Three Gates to Meditation Practice: A Personal Journey Into Sufism, Buddhism, and Judaism [Paperback]

David A. Cooper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2000

Here are over fifteen years from the journey of “post-denominational rabbi” David A. Cooper, author of God Is a Verb, and his wife, Shoshana—years in which the Coopers explored a rich variety of practices, from chanting Sufi dhikr to Buddhist vipassana (insight) meditation, to the study of kabbalah and esoteric Judaism. Their experience demonstrates that the spiritual path is really completely within our reach, whoever we are, whatever we do— as long as we are willing to practice it.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Cooper, the Jewish convert who wrote the bestselling book God Is a Verb, reflects upon more than 20 years of his spiritual journey in this engaging but flawed exploration of interfaith meditation practice. One might expect Cooper to exhibit a convert's zeal and exclusivism by highlighting the shortcomings of Sufism and Buddhism, the other two traditions studied here. Instead, he does a beautiful job of explaining how they dovetail together and complement each other in spiritual practice. Seeing himself as a postdenominational Jew, Cooper has been ordained a rabbi, developing and leading a cohesive Jewish meditation practice that draws upon teachings from other traditions. Cooper's book explores his eclectic spiritual journey in a plausible and respectfully ecumenical fashion, but it is overly self-absorbed. For instance, when on a 40-day retreat in a Sufi community, he is interrupted by a man who rages at him for having an affair with the man's wife. An unapologetic CooperDwho had in fact once conducted the affair as accusedDmoans only about his retreat being wrecked. Readers may tire of Cooper's endless wanderings from one retreat or teacher to another, often spending years in places such as Israel to fulfill his spiritual needs. Such freewheeling lack of responsibility concerning jobs or family makes this book a bit hard for the hoi polloi to relate to.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

With his investigation of Sufism and Buddhism as well as Judaism, one can sense that Cooper, author of God Is a Verb and other spiritual texts, is not one's usual rabbi. The book is autobiographical in that Cooper takes the reader along with him as he investigates the meditative practices of the three traditions. The reader learns by observing the master at work, so to speak, in this case witnessing progress over a 20-year period. After all, in the mystical approach, the journey itself is the focus. Some might be confounded by the mixing of several traditions, but Cooper intends to find the common truth that has caused different spiritual teaching to endure. He also believes that we all have the potential for spiritual growth. His book should appeal to those looking for help or encouragement on their journey. For academic and public libraries.DJohn Moryl, Yeshiva Univ. Lib., New York
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Skylight Paths Publishing; 2nd Rev edition (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893361225
• ISBN-13: 978-1893361225
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #226,093 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #65 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam > Sufism