These are practice books and teachings. There are so many lovely books to read and savor and enjoy and put aside on our shelf and move on with our lives. If you are ready to be you, the true you beneath the flimsy covering of ego then these books are for you, for you to practice. I join you in your dedication and commitment to just being you. We are all waiting for whole, complete you just as you naturally are.
The Miracle of Mindfulness, Gift Edition: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation. By Thich Nhat Hanh - this is the first book I read on mindfulness. Do we really need another? It’s a classic. So beautiful. So deep and so wise and so simple. Enjoy.
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment By Eckhart Tolle. - simple, concise instruction for the practice of presence. When our thoughts settle and stillness reveals our true nature— a miracle. If you have ever asked Who Am I and why am I here on this crazy planet. Be still and know.
The Teachings of Inner Ramana. Scribed by Regina Dawn Akers - 20th century master and favorite of Eckhart Tolle, Sri Ramana Maharshi, directly connects with Dawn during a difficult time in her practice and gives her step by step instruction on awakening. Short and sweet and direct. My new favorite.
Peace is Every Step: The path of mindfulness on everyday life. By Thich Nhat Hanh - this is a book I recommend to begin or enhance the practice of mindfulness. It changes the way we live moment to moment. If we allow the change!
Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames. By Thich Nhat Hanh - this is it on anger. I have seen amazing life changing transformation from taking these teachings deeply into our hearts and practicing.
No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology is Catching Up to Buddhism. By Chris Niebauer PhD - the Buddha discovered one thing - our sense of self is an illusion - therefore creating the path to the end of suffering. Chris (and science) joins him in that discovery.
The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy and Liberation. By Thich Nhat Hanh - if you would like to know what Buddhism is and how to practice, here it is. Concise. Sweet. Accessible.
No Mud No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering. By Thich Nhat Hanh - before somatic experiencing and new age attention to the body, there was the Buddha. Wonderful practice book to heal your inner child.
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. By Pema Chodron - much like No Mud NoLotus, Moving toward rather than away. A profound shift and the beginning of all healing.
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal talks on Zen Meditation and Practice. By Shunryu Suzuki - I love this book! Savor each page like a new bud in spring. With all of the wisdom of the ages wrapped into one sentence.
Mind at Ease: Self-Liberation through Mahamudra Mediation. By Traleg Kyagon - the manual for enlightenment. No kidding. My teacher gave me this one on my first solo silent retreat with him. I’m still working on understanding the first page :)
Living Yogacara: An Introduction to Consciousness-Only Buddhism. By Tagawa Shun’ei - to understand Yogacara is to understand depth Buddhist Psychology. The buddha is the true father/mother of psychology- psyche meaning spirit :)
Understanding Our Mind: 50 Verses on Buddhist Psychology. By Thich Nhat Hanh - Thay’s version of the book above. Exquisite. Read a page and sit with it for a day.
As a Man Thinketh. By James Allen - written in 1903. He must have somehow gotten his hands on some Yogacara teachings. Incredible and very simple. And blessedly succinct!
Love and Awakening: Discovering the Sacred Path of Intimate Relationships. By John Welwood - for you and your beloved. So beautiful and so true.
Guardians of Being: Spiritual Teachings from our Dogs and Cats. By Eckhart Tolle - our greatest teachers of mindfulness are our wise and wonderful pets. Great for parents and kids of all ages.
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose. By Eckhart Tolle - this explains it all in such a deep and powerful way. You can’t escape being inspired from your core.
The Afterlife of Billy Fingers: How My Bad Boy Brother Proved to Me There is Life After Death. By Annie Kagan - wondering what it’s like to die? This gentleman came to his sister after his death and told her all about it. Amazing. And it rings so true.
The Four Agreements: a practical guide to personal freedom. By Don Miguel Ruiz - should be a required course in school. How to live and love yourself while you’re doing it in 4 easy steps.
A Course in Miracles - this is the book that changed my life. I opened spiritually and psychically and everything in my life shifted. I learned that only Love is real. ”Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.”
Talks and Teachings
Videos of teachings and meditations with Eckhart Tolle, a realized teacher freely giving his heart-mind to aid in our awakening.
Meditations by Jack Kornfield, a lovely teacher and clinical psychologist who trained as a monk with Ajahn Chah in the Thai Forest Monastery tradition.