5 comments about One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps.

1. Marvelous book. Especially of help to anyone in any Twelve Step program that struggles with the idea of GOD as their Higher Power. This book gave me a lot of insight into other ways of understanding the twelve steps. You don't need to know a lot about Buddhism to get a lot out of this book. And if you know just a little about Buddhism, your knowledge and your practice will strengthen. Highly recommended.



2. As I've been going through the Steps, I have my sponsor, AA support, and many books as my guides. When I compare the steps in each of the books (Big Book, 12x12, etc.) to One Breathe at a Time, this is the one that speaks in a language I can understand, that helped me clarify my "higher power." If you have leanings toward Eastern philosophy and are somewhat put off by the Christian focus of AA, then give this one a shot. In any case, it can't hurt to have another perspective, and this guy's been through it.



3. This was an excellent read and I would recommend it to anybody involved with a 12 step program. Taken with the 12x12 it provides some perspective of the steps, discussing them in more contemporary language. I am not a Buddhist and have no wish to become one, but find there is quite a bit of useful content in the book for anyone in recovery. I've been at this for 25 years now, with countless big book and step studies over the years. I am not a joiner or in the market for a religion, but this book does provide intriguing references to concepts in Buddhism worth pursuing. You don't necessarily need the brand name to make use of something that works. I think one aspect of particular use will be working with a concept of a higher power outside the structure of the Christian traditions. I have to disagree with the earlier reviewer - the author does address his concept of a higher power.



4. Nobody in today's A.A. should assume he is entitled to throw rocks at Christianity or atheism or Buddhism.A New Way Out: New Path - Familiar Road Signs - Our Creator's Guidance. A.A. was a Christian Fellowship when it began.The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous. It required acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It required belief in God.The Golden Text of A.A.: God, the Pioneers, and Real Spirituality. And it emphasized Bible study, prayer meetings, and revelation from the Creator as well as reading Christian literature.The Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.'s Roots in the Bible (Bridge Builders Edition).
   But things have changed--dramatically. A.A. today is not Christian, nor is it a Christian Fellowship. Nor can its book or its steps or its fellowship be changed to say they embrace atheism, Buddhism, Roman Catholicism, humanism, or the unbelief and doubt of some members. It's there with all its universalism and secularism, and it's there to stay. And it calls for tolerance and love, not criticism and rejection.
   However, it also calls for choice. He who puts Jesus in the Twelve Steps; he who thinks there is a "higher power" that is a light bulb; and he who worships some other deity is not speaking of the A.A. founded and developed by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron.Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous: His Excellent Training in the Good Book As a Youngster in Vermont, and The Conversion of Bill W.: More on the Creator's Role in Early A.A.. As a matter of fact, when Bill was working with the Jesuit priest Father John Ford and writing Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Ford suggested that there should be sanctions against those who didn't fit the A.A. mold. Bill Wilson rejected the suggestion; and, in correspondence with Ford that I personally saw and copied, Bill said he didn't much care what the Budhhists did with the Twelve Steps.New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A. (2d ed.).
   I really don't know any better answer, other than that embraced in this kind of tolerance. If someone wants to use prayer beads or chants, they're free to do so in the present Twelve Step fellowships. But I believe all, including this author, should be acquainted with the history of A.A., report it, respect it, and then choose the religious or nonreligious route he or she will pursue today.Introduction to the Sources and Founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. I am speaking as a recovered Christian member of A.A. who has lasted twenty-two years while counting Bill Wilson's secretary Nell Wing (a Bhuddist)as a good friend. Also counting as my very close AA friend, "Yosemite Tom," who set up our great campouts and then pitched his tent in the middle and did Buddhist chants all night long. Also counting as my good friend Seymour W., a devout Jew, who never failed to mention God and his own prayer life in our regular Wednesday meeting and elsewhere. None of these things offended me or converted me to Buddhism or Judaism. They let me see how broad the road is today.



5. An intriguing perspective on 12 Step programs. Having written a book about walking that fine line between compassion and codependence, I found this book insightful and inspiring. - Rita Schiano, author of Sweet Bitter Love

5 comments about Don't Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions.

1. The entire book is wonderful -- after reading so many works (and listening to some talks) by noted teachers and other Buddhist practitioners about this or that element of the philosophy/faith, it's refreshing to just hear someone talk. That is, rather than innundating a lay listening like myself with this or that concept in Sanskrit or Pali and using confusing allegories that made perfect sense when they were related several thousand years ago, listening to the wonderful words of Pema Chodron is so nice.
   Above all other teachers, she talks to me -- and the many thousands of others who listen to hear -- as if she were a friend. She tells me about her own experiences and then makes fun of herself and so I don't feel like she's someone above me, someone to work at trying to be. She just seems to be someone who is further along the same path I'm walking down.
   The only reason that I have any problem with this audio book is that the idea of Shenpa in the book was still a little unclear to me after I had finished it. Although now I know that Shenpa is a bit ephemeral; this was never explained, clearly at least, in the book.



2. This is an advisory not a review. The content of these three CD's is excellent. When Pema speaks there is a continual popping-clicking sound which is not present when Robert Walker the reader speaks. This indicates to me a defect in the original recording, perhaps in her attached microphone. I'm surprised these weren't picked up by the sound technicians and the noises eliminated during the recording. These odd sounds exist through the entire recording and for me were disconcerting.
   Listening to Pema speak I was getting annoyed by the strange crackling sounds when I realized she was discussing "bourgeois suffering"--those minor things that irritate all of us, traffic jams, rude people, not getting your correct seat in an airplane, etc. I laughed and finished all three CD's, crackling sounds and all. If odd noises like this bother you, be forewarned.



3. Pema Chodron explains the Buddhist philosophy in this as well as her many other CDs in a clear, relevant manner with just the right touch of humor relating to the human condition. She has mastered the philosophy, yet her modesty lets the listener know that she has been where we listeners often are. Easier to absorb than reading, for me, and a lot more fun. A great way to clear the mind at night when trying to get negative thoughts out of my head and helpful to prepare for sleep. I actually fall asleep with the headphones on and hope that perhaps my subconscious is learning her explanations of various instructions. Super for the novice or the more advanced student.



4. Good practical advice that allows you to get to know yourself. This CD helps you to practice spiritual principles in our daily lives. Loved it!



5. This recording is ok. I had not heard Pema speak before and she does have an engaging speakers voice. I was disappointed however as I did not realize this recording is mostly about interpreting verses from Shantideva's writings. I wanted more practical advice (from a buddhist perspective) on how to deal with anger. I don't believe this recording provided that. Would I buy it again knowing what I know now? No, there is not a lot of substance to it.

5 comments about A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life.

1. This one is not lightweight fluff. It's very thought-provoking and fascinating. I'm taking my time with it, but am very glad I bought it.



2. I have MANY books on spirituality,buddhism,science and Yoga,and this book was a purchase required for my Yoga teacher training. However once I started reading it I was really happy to continue reading!it just is filled with everthing nessisary in helping you along your lifes path.Based on Buddhim at it's core,however it is not about Buddhism or teaching you about it's phylosophy. The author uses his knowledge and understanding and life experiences to help you along your path. The book leaves nothing un turned, it deals with everything! i have many books and there was still many things in the book that touched and moved me dearly.
   I would certainly recomend this book to ANYONE,it is a great book for anyone regardless of their beliefs.Try it and you will feel thankful you did!



3. This book is inspiring. Kornfield makes many important points, the most central being: does your path have a heart? I understand this to mean: reflect on what is most valuable to you in life. Read about the experiences of people near death and what they consider to be the best parts of their lives. Then ask yourself: is your path leading you to this valuable center of living?
   
   Jack is excellent at describing the perils of spiritual striving: the ways that by striving to attain some fixed notion of "spirituality" that we actually increase our self-divisions and compartmentalization. I agree with him that working closely with a healer (which could be a psychotherapist, or could be someone with a different title) is necessary to resolve stuck family karma and to see into our blind spots.



4. While it is very 'pragmatic', I think this will be it's downfall. All the mystery is replaced with how 'meditation' will be such an aid in making one righteous. EMPTINESS and NO-SELF (rather wondrous buddhist teachings) are treated, in my opinion, to a very one-sided interpretation. Only those taken with 'sitting' will find this book inspiring.
   
   Here's a sample:
   'As our development of self grows and our heart becomes less entangled, we begin to discover a deeper truth about self. We do not have to improve ourselves; we just have to let go or what blocks our heart.' (pg. 209)
   
   This sounds rather too psychological for me. If its psychology we're advocating (very pragmatic) then lets call a spade a spade. Aren't we merely using 'meditation' to work on ourselves? Oh, and all those 'paradoxical' buddhist terms really are nothing more then the way Easterners talk about what we call psychology, only they use 'meditation' instead of a couch! It's ok if one feels that way, however, that may obscure things that don't fit that profile. The real danger here.
   
   
   "Wishing to get out of birth and death, wishing to attain release, you try to become unified; but one does not attain unification after becoming homogenized. If you try to make yourself unified, you will certainly not attain unification." Chan Master Foyan (1067-1120)



5. I found this book to be very helpful in approaching Buddhism generally and Buddhist meditation specifically. I learned a lot about what to expect out of any Buddhist practice as well as pitfalls. So why not 5 stars? Well, as an atheist I find certain things a little difficult to accept: rebirth and karma as an example.

5 comments about Zen And the Art of Happiness.

1. I love this book! It's small, yet profound. One of the best books I've ever read and I read a lot! I've bought several more to give to others. If you are thinking about getting a copy - get one and then once you read it, you'll probably want to get more for your friends/family. I also recommend Thich Nhat Hanh's books- very very good.



2. This book is a great example of good things coming in small packages. At only 142 pages, it can easily be read over a long weekend and the only reason you'll stop reading is when you stop and reflect on what's inside. Prentiss presents some great elemental concepts of thinking and perspective in a clear, easy to read manner.
   
   I will admit some of the descriptions and anecdotes were a bit tough to grasp at first, but when Prentiss tells the story of his reaction when his new car got scratched everything in the book seemed to fall into place for me. When that happened, I actually went back to page one and it was as if I was seeing through some kind of fog for the first time.
   
   For me, this book is a great first step - I've since picked up several other books on Zen thought and Buddhism and I hope I'm as happy with learning from them as I am with this great little book. Prentiss' book has also inspired me to act on a daily basis - to create good habits and to stop playing the victim card so often. This book will stay in my permanent collection and I will be purchasing copies for my friends and family soon.



3. I purchased this book as I was begining treatment for Depression and even though it may have "nothing to do with zen", the message of the book does bring a zen-like peace when I read it. I would recomend this book to anyone going through tough times.



4. Once in a while, along comes a book that simply 'blow's your mind'and at the same time increases your understanding about life like nothing else does. The Zen art of happiness is just such a book.
   Before I read it I used to wonder why adverse occurances in my life happened. In fact I used to dwell constantly about them making myself unhappy into the bargain.
   The author, Chris Prentiss asks the reader to start off by accepting the premise that these so-called 'adverse events' are perfect for us and exactly what we need to work on in order to strengthen our weaknesses.
   Not only that, he maintains that 'the Universe' (some would say God) knows our every word, thought and deed and responds by sending these occurances to us.
   He maintains that we constantly contravene 'Universal Laws'(example is the law of cause and effect)that are as real as gravity and unlike man-made laws, never change and are applicable to everyone no matter where they live on the earth.
   The book is only 160 pages long, but is packed with information that feels 'intuitively true'.
   I am now into my fourth time of reading and I am still as excited by his work as I was the first time.
   If you want to become happier by making sense of life, then get this book that I rate as one of the best I have ever read.



5. I think this is a great little book. I am a Christian... where as some Christians think reading a buddhist book goes away from Christ, many of the topics and practices of the buddhist are very Christ like. Where the author may speak about the energy of the universe, I just see that as God. Great reminders here to remove our focus off ourselves and think of our neighbors... and isn't that also what Christ taught! Great book for anyone trying to grow in who they are... I will read this one over and over.

5 comments about Buddhism for Beginners.

1. This book is nicely written and is a good introduction to classic Buddhism-I would also recommend FREE YOUR MIND by Sensei Anthony Stultz Free Your Mind: The Four Directions of an Awakened Life as a companion volume which offers a more contemporary approach-together they provide an excellent overview of Buddhist wisdom.



2. This book although useful is more of a question and answer session instead of a how to go about practicing Buddhism.
   I really wanted something that explained what I must do to practice Buddhism. What I should read ie: Darhma, Sutra etc. It talks about meditation but does not tell you how to go about doing this and the methods you should use.
   I was slightly dissapointed.



3. "Chodron's plain English makes her beginner's guide nearly perfect for those new to Buddhism and those who simple want to learn more."--Booklist, American Library Association
   
   "This is a very thoughtful contribution to Buddhist teachings."--NAPRA ReView
   
   "A very compassionate book. Her approach is nonsectarian and emphasizes the basic unity found within Buddhism."--Ryo Imamura, Jodo Shin Priest and Professor of Psychology at Evergreen State College
   
   "Her lucid, correct, clear, and convincing manner is highly commendable."--Ven. Dr. Havanpola Ratanasara, College of Buddhist Studies, Los Angeles
   
   "A beginner's guide to making life more simple and joyful."--Elizabeth Barker, New Age Journal
   
   "Ven. Thubten Chodron is especially skilled in presenting Buddhist philosophy and practices in ways that are easily accessible and practical for Buddhists who live in the Western world."--Ven. Hung I Shih, Abbot, Jade Buddha Temple, Houston
   
   "By answering the most basic questions, Thubten Chodron helps practitioners dispel confusion and gain a realistic, down-to-earth approach to the Buddhist path."--Alexander Berzin
   
   "A beautifully simple book for the curious, beginner, or anyone who has ever thought about practicing. This book allows the reader to go from cover to cover, or skip to the chapters that truly interest them. There are no mystical words, no vague references or language problems. It's simple, basic English that will answer almost all the questions you have ever wanted to ask about Buddhism, but didn't know which book to read or who to ask."--Amazon Books
   
   "This is the perfect gift for family and friends who wish to understand one's engagement with Buddhism. Thubten Chodron combines several decades of traditional training in Tibetan Buddhism with western psychotherapeutic relevance....That quality of integration is where the Venerable Thubten Chodron is such a powerful writer and teacher."--Branches of Light of Banyon Books
   
   "Here is an excellent introduction to Buddhism. Most importantly, it offers good advice for anyone who wants to lead a more sane, balanced, and compassionate life."--Bodhi Tree Book Review
   
   "I'd recommend this book not just for people interested in Buddhism, but really for everyone. A lot of what is mentioned is really common sense: be compassionate, tolerant, truly enjoy things, ask questions, which, in this day and age, we sometimes tend to forget. Consider this a 'refresher course in life.'"--The Feminist Review



4. This book was very informative and written in a "Q&A" style that made it so simple to understand. If you are contemplating Buddhism, or just looking for more information on the practices, this is THE book for you. It is a very quick read and very informative. I found it key to my making a decision to join the Buddhist Faith.



5. I agree with the title of another review, "Buddhism 101". This book gives you all the basics in a thorough, yet easy to understand manner. If you know a little about Buddhism but want to know what it all means, this is the book for you. Another review said it was not a good book for the layperson, but I disagree. This is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to learn more about Buddhism. The author writes very well, which is a bonus in my opinion. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Getting Unstuck: Breaking Your Habitual Patterns & Encountering Naked Reality.

1. Getting Unstuck is helpful and I know I will be listening to the thoughts over and over. Nancy



2. I have not opened it yet. I did not realize I was buying a CD; I wanted the book. Is there a possibility of replacing my upopened CD with a book?



3. This is very worthwhile if you are struggling to break free of self-limiting habitual thoughts and actions. It's not cure, but it's a process.



4. Perhaps the title doesn't exactly describe Pema's discussion topics but nevertheless what she talks about it well worth it!! Pema's insights and her ability to explain them in simple Western ways makes her a gem. The practices and teachings discussed in "Getting Unstuck" will stick with me forever and ever. They are very meaningful, helpful, realistic, understandable and practical.
   If you are looking for a fresh way to examine why you do the things you do (over and over again), this Pema seminar is for you!



5. This CD set is taken from a series of classes given by Pema Chodron to help us to understand that we can have some control over the thoughts and emotions that enter our minds. Although meditation is the primary tool used by Buddhists to be become of aware of and work with thoughts and emotions, the information given by Pema Chodron is not specific to meditation. We all have trouble dealing with our emotions at times, and these teachings help us to see what it is that we are dealing with and offers advise on how to deal with our emotions. I don't meditate, but I found the information to be very useful and I believe it can be of benefit to everyone. Pema Chodron speaks in a very accessable manner and uses stories and humor to illustrate her teachings, making it very easy to listen to these CD's. I can't imagine that anyone would not appreciate hearing them--I've listened to them several times. I highly recommend this set.

5 comments about Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World.

1. I'd add another 5-star for this book.
   
   If you are trying to pick up your first book about Buddhism, I'd enthusiastically recomdend this one.
   
   I've read Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" which is another fantastic introduction to Buddhism and it inspired me a lot.
   However, "Awakening the Buddha Within" truly shook my world. It's so much more personal and "hands-on."
   I love the lama's warmth and sence of humour as well.
   
   Probably it's because of the different teaching styles of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism...
   (If you are a proud atheist and just hate any mythtical stuff, Thich Nhat Hanh is the better choice, though)
   
   Lama Surya Das is My teacher now.
   As a practicing Buddhist, I will follow his instructions for my life.
   Seriously and joyfully.



2. I heard about this book in a Revolver magazine article featuring Tommy Lee, it's one of his recommendations (don't let that deter you from it). It's an excellent read for anyone who's ever wanted to learn about Buddhism. If you have real intentions of adopting a spiritual practice, reading this book is a great way to start. It's written in terms that are understandable to young adults of at least slightly above average intelligence. It's incredibly thought provoking, and even mind-blowing at some points. He does throw in some obscure Buddhist terminology, which is a bit excessive, but that doesn't take away from the message he's sending.
   If you're going through a tough time or seeking purpose in your life, read this book.



3. LOVED this book! Packed full of fabulous information, background, and intructional advice. One to read and re-read.



4. I have had an interest in Buddhism for quite some time and have only recently begun to study and research. It is a daunting, but exciting task. In this time I have read many books on the subject. Some left me so confused I was ready to give up. The Buddha Within was a delight to read......clear, insightful, informative, humorous,but most of all it left me encouraged to continue practicing and studying. This last copy I purchased is for my sister, who has just started being curious about what I'm doing. It is a perfect book for her to start with. I am re-reading it for the second time. A definite must have in your book collection on Buddhism.



5. I naively bought this book after visiting Lama Surya Das's Dzogchen Center in Cambridge, MA (LSD was not there). I am now sorry that I spent my money on it. Somewhat new to Buddhism, I am in no position to evaluate the merits of the book's content--for all I know, it could be full of 100% accurate information, though, judging from some of the other reviews here, I doubt it. Still, there must be something of value here for the spiritual aspirant, right?
   
   I did not have the patience to find out. I can only say that the writing style left me cold. I gamely endured about 100 pages of Surya Das's corny prose, hell-bent on getting my money's worth, until I could no longer stand the platitudes, vague questions, and saccharine proverbs. I can see why some call LSD's books "Dharma lite"--he reads like a brochure. A 400-page, Buddhist brochure. I recommend the reader skip over this one and check out any of the many excellent Buddhist authors out there, like Chogyam Trungpa, Pema Chodron, or Shunryu Suzuki. Anything but this, really.

5 comments about The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying: The Spiritual Classic & International Bestseller; Revised and Updated Edition.

1. This book started me on the Buddhist path years ago because it was so powerful. It's an amazing account of Life and Death and how each of us can look at Death in a whole new light. Since the first day I read this at a teen I have thought of it often and return to it from time to time. After all these years I'm still a Buddhist and haven't looked back. I think everyone ought to read this book.



2. Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice
   Stunning book presenting Tibetan Buddhist philosophy in an easily understood and moving way. I bought this to help myself as I grieved for my mother. I couldn't put it down. Buddhists say you can know only two things for sure in life: 1. You will die. and 2. You don't know when. Makes the time you have on earth very poignant.



3. This is an outstanding book for everybody who is a serious follower of Buddhist philosophy and possibly has also read books by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Very much recommended as a gift also for younger people.



4. It is great book, loving it. good condition and good postage time. Extremely happy with it



5. When I first read this book I found it "very" hard going. As I recognised fairly early on the path, the more difficult something is, the more you have to gain by facing it head on. This book was really the first book that taught me true compassion. Persevere with this book, read it again and again, and you may just find that your whole view of the universe and reality has shifted to something far, far better.

5 comments about Mindfulness in Plain English, Updated and Expanded Edition.

1. This was the first book on Buddhism I ever read, but it wasn't an interest in Buddhism that led me to buy it. Rather, I was in search of a book on meditation. But there were so many too choose from. The only reason I chose Mindfulness in Plain English is because it didn't have the word "meditation" in the title. I was not disappointed by my choice. By the second time through it I realized the power and potential Buddhism and meditation practice and how they could lead to a more peaceful way of life.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Buddhism in general and mindfulness meditation in particular.



2. I havent finished the book yet but I feel if I practice the teachings of meditation as offered by the author it will lead to a much more aware and focused life. I really enjoy the way Joseph Goldstein writes and how honest he is about what to expect. So far I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!



3. If you had to choose just one book to read on how to (and why for that matter) practice mindfulness meditation, this would be the one. Certainly read others, but start with and keep coming back to this book.



4. I've been practicing Vipassana meditation for about 10 years. During this period of time, I read a lot of books and went to a reasonable number of retreats. But I was still missing 'the small picture'. Really. OK, now we are going to get enlightened and all but what do I do during my daily meditation? Concentrate on the breath and that's it? C'mon!
   
   This book takes a very pragmatic approach to meditation. It explains every little detail that you need to know when you sit on the meditation mat. And gives you very good understanding of how concentration and insight work together to get you going in the daily practice.
   
   But to me, this book gave me much more than that. Probably like every practitioner, I've been frustrated by the fact that most of my time on the mat is spent bringing my attention back to the breath from God knows where it was before. But Bhante explains to us that this is exercising your mindfulness! It is the mindfulness that realized you were in the weeds and it is the same mindfulness that brought you back! This gave me a huge motivation to keep practicing at a time when I felt like I was going nowhere.
   
   Then, there are lots of other gems:
   
   - The most important moment of your meditation is when you get up off the mat after you are done meditating.
   
   -Don't bother with the path. Meditation will find its own path.
   
   To summarize, this is the best meditation book I ever read!
   
   Enjoy!



5. This Book is another must have. It is (in plain english) a insight meditation manual to help the beginner learn and the experienced meditator to review. There is real world advice and explainations that will greatly help you understand how to learn meditation. Though no book can replace a caring and experienced teacher this book can certainly improve your understanding. Also the Book Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness and The Four Foundations of Mindfullness go hand in hand with this one and I reccomend getting all there in order to have a much wider view of the practice. I am truly thankful to Bhante Henepola Gunaratana for writing such a life changing book.

5 comments about Guided Mindfulness Meditation (Guided Mindfulness).

1. I am trying to place a reorder to be shipped to my son as I feel that he would like/benefit from it and I cannot find it again on Amazon. HELP!



2. If you read "Full Catastrophe Living" as I did, and found it difficult to put into practice the mindfulness meditations described, these CD's will be a great help. They have been for me, especially with the body scan.
   I actually found it easier to follow without a musical background, as I find myself extremely distracted and annoyed when in an environment where I do not really like the background music. On the other hand, Kabat-Zinn's voice was actually soothing and relaxing to me.
   As for the 'buddhist' comments: I'm sure the Buddha would not have a problem with this book or the related CD's. I'll bet he would welcome anything that helps one to increased mindfullness. I also believe the teachings of Jesus admonish us to be and act mindfully, and this book and CD set have turned out to be a great help in my own personal spiritual growth.



3. In his CD meditations, Kabat-Zinn offers a graet introduction to mindfulness meditation that is non-religious and that acknowledges the challenges beginning meditators have in developing the skill of mindfulness... The CDs are best when accompanied by the Kabat-Zinn's books to give them context. I have used them, have noticed great changes in my daily life (less stress, more enjoyment of everyday activities) and fully recommend them.



4. These CDs have enhanced my life. I listen to them each day to allow me to be mindful of calmness.MBW



5. The CD set exceeded my expectations for ease of use. They are much easier to follow than I anticipated. The mediations are simple and completely agnostic, and therefore should be non-offensive to any religious orientation. I recommend this product to anyone looking for a way to improve their mental and physical health in an extremely enjoyable and accessible manner!