun. Designed for on-the-go inspiration, this collection offers teachings on: becoming fearless; breaking free of destructive patterns; developing patience, kindness, and joy amid our everyday struggles; unlocking our natural warmth, intelligence, and goodness—ouuu, can’t ya just feel the warm fuzzies? Or, how bout:
Thich Nhat Hanh: This is a collection of powerful and inspiring teachings in an appealing, convenient pocket-size book from one of today’s most important and beloved spiritual teachers, the Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. Next to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh is the best-known Buddhist teacher in the world, and his teachings have touched millions. Thich Nhat Hanh is known for his warm, generous, and joyful teaching style…this reader covers main themes like, mindfulness in our daily lives; working with emotions and relationships, and also doing “engaged Buddhism”:–transforming society…
Yeah right! This stuff is transforming society alright, transforming it for the worst!