The Pure Joy Of Being An Illustrated Introduction To The Story Of The Buddha And The Practice Of Meditation

An illustrated introduction to the history of Buddhism through teachings on its relevance today and simple meditation practices. There is only one moment in time when it is essential to awaken. That moment is now. —Buddha The art of Buddhism beautifully depicts enlightened beings who demonstrate the practice of meditation yet, while deeply inspiring, art alone cannot teach one to meditate. In The Pure Joy of Being Fabrice Midal brings together traditional Buddhist art with enlightening text as a way to teach the tradition and practice of meditation. Filled with images of bodhisattvas and awakened beings who illustrate the possibility of freedom, alongside practical instruction, advice, and meditations for the everyday situations we face on a daily basis, this book is an accessible introduction to meditation and the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings. To meditate is to remain in the present moment with attention and benevolence, to remove the desire to manage everything, and to open yourself up to life and all that is possible. It’s as simple as that. And yet, meditating is not easy. What is true happiness? How can we overcome difficulties in life with courage? Can meditation help in today’s world? The Pure Joy of Being teaches that the goal of meditation is to turn us into beings that are more human, and capable of thinking, feeling, and loving better. It offers contemporary practices to set us on this path.

An illustrated introduction to the history of Buddhism through teachings on its relevance today and simple meditation practices. There is only one moment in time when it is essential to awaken. That moment is now. —Buddha The art of Buddhism beautifully depicts enlightened beings who demonstrate the practice of meditation yet, while deeply inspiring, art alone cannot teach one to meditate. In The Pure Joy of Being Fabrice Midal brings together traditional Buddhist art with enlightening text as a way to teach the tradition and practice of meditation. Filled with images of bodhisattvas and awakened beings who illustrate the possibility of freedom, alongside practical instruction, advice, and meditations for the everyday situations we face on a daily basis, this book is an accessible introduction to meditation and the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings. To meditate is to remain in the present moment with attention and benevolence, to remove the desire to manage everything, and to open yourself up to life and all that is possible. It’s as simple as that. And yet, meditating is not easy. What is true happiness? How can we overcome difficulties in life with courage? Can meditation help in today’s world? The Pure Joy of Being teaches that the goal of meditation is to turn us into beings that are more human, and capable of thinking, feeling, and loving better. It offers contemporary practices to set us on this path.

“In the full bloom of spring, in a beautiful garden, in a place called Lumbini, a prince was born.” So begins the extraordinary story of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who would become the enlightened Buddha, the Awakened One. This classic tale follows Prince Siddhartha’s journey of truth-seeking and discovery, including his life-altering encounters with human suffering and his realization of the Four Noble Truths. Today, millions of people all over the world follow the Buddha’s teachings on meditation, selflessness, and compassion. Rendered here in exquisite original watercolor illustrations, this inspiring story is brought to life for young readers curious about one of history’s most monumental and influential figures.

An esteemed Insight Meditation teacher leads you through the sublime qualities of Buddhism—kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity—and how they can enrich your life Compassion, kindness, equanimity, and joy are not only the fruits of the awakened life but also the path to it—attitudes of mind that can be cultivated through intention and dedication. Also known as the brahma viharas (sublime abodes) and the “Four Immeasurables,” these enobling qualities are far more than simply the “feel-good” states they are often mistaken for. They must be pursued sincerely as a spiritual practice—not just as a means of getting a “spiritual high”—in order to experience the full extent of their power. In Boundless Heart, Christina Feldman presents teachings on the Four Immeasurables, exploring how they balance each other in a way that enhances them all. Her simple practices will lead you toward a life infused with kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity—and to a way of being that promotes those qualities to the world at large.

Over 1,700 alphabetically-arranged entries cover the beliefs, practices, significant movements, organizations, and personalities associated with Zen Buddhism.

Discover the Secrets to Happiness and Well-Being The excitement you feel after hearing good news or achieving a goal is fleeting, but true happiness-that is, the warm feeling of deep contentment and joy-is lasting, and it can be yours in every moment. The Buddha's Way of Happiness is a guide to putting aside your anxieties about the future, regrets about the past, and constant longing to change your life for the better, and awakening to the joy of living. With this book as your guide, you'll identify the barriers to happiness you create in your own life and use the eightfold path of Buddhist psychology to improve your ability to appreciate the small, joyful moments that happen every day. These exercises, meditations, and concrete approaches to practicing happiness and well-being are drawn from mindfulness, "no self," and other ancient Buddhist insights, many of which have been proven effective by today's psychologists and researchers. With the knowledge that happiness is a habit you can adopt like any other, take the first step down this deeply fulfilling path on your life's journey.