Simple Buddhism. C. Alexander Simpkins, Ph.D.

      C. Alexander Simpkins Ph.D. • Annellen Simpkins Ph.D.

      Tuttle Publishing

       Boston • Rutland, Vermont • Tokyo

      First published in 2000 by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd, with editorial offices at 364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759 U.S.A.

      Copyright © 2000 by C. Alexander Simpkins and Annellen Simpkins

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from Tuttle Publishing.

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      ISBN: 978-1-4629-1735-8 (ebook)

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      First edition

       06 05 04 03 02 01 00 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

      Printed in the United States of America

      We dedicate this book to our parents, Carmen and Nathaniel Simpkins and Naomi and Herbert Minkin, and to our children, Alura L. Simpkins and C. Alexander Simpkins Jr., and to all the true bodhisattvas whose compassionate actions have helped improve our world.

      Carmen Z. Simpkins’ abstract expressionist paintings suggest mood, movement, and mysticism. Simpkins has been painting for seventy-five years. Her first solo show took place in Camden, Maine, in 1962 at the Broadlawn Gallery. She has exhibited throughout the world, and her works are in private collections in Europe and America. She continues to display her work at her galleries in Sebastian, Florida and Clinton, South Carolina.

      CONTENT

       Introduction

       PART I: BUDDHISM IN TIME

       1: The Founder Plants the Seeds

       2: Buddhism Takes Root

       3: The Blossom of Mahayana

       4: Branching Out

       5: Flowers from Buddha’s Garden

       PART II: BUDDHIST THEMES

       6: The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

       7: Buddhist Psychology: Awakening from the Dream

       8: Nirvana: A New Experience

       9: The Bodhisattva Way: Life Is Good

       PART III: LIVING BUDDHISM

       10: Meditation: Beginning with Your Own Mind

       11: Paradise Now: Action Is Thought

       12: Mindful Work

       13: Enlightenment Through Art

       14: Psychotherapy: The Path that Heals

       Conclusion

       Time Line

       Bibliography