The Wonder of Presence | Free Book
And the Way of Meditative Inquiry
In this compelling collection of talks, interviews, and letters, Toni
Packer provides a comprehensive overview of the path of meditative
inquiry—a nondenominational approach to spiritual growth that
emphasizes the direct experience of the present moment. "The immense
challenge for each one of us," Packer writes, "is can we live our
lives, at least for moments at a time, in the wonder of presence that
is the creative source of everything?" She shows how we can transform
fear, anger, guilt, and attachment to our self-image through simple,
direct awareness. Having recently lost her husband of fifty years,
Packer also speaks with candor and tenderness about the convulsions of
a grieving heart and the peace that undivided awareness can bring.
Toni Packer began studying Zen in 1967 with Roshi Philip Kapleau (author of The Three Pillars of Zen ) at the Rochester Zen Center and was eventually named his successor. Seeing the potentially destructive effects of relying too much on tradition, however, she did not accept the position. Packer is strongly influenced by the teachings of Krishnamurti and has turned away from the traditional forms and hierarchies that are prevalent in many Buddhist schools. Her approach is appealing to many Westerners who find institutionalized practices such as chanting, bowing, and burning incense to be alien and unnecessary.
Toni Packer began studying Zen in 1967 with Roshi Philip Kapleau (author of The Three Pillars of Zen ) at the Rochester Zen Center and was eventually named his successor. Seeing the potentially destructive effects of relying too much on tradition, however, she did not accept the position. Packer is strongly influenced by the teachings of Krishnamurti and has turned away from the traditional forms and hierarchies that are prevalent in many Buddhist schools. Her approach is appealing to many Westerners who find institutionalized practices such as chanting, bowing, and burning incense to be alien and unnecessary.
In The Press
"This refreshingly iconoclastic collection of dharma talks encourages readers to de-emphasize issues such as posture, the 'stages' of enlightenment or the proper meditation techniques in favor of 'effortless being.' Packer's emphasis on awareness and 'the wonder of presence'—combined with her rare ability to make abstract concepts seem simple, even obvious—makes this a welcome addition."— Publishers Weekly
- Title: The Wonder of Presence | Free Book
- Author: Steven
- Created at : 2024-10-23 21:43:45
- Updated at : 2024-10-26 17:44:48
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- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.