2007 July Books in Brief

Reviews of books from July 2007.

A silhouette of a person meditating.

Sudden Awakening

Sudden awakening can come gradually, almost imperceptibly, or in a sudden, life-altering flash. When will it happen to you and what—donkey, broom, or morning star—will trigger it?

Reality Isn’t What You Think

Contemplative practice, says Andy Karr, is a good way to analyze whether things are as solid, separate, and lasting as we think they are.

The Pilgrim’s Progress

Joseph Szostak reports from India on the history of Buddhist pilgrimage and the challenges and benefits of this ancient practice.

The Multitudes of Thich Nhat Hanh

Review of "Buddha Mind, Buddha Body" by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Book Briefs Summer 2007

Book reviews by Benjamin Bogin in Summer 2007.

The Big Wakeup Call

Review of The Upside of Down: Catastrophe, Creativity, and the Renewal of Civilization by Thomas Homer-Dixon.

2007 May Books in Brief

Short reviews of books released in May 2007.

Alice Walker

Suffering Too Insignificant for the Majority to See

Alice Walker describes the great toll, both personal and societal, of racism in America, and how Buddhism has helped her heal its wounds.

Training the Mind to Transform Adversity into Awakening

Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche explains how obstacles can be brought to the spiritual path and become opportunities for awakening.

Forum: How Does Karma Really Work?

Norman Fischer, Robin Kornman, and Ajahn Amaro get to the bottom of this challenging question that baffles so many Westerners.

Do you believe a person can practice Buddhism and be in the military?

Ask the Teachers: Do you believe a person can practice Buddhist ways and still maintain a job in the military?

Explorer of the Wild Mind

Review of Back on the Fire: Essays by Gary Snyder.

Portraits of Wisdom and Compassion

Review of Buddhist Goddesses of India by Miranda Shaw.

The Great Shooting Way

Review of Zen Bow, Zen Arrow: The Life and Teachings of Awa Kenzo, the Archery Master from Zen in the Art of Archery.

Book Briefs Spring 2007

Benjamin Bogin reviews books published in Spring 2007.

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Yoga Body, Buddha Mind

A complete spiritual practice—or even just a healthy, satisfying life—requires working with both mind and body.

Feeding the spiritually hungry Dalai Lama Japan

Feeding the Spiritually Hungry

For all their material success, says Pico Iyer, many Japanese feel alienated and spiritually starved. They responded hungrily to the Dalai Lama’s teachings on his recent tour of Japan.

The Other Side of the Postcards

HIMALAYA: Personal Stories of Grandeur, Challenge, and Hope. Edited by Richard C. Blum, Erica Stone, and Broughton Coburn.