Demystifying Awakening: A Buddhist Path of Realization, Embodiment, and Freedom

“A rich and beautiful resource for those called to deepen their exploration of Awakening and freedom.”
—Tara Brach, best-selling author of Trusting the Gold and Radical Compassion

See the potential that is within each of us—the realization and embodiment of our true nature

With Demystifying Awakening, senior meditation teacher Stephen Snyder skillfully marks the subtle path of the Awakening process. With loving care, personal examples, and gentle suggestions, Stephen plants the seeds of practice and meditation by:

• explaining Awakening in an accessible way that draws on Zen and Theravada Buddhist traditions;
• guiding readers through more than thirty foundational and advanced meditations and practices that support each step on the path of realization;
• offering advice for identifying and working with resistances to Awakening; and
• encouraging the embodiment and lived expression of realization through an exploration of the pāramīs, the Buddhist perfections of behavior.

Demystifying Awakening transmits a practice path for Awakening in this lifetime.

“A unique and profound manual . . . that clearly and succinctly unveils the path, and process, of Awakening as practiced, lived, and taught by Stephen Snyder.”
—Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, NYT best-selling author of Unwinding Anxiety and The Craving Mind

“Stephen is a friendly, helpful, and sweetly encouraging guide. In his pages, you feel like you’re coming home to who you’ve always been: wakeful, loving, contented, and wise.”
—Rick Hanson, PhD, NYT best-selling author of Neurodharma and Buddha’s Brain

“A wise map and a powerful reminder that while the path is in a sense a pathless path, and leads right back to here and now, that doesn't mean Awakening isn't real.”
—Henry Shukman, author of One Blade of Grass and guiding teacher of Mountain Cloud Zen Center

Stephen Snyder began practicing daily meditation in 1976. Since then, he has studied Buddhism extensively-investigating and engaging in Zen, Tibetan, Theravada, and Western nondual traditions. Stephen was authorizedto teach in 2007 by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, a Burmese meditation master and renowned scholar. In 2009, he coauthored Practicing the Jhānas, exploring concentration meditation as presented by Pa Auk Sayadaw.Stephen's resonant and warmhearted teaching style engages students around the globe through in-person andonline retreats, as well as one-on-one coaching. He encourages students to turn toward awakened awareness and, through this realizing, embody their true identity. Stephen is also author of Stress Reduction for Lawyers, Law Students, and Legal Professionals and Buddha's Heart. For more information, please visit awakeningdharma.org.