Amazon.com
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer? How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do you handle the death of a loved one? These are the conundrums that psychiatrist Howard Cutler poses to the Dalai Lama during an extended period of interviews in The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.
At first, the Dalai Lama's answers seem simplistic, like a surface reading of Robert Fulghum: Ask yourself if you really need something; our enemies can be our teachers; compassion brings peace of mind. Cutler pushes: But some people do seem happy with lots of possessions; but "suffering is life" is so pessimistic; but going to extremes provides the zest in life; but what if I don't believe in karma? As the Dalai Lama's responses become more involved, a coherent philosophy takes shape. Cutler then develops the Dalai Lama's answers in the context of scientific studies and cases from his own practice, substantiating and elaborating on what he finds to be a revolutionary psychology. Like any art, the art of happiness requires study and practice--and the talent for it, the Dalai Lama assures us, is in our nature. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
"Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, the very purpose of our life is happiness, the very motion of our life is towards happiness." --H.H. the Dalai Lama, from The Art of Happiness So popular and so rarely understood, this Nobel Peace Prize winner and man of great inner peace brings to a general audience the key to a happy life. In collaboration with a Western psychiatrist, The Art of Happiness is the first inspirational book for a general audience by the Dalai Lama. Through meditations, stories, and the meeting of Buddhism and psychology, the Dalai Lama shows us how to defeat day-to-day depression, anxiety, anger, jealousy, or just an ordinary bad mood. He discusses relationships, health, family, and work to show us how to ride through life's obstacles on a deep and abiding source of inner peace. Based on 2,500 years of Buddhist meditations mixed with a healthy dose of common sense, The Art of Happiness crosses the boundaries of all traditions to help readers with the difficulties common to all human beings.
Customer Reviews:
Listening to the Book.......2007-10-05
I listened to the audio book, and it was both calming and uplifting, and very inspirational.
The right answer to unhappiness.......2007-09-28
This book is all about the wrong feelings we get when our minds are still focus on the wrong objectives or the bad intention.
This man describe the right way to get away from all those thoughts which keep us into bad mood and drive us through bad decisions.
His solution is far away from religion or any other bad medication. He just explain what is going bad in our mind and how to feel better. And all this has nothing to do with any god.
He is a kind of spiritual guy I trust and his philosophy is the best religion that has never existed.
You will be converted as soon as you start reading this book.
A Light Discussion On Happiness.......2007-08-13
This book is a dialogue between psychiatry (Cutler) and Tibetan Buddhism (Dalai Lama). Despite claiming to be a "handbook" it is not full of 'how-to-do-it' gems. It is more a philosophic exchange on the subject of happiness. As it is written for a western audience some of the metaphysical elements of Buddhism, such as karma and reincarnation, receive only a brief mention. Compassion, however, receives a lengthy treatment, as does living in the moment and dealing with anger. There are a few meditation exercises included.
The book is very readable and maintained my interest all the way through. If I have a criticism it is that the book does not contain enough psychiatry or enough Buddhism. Some how it seems to fall between the two disciplines. It reads like a first contact encounter between East and West, rather than a well developed, deeply contemplated thesis.
A very nice read, but incomplete for most of us.......2007-08-10
I watched the Dalai Lama at one of his dialogues recently. He is a very beautiful man, a master, and a great crowd pleaser. Sadly, I know that for most of us, the inspiration gained in his presence is not enough to carry us through the day to day problems of life, and we may soon forget his comforting words. More than that, there are no practically applicable answers here. Our 'unhappiness' is deeply ingrained through what may be years of dysfunction, and cannot be shifted permanently and effectively by reading a book like this. From the book: '...one sets about gradually eliminating those factors which lead to suffering and cultivating those which lead to happiness. That is the way." Well I am sorry, but I have no clue how to do this! The best book I have found that actually gives you practical solutions is Olga Sheean's Fit for Love: Find Your Self and Your Perfect Mate, which provides powerful answers through our relationships with each other, to properly address these problems.
MUST BUY.......2007-06-19
Completely changed my life for the better. A required reading for everyone.
:)
Amazon.com
Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is deceptive in its subtlety. He'll go on and on with stories about tree-hugging or metaphors involving raw potatoes; he'll tell you how to eat mindfully, even how to breathe and walk; he'll suggest looking closely at a flower and to see the sun as your heart. As the Zen teacher Richard Baker commented, however, Nhat Hanh is "a cross between a cloud, a snail, and piece of heavy machinery." Sooner or later, it begins to sink in that Nhat Hanh is conveying a depth of psychology and a world outlook that require nothing less than a complete paradigm shift. Through his cute stories and compassionate admonitions, he gradually builds up to his philosophy of interbeing, the notion that none of us is separately, but rather that we inter-are. The ramifications are explosive. How can we mindlessly and selfishly pursue our individual ends, when we are inextricably bound up with everyone and everything else? We see an enemy not as focus of anger but as a human with a complex history, who could be us if we had the same history. Suffice it to say, that after reading Peace Is Every Step, you'll never look at a plastic bag the same way again, and you may even develop a penchant for hugging trees. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
In the rush of modern life, we tend to lose touch with the peace that is available in each moment. World-renowned Zen master, spiritual leader, and author Thich Nhat Hanh shows us how to make positive use of the very situations that usually pressure and antagonize us. For him a ringing telephone can be a signal to call us back to our true selves. Dirty dishes, red lights, and traffic jams are spiritual friends on the path to "mindfulness" -- the process of keeping our consciousness alive to our present experience and reality. The most profound satisfactions, the deepest feelings of joy and completeness lie as close at hand as our next aware breath and the smile we can form right now.
Lucidly and beautifully written, Peace Is Every Step contains commentaries and meditations, personal anecdotes and stories from Nhat Hanh's experiences as a peace activist, teacher, and community leader. It begins where the reader already is -- in the kitchen, office, driving a car, walking a part -- and shows how deep meditative presence is available now. Nhat Hanh provides exercises to increase our awareness of our own body and mind through conscious breathing, which can bring immediate joy and peace. Nhat Hanh also shows how to be aware of relationships with others and of the world around us, its beauty and also its pollution and injustices. the deceptively simple practices of Peace Is Every Step encourage the reader to work for peace in the world as he or she continues to work on sustaining inner peace by turning the "mindless" into the mindFUL.
"This book of illuminating reminders bid us to reorient the way we look at the world...toward a humanitarian perspective." --Publisher Weekly
Customer Reviews:
Simple and Beautiful.......2007-09-11
This book is very simple and beautiful. I would highly recommend it to beginning Buddhists and those who are new to meditation. Actually, I'd recommend it to everyone. Thich Nhat Hanh gives good suggestions for living and bringing peace to your life and the lives of others through simple mindfulness.
Think Less, Smile More, Realize Peace.......2007-08-17
"If we just act with awareness and integrity, our art will flower, and we don't have to talk about it at all. When we know how to be peace, we find that art is a wondeful way to share our peacefulness. Artistic expression will take place in one way or another, but the being is essential. So we must get back to ourselves, and when we have joy and peace in ourselves, our creations of art will be quite natural, and they will serve the world in a positive way."
Initially, I wanted to pull the first sentence to begin this thought on Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh's book about making positive use of the situations that pressure and upset us, Peace Is Every Step.
But I didn't want to stop once I started typing. A pleasure of transcription is being in the original words of the writer or speaker. Following an individual's syntax, punctuation, and usage to physically recreate it puts the typist very close to the thougth process itself. "The being" that is essential is the condition of being a seamless part of the world you're in in every moment. To be in the here and now is to not be in the past with its burdens or in the future with its unknowns. To look at a flower is to see a flower, not the raw material of a poem or painting. To be with a friend is to see him or her as an individual, not as a producer of some sort who can yield you some benefit. As Whitman said, the world is too much with us. It's with us in our thoughts all the time as we imagine new ways to exploit and manipulate it and manage it for our well-being. Forget about all that and see it for what it is and you find yourself in a simpler, more peaceful place. Do that, and you are the peace itself.
Hanh's book has a wonderful set of meditations on dealing with fear, anger, other people. Essentially, he explains, all these negative feelings are the result of dualistic thinking, of seeing ourselves as opposite and outside all other things. Western thinking would have us believe that the ultimate existential truth is that we are alone in the world; Eastern thinking teaches that we are in the world and that is enough.
"If you can refrain from hoping, you can bring yourself entirely into the present moment and discover joy that is already here," Hanh says on this subject. Indeed, "we don't need the future. We can smile and relax. Everything we want is right here in the present moment."
Refreshing.......2007-07-13
I enjoyed reading this book as I am just beginning to learn about Buddhism and insight meditation. It helped me to understand more about what it is to live in a mindful way. It's a light read, and I anticipate that it will be something to pick up when I need a little refresher on how to be mindful.
a warm and peaceful embrace.......2007-03-19
A sweet and touching book that encourages fullness and peace in every moment. I've long admired the author for his loving embrace of life and humanity in spite of his tragic war experiences. His life is a testament to the sincerity of his words.
Peace of mind be with you........2007-02-14
I'm still savoring the book. It has tiny chapters with choice points to consider: ways you might want to change to to improve your life. It's written by a peaceful man and conveys its peace in each section. He shows you ways to simplify your life and enjoy it more. It doesn't force a religious belief.
I highly recommend this book for a beginner on the path or a seasoned traveler. You'll find peace of mind with this book.
Book Description
For millennia, Buddhists have enjoyed the limitless benefits of meditation. But how does it work? And why? The principles behind this ancient practice have long eluded some of the best minds in modern science. Until now.
In this groundbreaking work, world-renowned Buddhist teacher
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche invites us to join him in unlocking the secrets behind the practice of meditation. Working with neuroscientists at the Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, Yongey Mingyur provides clear insights into modern research indicating that systematic training in meditation can enhance activity in areas of the brain associated with happiness and compassion. He has also worked with physicists across the country to develop a fresh, scientifically based interpretation of the Buddhist understanding of the nature of reality.
With an infectious joy and insatiable curiosity, Yongey Mingyur weaves together the principles of Tibetan Buddhism, neuroscience, and quantum physics in a way that will forever change the way we understand the human experience. Using the basic meditation practices he provides, we can discover paths through everyday problems, transforming obstacles into opportunities to recognize the unlimited potential of our
own minds.
With a foreword by bestselling author Daniel Goleman, The Joy of Living is a stunning breakthrough, an illuminating vision of the science of Buddhism and a handbook for transforming our minds, bodies, and lives.
Customer Reviews:
Great for anyone.......2007-09-20
This book provides some of the most clearest and accessible descriptions of meditation, awareness, consciousness, the nature of the mind, and practical application I've ever read. Buddhism in general, and meditation in particular, are much misunderstood in the West, even by longtime spiritual practitioners. The author clarifies much of th common misconceptions. He writes in a clear, light-hearted and very engaging style. I recommend this book to absolutely anyone intersted in self-cultivation, whether they follow this particular path (Tibetan Buddhism) or not. Of particular interest to those who like to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. Destined to become a classic.
Finally, meditation made accessible..........2007-09-09
Simply the most accessible, least intimidating introduction to medidation ever written. Written with the spiritual layman clearly in mind without, however, dumbing down the recommended spiritual practices. Relentlessly upbeat and encouraging in tone. A must-read for anyone even remotely interested in practical, effective spiritual proactices regardless of readers' respective religious denominations or lack thereof. An amazing, long overdue book.
Learn how to meditate and live in the moment.......2007-09-03
I am the sort of person who has a HARD time just sitting still and being quiet-let alone meditate! This book was the first book that made the thought of meditating actually easy and possible for someone like me to calm my mind, be present, embrace quiet time with myself and learn to live more calmly and peacefully. I absolutely adore my life but I was filling it up with busy stuff and forgetting about how powerful being alone with me and my thoughts can be to create the life I want-this book reminded me and showed me how to do this.
Live in Joy.......2007-09-03
These pages sing with wisdom from the voice of the Happy Monk as Yongey is fondly called; his humorous compassionate vignettes will also have you smiling. He is a wonderful youthful story teller for modern day using his experience about Tibetan Buddhism, science and the human condition, woven like the humble master he his with the ability to help and heal others. This book is for the practitioner and non-practitioner alike but after reading it you must practice! He busts the myths surrounding meditation from a life of having done so with a host of stops and starts and having guided others in the process He reminds one that "The expectations you bring to meditation are often the greatest obstacles you encounter"
His description of emptiness as infinite possibilities, neuronal plasticity, a process to unlearn the habit of fear and affirmation of the biological basis for kindness are just some of the realizations herein to help us live in active hopefulness. His conviction of these and many life enhancing ways are spelled out for us in almost Hemmingway simplicity such that you too will find many jewels and joy herein.
Let me end this with an ancient prayer that Yongey shares with us:
May all sentient beings have happiness
And the cause of happiness.
May all sentient beings be free
From suffering and the causes of suffering.
May all sentient being have joy and the causes of joy.
May all sentient beings remain in great equanimity,
Free from attachment and aversion.
Beautifully clear.......2007-08-30
Mingyur Rinpoche is, among other qualities, the personification of clarity, and this book is just a further expression of that fact. If you know any cynics or rationalists who 'poo-poo' meditation then get them to read this, it might help.
Average customer rating:
- A great life improvement tool book!
- A stellar example of the meaning of the word "excellence."
- Wherever You Go, There You Are
- Fits great under the coffee table leg
- Book Title Says It All!
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Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life
Jon Kabat-zinn
Manufacturer: Hyperion
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Binding: Paperback
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Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness
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Mindfulness for Beginners
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Guided Mindfulness Meditation (Guided Mindfulness)
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The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness (purchase includes audio CD narrated by Jon Kabat-Zinn)
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Amazon.com
In his follow-up to Full Catastrophe Living--a book in which he presented basic meditation techniques as a way of reducing stress and healing from illness--here Jon Kabat-Zinn goes much more deeply into the practice of meditation for its own sake. To Kabat-Zinn, meditation is important because it brings about a state of "mindfulness," a condition of "being" rather than "doing" during which you pay attention to the moment rather than the past, the future, or the multitudinous distractions of modern life. In brief, rather poetic chapters, he describes different meditative practices and what they can do for the practitioner. The idea that meditation is "spiritual" is often confusing to people, Kabat-Zinn writes; he prefers to think of it as what you might call a workout for your consciousness. This book makes learning meditation remarkably easy (although practicing it is not). But it also makes it seem infinitely appealing. --Ben Kallen
Book Description
In his follow-up to Full Catastrophe Living--a book in which he presented basic meditation techniques as a way of reducing stress and healing from illness--here Jon Kabat-Zinn goes much more deeply into the practice of meditation for its own sake. To Kabat-Zinn, meditation is important because it brings about a state of "mindfulness," a condition of "being" rather than "doing" during which you pay attention to the moment rather than the past, the future, or the multitudinous distractions of modern life. In brief, rather poetic chapters, he describes different meditative practices and what they can do for the practitioner. The idea that meditation is "spiritual" is often confusing to people, Kabat-Zinn writes; he prefers to think of it as what you might call a workout for your consciousness. This book makes learning meditation remarkably easy (although practicing it is not). But it also makes it seem infinitely appealing. --Ben Kallen
Customer Reviews:
A great life improvement tool book!.......2007-10-14
Jon Kabat-Zinn is the master of mindfulness. I was impressed with him as a person and teacher when attending one of his workshops last year. I think readers will be impressed with this solid introduction to his work.
I continue to regularly use this book as a resource and have gifted copies to friends.
Even if you are not yet familiar with mindfulness - or even meditation - this book is a great read for "busy" people who want more peace and tranquility in their lives. I think you will find that as you work through this book, you not only will experience more calm, but you also will experience more energy and joy within your day. Who wouldn't benefit from that?
This book is a great instruction manual for becoming more present in EACH moment of your day - whether at the office, at home with the family or anywhere else.
Use this book to learn to live more fully in the present moment and you will see your life improve. This is such a simple read, with many very brief (2-3 page) chapters. There are many gems within these pages.
Highly recommended!
Mollie Marti
Author, Selling: Powerful New Strategies for Sales Success
A stellar example of the meaning of the word "excellence.".......2007-10-05
If you are interested in spirituality and/or meditation and are looking for a book that is both deep and clear, this is the book to read. You will find that the book is worth several book on the same subject by other people -- and it does it in an articulate, elevated, succint, no-fluff manner that will impress the heck out of you as few books ever will. I must ad a warning, more about the subject matter than about the book per se: Not everyone is ready to assimilate its contents (or any other equally serious meditation book's content, for that matter). The saying that you have to be ready for something in order to understand it applies very much in this case. I can imagine that it could be taken as too ethereal by some people -- those who are not ready. You would need to have lived and realized that there are matters of the soul that you need to take care of to receive its message. But if you are genuinely thirsty about spiritual matters: order it right away! This makes what we normally take as "Eastern" concepts accessible to an educated Western mind, and you realize that there is no need to think of it as Eastern or buddhist or use any label at all. I am really thankful for this book. You will be too.
Wherever You Go, There You Are.......2007-09-28
This can be a life changing book. It clearly outlines the concepts and methods of awareness meditation. I keep a copy on hand to give to people who paths I cross who appear to be lost in the happenings of daily life or those who are suffering major crisis. Whenever it is best to stop the world and get off. If only for a breath.
Fits great under the coffee table leg.......2007-09-21
it's easy to meditate when the book puts you to sleep. oh yeah, don't forget to send more money for the tapes. must be so you can tape your eyes open while reading it.
Book Title Says It All!.......2007-09-16
I have read several of Kabat-Zinn's works and find they are terrific self-helps! "Wherever You Go . . ." is a short, cogent helper to enable the reader to break out of the rut and look at life from a different position. The book is non-denominational and not dogmatic! Any person of any faith or atheist can find the text helpful and instructional. There are eastern philosophical references and some of the meditational technique is based on centuries old practices & techniques. This is one of the books that helped me change my life and resolve some old internal issues. It has also helped my play in Tai Chi Chuan. I highly recommend it!
Average customer rating:
- How do I order a copy for my son?
- Does Zinn have a myspace page?
- Good for revitalizing your practice but you might need to buy the book too.
- Not What I Expected
- Useful mixture of practices, but not complete in itself...
|
Guided Mindfulness Meditation (Guided Mindfulness)
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Manufacturer: Sounds True
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness
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Mindfulness for Beginners
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RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
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Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)
ASIN: 1591793599 |
Book Description
Perhaps no other person has done more to bring mindfulness meditation into the contemporary landscape of America than Jon Kabat-Zinn. Th rough a number of research studies, and through Kabat-Zinn's pioneering work at the University of Massachusetts Medical School where he is founder of its world-renowned Stress Reduction Clinic, mindfulness is finally being recognized as a highly effective tool for dealing with stress, chronic pain, and other illnesses. Today, with a four-part home training course, Jon Kabat-Zinn offers listeners the definitive mindfulness meditation practice on CD. "We are not trying to actively achieve a state of deep relaxation—or any other state for that matter—while practicing mindfulness," he teaches. "But interestingly, by opening to an awareness of how things actually are in the present moment, we often taste very deep states of relaxation and well-being—of both body and mind." Join the bestselling author of Coming to Our Senses (Hyperion, 2005) and Wherever You Go, There You Are (Hyperion 1995) to develop and deepen your personal mindfulness practice, and to taste the universal aspects of stillness, clarity, wisdom, compassion, and well-being that Guided Mindfulness Meditation offers.
Customer Reviews:
How do I order a copy for my son?.......2007-07-07
I am trying to place a reorder to be shipped to my son as I feel that he would like/benefit from it and I cannot find it again on Amazon. HELP!
Does Zinn have a myspace page?.......2007-06-27
The purpose of meditation is to let go, not to listen to music. Accept everything, let your thoughts and feelings escape as quickly as they enter. There is no enjoyment in meditation, per se. Ultimately, you will not be disturbed, when you have mastered meditation, you will have learned to accept all things as they come in whatever form they arrive, and in a state of relaxation and "mindfulness" let them pass just as easy. We all fight daily with noises and feelings and pains and distractions. For 10,15,45, or 60 minutes you will have made a conscious choice to accept that your spirit is your soul and there is nothing but peace and harmony here and there. The enjoyment will be an effect of peace within, but is actually another distraction. Jon Kabat-Zinn rocks! But sometimes it's difficult to convey what one feels and knows to another in writing, or even in speaking for that matter. Sometimes It is the listener who has the difficulties. This and Jon's book may not have communicated messages well, but there is truth to be found for all searchers.
Good for revitalizing your practice but you might need to buy the book too........2007-05-25
I was almost put off buying this set by some negative reviews here, but I enjoy his books very much and find JK-Z's approach to mindfulness interesting and imaginative so, after much research, I bought this set. (FWIW, I think his voice is great. If you do a search for the author you can hear free audio clips on many sites.)
I've done some meditation before and was looking for guided meditations because I felt my practice had gone a bit stale. This set has helped me to achieve what I wanted - to refresh my commitment to making meditation a regular part of my life.
So far I've only worked through the Body Scan CD - this is very relaxing, almost too relaxing as I often fall asleep (totally cheating). I'm pleased with the first CD, but there are two points worth mentioning:
1. At 45 mins, these guided meditations are looong, and JK-Z recommends that you do these meditations every day.
2. I wish I'd known that this set on its own is not a full program. The set is described as a 'complete mindfulness program' but when you buy the set and read the liner notes, it says the yoga postures are outlined in his book Full Catastrophe Living. There are no diagrams in the CD liner so you've no idea what the poses are supposed to look like and have to rely entirely on the audio. I've listened to the yoga CD to see if it sounds feasible but haven't 'done' it yet.
I've heard good things about Full Catastrophe Living and, sure, I'd love to read it sometime. However I think omitting the posture illustrations from the notes and just referring you to another book is a bit... off. It was probably a commercial decision taken by the publisher rather than the author, and to be fair, he does describe the poses without referring you to page 72, etc. But I think it should be clearer that the CD was designed to be used in conjunction with the book so you have that information when you buy. Either that or include the illustrations as a courtesy to people who only buy the CD set.
Not What I Expected.......2007-03-22
I know that Jon Kabat-Zinn has a tremendous amount of knowledge to share however it did not come through for me in this CD collection. The pacing of the movement sequences is very slow and the voice quality is somewhat distracting. Based on the title of the CD's I was under the impression that there would be more information about meditation techniques, however the majority of the information presented is a very gentle guided yoga practice. Somewhat disappointing.
Useful mixture of practices, but not complete in itself..........2007-01-29
It well known that Jon Kabat-Zinn is one of the biggest names in meditation instruction and has done much to give the field academic credibility and validation. His work is valuable and this CD is no exception. However, it seems to be overly ambitious and incomplete without other information to augment it. At the least, you need his book FULL CATASTROPHE LIVING to go along with it.
For context, I am a former research scientist and taught physiology in a university and was a biochemist for Merck. I have a good background in yoga, meditation and have done graduate work in Integral Psychology which studies psychology within the context of the world's wisdom traditions. I also teach meditation as part of my living including using biofeedback and other western aids to learning these concepts. This context will help you to judge the merit of my interview and the point of view I'm writing it for.
One thing I like about this CD is that in a sense it is one stop shopping. In one package, you get a Body Scan Meditation, A thorough Mindfulness Meditation methodology and some basic yoga instruction. This is a lot to get in one package and usually you don't get a Body Scan Meditation along with a Mindfulness practice in the same set. All of these meditations and the yoga instruction is useful, but while technically accurate Jon Kabat-Zinn doesn't have the most soothing voice, there was little though to music of any aesthetic dimension which helps one to enter various mind states and there is a bit of a clinical feel the whole series.
With respect to the yoga instruction, I think this information is useful for someone who has studied at least a little bit with a teacher or who has attended classes. A lot of yoga has to do with body awareness and without a teacher to point out the things you think you are doing right, but are unaware of you can keep reinforcing bad habits or at worse hurt yourself. Also, giving yoga instruction via a book or audio CD is not the best way to learn it. It's highly visual and requires someone to look at what you are doing in three dimensions. However, if this gets people started with a yoga practice and curious about learning more, I'm all for it. Besides some classes or lessons, however, you may also want to explore a beginning yoga book such as BACK CARE BASICS or 30 ESSENTIAL YOGA POSES by Judith Lasater. The first book is written by a physician and Iyengar practioner and has a lot of good hints on how not to get hurt. The latter is a great introduction for beginners and can almost stand alone in it's well written descriptions and safety tips.
I agree with the other reviewers that the meditations are an ideal length for long time practice. Beginners may find this a bit overwhelming, but they augment their work with shorter more soothing meditation audios such as Jack Kornfield's BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO MEDITATION. This CD is done from a Western Buddhist perspective, but Kornfield also is a Western clinical psychologist and does not push any religious agenda to hard.
There are some comments in other reviews about a Buddhist orientation in this meditation set by Jon Kabat-Zinn. While I think this is true, I don't see that he is pushing a religious agenda. It just happens to be a fact that the Buddhists have been studying the nature of mind and experimenting with meditation for thousands of years. There are many writing about it within this tradition and they have a lot to tell us about what works and what doesn't. I have found this to be validated by my own experience.
While this set is a good start for those beginning a practice, I would also consider one or both of the following books. First, BREATH BY BREATH by Rosenberg. This is an excellent, thorough and very readable introduction to a variety of meditation techniques in the Buddhist tradition. You don't have to be a Buddhist to benefit from them, however. If your desire is to go even deeper, then MINDFULNESS WITH BREATHING by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu will pick up where BREATH BY BREATH leaves off and go into more fine points that will help you to refine your attention even more and go deeper.
One component of full stress reduction program that I feel is missing from these recordings is the potential health and stress reduction benefits of loving-kindness meditation. This affects heart rate variability, the reduction of the chronic stress hormone cortisol and the production of the anti-aging hormone DHEA. It is now a proven fact that the heart indirectly affects the brain and a lot of new research on this has been appearing in the Journal of Cardiology and others. You can get an introduction to this whole area by reading the book HEART MATH or you can explore loving-kindness meditation without reading up on the medical benefits. If you wish to take a very western approach, then the program FREEZE FRAMER is an excellent investment! If you want to just get an introduction to this technique Shinzen Young has a set of five meditations including loving-kindess which is inexpensive and good. Salzberg also has written a book called Loving-Kindess from a Buddhist perspective and there is an inexpensive audio program by her and Goldstein called INSIGHT MEDITATION.
Another practice that I think is particulary useful to Westerner's, but missing from this program is walking meditation. This done VERY WELL in the INSIGHT MEDITATION series offered above. However, what Zinn offers that others don't is a well-rounded program for life time change. While I've made a lot of comments and suggestions above, I am not knocking this series. It is an ambitious endeavor and Zinn does a great job of covering a lot of ground. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this audio set, but at a minimum I would augment it with FULL CATASTROPHE LIVING and perhaps some of the other resources I mentioned above.
Book Description
Anatomy of Hatha Yoga is the only modern authoritative source that correlates the study of hatha yoga with anatomy and physiology. Hatha yoga is comprised of stretching, strengthening and breathing exercises in upright, lying down and inverted postures. Yoga teachers and students, personal trainers, medical therapists, or anyone who is curious or troubled about how the body responds to stretching and exercise will find in this book a cornucopia -- partly new and partly old -- of readable and reliable information. It was written and edited to meet the needs of a general audience largely unschooled in the biomechanical sciences, and yet to attract and challenge the interests of the medical profession. This book features 230 black and white photographs and more than 120 diagrams and anatomical illustrations.
Chapter 1 summarizes general principles of anatomy and physiology as applied to hatha yoga. Breathing is next in chapter 2 because yogic breathing expedites movement and posture. Breathing is followed by pelvic and abdominal exercises in chapter 3 because the pelvis and abdomen form the foundation of the body. Standing postures will then be covered in chapter 4 because these poses are so important for beginning students, and because they provide a preview of backbending, forward bending, and twisting postures, which are covered in detail in chapters 5, 6, and 7. The headstand and shoulderstand, including an introduction to cardiovascular function, are presented in chapters 8 and 9. Postures for relaxation and meditation are treated last in chapter 10.
WINNER, 2002 Benjamin Franklin Award for Health Wellness, and Nutrition - Publishers Marketing Association.
Customer Reviews:
WHOA, informative!.......2007-09-17
I was looking for something full of pictures, which this is not, but I'm so happy to have this book. It's alot of information, very scientific, very thorough. Great resource for anyone dedicated to yoga.
Meant for serious study.......2007-08-05
This book is exhaustive in scope, meticulous in its detailed presentation, and clearly NOT meant for pleasure reading.
I've used it a lot since I got it, and I consider it a very valuable resource. I have not read the whole thing. I doubt if I will ever read it from cover to cover. It's not that kind of book. It's more of a "look up the topic and get the info you need" kind of book.
It's not a book for someone with a casual interest in yoga. The length, depth, and cost of the book remove it from that category. If you are a serious student of yoga, or if you're studying to be a yoga teacher some day, you NEED this book. It is regarded by most of the teachers with whom I've spoken as the most complete book on the topic. Nothing else in the English language even comes close to this.
It has it all.......2007-07-30
This is the type of book I have been seeking for along time. It (more) than met my expectations.
Absolute Must Have!!.......2007-07-25
This book is amazingly detailed and thorough. You can certainly understand why the author took twenty years to write it. The language is very technical, yet understandable. Anyone who wishes to truly understand the anatomy behind the movements in Hatha Yoga should have this book as a reference. I just can not say enough great things about this book.
a must have .......2007-05-22
This is a great book. It explains the anatomy and physiology of yoga postures very clear terms. It is a valuable asset for all levels of yoga practitioners.
Book Description
An urge comes up, we succumb to it, and it becomes stronger. We reinforce our cravings, habits, and addictions by giving in to them repeatedly. Pema Chödrön guides us through this "sticky feeling" and offers us tools for learning to stay with our uneasiness, soften our hearts toward others, and ourselves and live a more peaceful life in the fullness of the present moment.
Customer Reviews:
Getting Unstuck.......2007-08-15
One of the best cd's on the topic out there. Would give it 6 stars!
Great practical advice for anyone...........2007-06-24
This CD is a great resource for anyone who wants to break their habitual patterns of awareness and experience things at a deeper level. It is meant to be a guide that helps you to deal with automatic thinking and habitual ways of seeing the world. In short, it invites you to become more aware of your compensatory ego personality with all its predictability and surrender to a more present, spontaneous and alive way of connecting with your world. This is a book about being present in the moment and using the "stuff" of daily life as material for spiritual, emotional and psychological transformation.
Pema Chodron is an excellent speaker, has a great sense of humor and a very practical approach that could be applied by ANYONE of ANY faith. This is top notch material and well worth the cost. It stands up well to repeated listening and is simple, but powerful. For other suggestions, see my listmania lists on my profile.
Pema Chodron Master Teacher.......2007-05-13
I've read many books on Buddhism, but none were as understandable as the books and tapes of Pema Chodron. See makes the inscrutable, scrutable.
She's the best.......2007-05-13
I read her book "When Things Fall Apart" and really liked it. I decided to give this audiobook a try. Her messages, delivery style, and sense of humor and humility are so refreshing. I'll listen to this one for years to come.
changed my life.......2007-05-03
I have done a lot of soul searching through exploring various religions, meditations, and self help books. I can say that I've learned a lot but learning and being able to apply the concepts are two different things. This book gave me a few tools that finally gave me the ability to apply much of the knowledge I had gained to my life. I cannot stress enough how much I love this book. I am probably going to buy this book as well as "the power of now" for all of my closest family and friends.
Amazon.com
Much like Zen, Pema Chodron's interpretation of Tibetan Buddhism takes the form of a nontheistic spiritualism. In When Things Fall Apart this head of a Tibetan monastery in Canada outlines some relevant and deceptively profound terms of Tibetan Buddhism that are germane to modern issues. The key to all of these terms is accepting that in the final analysis, life is groundless. By letting go, we free ourselves to face fear and obstacles and offer ourselves unflinchingly to others. The graceful, conversational tone of Chodron's writing gives the impression of sitting on a pillow across from her, listening to her everyday examples of Buddhist wisdom.
Book Description
The beautiful practicality of her teaching has made Pema Chödrön one of the most beloved of contemporary American spiritual authors among Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. A collection of talks she gave between 1987 and 1994, the book is a treasury of wisdom for going on living when we are overcome by pain and difficulties. Chödrön discusses: Using painful emotions to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and courage Communicating so as to encourage others to open up rather than shut down Practices for reversing habitual patterns Methods for working with chaotic situations Ways for creating effective social action
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing & Weird.......2007-10-16
When I read the reviews here of people warning not to give this book to someone who's depressed or suicidal, I thought they were exaggerating and being silly. Then I got to Chapter 7, "Hopelessness and Death" and I saw what they were talking about. It just got worse from there. While I understand (to a point) what Chodron is saying, I think it's better said elsewhere and the way it is said here could be a serious blow to someone who is severely depressed or suicidal, so I agree with the warning in the other reviews. However, I would go further to not recommend this book to anyone regardless of their mental state because I think it's an awful book. I felt that while Chodron was covering some points of Buddhism, she was presenting them in a very negative and twisted fashion, and some of what she states is completely antithetical to the Buddha's teachings. I worry that someone who is unfamiliar with Buddhism might read this book and think that it's an accurate portrayal of Buddhism. Yikes! I admit I'm not a big "fan" of the Tibetan school of Buddhism, but from what I know of it, Chodron's version is even far removed from that. Lastly, there are a couple elements that might offend some readers, so I mention them - a very stridently atheistic insistence and several instances of needlessly coarse language (the "s word" for feces, etc.). While strong language and atheism don't bother me, the way she words things and presents ideas rubbed me the wrong way. If you do choose to read this book, make sure you have a copy of Thich Nhat Hahn's "The Miracle of Mindfulness" close at hand. It is the perfect antidote to this book and presents many of the same concepts in a much more Buddhist and compassionate way.
One of Pema's best books!.......2007-09-27
There is no way you could NOT feel better about anything going on in your life after reading this book.
Simple, Real, and Easy to Follow.......2007-09-12
Pema Chodron is one of the most real and down to earth practicing Buddhist teachers I have come across to date. She brings forth the great wisdom from her own two marriages, children and personal life lessons. She has been a great source of comfort to me during my own difficult times in life and really helped me practice Buddhism in a way that has helped me understand my higher calling and why I am here. I highly recommend this book and all of her books.
Guidance without hyperbole.......2007-06-27
I have always read and re-read the works of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche,deeply appreciating his ability to cut through life's muddled battles. Pema Chodron is easily as gifted a writer as Rinpoche, her teacher.
This book is plain, direct, humble and real. She never offers "solutions" but instead gently guides you to look in places you pass by every day. I've had a crazy year, and reading this book got me back to the place we always are: now.
After reading this, I realized, with a laugh, that I'm already Buddhist and I might as well accept it and get some meditation instruction.
Life's Energy, When Things Fall Apart, Start From Where You Are, etc........2007-06-18
Pema Chodron is, without a doubt, an inspirational phenom. She brings the concepts of Buddhism in a down to earth compassionate manner. Before becoming a Buddhist Nun, born in the U.S., she spent early adulthood, as wife and mother, in the southwest. As an American her teachings offer a bridge and insight connecting western culture and Buddhist concepts that just make sense. This book as well as her other publications have helped to provide a spiritual centering and peace, whether in daily life or as a concerned citizen in a very troubled nation and world. If you're on a path to true awareness, emotional health and spiritual depth, then Pema's works are key.
Book Description
Never has happiness as an emotional and physical state of being been so widely discussed. Matthieu Ricard is one of the most compelling voices on the subject, and one of the few who can bring together the teachings of eastern and western thought. In this accessible new work, Ricard provides a straightforward assessment of how to create true and lasting happiness. He addresses the pursuit of a meaningful life at its most fundamental level the strengthening of the inner conditions that lead to genuine happiness. Ricard helps readers form new patterns of interaction with themselves and with the larger world, working toward happiness step by step, starting with 20 minutes of daily mind training and meditation. Ricard has been featured in Time, Self, O Magazine, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times Magazine. Ricard has served as interpreter for the Dalai Lama and also works with many influential thinkers within the scientific community, including Brian Greene and Daniel Goleman. With his father, Jean Francois Revel, Ricard co-authored the French bestseller The Monk and the Philosopher, which was translated into 21 languages. He also co-authored the 2001 book The Quantum and the Lotus with astrophysicist Trinh Xuan Thuan. Acclaim for Happiness: Written with grace and clarity, Ricard offers exciting ideas and practical tools for increasing our understanding of ourselves and our relationship to the world. Paul Ekman, Ph.D., author of Emotions Revealed "In this highly readable and enlightening volume, Matthieu Ricard offers us the keys to opening up the chambers of the mind where serenity resides. His elegant descriptions show us how the preoccupation with the self leads to the detrimental urges, thoughts, and feelings that present barriers to genuine liberation. This superb volume demonstrates how we can experience contentment even in the face of unpleasant circumstances Aaron Beck, Ph.D., author of Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders Matthieu Ricard is a Buddhist monk who completed a Ph.D. in cellular genetics with the Nobel laureate Francois Jacob before leaving France to study Buddhism in the Himalaya 35 years ago. He lives and works on humanitarian projects in Nepal.
Customer Reviews:
Lost for words.......2007-09-30
A must to take your time and understand each and every sentence! Feel what is written. Best way I could describe this book is life changing for the better! I'm saving my money, and will make it to Tibet before I die!
condensed wisdom..........2007-09-15
This is a gem, a treasure, a nugget of gold. From a man steeped in Buddhist practice and scientific method we have a fascinating expose of the mechanics of happiness. Reading this book can make you happier. Pondering the lessons is even more likely to increase happiness. And putting into practice the wisdom contained here is a surefire path to peace.
The catch? It may take the rest of your life to do so...
Great book.
Don't Worry, Be Happy..........2007-09-15
Although the book explores happiness from a Buddhist perspective, it is applicable to the findings of science and psychology in general and positive psychology in particular. It confirms that although fun and pleasurable experiences contribute to happiness, they are less important than altruistic acts, compassion, and practicing certain skills that are definitely related to being happier. Indeed, happiness can be learned. The book has many fascinating accounts of studies and stories that make it an interesting read while teaching you all you need to know to increase your happiness. Recommended!
Modern Psychology meets Tibetan Buddhism.......2007-08-13
I typically only read Zen material, but when several months ago I came across a news article featuring Matthieu Ricard as possibly the world's happiest man, I knew I had to pick this book up. I was not disappointed.
Always having been particularly interested in psychology and science in general, I was glad to see the inclusion of this material in the book, and for a non-psychologist to finally mention the works of Freud in his book without subscribing to his unscientific ideas! Ricard skillfully presents both Buddhist and scientific material in a very understandable manner. He left a promising career in cellular genetics to study Tibetan Buddhism in the Himalayas. Through all of his education and experience, he is definitely not lacking in credentials.
Ricard offers a road map to obtaining happiness for yourself and others, and shows how interrelated your and others' happiness really is. His ideas are practical and well-researched and thought out. I really can't give this book enough praise. It has to be one of the richest and most rewarding books I have ever read. He covers nearly every aspect on the subject. A couple chapters were a little uninteresting to me, and I would often dread the exercises in the middle of the chapters. I didn't feel like putting the book down and doing it right then and there, but by forcing myself to do this I have experienced another form of Buddhist meditation, and my mind has been opened to exploring other forms of Buddhism. Most of all, this book has left me with some additional tools to place in my toolbox in order to cultivate the peace this world truly needs.
As only a practicioner could say it...........2007-07-12
This is an amazing book. The minute I finished, I started over again. This book is about the pathways to happiness as understood and explained by a Buddhist monk (Ricard). Ricard's explanations and insights are extremely valuable and practical. Even more, Ricard has consulted all the leading research associated with the "science of happiness."
This book is for anyone who believes that happiness is a learned behavior that requires daily practice. Its greatest strengths are its clearity, practical applications, and scientific base. It is a very rational approach to the subject of well-being. Plus, Ricard consults the leaders in the positive psychology movement-- a very good move.
Read this book if you truly want to be happier.
[...]
Amazon.com
Miracle of Mindfulness is a sly commentary on the Anapanasati Sutra, the Sutra on Breath to Maintain Mindfulness. "Sly" because it doesn't read like a dry commentary at all. One of Thich Nhat Hanh's most popular books, Miracle of Mindfulness is about how to take hold of your consciousness and keep it alive to the present reality, whether eating a tangerine, playing with your children, or washing the dishes. A world-renowned Zen master, Nhat Hanh weaves practical instruction with anecdotes and other stories to show how the meditative mind can be achieved at all times and how it can help us all "reveal and heal." Nhat Hanh is a master at helping us find a calm refuge within ourselves and teaching us how to reach out from there to the rest of the world. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
There have been more than 250,000 copies sold of this famous introduction to Buddhist meditation. Thich Nhat Hanh's gentle stories and exercises show us how to use the practice of
Customer Reviews:
Recipe for Peace.......2007-08-30
Finally a book with exercises and explanations that actually work. As a Vietnam combat veteran, twice wounded, who had to make casualty calls when I returned stateside, forty years of anger and PTSD have finally found their match in "The Miracle of Mindfulness."
Today, when thousands of Iraqi and Gulf War veterans begin to realize they need a remedy to their troubles, I recommend this book number one as well as several other of Thich Nhat Hanh's books.
How ironic--A Vietnamese Buddhist responds and provides peace to a veteran who helped bomb and destroy his people and his country.
Fred Tomasello Jr.
Miracle of Mindfulness is Inspiring.......2007-03-08
Worth every penny. I'll read it more than once. It was truly a gift.
Authentic Power.......2007-01-24
In simple, plain language, Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk and well known peace activist, gently explains the daily practice of mindfulness (meditation) inviting us to discover personal transformation in ordinary, everyday tasks. He includes no anecdotes drawn from professional work; he quotes little poetry. You'll find no references to other writers and their books on this topic nor any reference to other fields of human achievement. Nhat Hahn's teachings are based on the practice that has permeated his life and thus ring with authenticity. Also authentic are the books concerning awareness written by Deepak Chopra. However, Chopra weaves a glittering tapestry of provocative professional experiences integrated with the words and beliefs of Indian gurus decorated with the verses of Rumi, references to famous authors and art masterpieces and awash with strategies to reveal the Self. A dazzling work of genius. In contrast, Nhat Hahn presents his work garbed in humble cloth and sandeled feet. He tells us how to turn mundane tasks into mindful meditative practices regarding such events as washing dishes, taking a bath, or making tea as opportunities to dwell deeply in the moment transforming an ordinary event into a deeply spiritual one. It is through these small events of awareness, Nhat Hahn explains, that large events are born that can change the world. In a culture largely obsessed with activity, Thich Nhat Hahn calmy shows us that true power is available to us in ordinary human tasks.
A classic!.......2007-01-11
In a simple, yet profound, way...almost conversational....the author helps the reader to answer questions like "Am I here now?", "Am I actually aware of what I am doing?", "Are my body and my mind in the same place?". He uses simple illustrations, such as washing dishes or walking up a hill, to help the reader become aware of his own actions.
The book is a useful adjunct to other mindfulness and meditation books, as well, I think, as cognitive therapy (rational-emotive therapy).
It's a book to own, to live with, to go back to...to give and to recommend.
A miracle in a few pages!.......2007-01-06
This is really a wonderful Dharma book which will be of tremendous help to anyone who practices meditation. With great simplicity and love, Nhat Hanh shows as that with practice and perseverance anyone can turn most of one's daily life activities into meditation, therefore improving your sitting meditation sessions as well. Washing the dishes mindfully, eating mindfully, and therefore living mindfully is truly a miracle and an act of Love in the Pure land of the Buddha!
Books:
- The Chicago Guide to Communicating Science (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
- The Crazy Makers: How the Food Industry Is Destroying Our Brains and Harming Our Children
- The Deliberative Practitioner: Encouraging Participatory Planning Processes
- The Disappearance of the Universe: Straight Talk About Illusions, Past Lives, Religion, Sex, Politics, and the Miracles of Forgiveness
- The Foxfire Book: Hog Dressing, Log Cabin Building, Mountain Crafts and Foods, Planting by the Signs, Snake Lore, Hunting Tales, Faith Healing, Moonshining
- The Glass Castle: A Memoir
- The Handbook of Brain Theory and Neural Networks (Bradford Book)
- The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief
- The Many Adventures of Pengey Penguin
- The Nature and Properties of Soils (13th Edition)
Books Index
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How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life
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An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life
Healing Anger: The Power of Patience from a Buddhist Perspective
Live in a Better Way: Reflections on Truth, Love, and Happiness
