True and Useful™

A Year with Rumi: Daily Readings

Coleman Barks has played a central role in making the Sufi mystic Rumi the most popular poet in the world. A Year with Rumi brings together 365 of Barks's elegant and beautiful translations of Rumi's greatest poems, including fifteen never-before-published poems.

Barks includes an Introduction that sets Rumi in his context and an Afterword musing on poetry of the mysterious and the sacred. Join Coleman Barks and Rumi for a year-long journey into the mystical and sacred within and without. Join them in recognizing and embracing the divine in the sublime, in the ordinary, and in us all.

Jalalud'din Rumi, born in 1207 in what is now known as Afghanistan, is one of the world’s most revered mystical poets.  During his lifetime he produced a prolific range of inspiring and devotional poetry which encapsulates the sufi's experience of  union with the divine.  These timeless classics have enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, as Rumi has become one of our most popular poets.

Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: HarperOne (October 31, 2006)

The Second Book of the Tao by Stephen Mitchell

The most widely translated book in world literature after the Bible, Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, is the classic manual on the art of living. Following the phenomenal success of his own version of the Tao Te Ching, renowned scholar and translator Stephen Mitchell has composed The Second Book of the Tao. Drawn from the work of Lao-tzu's disciple Chuang- tzu and Confucius's grandson Tzu-ssu, The Second Book of the Tao collects the freshest, most profound teachings from these two great students of the Tao to offer Western readers a path into reality that has nothing to do with east or west, but everything to do with truth. With his own illuminating commentary alongside each adaptation, explicating and complementing the text, Mitchell makes the ancient teachings at once modern, relevant, and timeless.

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (January 5, 2010)

Love is Letting Go of Fear by Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D.

An inspirational classic since 1979, this book remains one of the seminal works in the transpersonal movement.  Dr. Jampolsky’s timeless message may be timelier today than ever: the only thing that stands between us and the awesome energy of love is fear.  To live without fear, we must stop analyzing it, stop agonizing over it, stop fighting with it, and simply . . . let it go.

To help us in this difficult journey from fear to love, Dr. Jampolsky presents tools in the form of 12 daily, progressive lessons for personal transformation. These crucial lessons work through the concepts of giving, forgiveness, cause and effect, perspective, reactive behavior, victimhood, judgment, living in the present, releasing the past, visualization, freedom to choose, and taking responsibility.

Paperback: 152 pages
Publisher: Celestial Arts; 25 Anv edition (April 13, 2004)

Spiritual Economicsby Eric Butterworth

Paperback: 218 pages
Publisher: Unity Books; 3rd edition (February 2001)

Eric Butterworth reminds us in straightforward, non-theological language that we have the power and the means within us to live abundantly.  In this book you will learn to work with the flow of life instead of against it, develop a prosperous attitude about money, health and love, and maintain your inner focus on affluence.

This powerful little book proves that good things do indeed come in small packages.  Eric Butterworth has a unique and highly effective approach to supporting the development of prosperity consciousness.  Each chapter is filled with inspiring quotes from Jesus to Walt Whitman to Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Butterworth illustrates in many practical ways that the common problem of need stems from lack of awareness rather than lack of abundance.

Peace, Love and Chocolate: Spiritual Humor and other Stuff by Benny Aabamadamabaa

Paperback: 120 pages
Publisher: IUniverse (June 25, 2001)

Peace, Love and Chocolate: Spiritual Humor and other Stuff works on more than one level. First and foremost, it's supposed to make you laugh. Laughing makes you feel better, so it is not only the "best medicine," but also the best spiritual exercise.

This book will also lead you to think, to question and to see the familiar in a different light. Learning can be a pleasure with this little book, but don't let the learning get in the way of the laughing.

 

The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality by the Dalai Lama

Fascinated by science since boyhood, the Dalai Lama, unlike fundamentalists who resist scientific realities, has become convinced that a dialogue between religion and science will advance the wisdom of both disciplines and greatly benefit humankind. He explains why in illuminating explications of how Buddhism and science are both predicated on focused observation, reasoning, and the ability to abandon outmoded ideas in the ongoing search for reality. He compares quantum physics with Buddhist philosophy and reveals how the theory of evolution echoes the Buddhist understanding that all of life is interconnected and in flux, and he writes with deep feeling about the pressing ethical questions raised by advancements in biotechnology. For all the provocative and detailed reasoning found in this soulful and mind-expanding book, what emerges most powerfully is the Dalai Lama's belief that science must embrace Buddhism's mission and work toward increasing compassion and alleviating suffering.

When Things Fall Apart

I recommended this book a few years ago on the earlier incarnation of True and Useful, but I'm highlighting it again because in my opinion it is even more timely and helpful than when first published.

Pema Chodron, widely known for her charming and down-to-earth interpretation of Tibetan Buddhism for Western audiences, states in a postscript to this book: "We live in difficult times. One senses a possibility they may get worse." Chodron's book is filled with useful advice about how Buddhism helps readers to cope with the grim realities of modern life, including fear, despair, rage and the feeling that we are not in control of our lives. Through reflections on the central Buddhist teaching of right mindfulness, Chodron orients readers and gives them language with which to shape their thinking about the ordinary and extraordinary traumas of modern life. But, most importantly, Chodron demonstrates how effective the Buddhist point of view can be in bringing order into disordered lives.

The Pocket Pema Chodron

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Shambhala (12-9-08)

Here is a treasury of short selections from the best-selling books of Pema Chödrön, the beloved Tibetan Buddhist nun. Sized to fit easily into a pocket or purse, this little book can be taken anywhere, providing on-the-go inspiration. Topics include opening the heart; becoming fearless; breaking free of destructive patterns; developing patience and joy; and discovering one’s natural warmth, intelligence, and goodness.

Positive Thinking Every Day: An Inspiration for Each Day of the Year

Author: Norman Vincent Peale
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Fireside (12/6/93)

Considering the current state of economic affairs, it seems like each of us could benefit from daily positive inspiration. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale is considered the guru of positive thinking. His philosophy has had an unprecedented influence on millions of people throughout the world.

This collection of daily inspirational passages has been excerpted from nine of his books, including the classic The Power of Positive Thinking. With a new introduction by Dr. Peale, Positive Thinking Every Day offers a daily boost that may help you make each day the best it can be.

365 Prescriptions for the Soul: Daily Messages of Inspiration, Hope, and Love

365 Prescriptions for the Soul

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: New World Library;
First Trade Paper Edition edition
(February 1, 2009)

Dr. Bernie Siegel writes with humorous, down-to-earth wisdom that has improved the lives of countless readers.

In 365 Prescriptions for the Soul, he treats us to his most user-friendly work of all: daily doses of inspiration and humor that gently and joyfully help us live more peaceful, loving, and fulfilling lives.

I find daily message books very helpful because they dispense helpful wisdom in small doses that I can work with each day.

The Joy of Living

The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness

by Yongey Rinpoche Mingyur, Eric Swanson, and Daniel Goleman

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Three Rivers Press (May 27, 2008)

This refreshing book is yet another sign that the next generation of Buddhism is creative, cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary. Born in 1975 in Nepal, the author is among the generation of Tibetan lamas trained outside of Tibet, and he's also a gifted meditator. His brain activity has been measured during meditation, earning him the enviable sobriquet of "happiest man on earth." He fuses scientific and spiritual considerations, explaining meditation as a physical as well as a spiritual process. Mingyur Rinpoche knows from experience that meditation can change the brain. He experienced panic attacks as a child that he was able to overcome through intensive meditation. If diligently practiced, meditation can affect the "neuronal gossip"—his imaginative rendering of brain cell communication—that keeps us stuck in unhappy behaviors. The meditation master offers a wide variety of techniques, counseling ease in practice to avoid boredom or aversion. Less is more; practice shorter periods more often, he says. His approach will be especially welcome for anyone frustrated by meditation or convinced they're "not doing it right." This book is a fresh breath from the meditation room, written with kindness, energy and wit. Three cheers for a cheerful contemplative.

"Gratitude, not understanding, is the secret to joy and equanimity."

~Anne Lamott

Books on Zen

If you're interested in exploring Zen, here are two highly recommended books.

Everyday Zen: Love and Work (Plus)
by Charlotte J. Beck

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: HarperOne; 1 edition (September 4, 2007)

Charlotte Joko Beck offers a warm, engaging, uniquely American approach to using Zen to deal with the problems of daily living—love, relationships, work, fear, ambition, and suffering. Everyday Zen shows us how to live each moment to the fullest. This Plus edition includes an interview with the author.

The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment
by Philip Kapleau Roshi

Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Anchor; Rev Exp edition (February 27, 1989)

Through explorations of the three pillars of Zen--teaching, practice, and enlightenment--Roshi Philip Kapleau presents a comprehensive overview of the history and discipline of Zen Buddhism.  An established classic, this 35th anniversary edition features new illustrations and photographs, as well as a new afterword by Sensei Bodhin Kjolhede, who has succeeded Philip Kapleau as spiritual director of the Rochester Zen Center, one of the oldest and most influential Zen centers in the United States.

Loving-kindness relaxation focus for parents

Parents of teens often feel worn out. When your frustrations accumulate without releasing negative emotions, it becomes much more difficult to make wise parenting choices. To decrease anger, anxiety or sadness, reconnect with the loving kindness contained in your heart.

The easiest way to return to love and stay in your heart space even when you’re feeling challenged, is to do this relaxation exercise.

1. Sit comfortably in a quiet spot where you will not be disturbed and close your eyes to shut out any external distractions.

2. Connect to your own heart by using your inner vision, imagine a beautiful shade of green emanating from your heart. See the color green flowing into your entire body. Notice the warmth and love you feel.

3. Take a few conscious breaths; inhale the color green naturally and exhale slowly. Don’t worry about whether you’re doing it “right”. Stay calm.

4. Now deepen the connection by focusing on something you can appreciate about yourself. Select something that helps you feel great about yourself. If this feels difficult, select a word or phrase that is meaningful to you like joy, love or hope.

5. Stay in this peaceful place for at least five minutes to calm yourself and release tension. Then work your way up to 20 minutes a day by extending this exercise in 5-minute increments. Open your eyes and give yourself another 30 seconds before standing.

This is a wonderful exercise for experiencing more loving kindness for yourself, toward your teens or another person you find troubling. Parents report that they experience their heart opening and their anxiety disappearing.

While exercising the mind and body is important to our well-being so is exercising the heart. When you do, you’ll be kinder to yourself and your parenting will become more open, flexible, and confident.

~Barbara McRae, MCC
Teen Parenting Expert, Campus Calm.com Blog
author of Coach Your Teen to Success

Quote of the Week

 

"Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others."

"The more fully we give our energy, the more it returns to us."

"If your compassion does not include yourself,
it is incomplete."

~Jack Kornfield

Buddha's Little Instruction Book

The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace By Jack Kornfield

The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace

By Jack Kornfield

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Bantam; Reprint edition (April 29, 2008)

Bestselling author Jack Kornfield has put together a how-to book--his most ambitious work yet--to encourage the best side of humanity. In The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace, Kornfield uses the evocative power of aphorisms to spark feelings and thoughts that can germinate and grow. After a chapter of aphorisms and quotations on each of the title's three topics, Kornfield offers a related series of meditations that show how to cultivate what the aphorisms have prepared. Whereas essays tend to be read through and forgotten, this book invites a deliberate pace, with the reader filling in the blanks, taking time away for meditation, then coming back for more inspiration. Never descending into triteness, Kornfield is realistic on tough issues, encouraging awareness and persistence over resignation and indifference.

Kornfield strives to demonstrate that forgiveness is a process, and that it is possible for flawed and ordinary people to forgive others and themselves. A concluding section on inner peace is a humble and wise primer; Kornfield makes the point that true inner peace does not arise from withdrawal from the world but from greater connectedness with it. Each section includes actual rituals to encourage readers to forgive, practice lovingkindness and know peace.

If you yearn to open your heart, open the pages of Kornfield's latest.