Dharma Space Series: Dillon Masters, The Other side of Midnight

Dharma Space Series
Original Title in English
by Author: Dillon Masters, visit his blog
Vietnamese eBook: Dharma Space / YourVietBooks.com
Translation by Anh Tho Andres and team (coming up)

Excerpts

This book is not about religion. It is instead a journey off the pile to find our spiritual root. Religions come and go. They get shaped and reshaped and concoct a wide variety of stories and theories about the unseen dimensions of our lives. It has always been that way and undoubtedly will always be that way. I can't stop that process and neither can you. So this is not a book about religion but it is about the part of us that is unseen. That part never changes and inhabits us all. Religions however can be perhaps the most destructive force on earth. They implant beliefs into people's minds which are then used to justify the most egregious forms of violence against each other, with sanctimonious justification. Religion is not the same thing as spirituality even though the two often get commingled. And I say these seemingly harmful words only because I care about what works and what doesn't. When we become dismayed with the journey to oblivion we need some help in finding our way. I am only here now because I got the help I needed. I owe you that much and I'm sorry to tell you that you are not likely to get what you need within the framework of ordinary, off-the-shelf religion. They can either lead people to find their spiritual roots or serve as justification for violence, but it's important to understand that religion and spirituality are not the same thing. I'm a pragmatist; a "bird in hand" sort of person. Show me what works and forget about the seemingly plausible theory and I'm yours. Perhaps there are some of you who share this perspective. If so, keep reading. If not then take a nap.

This hidden side of midnight is very strange and seems to contradict our most coveted dogmas about life. It will be impossible for me to say what needs to be said without experience and thought. We are, of course, persuaded that we know, with certainty, what reality is. We think it is the meaningless struggle to the top but none of us knows the language of the butterfly until we become one. We understand it as being whatever appears before us and likewise we measure "un-reality" against that standard. We say a person is unhinged when they are out of touch with this reality (which is actually un-reality). But just for the sake of discussion let's bring this issue to the fore and take a look at the possibility that we don't actual have it right. Perhaps once we thoroughly explore this matter we'll begin to see that the vast majority of the human race is unhinged and climbing the pile to oblivion. But if that is the norm then nobody will get upset. Misery does love company and at this juncture in history misery is wide-spread.
Contents:
Forward
Introduction
Part One—The hidden side of midnight: He who rides the dragon ends up in

• The Dream
• The contrast principle
• Zen Masters and the physics of dependent origination
• Immanent Transcendence
• Emptiness
• The language of language and the Platonic Fold
• The language of no language and the Platonic Fold
• Forms of delusion
• Thinking about thinking
• Ontology and Epistemology—Two parts of the same thing
• The two poles of Buddhism
• The nature of the two poles
• Enlightenment

Part Two—The apparent side of midnight

• Serendipity
• Light poles and coffee cups
• The God Map
• What the equation means and Implications
• The Heart Sutra Map
• The Mechanics of Happiness

Part Three—Just one big dream

• The Mind of Christ and the Holy Grail
• Finding our way home
• Ten frequently asked questions and answers

About the Author:

A life time of discovery unveiling the amazing two-sided nature of us all. I’ve been graced with finding a jewel too valuable to keep. We all reap what we sow. So I caste the seeds of my discovery to all. The jewel is not mine. Everyone has a share awaiting discovery. “...seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Thirty+ years maturing in the Zen way of life has opened up an amazing spiritual frontier.

Note from Anh Tho: 

Author Dillon Masters has donated his works on Dharma Space to the Vietnamese Readers. Our team of volunteers will be offering the readers the Vietnamese translation of his work as a contribution to the spreading of good Dharma.

Volunteering: All volunteers are welcome to join this project.

Donation acknowledged: 

The wish of the Author is that the proceeds of all income generated by the Vietnamese version will be donated to a charity organisation in Vietnam. On behalf of future beneficiaries of this kind attention, I would like to thank Author Dillon Masters and our team of volunteers for this common cause.

About YourVietbooks.com
YourVietBooks is a selection of books and articles on and about Vietnam. Categories include: Culture, History, Vietnam War, Politics, Biographies, Contemporary Vietnam, International Relations, Doing Business in Vietnam, Reference and Languages, Zen Buddhism, Philosophy, Art and Literature.
Some articles are available only in English, French, German or Vietnamese. Our qualified and experienced translators can provide translations of e-books or articles on demand. Read more...

---

Samples of Translation | Our Translators | Need a quote? | Contact us

Dharma Space Series: Dillon Masters, Moreover (Introduction)

Original Title in English
by Author: Dillon Masters
Publisher: JJ Publishing (Ed. July 2011)
ISBN: 978-0-615-50061-4
Vietnamese eBook: Dharma Space / YourVietBooks.com
Translation by Tuong Vi, Anh Tho


Back to Contents


Introduction


We are birthed in pain. We die in pain, and in between we move and grow imperceptibly from one to the other. So it is with every phenomenal creature from the smallest to the largest, regardless of distinction. And so it is with the institutions we create from families to communities, cultures, and nations. All of it goes through the very same process of growth. 

It happens in baby steps so subtle that we don’t even notice the progression—youth to adolescence to young adulthood, onward to maturity and a final cessation. The changes are continuous and go unnoticed except when extended absences are encountered. And then we see with amazement what has been ongoing. Cultures go through the same growth process, and it is always shocking and painful when the end game begins to approach.

It has been nearly 40 years since I first read The Limits to Growth, an insightful book commissioned by the Club of Rome (CoR). For those who don’t know, or have forgotten, the Club was put together in 1968 at David Rockefeller’s estate in Bellagio, Italy. The CoR describes itself as “a group of world citizens, sharing a common concern for the future of humanity.” 

I was a mere 28 years old at the time when the Club was formed but was greatly affected by the message of The Limits to Growth. The Club states that its mission is “to act as a global catalyst for change through the identification and analysis of the crucial problems facing humanity and the communication of such problems to the most important public and private decision makers as well as to the general public.”

Dharma Space Series: Deepak Chopra, The Seven Spititual Laws of Success

Original Title in English: The Seven Spititual Laws of Success, A Practical Guide to the Fulfilment of Your Dreams.
By Author: Deepak Chopra
Publishers: Bantam Press (1996) reprinted 5 times (1997) based on the book 'Creating Affluence: Wealth Consciousness in the Field of all Possibilities' by same Author.

About the Book:
This is a book you will cherish for a lifetime, for within its pages are the secrets to making all your dreams come true. In the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra distils the essence of his teachings into seven simple, yet powerful principles that can easily be applied to create success in all areas of your life.

Based on natural laws which govern all of creation, this book shatters the myth that success is the result of hard work, exacting plans or driving ambition.

In the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra offers a life-altering perspective on the attainment of success: Once we understand our true nature and learn to live in harmony with natural law, a sense of well-being, good health, fulfilling relationships, energy and enthusiasm for life, and material abundance will spring forth easily and effortlessly.

You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny.
- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, IV.4.5

Contents
Chapter One: The Law of Pure Potentiality
Chapter Two: The Law of Giving
Chapter Three: The Law of 'Karma? or Cause and Effect
Chapter Four: The Law of Least Effort
Chapter Five: The Law of Intention and Desire
Chapter Six: The Law of Detachment
Chapter Seven: The Law of 'Dharma' or Purpose in Life
Summary and Conclusion

About the Author:

Deepak Chopra is a world-renowned leader in the field of mind-body medicine and human potential. He is the bestselling author of numerous books, including 'Ageless Body, Timeless Mind', 'Quantum Healing', Creating Affluence', as well as numerous audio and video programs that promote health and well-being. His books have been translated into more than twenty-five languages and he lectures widely throughout North America, South America, Inida, Europe, Japan and Australia.
Currently he is the Executive Director for the Institute of Mind-Body Medicine and Human Potential at Sharp HealthCare in San Diego, California.

More on Deepak Chopra:

If Chopra's life is a textbook study of integration, the path he took has been the classic urban Indian one. Born in Delhi in 1947 to leading cardiologist Dr K.L. Chopra, his early dream to become a journalist was deflected by Sinclair Lewis' book Arrowsmith. The portrait of an untiring medical researcher, heroic in his war against microbes, fired his imagination and he chose to become a doctor.

After passing out of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1969, he set out with his bride Rita to the USA. Rising quickly in the profession, he held senior positions at prestigious hospitals and went on to become the chief of staff at the New England Memorial Hospital in Stoneham, Massachusetts. He also set up a private practice in endocrinology and internal medicine. His high-powered career left him addicted to coffee and cigarettes, with a nagging feeling that he hadn't come any closer to "the essence of life".

A turning point came in 1980 when he learnt transcendental meditation, followed by advanced TM courses. He says : "It changed my whole life, my diet, my work, my relationship with my patients and with others. I became 10 times more efficient."

But what really gave his life a direction was a chance meeting in 1985 with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who introduced him to ayurveda an suggested he take it up. For a doctor at the top echelon of his profession, it was not easy to start anew in a paradigm that made nonsense of all that he stood for. It was the decisive crossroads of his life. A restless night later, Chopra decided to follow the Maharishi.

He soon became the sole spokesman for ayurveda in the West. He lectured on the ancient Indian system at John Hopkins, Harvard, the WHO, and appeared on the Oprah Winfrey and Donahue chat shows. Simultaneously, he treated patients from all over the world with ayurveda. It was during this phase that the books, upon which so much of Chopra's current reputation rests, began to appear.
Creating Health: Beyond Prevention, Towards Perfection (1987) ran the gamut of diseases, and offered solutions based on the mind-body link. The Return of the Rishi: A Doctor's Search for the Ultimate Healer traced his own route through life and medicine. It was followed by Quantum Healing which presented a lucid and cogently researched link between the body and the mind, drawing upon research in neuroimmunology, molecular biology, cerebral function and cellular physiology.

With each book, Chopra has argued with increasing conviction and evidence that consciousness is the only reality. "Your body is…a flowing organism empowered with millions of years of intelligence. This intelligence is dedicated to overseeing the constant change that takes place inside you. Every cell is a miniature terminal connected to the cosmic computer," he rhapsodizes in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, which sold a million copies in hardcover alone.
Message from Deepak Chopra:
In the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, I describe the virtues and associated principles that have helped me and countless others to achieve spiritual satisfaction and material success. I am writing to invite you to join me, and potentially millions of others worldwide, in the Global Network for Spititual Success, which will be based on the daily practice of these powerful guiding principles.

Participation in the Network is open to anyone who chooses to pratice the Seven Spiritual Laws. I have found it particulary fulfilling to concentrate on one law each day of the week, beginning on Sunday with the Law of Pure Potentiality and concluding on Saturday with the Law of Dharma. having your attention on a spiritual law will completely transform your life, as it has mine, and if we collectively put our attention on the same law each day, we could soon reach a critical mass of successful people that could transform life on planet earth.

Groups of friends across the world have already begun to focus on one law each day. As I have done with my staff and friends, I suggest starting a study group of family, friends, or co-workers where members meet once a week to discuss their experiences with the spiritual laws. If the experiences are dramatic, which at times they will be, I invite you to write them down and mail them to me.

To join the Global Network for Spiritual Success, all you need to do is send in your name, address, or Email address, and we will send you a wallet size card with the seven laws and keep you informed as the Network develops.

The establishment of the Network represents the fulfillment of one of my most cherished dreams. By joining the Global Network and practicing The Seven Spiritual Laws, I know that you will achieve spiritual success and the fulfillment of your desires. I can wish you no greater blessing.

With love and best wishes,
Deepak Chropra

Global Network for Spiritual Success
spiritlaws@aol.com


Note by Anh Tho:
I received this book as a gift sent by a friend of a friend, someone I had not met before, from South Africa, a country I later visited and loved. Thank you Micky, wherever you are, for sharing so spontaneously your friendship. Anh Tho.


French translation by Anh Tho Andres @YourVietnamExpert.com
Vietnamese translation by Cuong Phan, Kim Hoang, Bich Hong, Bao Han
German translation by Han Dang-Klein
Italian translation by Phan Cong Danh
Japanese translation by Hong Anh

About YourVietbooks.com
YourVietBooks is a collection of books on Vietnam for Readers who are interested in Vietnam's History, Culture, Language, Economy, or Business. Most titles are in English, but some are only available in French or Vietnamese. We can provide interested parties an accurate translation of some parts of the books for your research purposes. Translations are done by YourVietnamExpert's qualified and experienced translators. contact@yourvietnamexpert.com

Dharma Space Series by Dillon Masters

Original Titles in English
by Author: Dillon Masters
Vietnamese Translations by various translators @YourVietBooks
Publisher: Dharma Space / YourVietBooks.com

Message by Author Dillon Masters

• To the Vietnamese Readers, to whom I dedicate my Dharma Space series of works 
• To Vietnamese Translators, through whose work I hope my message will reach to the Vietnamese Community at large, who might not read English 
• To the Western Readers, whom I share my bit of spiritual food for thought on my blog

"Dear All,

More than 30 years ago I spent a time living in a Zen monastery. During that time I awakened to a new understanding of the world and myself. The Dharma literally saved my life. It has taken all of this time for my awakening to ripen and mature. For the past few years I have been involved in passing on my grasp of the Dharma as a vibrant reality that holds great promise for transforming people and nations. I now teach Zen at an internationally renowned university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and I write books.

Before my awakening I had the sad and unfortunate occasion of spending two years in Vietnam as a warrior fighting as a Marine. It was a low point in my life, which subsequently resulted in really bad karma, and brought me to utter despair.

A few months ago Anh Tho Andres and I came into each other’s orb and immediately realized how our mutual destinies seemed to be linked. At this stage in my life I have two goals:

• To transmit the wealth of the Dharma to others wherever they live, and 
• To generate a flow of income to establish and sustain a children’s charity in Vietnam. 

 My means of transmitting the Dharma is somewhat unique. Everything I write is done within the fabric of everyday life. Economics, politics, personal relations, immigration, all and more are transformed due to the saving power of the Dharma. So I write within that interconnected matrix because there is no spiritual discipline of any value, if it doesn’t shape our everyday lives.

Anh Tho and I have formed an alliance: the two of us together will accomplish these goals. My words will flow through her and you back to where they began. The agony of my involvement in Vietnam fueled my own spiritual transformation and now it comes full circle back to your country. The fruit of despair now blossoms as kindness and caring.

The father of Zen (Bodhidharma) said, “If it weren’t for afflictions, there would be nothing to create awareness. And if it weren’t for awareness, there would be nothing to negate afflictions...Suffering is the seed, wisdom the sprout, and buddhahood the grain.”

Contained within that statement lays this circular pattern that leads me back to Vietnam from where the initial afflictions occurred.

To the Translators,

You should consider your work as translators as a sacred act. You can change the world with us. Each link is important. My contribution began in your country in 1965-1967. It is now 46 years later and finally we have reached a readiness of time. In our small way together we can make a difference. I have now written four books and more will follow.

To the Western Readers,
I also write a blog of short and provocative daily messages that cause people to take in small bites of spiritual food.

All of these efforts are done for the single reason of giving back to the world what came from your country. I thank you in advance for you valuable efforts."

Author Dillon Masters

About the Author: 

A life time of discovery unveiling the amazing two-sided nature of us all. I’ve been graced with finding a jewel too valuable to keep. We all reap what we sow. So I caste the seeds of my discovery to all. The jewel is not mine. Everyone has a share awaiting discovery. “...seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Thirty+ years maturing in the Zen way of life has opened up an amazing spiritual frontier.

Note from Anh Tho: 

Author Dillon Masters has donated his works on Dharma Space to the Vietnamese Readers. Our team of volunteers will be offering the readers the Vietnamese translation of his work as a contribution to the spreading of good Dharma.

Volunteering: All volunteers are welcome to join this project.

Donation acknowledged: 

The wish of the Author is that the proceeds of all income generated by the Vietnamese version will be donated to a charity organisation in Vietnam. On behalf of future beneficiaries of this kind attention, I would like to thank Author Dillon Masters and our team of volunteers for this common cause.

About YourVietbooks.com
YourVietBooks recommends a selection of books and articles on Vietnam and about Vietnam, available partly in English, French, German or Vietnamese. Our qualified and experienced translators can provide translations of e-books or articles on demand. Contact Anh Tho Andres, yourvietbooks@gmail.com for more information on our services.

Dharma Space: Dillon Masters, Moreover, Finding Your Worth Beneath Excess

Original Title in English 

by Author: Dillon Masters

Publisher: JJ Publishing (Ed. July 2011)

ISBN: 978-0-615-50061-4 
Vietnamese eBook: Dharma Space / YourVietBooks.com
To order original title

About the Book:
This is a book about finding essential worth within by employing the ancient art of Zen. I use the term “art” in the most basic sense to mean manifesting the creative human spirit. Zen maintains that beneath the extraneous lies a purity of the heart, already complete, awaiting discovery.
This spirit is inherent in Zen, beginning with nature and blossoming within a wide variety of human artifacts and cultural configurations, from architecture to flower arranging, calligraphy, dress, interior decoration and virtually every other element of culture. [...]
The message of this book is that we are traveling down the path to nowhere precisely because we imagine a distant nirvana without realizing that it is already present. It is delusion that blinds us, and because we are blinded we lust for more, and more, and more, never realizing that the more that we seek is already ours.
There is no higher art form than to employ the essential spirit of being human to find our true worth, and that must be our mission as we move toward the abyss.