Tag Archives: book review
The Practice of Contemplative Photography
The Practice of Contemplative Photography by Andy Karr and Michael Wood Shambhala Publications As some of you may know, I am a bit of an amateur photographer. I came acrossed this book a year or two ago when I was … Continue reading
Filed under Book Review, Buddhism
The Flatbed Sutra of Louie Wing
Awakening has nothing to do with outward actions or appearances. It is only achieved by ceasing conceptualization. There is no benefit in shaving your head, taking precepts, or wearing robes. Nor is there any disadvantage if you own a home, … Continue reading
Filed under Book Review, Buddhism
Jataka Tales, Zen Practice, and Daily Life
Something we fail to realize is that this life, right here, now, is a Jataka in the making. We might not be a talking crow or a monkey king, but we do each have our own stories of struggle developing these 10 perfections, developing the life of a Buddha. Something that I appreciated while reading these tales was how much the Buddha struggled through his previous lives! It wasn’t always so easy for him, and sometimes he failed miserably. It should give us hope then, that the struggles we work through here in this life are not just the mud of life, but they have the potential to become the very thing that drives us on this difficult path we walk. Continue reading
Filed under Book Review, Buddhism
The Eight Gates of Zen and Invoking Reality
Recently I read both the Eight Gates of Zen and Invoking Reality; both titles by the late John Daido Loori, Roshi. For awhile now I’ve been looking for a presentation of Buddhist practice tailored to a Western convert such … Continue reading
Filed under Book Review, Buddhism
Stripped down Buddhsim, and study…
This is sort of where my practice really resides now, in study, in absorbing the dharma. I think that’s just how my mind works. I need that basis of (sutra) study before I can really formalize any sort of practice. I spend some time with the breath here and there, but nothing regular, and haven’t chanted in months. But I think that’s okay for now. I view my practice as a process, and I’m in the beginning of mine. Continue reading
Comments Off
Filed under Book Review, Buddhism
Conscious Breathing
All in all, this was a very interesting take on just how powerful the breath truly is. Breathing is so simple, yet it is something we tend to spend very little time with! And it is a little ridiculous that we have to actually make time out of our day just to touch our breath, isn’t it? Continue reading
Filed under Book Review, Buddhism
And the winner is….
Congrats to Nathan on winning Present Fresh Wakefulness! To select the winner, I entered in the total # of original comments, and went by the order they appeared in to determine each comment’s number. Nathan was the 3rd to comment. … Continue reading
Present Fresh Wakefulness – a review and contest
All you have to do to win this is to leave a comment on this post naming one book that has both challenged you and helped you on your path. I’ll use random.org on Sunday June 27th to pick a winner, so be sure to comment before then! Continue reading
Filed under Book Review, Buddhism
Buddha takes no Prisoners!
Buddha Takes No Prisoners: A Meditator’s Survival Guide Author: Patrick Ophuls North Atlantic Books Once again, I’ve been tricked by the title. “A meditator’s survival guide” led me to believe this book would have to do with meditation practice of … Continue reading
Comments Off
Filed under Book Review, Buddhism
Practicing The Jhanas: A book review
The book remains focused on one thing, providing you with a practical guide and companion while practicing jhana meditation. Continue reading
Filed under Book Review, Buddhism
