Wasteland to Pureland: Reflections on the Path to Awakening

by Doug Duncan, Catherine Pawasarat

A must-read for anyone interested in exploring the true nature of reality...“If happiness is a result, it begs the result of what? If objects don’t make us reliably happy, what does?”Where do we find happiness and security amidst environmental degradation, unsustainable resource consumption, and a growing gap between the rich and the poor? How do we work with suffering in ourselves and those around us?Master teachers Acariya Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat draw on decades of experience in this guide to awakening in the 21st Century. Rather than retreating from suffering, Wasteland to Pureland dives into the heart of the uncertainty and busyness of our modern world, and provides clear steps to greater fulfillment and spiritual growth.In this book, you will How your career, creativity, sex, relationship and daily life can become your spiritual practice.* How the ego and trauma may be holding you back - and how to transcend it.* Discover new ways to push your awakening edge.* Maps of the self that draw from Buddhist philosophy, Western psychology and wisdom traditions such as karma yoga, astrology and tantra.* By learning to embrace “what is” we can transform ourselves, our relationships, and our world from the inside out.* And much, much more! (Look inside for table of contents.)Wasteland to Pureland is packed with straightforward, heartfelt, accessible teachings and truths that are explained in a way that is both engaging and fun. This book will become a gem which you’ll pick up over and over until it’s pages are dog-eared, at which point you’ll gift it to a friend.So if you want to develop more meaningful relationships and establish a fulfilling career, if you want more freedom in both your work and personal life, and you want to lean into your unfoldment with a sense of humor, you simply can’t afford to miss this essential and deeply enjoyable guide to the Pureland.Unlock the next chapter on your path to awakening and buy your copy of Wasteland to Pureland today!

Genres: Buddhism

332 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2018

Reviews

[Books on Asia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books that explains, in layman's terms, what Buddhism is and how we can manifest its teachings into our daily lives (and why we should). Terms such as emptiness, mindfulness, duality and suffering are explained in an easy-to-understand way and with numerous examples. I was particularly happy to see how the authors related Buddhist practices to psychology and the works of Carl Jung. Buddhism has been using such techniques for centuries! Re-channeling negative energy to positive, for example, may sound otherworldly, but is really just a form of anger-management. This book encourages us to open up to better ways of controlling our emotions and desires and to reconsider what a successful life means. There are so many good examples in here, based on the two authors' experiences, that I found myself underlining quite a bit. I look forward to going back over these highlights and relishing in their wisdom.

[Francis Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of the book came across as a bit academic. I felt a little disconnected from the authors, but as the book progresses it's more personal and engaging. The Buddhist terms are explained well so no former knowledge is needed and there is enough in the book to keep up interest.

[Dave Basu Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book to ground and support a life transition: whether its a week or a year...or decades!. Each reflection (chapter) is its own journey, at once small and vast. The modern world is both unsettled and unsettling. Most of us, like me, seek reprieve through some sort of escape—get me out of here! Though, one some level, most of us also know that what we're really after is the opposite: being really hear, calm and content at the same time.

Picking a Wasteland to Pureland reflection to read while having a contemplative day (or a melancholic one!) in a cafe, a park, or an the bus somehow manages to scratch both itches at once. The pain and confusion of the 'world' is dissolved with wisdom and teachings that cut through the myriad superficial illusions and "solutions" to our pain that don't really work, and point to a path of practice and a way of being that grounds beneath this confusion without abandoning the world, either.

Doug and Catherine aptly outline the "middle way" spiritual path, each with decades of experiencing walking it, day in and day out. This is a guide for all those stubborn, deep-hearted souls who are not willing to compromise either their heart or the world.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of living and studying with the authors Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat as they were writing Wasteland to Pureland. Many evenings around the dinner table they would share a snippet of a chapter they were working on to get the input and feedback of those who were there. When the book was published, I was surprised how much more was in the book than what I had heard around the dinner table. A collection of reflections on different themes the book explores both the academic and the personal aspects of living the Buddha Dharma life in the modern world. The book highlights the challenges and joys that are part of the spiritual path, talks candidly about the ups and downs of creating a modern living monastery, and speaks unflinchingly to some of the pressing social and cultural problems that we are facing today. I encourage anyone who is looking for a modern exploration of Buddha Dharma and how people are trying to apply it in today's world to look at Wasteland to Pureland.

[Geoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Wasteland to Pureland to be a unique account of the challenges of integrating the wisdom traditions of the East to 21st century contemporary life. It is an ambitious book in that it outlines how we need to structure our way of life in order to nurture a culture of awakening, prioritizing our human unfoldment ahead of the usual concerns of comfort and economic security.
The reader can tell the authors have struggled with this question, creating their own framework, based on years of experience, for how this can become a reality. The book is part theoretical, and part autobiographical - in this way the individual styles of the authors (Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat) shine through in their different perspectives on the topic.
In contrast with Doug Duncan's other publication, this is a book that is best read slowly. There are a lot of ideas to digest and reflect on. But any reader who does so will find it a rich and rewarding experience.

[David Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasteland to Pureland results from many years of experience in what works best from traditional and recently developed practices. The book supports people living the challenges of our current cultures to calm down, notice what is present, build capacity and resilience in their own being, and to engage in meaningful contributions to people and conditions around them. I comment the authors, Acariya Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat, for the energy , and clarity they applied to create this book. Definitely worth exploring.

[Ava MacLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as you open the book it is clear that Doug and Catherine 'walk the walk'. Wasteland to Pureland is a lofty endeavour that will leave you feeling inspired, challenged and equipped for taking your spiritual practice to new heights. Doug and Catherine bring their signature humor and in-depth analysis into, what could be, a manual for enriching all facets of your daily life. Highly recommended for anyone ready to voyage to the pureland.

[Linda Hochstetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had only one Buddhist book on a desert island, this would be the one. It's pithy and complete. It speaks to all the important parts of Vajrayana Buddhism. And the best part about it is it has the voice of not only one North American, but a male and female co-teaching duo. Together they translate the ancient teachings from Tibet into modern, North American language. It speaks to me very deeply and challenges my ideas at the core of my beliefs. I have such great respect for these teachers!

[Andrew Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful piece of work that offers a full and yet modern perspective on the Vajrayana path - which embraces all aspects of life as part of the practice. It's set out as a series of reflections, each addressing a major area. Doug and Catherine go right to the core of things, including our major buttons like money, sex, and power - nothing is off limits in Vajrayana, or this book.

[Richard Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasteland to Pureland is the book to read if you want to awaken in this lifetime. Doug Duncan Sensei and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei talk about money, sex and power, which are topics that most other spiritual teachers and teachings turn a blind eye to. This book is for you if you are ready to face your inner demons and start walking the spiritual path.