Windhorse Publications

12/12/2024

Would you like to lead Windhorse Publications through the changing world of independent publishing and the growth of Triratna? After five years, Dhammamegha will be stepping down as publishing director in the new year. This is an exciting and varied role for an Order Member interested in communicating the Dharma through books and other media, and with the skills to lead a small, dynamic and creative business.

Read more using the link in bio.

27/11/2024

🌟 A Historic Moment for Windhorse Publications! 🌟

The Complete Works of Sangharaksh*ta are now complete! 🎉 This 27-volume collection spans 20,000 pages and 10 million words, showcasing the life, teachings, and vision of the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order.

From his writings on Dr. Ambedkar’s Dhamma Revolution in India to his poetry, memoirs, and commentaries, these works open the door to a vast treasure trove of Buddhist wisdom. The final volume, a concordance, ties it all together—a guide to this remarkable legacy.

Congratulations to everyone who brought this monumental project to life. 🙏

✨ Explore the Complete Works and be part of this historic achievement. Order your copy (or the whole set) today!

06/11/2024

Would you like to lead Windhorse Publications through the changing world of independent publishing and the growth of Triratna? It is an exciting and varied role for a Member of the Triratna Buddhist Order interested in communicating the Dharma through books, and with the skills to lead a small, dynamic and creative business.

Follow the link in bio to apply.

21/10/2024

Join us for the exciting launch of Approaching Enlightenment on 23rd October at 9:30 am UK time (7:30 pm Sydney, Australia) at the Sydney Buddhist Centre. Whether you're in Sydney or anywhere in the world, you can attend in person or online via Zoom or YouTube live streaming. The event will feature a conversation between the author Bodhidasa and Cittamaya, delving into the book and the inspiration behind it. There will also be a chance for a Q&A session, and those attending in person can get their book signed by the author. Don’t miss it!

09/10/2024

We are delighted to announce that Bodhidasa's new book, 'Approaching Enlightenment: A Guidebook for Buddhist Ritual', is now available. Combining research in psychology and cultural studies, and the author’s own practice, in this book Bodhidasa draws out the liberatory potential of Buddhist ritual.

Ritual is the area of Buddhist practice that receives the least amount of attention. This book is for both sceptical and enquiring practitioners. The Sevenfold Puja or Seven-Limbed practice is the focus of the book, and through it many other ritual activities, symbols and implements are explained.

More than a book ‘about’ Buddhist ritual, this is a personal guide to assist the reader move more deeply ‘into’ its practice and benefit from its fruits.

Available now on our website. Link in bio.

28/08/2024

We are happy to announce the latest episode of our podcast, featuring an engaging conversation with Bodhidasa, a practitioner, teacher, and self-declared geek, who joins us from Sydney, Australia.

In this episode, Dhammamegha explores Bodhidasa's rich and varied interests, from magic and games to popular culture and literature, and how these elements are intricately woven into his Buddhist practice and the essence of his new book. Bodhidasa shares how ritual, archetypes, and myth play a pivotal role in connecting with transpersonal and enlightened qualities, opening doors to deeper potentials within ourselves.

The conversation explores diverse approaches to Buddhist practice, contrasting the ascetic and austere with those that embrace worldly activities, emotions of devotion, joy, and integration. Bodhidasa reflects on the cultural tensions between secular life and ritual practices, as well as the Buddhist tradition’s complex relationship with ritual—viewed both as a potential fetter and as a path to enlightenment.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the role of ritual in Buddhist practice and how it can unlock new possibilities within us. Bodhidasa also shares practical insights into how he integrates ritual into his daily life, through offerings, worship, confession, and rejoicing.

Tune in now to explore the rich world of Buddhist rituals and discover how they can bring more depth and meaning to your practice and daily life.

Link in bio.

14/08/2024

This month we celebrate Sangharaksh*ta’s 99th birthday. In doing so we reflect on the enormous impact of his life and teaching, and what his ‘Going Forth’ has meant in all our lives within the Triratna movement.

In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of his 'Going Forth', Sangharaksh*ta offered his own reflections on that significant moment and the Buddha's Noble Quest during an address at the Western Buddhist Order (now Triratna) convention.

‘Going Forth’ refers to renouncing worldly life to pursue a spiritual path, similar to the Buddha's departure from his princely life to seek enlightenment. In the talk, Sangharaksh*ta shares how, at the age of 21, he followed this tradition by donning saffron robes, relinquishing his possessions, and embracing a life of meditation and minimalism in India. This act marked a pivotal turning point, symbolising a shift from a worldly way of living to a deeper spiritual quest.

He emphasised that Going Forth is not just a physical act but involves mental and verbal dimensions too, urging people to simplify their lives, refine their speech, and deepen their meditation practices. Sangharaksh*ta's narrative serves as an inspirational reminder of the dedication required to follow the Buddha's path and the transformative impact of committing oneself to spiritual development.

Image: Sangharaksh*ta 1980, at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, Norfolk, UK. © Copyright Urgyen Sangharaksh*ta Trust

01/08/2024

🌬️ Mindful Moment 🌬️

"Pay attention to your breath; it's the anchor to your present reality."

Ever feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of daily life? Take a mindful break and reconnect with your breath. Here's a simple three-minute mindfulness exercise you can do anytime, anywhere:

1. Find a quiet spot: Sit or stand comfortably.
2. Close your eyes: Gently close your eyes to minimize distractions.
3. Breathe deeply: Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs completely.
4. Exhale slowly: Breathe out through your mouth, letting go of any tension.
5. Focus on your breath: Pay attention to the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest and abdomen.
6. Stay present: If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath.

Try this in the morning to start your day with clarity, during lunch to reset your mind, or before bed to unwind. 🌟

24/07/2024

We're thrilled to announce our biggest sale yet. With 40% off more than 30 titles, there’s something for everyone. But hurry — the sale ends at 23:59 BST on Sunday, 28th July.

Have a look at the link in bio for the details.

Like all things, this offer is impermanent. The time is now. 🛒

18/07/2024

17/07/2024

Vimalasara (Vimalasara - Valerie Mason-John) joins Sharon Salzberg on the Metta Hour Podcast to discuss their new book "First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviors".

In this video, Vimalasara shares a pivotal moment working with women in rehab, highlighting the stark realization of our shared struggles.

01/07/2024

This October, we’re thrilled to publish a new book on Buddhist ritual: 'Approaching Enlightenment' by the brilliant Caldwell. 🧘‍♂️✨

While mindfulness and meditation books abound, this insightful work explores the often-overlooked practices of contemporary Buddhism. Through the lens of the sevenfold puja used in the global Triratna Buddhist Sangha, Bodhidasa explores the profound questions surrounding rituals, symbols, and the very essence of shrines and shrine rooms.

Drawing connections from neuroscience to mythology, the Pali Canon to Harry Potter, anthropology to comic books, this book is set to light this path that helps bring us together, build meaning in our lives, and fire up our deepest energies for practice.

📖 Sponsorships are now open. Help us bring this book to the world! 🌏✨

17/06/2024

Vimalasara explains how important the breath is as part of the recovery journey

12/06/2024

Who said that? 😃

Shantigarbha reads a passage by one of Sangharaksh*ta's talks about the latter hoping to see more Buddhists engaging with the environmental crisis.

10/06/2024

The life-changing experience that shaped Sangharaksh*ta's spiritual journey

10/05/2024

Don't miss our live book launch of First Aid Kit for the Mind on Zoom! Join us for an engaging session with Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason John in conversation with Candradasa, scheduled for 7 PM (UK Time) on May 15th. This one-hour event promises a conversation between these friends and experienced practitioners as they explore the book, its message and practices. and provide an opportunity to engage directly with the author.

During the session, Vimalasara and Candradasa will explore the possibilities of bringing heart and mind back into alignment through self-regulation and self knowledge. This is a unique chance to connect with the author, ask questions, and gain insights into the powerful tools and strategies that First Aid Kit for the Mind offers for navigating habitual behaviours and embracing a more mindful existence.

We look forward to seeing you there. Join us by following the link in bio.

Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John is a celebrated Buddhist author and speaker whose expertise spans a range of subjects including trauma recovery and mindfulness. A teacher and Order Member in the Triratna Buddhist Community, with a background as an international correspondent and a deep engagement in conflict resolution and recovery therapies, Vimalasara brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to their writings. Their books include 'Detox Your Heart', 'Eight Step Recovery' and 'I’m Still Your Negro: An Homage to James Baldwin.'

Candradasa is the author of ‘Buddhism for Teens’ and Director of Dharmachakra, a nonprofit providing free access to resources on Buddhism, meditation, mindfulness, and life. He is the founder of Free Buddhist Audio and The Buddhist Centre Online, and also presents The Buddhist Centre Podcast. He lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA, where he is a cofounder and teacher at the Portsmouth Buddhist Center.

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08/05/2024

We are glad to announce that Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John's highly anticipated pocketbook, 'First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviours', is now available! This concise guide is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand and overcome habitual behaviours through the application of trauma-informed mindfulness techniques.

First Aid Kit for the Mind offers a straightforward approach to handling the challenging moments life often presents. It is packed with guided meditations, reflective exercises, and easy-to-adopt practices that help to re-regulate the body, come back to the breath and soothe and ground back in immediate experience. From there, it is possible to identify unhelpful stories and ways of thinking, interrupt destructive patterns and bring kindness and groundedness to our experience.

To buy your copy follow the link in bio.

30/04/2024

Guess what just arrived?! Looking forward to reading Cindy Rasicot’s new book!! ❤️