Location: United States
Member Since:
Sep. 16, 2015
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Eric Van Horn
Biography
Eric Van Horn was born and raised in Lower Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania. He graduated Pottsgrove High School in 1970 and went to college at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. He graduated from Goddard in 1973 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts. His senior thesis was about his experience as a community organizer for a drug abuse prevention program in Pottstown, PA.
After graduation he worked in a number of social service jobs, but eventually discovered a love of computer programming. He spent the next 33 years working as a software engineer. In his last job he spent 18 years working in the field of medical informatics at the PKC Corporation in Burlington, Vermont. He retired from PKC in 2011 to devote his life to his Buddhist practice.
His interest in Buddhism began in 1991 when he attended a "spiritual support group" at the Burlington Unitarian Church. Over the next 20+ years he attended many retreats at the Insight Meditation Center in Barre, MA, the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies in Barre, MA, the Zen Mountain Monastery in Mt. Temper, NY, the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, the Bhavana Society and Monastery in High View, WV, the Embracing Simplicity Hermitage in Asheville, NC, Kharme Choling in Barnet, VT, and Maple Forest Monastery in Woodstock, VT. He went to India on Buddhist Pilgrimage in 2004.
Eric has written several papers on Buddhism, including "Jhāna in the Majjhima Nikaya" and "Reverse Engineering the Buddha's Enlightenment." These can be found at http://nobleeightfoldblog.com/resources/. In 2015 he published the "Travel Guide to the Buddha's Path," a practice guide that provides an outline of the whole of the Buddha's path as described in the Pāli canon. This volume has since been replaced by a greatly expanded three-volume set "The Buddha's Path Series," which includes (1) "Foundations of the Buddha's Path," (2) "The Heart of the Buddha's Path," and (3) "Awakening on the Buddha's Path." He has also written a biography of the Buddha called "The Life of the Buddha" and is currently editing and illustrating the Buddhist Jātaka Tales literature.
He moved from Vermont to New Mexico in 2014 because it was "sunnier, warmer, and cheaper." He also found a living situation that is quieter and more conducive to meditation. He has an ongoing love of the Land of Enchantment, its rich cultural heritages, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient history. He has two adult children, Seth and Rebecca, a daughter-in-law Britomarte, a grandchild Jay, and a virtual son-in-law Toby.
After graduation he worked in a number of social service jobs, but eventually discovered a love of computer programming. He spent the next 33 years working as a software engineer. In his last job he spent 18 years working in the field of medical informatics at the PKC Corporation in Burlington, Vermont. He retired from PKC in 2011 to devote his life to his Buddhist practice.
His interest in Buddhism began in 1991 when he attended a "spiritual support group" at the Burlington Unitarian Church. Over the next 20+ years he attended many retreats at the Insight Meditation Center in Barre, MA, the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies in Barre, MA, the Zen Mountain Monastery in Mt. Temper, NY, the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, the Bhavana Society and Monastery in High View, WV, the Embracing Simplicity Hermitage in Asheville, NC, Kharme Choling in Barnet, VT, and Maple Forest Monastery in Woodstock, VT. He went to India on Buddhist Pilgrimage in 2004.
Eric has written several papers on Buddhism, including "Jhāna in the Majjhima Nikaya" and "Reverse Engineering the Buddha's Enlightenment." These can be found at http://nobleeightfoldblog.com/resources/. In 2015 he published the "Travel Guide to the Buddha's Path," a practice guide that provides an outline of the whole of the Buddha's path as described in the Pāli canon. This volume has since been replaced by a greatly expanded three-volume set "The Buddha's Path Series," which includes (1) "Foundations of the Buddha's Path," (2) "The Heart of the Buddha's Path," and (3) "Awakening on the Buddha's Path." He has also written a biography of the Buddha called "The Life of the Buddha" and is currently editing and illustrating the Buddhist Jātaka Tales literature.
He moved from Vermont to New Mexico in 2014 because it was "sunnier, warmer, and cheaper." He also found a living situation that is quieter and more conducive to meditation. He has an ongoing love of the Land of Enchantment, its rich cultural heritages, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient history. He has two adult children, Seth and Rebecca, a daughter-in-law Britomarte, a grandchild Jay, and a virtual son-in-law Toby.
Where to find Eric Van Horn online
Where to buy in print
Series
The Buddha's Path
by Eric Van Horn
Foundations of the Buddha's Path
The Heart of the Buddha's Path
Awakening on the Buddha's Path
The Buddha's Path series covers the entirety of the Buddha's Path to awakening. The first book, "Foundations of the Buddha's Path," provides an introduction to Buddhist practice. This includes (a) establishing a daily meditation practice, (b) the Buddha's teachings on virtue, ethic, and morality, and (c) bringing the Buddha's teachings into daily living.
The second book is "The Heart of the Buddha's Path." It begings with the wisdom teachings of the Buddha. These include the Four Noble Truths, dependent origination, emptiness, karma, and the Three Characteristics of existence. This is followed by an explanation of the Buddha's teachings on mindfulness as found in the Buddhist Canon. Finally, there is a discussion of "samadhi," which is variously translated as concentration, serenity, stillness, and meditative absorption. This includes how to attain these meditative states.
The third book is "Awakening on the Buddha's Path." This book begins with a look at the issue of rebirth and the Buddhist cosmology. Then there is a discussion of the ways in which the Buddha described nirvana. Finally, there is a description of the path that leads to awakening, or "enlightenment."
Foundations of the Buddha's Path
Price:
Free!
The Heart of the Buddha's Path
Price:
Free!
Awakening on the Buddha's Path
Price:
Free!
Jātaka Tales: Folk Tales of the Buddha's Previous Lives
by Eric Van Horn
Jātaka Tales: Volume 1
Jātaka Tales: Volume 2
Jātaka Tales: Volume 3
Jātaka Tales: Volume 4
Jātaka Tales: Volume 5
The Jātaka Tales are part of the Pāli Buddhist Canon. They are the tenth volume in the Khuddaka Nikāya (“Minor collection”) which is the fifth of the five collections in the Canon. They are the Buddhist equivalent of Aesop’s Fables. They are morality stories. By tradition these are the stories of the Buddha’s previous lives. In the Buddhist cultures of the past, these were the stories that children grew up hearing. They were the popular entertainment. Families would gather together in the evening after the day’s work was done and share these tales. And it is from these stories that people learned about the standards of conduct for followers of the Buddha.
Jātaka Tales: Volume 1
Price:
Free!
Jātaka Tales: Volume 2
Price:
Free!
Jātaka Tales: Volume 3
Price:
Free!
Jātaka Tales: Volume 4
Price:
Free!
Jātaka Tales: Volume 5
Price:
Free!
Books
Awakening on the Buddha's Path
by Eric Van Horn
Series: The Buddha's Path.
Price:
Free!
Words: 72,140.
Language:
English.
Published: April 15, 2021
.
Categories:
Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Buddhism » Rituals & Practice
Awakening on the Buddha's Path is the third and final book in a series on Buddhist practice. It covers the topics of rebirth, the Buddhist cosmology, and the enigmatic topic of awakening, what is often called "enlightenment." The topic of awakening looks at the Buddha's descriptions of nirvana as well as the path of practice that leads to awakening.
The Heart of the Buddha's Path
by Eric Van Horn
Series: The Buddha's Path.
Price:
Free!
Words: 102,990.
Language:
English.
Published: April 15, 2021
.
Categories:
Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Buddhism » Rituals & Practice
The Heart of the Buddha's Path is the second in a three-book series on Buddhist practice. This volume covers the wisdom teachings of the Buddha, subjects such as the Four Noble. Truths, dependent origination, karma, emptiness, and the Three Characteristics. This is followed by a discussion of mindfulness and concentration as found in the Pali Canon.
Foundations of the Buddha's Path
by Eric Van Horn
Series: The Buddha's Path.
Price:
Free!
Words: 74,390.
Language:
English.
Published: April 15, 2021
.
Categories:
Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Buddhism » Rituals & Practice
Foundations of the Buddha's Path provides an introduction to Buddhist practice. This includes (a) establishing a daily meditation practice, (b) the Buddha's teachings on virtue, ethics, and morality, and (c) bringing the Buddha's teachings into daily living.
Jātaka Tales: Volume 5
by Eric Van Horn
Series: Jātaka Tales: Folk Tales of the Buddha's Previous Lives.
Price:
Free!
Words: 45,130.
Language:
English.
Published: May 15, 2020
.
Categories:
Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Buddhism » Sacred Writings
The Jātaka Tales are the Buddhist equivalent of Aesop’s Fables. This collection contains stories 201-250 from the total collection of 547 stories. The original translations of these stories have been updated for a modern audience. Each story contains notes about special features as well as an illustration. The goal is to make this literature fun and useful for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Jātaka Tales: Volume 4
by Eric Van Horn
Series: Jātaka Tales: Folk Tales of the Buddha's Previous Lives.
Price:
Free!
Words: 49,790.
Language:
English.
Published: January 4, 2020
.
Categories:
Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Buddhism » Sacred Writings
The Jātaka Tales are the Buddhist equivalent of Aesop’s Fables. This collection contains stories 151-200 from the total collection of 547 stories. The original translations of these stories have been updated for a modern audience. Each story contains notes about special features as well as an illustration. The goal is to make this literature fun and useful for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Jātaka Tales: Volume 3
by Eric Van Horn
Series: Jātaka Tales: Folk Tales of the Buddha's Previous Lives.
Price:
Free!
Words: 93,210.
Language:
English.
Published: August 6, 2019
.
Categories:
Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Buddhism » Sacred Writings
The Jātaka Tales are the Buddhist equivalent of Aesop’s Fables. This collection contains stories 101-150 from the total collection of 547 stories. The original translations of these stories have been updated for a modern audience. Each story contains notes about special features as well as an illustration. The goal is to make this literature fun and useful for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Jātaka Tales: Volume 2
by Eric Van Horn
Series: Jātaka Tales: Folk Tales of the Buddha's Previous Lives.
Price:
Free!
Words: 66,530.
Language:
English.
Published: December 4, 2018
.
Categories:
Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Buddhism » Sacred Writings
The Jātaka Tales are the Buddhist equivalent of Aesop’s Fables. This collection contains stories 51-100 from the total collection of 547 stories. The original translations of these stories have been updated for a modern audience. Each story contains notes about special features as well as an illustration. The goal is to make this literature fun and useful for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Jātaka Tales: Volume 1
by Eric Van Horn
Series: Jātaka Tales: Folk Tales of the Buddha's Previous Lives.
Price:
Free!
Words: 68,830.
Language:
English.
Published: May 13, 2018
.
Categories:
Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Buddhism » Sacred Writings
The Jātaka Tales are the Buddhist equivalent of Aesop’s Fables. This collection contains the first 50 from the total collection of 547 stories. The original translations of these stories have been updated for a modern audience. Each story contains notes about special features as well as a cartoon illustration. The goal is to make this literature fun and useful for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike
The Life of the Buddha
by Eric Van Horn
Price:
Free!
Words: 71,410.
Language:
English.
Published: June 15, 2016
.
Categories:
Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Buddhism » History
This biography goes back to the original, canonical sources in order to construct a reasonable, factual account of the Buddha’s life. But this is not simply a scholastic biography. It describes the Buddha’s life as an archetype for our own, and to answer the most fundamental question of how we use the Buddha’s teachings to become happier more useful people.