Buddhism

his book opens the way to a deeper knowledge of mahamudra, a Buddhist system of meditation on the nature of the mind. In providing a detailed commentary on the Vajra Song of the first Jamgon Kongtrul (1813-1899), the author elucidates the stages of ground, path, and fruition for those who wish to meditate according to this system.

Nirvana is not to be found in the fulfillment of endless desires, the analysis of profound thoughts, or even hours, days, or years of meditative contemplation. In fact, it is the very act of seeking to obtain happiness, peace, and enlightenment that keeps them out of reach.

Reiki master Diane Stein (author of Essential Reiki, 300,000 copies sold) distills more than 25 years of experience as a hands-on healer, guiding readers seeking a deeper level of knowledge through the three degrees of healing.

These are Zen meditations for modern times -- cold comfort, maybe, for some of us who might want platitudes and the promise of peacefulness being handed to us on a silver platter. Because, as Shaw points out, conflict is a part of life. Zen Buddhism was even founded in conflict. No one can give anyone else peace. Peace comes to those who seek it -- in the moment and for the moment only.

Ancient and modern masters alike have shown us that mindfulness is the direct path to emotional healing and spiritual awakening. In Mindful Dreaming, psychologist David Gordon shows how every dream corresponds to one of the four universal stages of healing and growth that Joseph Campbell called the Mythic Journey—the Calling, Quest, Illumination, and Return—our “search for bliss.