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Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree: The Buddha’s Teaching on Voidness - (By Buddhadasa Bhikkhu) This book was one of my first introductions to Buddhism. I found it extremely helpful in understanding both the concept of sunnata, and the concept of non-attachment. I highly recommend this book. This book does not have a description online, but here are a couple of reviews that were posted by readers to the Amazon.com site. “Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree introduces emptiness (voidness) in a clear and full way as an original teaching of the Buddha…it emphasizes the importance of emptiness in all Buddhist traditions and contributes to non-sectarian dialogue and understanding…” (Review written by Larry Rosenberg, Director, Cambridge Insight Meditation Center) There are several more excellent reviews online, click the link to check them out.
A Still Forest Pool: The Insight Meditation of Achaan Chah - (By Ajahn Chah and Jack & Paul Kornfield) Buddhism in the forests of Northern Thailand. This book is a highly readable, simple yet deep introduction to Buddhist life, practices and attitudes. It is anecdotal in style rather than systematic or comprehensive. It describes life in a remote forest monastery in Northern Thailand but always stays relevant to the everday life of a city dwelling westerner. Achaan Chah was one of the masters under whom Jack Kornfield practiced meditation. This book would make an ideal gift for someone interested to know about Buddhism but is also of value to someone already quite familiar with Buddhism. Its emphasis is constantly on the value of practice rather than too much intellectualising. I recommend it highly. (Review written by an Amazon.com reader from Canberra, Australia, January 31, 1999.)
A Path With Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life - Beloved Western Buddhist master Kornfield makes known his personal, practical wisdom, garnered from 25 years of practicing and teaching the path of awakening, as he guides self-searchers to a simplicity of perception that brings alive spiritual practice, peace, and truth in their daily lives. This book is very popular with Amazon.com customers. Here is a sample from one reviewer: “Part of what makes this book so accessible is Kornfield’s use of everyday metaphors to describe the elusive lessons of spiritual transformation. For example, he opens with ‘the one seat’ lesson taught to him by his esteemed teacher.”&mnsp; Click through here to read the reviews.
Buddha’s Little Instruction Book - Just as the serene beauty of the lotus blossom grows out of muddy water, Buddha’s simple instructions have helped people to find wholeness and peace amid life’s crisis and distractions for more than 2,500 years. For this small handbook, a well-known American Buddhist teacher and psychologist has distilled and adapted an ancient teaching for the needs of contemporary life. Its practical reminders and six meditations can infuse smallest everyday action with insight and joy. For both the general reader and the spiritual seeker who have tired of the repetitive nature of most self-help books, here is simple advice, gentle guidance, and humor–distilled and adapted for the needs of contemporary life. Jack Kornfield is a bestselling author as well as a meditation teacher and psychologist.
Buddhism in the West: Spiritual Wisdom for the 21st Century - Uniting people of all nationalities, races, and religions for world peace is the theme of this inspiring work. The authors teach us that compassion toward others is not a feeling of sympathy and pity, but a desire to do something to make the world a better place. Buddhism’s message of peace is emphasized over and over again in this book which shows how the compassion and tolerance that will make the world a better place begins at home. The book covers many themes of compassion from various world religions. Contributors include the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Kornfield, Tenzin Gyatso, and others.
Living Dharma: Teachings of Twelve Buddhist Masters - Originally published as Living Buddhist Masters, this book includes an introduction to the basic teachings of Buddhism, along with a look at the Buddhist tradition as taught in Burma, Thailand and Laos. Also, one of America’s leading Buddhist teachers presents this practice as taught by 12 highly respected Buddhist masters from Southeast Asia. Illustrations.
Asylum, DVD
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