Melvin McLeod Bücher

Most of us have never experienced such deep anxiety and uncertainty in the world as we are in these current times; this anthology of Buddhist teachings offers an antidote. While we can’t control the home foreclosures, job losses, dwindling savings, and the other myriad challenges facing our society, Buddhism teaches us that there is one thing we can always our own state of mind. How we react to the ups and downs of life makes all the difference, and Buddhism offers a wealth of wisdom and practices to help us maintain a stable, wise, and helpful state of mind no matter what happens.In the Face of Fear shows us how to   • remain open, joyful, and caring, even when life is stressful   •  avoid old behavior patterns that only make things worse   •  access our innate confidence and fearlessness   •  turn difficult times into opportunities for spiritual development   • learn why caring for others is the best way to relieve our own suffering   • discover that our true nature is always awake, wise, and good, no matter what is happeningThis anthology features the greatest contemporary Buddhist teachers and writers—people renowned for addressing precisely the problems we’re facing today—including the Dalai Lama, Pema Chödrön, Thich Nhat Hanh, Chögyam Trungpa, Sylvia Boorstein, Jack Kornfield, Norman Fischer, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Sharon Salzberg, and many others.

"I've studied politics my entire life. It's been because of my time working on this book that I've finally learned what's really important in politics." So says Melvin McLeod, editor of Mindful Politics , a book that transcends Right and Left, progressive and conservative, to get to the heart of what how we can all make a positive difference in our complex political world.This is not your typical political book. It's not written at a fever pitch, it doesn't use a good/bad binary, and it doesn't tout partisan policies. Instead, this timely collection addresses the less-discussed but more important questions about What insight does religion have to offer politics? How can we as concerned citizens move beyond the particulars of legislation and party affiliation, and take direct action? How, amid divisive and challenging times, can personal growth and effective advocacy take place together?In short, Mindful Politics offers the perspectives of 34 important authors and thinkers on how each of us, right now, can make the world a better place.McLeod includes essays and insights from some of the brightest, and most controversial, lights of Buddhism - and beyond.Included

Here is this year’s installment in the series Publishers Weekly says “does a great service by highlighting views and themes as they modulate with each passing year.” The Best Buddhist Writing 2010 is an eclectic, inspiring collection of writings from the Buddhist perspective. Selected by the editors of the Shambhala Sun , North America’s leading Buddhist-inspired magazine, the essays, articles, and interviews in this anthology offer an entertaining mix of writing styles and reflect on a wide range of issues.The Best Buddhist Writing 2010 • A question and answer session between children and Thich Nhat Hanh • Stan Goldberg on becoming a hospice volunteer, shortly after his own diagnosis of prostate cancer • Buddhist author and death-row inmate Jarvis Jay Masters on experiencing a few unexpected hours of freedom • Jan Chozen Bays on eating mindfully • Norman Fischer contemplates the death of his best friend • Meditation instructions from Tibetan teacher Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche • Sylvia Boorstein on the deep human connection that emerges when we engage with the joy and suffering of others • Carolyn Rose Gimian on the late Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s advice to “smile at fear” • Gaylon Ferguson on recognizing our natural wakefulness • Pema Chödrön on being open to the opportunities that arise when we experience pain and discomfort in our lives • Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche on finding joy in the midst of life’s difficulties • Steve Silberman’s account of love, prejudice, Buddhism, and marriage • Mary Pipher on moving past despair • Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche on meditation that directs our thoughts and intentions in a positive direction • Jaimal Yogis on his misguided attempt to use Zen to improve his surfing • Lauren Fraser on the Zen-inspired cooks who have influenced the way we cook and eat • And much more