Voices of Insight

by Sharon Salzberg, Mirabai Bush (Contributor)

In this anthology, leading Western teachers of Buddhism share their personal experiences on the path of insight meditation; their understanding of the basic teachings of the Buddha; the lessons they've learned in their training with their own teachers; and some good advice on following the Buddha Dharma in everyday situations of work, family, and service.

Contributors

   •  Jack Kornfield
   •  Sharon Salzberg
   •  Larry Rosenberg
   •  Sylvia Boorstein
   •  Christopher Titmuss
   •  Joseph Goldstein
   •  Steve Armstrong
   •  Narayan Liebenson Grady
   •  Bhante Gunaratana
   •  Gavin Harrison
   •  Kamala Masters
   •  Michele McDonald-Smith
   •  Rodney Smith
   •  Steven Smith
   •  Ajahn Sumedho
   •  Carol Wilson
   •  Christina Feldman

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Meditation, Self Help

281 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 1999

About the author

One of America’s leading spiritual teachers and authors, Sharon Salzberg is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. She has played a crucial role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the West. The ancient Buddhist practices of vipassana (mindfulness) and metta (lovingkindness) are the foundations of her work.

Reviews

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished this book for the second time and it again was a very liberating and enlightening reading experience. There is so much wisdom in it, that I could re-read it again and again. My favourite this time was Joseph Goldsteins text about the art and science of meditation. But all the others are great too. Its like, every time I reread it, I am a different person and so, different authors and essays speak to me. Sooooo good!

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esch chapter focused on an aspect that I am practicing. Here is a quote from one of the writers that helps me with my meditation practice:

“The attainment of silence is somewhat related to the ability to handle loneliness, and also to the acceptance of death. Especially for the ego, those things are closely related. We are afraid of being alone, and afraid to die, so we create company for ourselves with our thoughts, and they keep us from getting to silence.”

[Forest Tong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This compilation had a mix of inspiring stories and trite lectures. I appreciated the essays where the writers talked about their personal experiences and the people they admired.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice selection of essays from major teachers in Western Buddhism.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different short reflections by Western Buddhist teachers; some nice stories.

[Mark]

Beautiful collection of writings by the teachers at IMS (Insight Meditation Society) in Massachusetts. Some very moving, insightful, accessible, and sometimes very poignant and direct writings on life, death, illness, happiness, and everything that is our practice. Originally put together as a fund raiser for the late Ram Dass after he had his stroke. I highly recommend this book for Buddhists and anyone interested in the path.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need to put this in the rotation of books to read for your spiritual practice.

[Hollis Fishelson-holstine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed most of these again