In The Lap Of The Buddha

By: Gavin Harrison

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Paperback | 16 August 1994 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
304 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.4 x 14.0 x 1.7

Paperback

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In this book a teacher of insight meditation offers personal testament, healing words, and wise instruction to help meet the suffering that comes with catastrophic life events. Speaking openly about his own struggles with memories of childhood sexual abuse and with the HIV diagnosis he received in 1989, Gavin Harrison reveals how compassion offers refuge and help for all who suffer from similar crises of body, heart, and spirit. Among the topics covered are:

   • Dealing with fear, anger, and self-hatred
   • Working with difficult relationships
   • Confronting physical pain and the fear of death
   • Transforming the legacy of sexual abuse
   • The question of karma and "Why me?"
   • Grappling with issues of faith, freedom, hope, and miracles
   • Basic insight meditation instructions, plus guided meditations for forgiveness, compassion, and equanimity

Industry Reviews

"A profoundly hopeful book that teaches people how to cope not only with the trauma of abuse and the onslaught of disease, but also with the tribulations of daily life. It is a book about becoming more aware and compassionate toward ourselves and our loved ones."--Natural Health

"The heartfelt prose rings true, as do the parallels between the lives of contemporary Americans and the life of Siddartha Gautauma; and Harrision's life itself, here documented, convincingly makes the case that Buddhist meditation practices are not a path away from life but rather a road into and through it."--Publishers Weekly

"Courageous and articulate . . . a powerful presentation by an effective writer who uses Buddhist teaching and meditative practice to effect a triumph of the human spirit."--Library Journal

"I read many books by people transformed by suffering. In the Lap of the Buddha rises above other books with its wisdom and beauty. Let it guide you and teach you to live."--Dr. Bernie S. Siegel, author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles

"With penetrating mindfulness, Gavin Harrison uncovers the roots of suffering and the path to wholeness. The healing he seeks, though stimulated by fearsome childhood abuse and an HIV diagnosis, is in truth the healing we all seek."--Stephen Levine, author of Healing into Life and Death

"This wonderfully wise and warm book brings the timeless teachings of the Buddha to life, reminding us that every challenge, every trial, is grist for the mill of awakening to the compassionate heart of our own true nature. The authenticity and deep humanity of Gavin Harrison shine out from every page of this book. It is truly a jewel."--Joan Borysenko, author of Minding the Body, Mending the Mind

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Mind, Body, Spirit Meditation and Visualisation Fiction Modern & Contemporary Fiction Religion & Beliefs Buddhism Thought and Practice Complementary Therapies, Healing & Health

Foreword
Preface
Approaching Suffering	p. 1
An Almost Perfect Dream	p. 3
Beyond the Walls	p. 8
The Spiritual Journey	p. 13
Opening to Suffering	p. 19
Suffering and Compassion	p. 21
The Way of Insight Meditation	p. 28
Instructions for Insight Meditation	p. 34
Our Personal Drama and Beyond	p. 48
Aspects of Meditation	p. 51
Beyond the Grip of Fear	p. 53
Working with Pain	p. 68
Face to Face with Mortality	p. 81
Fear of Death	p. 91
Working with Anger	p. 94
Self-Hatred and Self-Love	p. 109
Transforming the Legacy of Abuse	p. 119
Meditations of the Heart	p. 139
The Divine Abodes	p. 141
Lovingkindness	p. 145
Compassion	p. 147
Sympathetic Joy	p. 148
Equanimity	p. 149
Forgiveness	p. 151
Questioning	p. 167
Faith, Doubt, and Self-Acceptance	p. 169
Karma: "Why Me?"	p. 184
Living with Love	p. 203
A Healthy Foundation for Meditation	p. 205
Generosity and Selflessness	p. 207
Introducing the Precepts	p. 218
The First Precept: Refrain from Harming	p. 222
The Second Precept: Refrain from Stealing	p. 226
The Third Precept: Refrain from False Speech	p. 229
The Fourth Precept: Refrain from Sexual Misconduct	p. 238
The Fifth Precept: Refrain from Needless Use of Intoxicants	p. 244
Family and Community	p. 247
Dancing with Life and Death	p. 257
Notes	p. 269
Suggested Reading	p. 273
Meditation Center Information	p. 277
Acknowledgments and Credits	p. 281
Index	p. 285
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.

In The Lap Of The Buddha

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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