Grassroots Zen envisions a socially engaged Buddhism where zazen is integrated each day with work, family, and social obligations.Though both authors have practiced traditional Zen for decades here they eschew the militaristic, patriarchal tendencies of Zen in favor of "an egalitarian community of socially mobile members who place less emphasis upon transmission and hierarchy than on individual responsibility."

Jewish mystics from biblical times to the present have explored the hidden secrets of the Torah in quest of a single goal: to lose the self in the Infinite "No-thingness" (Ein Sof) and be at one with God. In language accessible to the layperson, this Shambhala Guide provides a detailed introduction to the complex world of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism. With an extensive background in meditation practice, Perle Besserman emphasizes Kabbalah's spiritual disciplines, grounded in righteous liv...

Sharon Berg, a middle-aged divorcee with two children has gainful employment working overtime for the mysterious Rabbi Joachim, spiritual director of the Center for Mystical Judaism. Set in Coney Island, Sharon’s efforts at making a life for herself and her children take readers on a journey though Hasidism as it exists today including its schools for children and the fundamentalist characters that run them. When the Rabbi travels to Israel on a mission, and fails to return, Sharon must co...

A woman's search for meaning takes her across continents and through the complexities of love and faith.Fay Watkins, a spirited Texan, embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads her from Mexico's revolutionary fervor to New York's intellectual circles, and beyond. Her quest for enlightenment is fueled by a naive idealism, resulting in impulsive decisions and a series of transformative relationships.As Fay navigates love, loss, and spiritual awakening...

A new view of Jesus as a Buddha-like wisdom teacher who taught the transformation of consciousness—with traditional contemplative practices you can do yourselfIf you put aside what you think you know about Jesus and approach the Gospels as though for the first time, something remarkable happens: Jesus emerges as a teacher of the transformation of consciousness.The Wisdom Jesus provides a new perspective on Christ and an expansive interpretation of ...

A portable collection of short inspirational readings by “one of the world's wisest women”—the American Buddhist teacher and author of When Things Fall Apart (O, the Oprah Magazine)Pema Chödrön, beloved Buddhist nun and best-selling author, offers this treasury of 108 short selections from her more than four decades of study and writings. Here she presents teachings on breaking free of destructive patterns; developing patience, kindness, and joy a...

Manifesting God is about the principles of contemplative prayerthe retreat into the "inner room" mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 6:6, where the individual is able to meet God. In the inner room, the silent space in which God unloads the burdens and false selves that govern our individuality and our daily lives, God acts as a divine therapist, healing us and forcing us to recognize how many barriers we put up between ourselves and an authentic relationship with God. The process whereby th...

108 practical teachings for cultivating mindfulness and compassion in the face of fear and uncertainty, from the author of When Things Fall ApartComfortable with Uncertainty offers short, stand-alone readings designed to help us cultivate compassion and awareness amid the challenges of daily living. More than a collection of thoughts for the day, it offers a progressive program of spiritual study, leading the reader through essential conc...

A mindful and spiritual approach to manifesting and using our own power—from a national bestselling author and world-renowned Buddhist monk“Among Buddhist leaders influential in the West, Thich Nhat Hanh ranks second only to the Dalai Lama.” — The New York TimesEvery day, in every interaction, we all exercise power. The choices we make, the way we communicate, the relationships we form, and the way we choose to view the wo...

There can be no perfecting above without the perfecting influence of humans when they are righteous and act from love. (Zohar 2:155a)The Essence of Kabbalah explains the mysticism of the Torah and the other books in the Hebrew Bible, and presents an overview of the historical trends that have shaped Kabbalah as it is known today. It examines the interpretative methods that are viewed as unlocking the secrets of the Torah - those teachings that point to the inner fabric of creation....

Instant bestseller: Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön shares life-changing practices for living with wisdom, confidence, and integrity amidst confusing situations and uncertain timesWe live in difficult times. Life so often seems like a turbulent river threatening to drown us and destroy our world. Why, then, shouldn’t we cling to the certainty of the comfortable—to our deep-seated habits and familiar ways? Because, Pema Chödrön teaches, that kind of fear-based clingin...

When Christians are confronted by media with a "new" theology, they aren't always sure what to do. It may sound spiritual, almost Christian. But something isn't quite right. Richard Abanes helps believers as well as the curious understand that Eckhart Tolle's message in A New Earth is dangerous. He then provides a clear biblical response to this New Age message. Topics include Tolle's misuse of Scripture, false teachings on God, the Bible's teaching on evil, A New Earth's version of salvat...