The Teaching of Buddha Now Eco Friendly

Free Amenity for Hotels Goes Green

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. February 14, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BERKELEY, Calif. February 14, 2012. -- BDK America announces that its spiritual in-room amenity, The Teaching of Buddha, is now available in an environmentally friendly edition. The new edition incorporates such green publishing practices as:

• 100% recycled paper.

Since 1986, BDK America has made free copies of The Teaching of Buddha available to hotels and motels at no charge to share with their guests. Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK), the Japanese parent company, has distributed over eight million copies worldwide since 1965. Continuing to distribute copies in these numbers, BDK realized that it needed to change its approach.

"As conscientious citizens of this interrelated world, we realized we needed to follow a more responsible approach," said Brian Kensho Nagata, Director of BDK America. "We were inspired by both the Buddha's teachings and leadership in the lodging industry that is seeking to be more eco friendly."

About The Teaching of Buddha

The Teaching of Buddha is a collection of writings on the core truths of Buddhism, selected and edited from the vast Buddhist canon by scholars from many schools of Buddhism. The work is presented in a concise, easy-to-read, and nonsectarian format. It includes a brief history of Buddhism, a listing of the source texts, a glossary of Sanskrit terms, and an index. The goal of the book is to provide ready access to the essence of the Buddha's teachings.

For over 25 years, BDK America has provided this night-stand friendly book -- just over 5 by 7 inches and a half inch thick -- to the lodging industry. The books are free, and BDK pays for shipping. There are no costs to the hotel.

"The variety among our customers is extraordinary." Nagata said. "Venues range from a three-room bed-and-breakfast in Maine to a 1,350-room high-rise hotel in Los Angeles." He said that guests are so appreciative of the book that they request to take it with them on check-out. BDK provides replacement copies in such cases, again at no charge. One venue has distributed over 15,000 copies over the years, he said.

"We continue to get notes from people thanking us for the comfort they have found there," Nagata said. To order review or guest room copies, or for more information, hoteliers should email the society at [email protected]

About Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai America

In addition to distribution of The Teaching of Buddha, BDK America oversees other programs in the United States. Chief among them is the ongoing BDK English Tripitaka Series translation project. BDK America also funds various chairs of Buddhist studies at major universities across the United States and supports the Mugen Project, an online bibliographical database of Buddhist resources in English, Japanese, and Chinese. For more information, see www.bdkamerica.org

About Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai Tokyo

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, or the Society for the Promotion of Buddhism, was created in Japan by the late Reverend Dr. Yehan Numata, with other Buddhists, using his own private funds. It was Dr. Numata's lifelong belief that the Buddhist teaching, which is based on the spirit of wisdom and compassion, could assist in bringing about lasting peace and happiness for all of humanity. Non-sectarian in organization, BDK is dedicated to sharing Buddhism with people worldwide. Part of that worldwide commitment includes translations of The Teaching of Buddha in some 45 of the world's major languages. Selected bilingual and trilingual editions are also available. Rev. Dr. Numata passed away in 1994 at the age of 97. Today, BDK's mission to the world is continuing under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Numata's son, Rev. Toshihide Numata. For more information, see www.bdk-jp.org

Contact: Bill Teague
Tel.: 619 248-3749
Fax: 619 527-0556
[email protected]