All entries filed under this archive
THE REALM OF SHAMBHALA by Shar Khentrul Jampel Lodrö – HIGHLIGHT
Review and Brief Commentary by Christine Heming Shambhala is . . . the ultimate manifestation of peace and harmony. It is the realization … of those two qualities and the revelation of their capacity. Like the sun hidden behind clouds, every so often we can get a ... continuePosted May 11, 2021 by archives-staff
Yasodhara and the Buddha: a novel by Vanessa R. Sasson – HIGHLIGHT
Reviewed by Christine Heming This is the story of Yasodhara, the woman who was married to the one who became the Buddha. . . . After countless lifetimes of shared experiences, he abandoned her without even saying goodbye. . . on the very day she gave birth! Vanessa ... continuePosted March 15, 2021 by archives-staff
A Wild Love for the World: Joanna Macy and the Work for Our Time – HIGHLIGHT
Edited by Stephanie Kaza Book review by Christine Heming As an activist, Buddhist scholar, general systems thinker and deep ecologist, Joanna Macy’s work is far-reaching. Many know her for creating “The Work That Reconnects” and “The Great Turning,” and with her husband Fran, a real-world vision of nuclear ... continuePosted January 16, 2021 by archives-staff
Preparing to Die by Andrew Holocek – HIGHLIGHT
Reviewed by Christine Heming Recently several books have appeared written by well-regarded teachers on the Tibetan Buddhist approach to death and dying. These add to a growing collection of teachings, practices and guidance for the dying and for their caregivers. One might ask if we need yet ... continuePosted September 18, 2020 by archives-staff
Primordial Grace by Robert and Rachel Olds – HIGHLIGHT
a book review by Don Beamish In 1997 artists Robert and Rachel Olds felt the call to enter into a meditation retreat that lasted for nine years and changed their lives forever. It is quite clear that they emerged from retreat with profound realization. Primordial Grace: Earth, ... continuePosted July 10, 2020 by archives-staff
Spacious Minds by Sara E. Lewis – HIGHLIGHT
From Cornell University Press Review by Shastri Steve Gleich Have you ever wondered what it would be like to grow up and live in a Buddhist culture? Would you view the truths of the dharma as common sense? One would be indeed fortunate to be part of a ... continuePosted June 16, 2020 by archives-staff
Dakini Power by Michaela Haas – HIGHLIGHT
A review by Christine Heming Michaela Haas has shared with us her “labor of love” by honoring the lives and accomplishments of twelve female pioneers of Buddhism in the West . . . and these are remarkable women. As individuals they are direct, determined, sharp, humorous, courageous ... continuePosted May 4, 2020 by archives-staff
Know Thyself (Or the algorithms will do it for thee) – HIGHLIGHT
A review of the bestseller by Yuval Noah Harari, by Stephen Gleitch What does a brilliant, Israeli, Oxford educated, gay, 42-year old historian who has meditated daily for 20 years, and has written two best-sellers have to teach us about how to live in this age of ... continuePosted March 2, 2020 by archives-staff
McMindfulness: How Mindfulness Became the New Capitalist Spirituality – HIGHLIGHT
Christine Heming reviews the book by Ronald E. Purser McMindfulness occurs when mindfulness is used, with intention or unwittingly, for self-serving and ego-enhancing purposes that run counter to both Buddhist and Abrahamic prophetic teachings to let go of ego-attachment and enact skillful compassion for everyone. David Forbes, The ... continuePosted December 22, 2019 by archives-staff
The Great Within – The Transformative Power and Psychology of the Spiritual Path – HIGHLIGHT
Christine Heming reviews the new book by Han F. de Wit, PhD. Han de Wit’s story has a familiar ring – the pursuit of Western psychology in the 1970’s only to find it offered little to those who wanted to study and understand the mind. Fortunately for ... continuePosted October 31, 2019 by archives-staff
Favorite Books: An Invitation to Readers of the Times – HIGHLIGHT
If you haven’t fully embraced the digital age (like me) and enjoy holding a book in your hands, you probably have to keep scouting out more shelf space (me too). Then there is the dilemma of how to organize the increasing treasure trove. I’ll share my ... continuePosted September 10, 2019 by archives-staff
Book Review: In Love With the World – HIGHLIGHT
In Love With the World: A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche with Helen Tworkov Reviewed by Christine Heming If you do not recognize the truth of impermanence, you cannot attain genuine realization. You must allow the illusion of ego to die. ... continuePosted August 20, 2019 by archives-staff
Interconnected, Embracing Life in Our Global Society: a new book by the 17th Karmapa – HIGHLIGHT
A book review by Christine Heming Interconnected, Embracing Life in Our Global Society is a deep dive into the Buddhist teaching on interdependence. His Holiness The Karmapa speaks with a gentle tone, a sharp clarity, and at times, a poetic elegance. His aim is help us “think ... continuePosted July 23, 2019 by archives-staff
Teaching with Bravery: Meditation and Heart Advice for Teachers – HIGHLIGHT
Christine Heming reviews the new book by Acharya Noel McLellan. In the Introduction to Teaching with Bravery, Noel McLellan places his “Heart Advice” within the daunting realities of our time – “ecological crisis, social injustice, economic disparities, and political conflicts.” School is the “place where the forces ... continuePosted June 25, 2019 by archives-staff
Islands of Sanity – HIGHLIGHT
Christine Heming reviews Margaret Wheatley’s new book, Who Do We Choose to Be? Who Do We Choose To Be by Margaret Wheatley “Is it possible to use our influence and power to create islands of sanity in the midst of a raging destructive sea.” I was drawn to Margaret ... continuePosted May 27, 2019 by archives-staff