Buddha’s Light Publishing Brings Timeless Buddhist Literature to La Cañada

On Sunday, June 26, 2011 Buddha’ Light Publishing traveled to the picturesque San Gabriel foothills community of La Cañada to hold a pre-release book talk and signing for one of its newest publications, After Many Autumns: A Collection of Chinese Buddhist Literature. The presentation also featured three other Buddha’s Light Publishing popular Chan-related titles: The Rabbit’s Horn, For All Living Beings, and Chan Heart, Chan Art. The beautiful newly rebuilt Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse hosted the event. This was Buddha’s Light Publishing’s first appearance at this charming venue.

Buddha’s Light Publishing representatives read excerpts from the books, provided background on the literature, biographical information about the authors, insight into the Chan tradition, literary symbolism and Chinese culture, as well as insightful commentary on each work. They also fielded thoughtful questions raised by the audience. Many of the attendees were very knowledgeable about Buddhist literature, especially Chan gongans; one was a published poet who writes about the Chinese-American experience. Hsi Lai Temple venerables accompanied the Buddha’s Light Publishing representatives and assisted with the presentation.

Buddha’s Light Publishing is releasing two books this August. The first, After Many Autumns, is a unique work featuring 1,500 years of Chinese Buddhist poetry and prose. The book will be available on Amazon.com, in fine book stores, at Fo Guang Shan temples, and directly from the Buddha’s Light Publishing online catalogue at www.blpusa.com. The second 2011 release is the long-awaited English-language version of The Universal Gate: A Commentary on Avalokitesvara’s Universal Gate Sutra by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The Universal Gate, a translation and in-depth commentary originally published in Chinese in 1953, is Master Hsing Yun’s second major publication. It received critical acclaim and has remained continuously in print.

Three upcoming works to be released are FaXiang: A Buddhist Practitioner’s Encyclopedia by Venerable Tzu Chuang, Four Insights for Finding Fulfillment: A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Diamond Sutra and Inspirations, a Humble Table, Wise Fare minibook, both by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. In addition, new booklets in the Buddhism in Every Step series are in production. These titles are scheduled to be available in the spring of 2012.

Celebrating its tenth year, Buddha’s Light Publishing is dedicated to offering its readership quality Buddhist books covering a diverse range of topics, including translations of classical sutras and commentary, contemporary writings, topical issues, wisdom-inspirational readings, Chinese culture, and Dharma-inspired arts and poetry. Buddha’s Light Publishing is also working to develop Buddhist titles that will support the educational needs of families, children, and Dharma teachers. As the premiere publisher of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Buddha’s Light Publishing embraces Humanistic Buddhism and promotes Buddhist writing that is accessible, community-oriented and relevant to daily life.