I established Parami Press to bring into the world my vision of a book that would offer those interested in Buddhism an introduction and a guide to the many and varied teachings of the Buddha. That book is Mapping the Dharma: A Concise Guide to the Middle Way of the Buddha.

The Buddha taught for some 45 years, and for ease of presentation and commitment to memory (it was 500 years before any of his teachings were written down), the various concepts were gathered in what are referred to today as the lists. These lists include The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, the Seven Factors of Awakening, to name a few.

When I was new to Buddhism I was intrigued by these lists and how they related to each other. I started compiling information. But I am a visual person, and I wanted a visual representation of the lists and how their components relate to each other and to the body of the teachings as a whole. I wanted a map.

Eventually, an idea for such a map began to take shape in my mind, and I started playing with how that might look on paper. I also realized that others might find my format, my maps, useful.

I began then to think about seeking a publisher. Yet I was reluctant to turn over artistic control of - what was then - just a concept. So I decided to publish it myself. In doing so, I've been able to carry out my vision as well as keep myself occupied with what has turned out to be two exciting projects: the creation of a very useful book, and the creation of a publishing company.

I don't intend to stop with Mapping the Dharma, however. Other ideas are already beginning to poke through into reality.

Paul Gerhards, Publisher