Seeking the Heart of Wisdom: The Path of Insight Meditation (Shambhala Classics) [Paperback]

Joseph Goldstein (Author), Jack Kornfield (Author), Dalai Lama (Foreword), Robert K. Hall M.D. (Foreword)

Book Description

Release date: March 6, 2001 | Series: Shambhala Classics

In Seeking the Heart of Wisdom Goldstein and Kornfield present the central teachings and practices of insight meditation in a clear and personal language. The path of insight meditation is a journey of understanding our bodies, our minds, and our lives, of seeing clearly the true nature of experience. The authors guide the reader in developing the openness and compassion that are at the heart of this spiritual practice. For those already treading the path, as well as those just starting out, this book will be a welcome companion along the way. Among the topics covered are:

   •  The hindrances to meditation—ranging from doubt and fear to painful knees—and skillful means of overcoming them
   •  How compassion can arise in response to the suffering we see in our own lives and in the world
   •  How to integrate a life of responsible action and service with a meditative life based on nonattachment


Useful exercises are presented alongside the teachings to help readers deepen their understanding of the subjects.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This seminal work by Goldstein and Kornfield, cofounders of the Insight Meditation Center in Barre, MA, discusses the development of Theravada in its unique American form.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A thorough, illuminating, and practical overview of insight meditation. . . . This classic text is a rich source of Buddhist wisdom and practice."—Spirituality & Health



"For those who are already treading the path as well as those who are just setting out, Seeking the Heart of Wisdom will be a welcome companion along the way."—The Middle Way



"It succeeds excellently. Brilliantly, one would say, were it not that the simplicity and total unpretentiousness of the authors are so far removed from any striving for brilliance or effect. Goldstein and Kornfield are totally concerned with one thing only: to convey as straightforwardly as possible the essence of the Buddha's message."—Buddhist Studies Review

"A skillful blend of pragmatic instruction, psychological insight, and perennial wisdom."—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (March 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157062805X
• ISBN-13: 978-1570628054
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #92,511 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply True August 1, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I picked up the pocket version of this book one day and happened to open to the page which talks about the accumulation of material items and the transitory happiness it brings -- how once the novelty of the item has worn off we go about buying more things-- all in the hopes of stimulating that "happiness" response. Boy did that hit the nail on the head!! I had to get the full length version and it has been very enlightening. A definte must for anyone who is at a point in their life where they are questioning their purpose, their "path" and want to know what to do to effect change. I loved it!!!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand July 8, 2009

By Kat in a Hat

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've read many books recently on Buddhism and meditation. I find quite a few of them hard to read; there are many says like, "it is your breath, but it is not your breath" that I try very much to wrap my head but never quite do. This book is much more straight forward for a western reader. I found it very easy to read and follow. It covers a lot, and I will probably have to reread chapters after I've done more zazen sitting, but it really is accessible and well written. If you are looking for a beginner's guide to Buddhist principals and teaching and want to start sitting meditation in a meaningful way, this is the book for you.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A clear guide from people who truly understand the reality of meditation June 11, 2007

By Kora

Format:Paperback

I was very impressed with the authors' ability to address concerns that I have had with meditation in the past: specifically, that meditation often sounds like an escape from reality, or a numbing mechanism that shields one from reality. The authors speak from a depth of experience when they explain that meditation is like "learning to surf": there will always be waves in life, and insight meditation provides a method of learning to "surf" those waves and remain standing. The authors admit that a successful meditation practice doesn't get rid of the problems inherent in day-to-day living. It simply equips us with the means to deal with problems as they arise in the moment.

Kora

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