The Best Buddhist Writing 2008

The Best Buddhist Writing

by Melvin McLeod (Editor)

A thought-provoking collection of the most notable, enjoyable, and insightful Buddhism-inspired literature published in the last year. The Best Buddhist Writing 2008

   • Short meditative practices for peace from Thich Nhat Hanh
   • Sylvia Boorstein on how equanimity supports kindness
   • Kate Wheeler on meditating in a cave in India
   • Norman Fischer on how all language is a form of prayer
   • Aidan Delgado on being a Buddhist conscientious objector in Iraq
   • “Dharma punk” Noah Levine on learning how to forgive
   • Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche on cultivating compassion through training the mind
   • The Dalai Lama on the mythical “self”
   • Sister Chan Khong’s memoir of campaigning for peace and social justice during the Vietnam War era alongside her teacher Thich Nhat Hanh
   • Frances Moore Lappé, author of Diet for a Small Planet , on the importance of a “beginner’s mind”
   • Pema Chödrön on choosing peace rather than conflict
   • Bhikkhu Bodhi, Darlene Cohen, Shinzen Young, and Reginald Ray on the valuable lessons of pain
   • “Prince of the Ascetics,” a short story by Charles Johnson
   • Natalie Goldberg on koan practice
   •  And much more

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Spirituality, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2008

Reviews

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great variety of essays in the buddhist tradition. I especially enjoyed three of these essays: one about a complex relationship the author had with his ex wife; one written by a health care worker about the impermanence of the body; and one that included snippets from several authors on the topic of suffering. Very insightful and well written.

[Chris Lemig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful compilation of short, well-written essays on everything from working with the negative emotions to why meditation is useless. This was a nice overview of what the premier thinkers in all traditions of modern Buddhism are up to.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of Buddhist writing. Essays that can be read and re-read. I got so much out of this book that I needed right now. Great! And I am thinking about adding it to my personal library to always have it on hand.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm pretty much convinced that the best Buddhist writing is no writing. Mu!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection. Some of the best essays on Buddhism that I've read.