{"title":"Books by Robert Bluck","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9780415483087","title":"British Buddhism","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBritish Buddhism\u003c\/em\u003e presents a useful insight into contemporary British Buddhist practice. It provides a survey of the seven largest Buddhist traditions in the United Kingdom, including the \u003cem\u003eForest Sangha\u003c\/em\u003e (Theravada) and the \u003cem\u003eSamatha Trust\u003c\/em\u003e (Theravada), the \u003cem\u003eSerene Reflection Meditation\u003c\/em\u003e tradition (Soto Zen) and \u003cem\u003eSoka Gakkai\u003c\/em\u003e (both originally Japanese), the Tibetan \u003cem\u003eKarma Kagyu\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eNew Kadampa\u003c\/em\u003e traditions and \u003cem\u003eFriends of the\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eWestern Buddhist Order\u003c\/em\u003e. Based on extensive fieldwork, this fascinating book determines how and to what extent British Buddhist groups are changing from their Asian roots, and whether any forms of British Buddhism are beginning to emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite the popularity of Buddhism in Britain, there has so far been no study documenting the full range of teachings and practice. This is an original study that fills this gap and serves as an important reference point for further studies in this increasingly popular field.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56288962576757,"sku":"9780415483087","price":50.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780415483087_4fac5bcd-4871-476f-ab77-2d1304ecef81.jpg?v=1786013963"},{"product_id":"9781836281115","title":"Cycling Past Pluto","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn epic journey round the entire coastline of mainland Britain. Senior cyclists Robert and Steve ride for a fortnight at a time – on minor roads and traffic-free cycle tracks – covering 5,000 miles in eighty days. That’s like cycling from Madrid to Moscow \u003cem\u003eand back again\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFuelled with cheese scones and carrot cake, they pedal through wild country and urban jungles, deep forests and industrial wasteland, flat farmland and mountainous landscapes. There are memories of Britain’s coastal history, extremes of poverty and wealth, incredibly steep hills in Devon and Cornwall, wonderful guest houses – and Scotland’s worst hotel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis day-by-day account of struggling with navigation or the weather – sometimes weeping with laughter – includes helpful information on the perfect touring bike, taking bikes on trains, what to take on tour, how to lose weight, and the invaluable Rules of Coastal Cycling. The whereabouts of Britain’s most spectacular hill climb and Britain’s worst road are also revealed – important information for anyone who wishes to set off on this journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlmost two-thirds of us in Britain live within ten miles of the sea. Why not follow these tyre-tracks and cycle round some of this wonderful coastline?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56307889865077,"sku":"9781836281115","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781836281115.jpg?v=1791212802"},{"product_id":"9781800505711","title":"The Unofficial Buddhist","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat is an unofficial Buddhist? Someone whose monastery is their living room! This book explores Buddhist-inspired teaching and practice for today's secular world - but outside the monastic traditions of Buddhism.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Unofficial Buddhist \u003c\/em\u003eseeks to find a middle way between ancient and modern worldviews, religious and secular approaches, and Asian and Western cultural attitudes. Drawing on traditional Theravada and modern Zen sources, it suggests practical ways of engaging with the Buddha's ancient path of morality and meditation, leading towards the wisdom of awakening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWestern Buddhists often practise with friends or alone. Perhaps they have no local Buddhist centre, or haven't found those nearby appealing - or they're wary of organized religion in general. These 'unofficial Buddhists' have been called Buddhism's 'new pioneers', exploring the inner territory of how to practise the Buddha's teaching in the modern world. In both Europe and North America, they're probably more numerous than any of the traditional groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo if you have been practising Buddhism without finding a local centre where you feel comfortable - or if you are outside Buddhism, but looking in with interest - you are probably an unofficial Buddhist yourself. This book is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56312935448949,"sku":"9781800505711","price":22.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781800505711.jpg?v=1791213155"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-robert-bluck.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}