A Path with Heart: The Classic Guide Through The Perils And Promises Of Spiritual Life - Softcover

Kornfield, Jack

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0712657800 ISBN 13: 9780712657808

Publisher: Rider, 2002

Synopsis

Perhaps the most important book yet written on meditation, the process of inner transformation, and the integration of spiritual practice into our Western way of life, A Path With Heart brings alive the possibilities of inner peace, wholeness and the achievement of happiness. Written by a teacher, psychologist and meditation master of international renown, this is a warm, inspiring and, above all, practical book. Its gentle Buddhist wisdom will guide you through the ups and downs of contemporary living, such as addiction, psychological and emotional healing, problems with relationships and the difficulties of achieving a balanced life of simplicity.

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 1990's) 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 centre 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 who can only lead to greater clarity and understanding. --Gail Hudson

Review

"A warm, inspiring and, above all, practical book" (Pride Magazine)

"It's encouraging to find Westerners who've sufficiently assimilated the traditions of the East to be able to share them with others as Jack is doing. May such efforts further the peace of all beings." (His Holiness the Dalai Lama)

"This important guidebook shows in detail and with great humour and insight the way to practise the Buddha's universal teachings here in the West. Jack Kornfield is a wonderful storyteller and a great teacher." (Thich Nhat Hanh)

"Jack Kornfield is a remarkable and thoughtful teacher." (Sogyal Rinpoche)

Edition details

• Publisher: Rider
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0712657800
• ISBN 13: 9780712657808
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 368