A Path with Heart: Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life - Softcover

Jack Kornfield

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0712674306 ISBN 13: 9780712674300

Publisher: Rider & Co, 1995

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review

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

Book Description

When Jack Kornfield's A Path with Heart was first published, it was acclaimed as the most significant book yet about American Buddhism, one "destined to become a classic". With sales approaching 200,000 copies, it has established itself as a definitive guide to the practice of traditional mindfulness in America today.

On this audio edition, Jack Kornfield shares the key principles of Buddhism's cherished vipassana (insight) tradition and puts them into direct service, with the unique needs of the contemporary seeker in mind. Kornfield summons his experience as a monk, psychotherapist, and meditation teacher to craft an elegant approach to integrating modern life into a full spiritual practice. The challenges unique to our times -- including our bodies, careers, relationships, ecology, education, and more -- are all embraced by this complete vision for cultivating the skills we need in order to see the preciousness in all life. Complete with many special meditations and other practices -- allshared in the clear and friendly voice that has made Kornfield a legendary teacher -- A Path with Heart leads to the healing, compassion, and freedom that arise only when we open deeply to the world around us.

Edition details

• Publisher: Rider & Co
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0712674306
• ISBN 13: 9780712674300
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352