Asoka is an imprint of Milinda Uitgevers. Asoka specializes in Buddhism and related East-West themes.
For more than 2500 years the Dharma has been evolving and finding fresh expression in the many diverse cultures where it has taken root. Asoka seeks to continue this long tradition as Buddhism deepens its engagement with the West as one of our fastest growing religious-philosophical movements.
Interest in the teachings and practice of Buddhism has steadily increased in the Netherlands and Belgium too. An acquaintance begun on a largely theoretical level now sees the various traditions drawing more and more people attempting to practice the Dharma of the Buddha.
As we try to integrate Dharma in our life, however, we find ourselves confronted by the challenge of reinterpreting traditional Buddhist forms in ways that shed light on the numerous questions and dilemmas imposed upon us by a secular western lifestyle. Such a challenge demands patience and application, and a readiness to discover the teachings of Buddhism through one’s own experience.
With this gradual process the insights and values of the Dharma begin to take on real meaning for us. And only in this way can a truly Western form of Buddhism ever develop. Precisely what this form will be remains an open question, since it will find expression in ways wholly unique.
Asoka aims to address the need for quality literature in this area with a richly diverse yet distinct selection of titles. Our publications reflect Asoka’s approach to Buddhism not as a source for ready-made answers to all our existential questions, but rather as a spiritual culture that repeatedly and in its own special way articulates the fundamental questions that people pose ‘here and now’. Our titles are all of the highest standard, works by authors conversant with Buddhist tradition, but above all intimate with our own Western culture and mentality. By making Buddhism in all its variety and depth accessible to a broad readership we hope to ensure that the insights and values of the Dharma find their place as a part of our future cultural milieu. (Source Accessed Oct 18, 2024)
