Pema Chrodron dispenses heartfelt, common-sense advice in a Buddhist context. She is as comfortable writing of the four noble truths and renunciation as she is with accepting oneself and being satisfied in your personal situation. The secular topics go beautifully with the spiritual and resulting book is one that could be enjoyed by someone from any religious background or none.
This is a collection of essays from a self-confessed sceptical Buddhist. Richard Hayes has a very particular outlook on the dharma and though the book has no particular thematic link, his outlook gives a particular flavour to the book and lends it a coherence that it might otherwise lack..
Each essay is sometimes controversial, occasionally disagreeable but always original, thought provoking and worth the read. Richard reflects on his time practicing both within and outside of North American Zen groups and has lots to say about the nature of spiritual community. Other topics tackled head on are rebirth, teachers and Christianity vs. Buddhism.
His most contentious views are reserved for the innocuously entitled chapter 'What is a Friend'. Once the reader has weathered the storm of this chapter they must continue to the calmer waters of the final chapters. It is here that the rest of the book is reflected upon and put into context. Thus the book becomes an inspirational account of one man's spiritual journey and as such it is a book that I would certainly recommend.
In this acclaimed book, Jack Kornfield gives a wide ranging and often personal account of the spiritual path. The book starts with the fundamentals of practice moves onto an excellent and valuable discussion of the pitfalls of spiritual practice. This broadens even further to a more general discussion of wider spiritual concerns and is rounded off with a short but beautiful section on spiritual maturity.
The honesty and humanity of Jack Kornfield radiates from every page of this book and his frequent personal annecodate from a lifetime's practice really keep the pages turning. The sections on naming the (personal) demons and difficult problems within one's practice were particular favourites of mine but I feel that everyone will have their own favourite parts. Furthermore the sections on psychotherapy and frank discussions of problems with spiritual teachers give this book a flavour and directness that isn't found in other works.
This was a book that I was genuinely sorry to finish and even at 350 pages I wish it could have gone on for twice as long. This is definitely a book I will be picking up and rereading again in years to come. Highly recommended.
This is a wide ranging collection of essays, reflections and personal recollections interspersed with meditation practices to try. It is thematically quite loose but none the worse for that. Instead Paramananda gives himself a wide range over the Buddhist experience and reflects on such diverse topics as creativity, hands, letting go and fish(!!!).
The book is eminently readable and at the same time infused with poetry. Indeed some essays use a particular poem for a wider discussion of Buddhist issues which works remarkably well. It is difficult to pick one amongst the excellent range of essays in this collection. However for me the chapter on joy was truly memorable. It is an excellent reminder that joyfulness and delight are central to the Buddhist experience.
This is exactly the sort of book that you feel compelled to share. If Chris Pauling's 'Introduction to Buddhism' is makes the ideal Christmas present then this surely should be given for someone's birthday. A marvellous and inspiration book that I would recommend to anyone.
The following books may also be of interest.
Science meets the Dalai Lama. Some may find it hard going in places but packed with fascinating information on Buddhism and psychology
Modern science and ancient philosophy in the quest for happiness. Lots to say on Buddhism amongst other things. Thought provoking.
Reflections and experiences from the journey on the spiritual path. Takes in Buddhism, Christianity and beyond. Inspiring.
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