Seeking the Heart of Wisdom: The Path of Insight Meditation (Shambhala dragon editions)

"Among the topics covered are: The hindrances to meditaiton--ranging from doubt and fear to painful knees--and skillful means of overcoming them; How compassion can arise in response to the suffering we see in our own lives and in the world; How to integrate a life of responsible action and service with a meditative life based on nonattachment" (cover). Abstract: "Among the topics covered are: The hindrances to meditaiton--ranging from doubt and fear to painful knees--and skillful means of overcoming them; How compassion can arise in response to the suffering we see in our own lives and in the world; How to integrate a life of responsible action and service with a meditative life based on nonattachment" (cover)

In Seeking the Heart of Wisdom Goldstein and Kornfield present the central teachings and practices of insight meditation in a clear and personal language. The path of insight meditation is a journey of understanding our bodies, our minds, and our lives, of seeing clearly the true nature of experience. The authors guide the reader in developing the openness and compassion that are at the heart of this spiritual practice. For those already treading the path, as well as those just starting out, this book will be a welcome companion along the way. Among the topics covered are:

   â€¢  The hindrances to meditation-ranging from doubt and fear to painful knees-and skillful means of overcoming them
   â€¢  How compassion can arise in response to the suffering we see in our own lives and in the world
   â€¢  How to integrate a life of responsible action and service with a meditative life based on nonattachment

Useful exercises are presented alongside the teachings to help readers deepen their understanding of the subjects.

Guides the reader in developing the openness and compassion that are at the heart of the spiritual practice of insight meditation.

Two popular American Buddhist teachers provide an overview of insight meditation, offering a “skillful blend of pragmatic instruction, psychological insight, and perennial wisdom” (Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence) In Seeking the Heart of Wisdom, Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield present the central teachings and practices of insight meditation in a clear and personal language. The path of insight meditation is a journey of understanding our bodies, our minds, and our lives, of seeing clearly the true nature of experience. The authors guide the reader in developing the openness and compassion that are at the heart of this spiritual practice. For those already treading the path, as well as those just starting out, this book will be a welcome companion along the way. Among the topics covered are: • The hindrances to meditation—ranging from doubt and fear to painful knees—and skillful means of overcoming them • How compassion can arise in response to the suffering we see in our own lives and in the world • How to integrate a life of responsible action and service with a meditative life based on non-attachment Useful exercises are presented alongside the teachings to help readers deepen their understanding of the subjects.

The path of insight meditation is a journey of understanding our bodies, our minds, and our lives, of seeing clearly the true nature of experience. For those who are treading this path, as well as those just starting out, Seeking the Heart of Wisdom will be a welcome companion along the way. Born out of the authors' twelve- year collaboration in teaching intensive meditation retreats throughout the world, it guides the reader in developing the openness and compassion that are at the heart of this spiritual practice. Among the topics covered are: - The hindrances to meditation—ranging from doubt and fear to painful knees—and skillful means of overcoming them - How compassion can arise in response to the suffering we see in our own lives and in the world - How to integrate a life of responsible action and service with a meditative life based on nonattachment - The law of karma and how it enables us to actively create our reality These and other discussions are accompanied by specific exercises and practices to help readers deepen their understanding of the subjects.

Guides the reader in developing the openness and compassion that are at the heart of the spiritual practice of insight meditation.

Content: Discovering the heart of meditation -- Why meditate? -- Meditation instructions -- Difficulties and hindrances -- Deepening levels of practice -- The seven factors of enlightenment -- The life of the Buddha -- The freedom of restraint -- Suffering: the gateway to compassion -- Understanding karma: cause and effect -- Understanding karma: liberation -- The five spiritual faculties -- The three basic characteristics -- Perspectives on reality -- The path of service -- Integrating practice. "IT IS SAID that soon after his enlightenment, the Buddha passed a man on the road who was struck by the extraordinary radiance and peacefulness of his presence." Covers hindrances to meditation, the need for compassion, reconciliation between responsible action and a life of nonattachment, and the law of karma