Written by a teacher, psychologist and meditation master of international renown, this warm, inspiring, expert but instantly accessible book covers a wide range of essential issues, including many rarely addressed in spiritual books. From dealing with compassion addiction and psychological and emotional healing, to dealing with problems involving relationships and sexuality to the creation of zen-like simplicity and balance in all facets of life, it speaks to the concerns of many modern spiritual seekers, both those beginning on the path and those with years of experience. A PATH WITH HEART is filled with practical techniques, guided meditations, stories, koans and other gems of wisdom and illustrated by the profound - and sometimes humourous - experiences of the author, his friends and fellow seekers. The reader is guided through the obstacles and trials of spiritual and contempoorary life to attain a clarity of perception and a sense of the sacred in everyday experiences. This is a wise and gentle guidebook for a deeper, more satisfying odyssey into the world.
In undertaking a spiritual life, we must make certain that our path is connected with our heart, according to author and Buddhist monk Jack Kornfield. Since 1974 (long before it gained popularity in the 1990s), Kornfield has been teaching westerners how to integrate Eastern teaching into their daily lives. Through generous storytelling and unmitigated warmth, Kornfield offers this excellent guidebook on living with attentiveness, meditation, and full-tilt compassion.
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. Literally it means sitting in the center of a room and not being swayed or moved by all the people and dramas happening around you. On a spiritual level it means sticking "with one practice and teacher among all of the possibilities," writes Kornfield; "inwardly it means having the determination to stick with that practice through whatever difficulties and doubts arise until you have come to true clarity and understanding." The same could be said for this "one book." Among all the spiritual self-help books, this is a classic worth sticking with and returning to--a highly approachable teacher that can only lead to greater clarity and understanding. --Gail Hudson
