Emptiness Dancing: Selected Dharma Talks of Adyashanti [Paperback]

Adyashanti (Author), Bonnie Greenwell (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2004

Discovering our true nature could be called the discovery of emptiness--of the vast stillness and loving silence that lies beyond and within all that exists. Our lives are the dance of this emptiness as it flowers into form. "Emptiness Dancing" offers dynamic teachings that come directly from this emptiness and draw the open heart into profound realization. Adyashanti reveals valuable insights and explores important themes relevant to those seeking and deepening into the Truth. He shares an enlightened perspective on the seeker's struggle, the joys and challenges of spiritual awakening, the symptoms of spiritual addiction, the essence of sacred relationship, the true meaning of enlightenment, the simple secret to being happy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Many seekers are finding resonance in the infinite possibilities and ordinary simplicity that Adyashanti expresses." -- SHIFT: At the Frontiers of Consiousness, Sept-Nov 2006 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Adyashanti, the author of "The Impact of Awakening" and "My Secret is Silence," is a man who lives an ordinary life while demonstrating an extraordinary gift for transmitting a simple truth: Liberation is the birthright of all. Awakening to his true nature after many years of Zen practice, he spent several more years deepening and embodying this realization and, with the encouragement of his teacher, began teaching in 1996. His teachings have been the source of inspiration and awakening for thousands of students from many diverse traditions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Open Gate Publishing; 1st edition (August 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971703647
• ISBN-13: 978-0971703643
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #226,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

After 15 years of Zen practice and a series of ever-deepening realizations, this direct, loving and engaging modern teacher began to offer dharma talks, weekend programs and retreats in 1996. Known for his clarity, wisdom and rich humor he has a rapidly expanding base of students, many of whom have awakened to their true nature in his presence. His teachings have been compared to those of the early Zen masters, and the wisdom teachings of Advaita Vedanta, and speak deeply to all seekers of Truth.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

114 of 118 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best so far, August 13, 2005

By 

John (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Emptiness Dancing: Selected Dharma Talks of Adyashanti (Paperback)

I've been involved with some form of Buddhism for about 15 years. For most of that time I have considered myself to be a committed student of mindfulness practice in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hahn. I've read many, many books on spirtual practice and in particular on Buddhism, but I have never come across anything quite like this book. Adyashanti's words speak to me at a level which I have not otherwise experienced. For me his teachings are pure and direct - like you might hear about in stories about Zen masters of the past. Interestingly, I don't associate his teachings with any religion or spiritual tradition (nor does he), since they speak about Truth/Reality that exists independent of conceptual frameworks (i.e. a particular belief system). This is the most important book I have ever read. Strong words I know. For me it's true. But I also recognize that the value of the book's contents are a function of my personal experiences and where I am. So I also recognize not everyone may value it as much as me. Nonetheless, I highly recommend it as a source of deep and honest spiritual guidance.

112 of 122 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, October 21, 2004

By 

D. Trainor-mccubbin (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Emptiness Dancing: Selected Dharma Talks of Adyashanti (Paperback)

Though I buy a lot of books through Amazon and have never entered a review before, just feel like I have to post one this time. Best dharma book I've ever read--and I've read dozens. I heard of the author because I saw an article in a magazine that inspired me, then ordered his books. If you're really serious about waking up, no matter what, I highly recommend this book.

72 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Emptiness and Enlightenment, October 26, 2005

By 

Christopher P. Graham "Grammy" (North Conway, New Hampshire) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Emptiness Dancing: Selected Dharma Talks of Adyashanti (Paperback)

Adyashanti has a wonderful and compassionate resonance in his words and teachings, and for many of us, his experiences passed on through his stories somehow transform our way of thinking and experiencing this great journey we call life. This particular book has received high praises and many people have been moved by the words within.

I, however; was a bit disappointed by this book as I felt Adyashanit's message seemed to take a circuitous route at times and did not always drive the point home, despite a clear intention to do so at the beginning of each chapter. Some chapters in the book were excellent while others might leave one scratching his/her head. Though the writing is compassionate and personal, the message is often lost in the repeating themes and verbiage.

For anyone interested in learning more about Buddhism, I would recommend any of the following Authors: D.T, Suzuki, Alan Watts and Thich Nhat Hanh, Sylvia Boorstein or Pema Chodron. I find that the above authors make no claims, and their message rings true and uncluttered.