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Solid Ground: Buddhist Wisdom For Difficult Times

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Solid Ground: Buddhist Wisdom for Difficult Times

by Sylvia Boorstein

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	290 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	91 pages

In the ever-changing and often tumultuous landscape of life, we all seek a place to stand, a solid foundation upon which we can build and weather the storms. In their seminal work, "Solid Ground: Buddhist Wisdom for Difficult Times," esteemed Buddhist teachers Sylvia Boorstein, Ed Espe Brown, and Joseph Goldstein offer a profound and accessible guide to finding that solid ground within ourselves.

The Essence of Buddhist Wisdom

At the heart of Buddhist wisdom lies the understanding that suffering is an inherent part of human existence. However, it is not suffering itself that defines our lives, but our response to it. Through mindfulness, the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment, we can develop the ability to meet suffering with compassion, acceptance, and wisdom.

Mindfulness as a Path to Liberation

Mindfulness is the cornerstone of Buddhist practice. By cultivating awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, we can learn to observe them without getting caught up in their dramas. This allows us to respond to our experiences with greater clarity, resilience, and equanimity.

The authors provide practical instructions and exercises for developing mindfulness in our daily lives. From simple breathing techniques to mindful walking, they offer a range of practices to help us cultivate a more mindful presence in all we do.

Compassion as a Healing Force

Alongside mindfulness, compassion is another essential element of Buddhist wisdom. Compassion is the ability to understand and feel empathy for the suffering of others, even those we may not know or understand. By cultivating compassion, we not only help alleviate the suffering of others, but also transform our own hearts.

In "Solid Ground," the authors explore the transformative power of compassion. They provide practices and teachings to help us develop empathy, forgiveness, and the ability to love unconditionally, even in the face of adversity.

Embracing Impermanence and Change

A fundamental tenet of Buddhism is the understanding of impermanence and change. All things in life are in a constant state of flux, including our own experiences. This can be a source of anxiety and uncertainty, but it can also be a source of freedom and liberation.

The authors guide us in embracing the inevitability of change. They show us how to let go of attachments and expectations, and to live in the present moment with greater ease and acceptance.

Finding Refuge in Wisdom

In the midst of life's challenges, it is crucial to find refuge in something that is unchanging and reliable. Buddhist wisdom offers such a refuge, a foundation upon which we can build a meaningful and fulfilling life.

"Solid Ground" provides a wealth of teachings and practices to help us cultivate a deep connection to Buddhist wisdom. Through meditation, study, and reflection, we can learn to embody the principles of mindfulness, compassion, and impermanence, and to find a solid ground within ourselves that will sustain us through all of life's ups and downs.

Whether you are a seasoned Buddhist practitioner or a newcomer to the teachings, "Solid Ground" is an essential companion for anyone seeking to navigate the challenges of life with greater wisdom, compassion, and resilience.

About the Authors

Sylvia Boorstein is a renowned Buddhist teacher, author, and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Center in Barre, Massachusetts.

Ed Espe Brown is a Zen teacher, author, and former abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center.

Joseph Goldstein is a world-renowned meditation teacher, author, and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts.

Book Details

Title: Solid Ground: Buddhist Wisdom for Difficult Times

Authors: Sylvia Boorstein, Ed Espe Brown, and Joseph Goldstein

Publisher: HarperOne

Publication Date: November 20, 2018

Pages: 208

-10: 006269037X

-13: 978-0062690374