![]() ![]() "Always insightful, sometimes sweet, and occasionally startling, these simply-told tales of being young and Buddhist, whether in a fundamentalist Christian, secular, traditionally Asian, or hip, Sixties-style family, are timely reminders that the dharma continues to thrive, even if Buddhism is not in the media spotlight today as it was during the 1990s. The Buddha's Apprentices can be considered a sequel to Sumi Loundon's Blue Jean Buddha, but goes beyond that work by giving extra attention to teens and young adults and including pieces from Thich Nhat Hanh, Lama Surya Das, and a truly diverse array of younger author/contributors. Sumi Loundon's rich and youthful commentary lets us appreciate each contributor's individual voice, and helps us to see how they contribute to the always-evolving chorus of modern Buddhism. Furthermore, they tell of how Buddhism changes and enhances their abilities to face life's difficulties. The Buddha's Apprentices inspires, examining the tectonic shifts that young, spiritually-inclined people undergo as they leave home, search for partners, consider commitment and marriage, and build their lives. Also included are several affirming essays from prominent older Buddhists, recalling their first encounters with Buddhism. The book shows us the common challenges that spiritually hungry young adults of today might face, with a focus on the identity issues around personality, profession, and lifestyle. The Buddha's Apprentices examines that territory in fuller detail, telling twenty-six more stories of this powerful spiritual path, including the stories of many teenagers. Your co-workers will love you for it.Sumi Loundon's Blue Jean Buddha was hailed by the New York Times Review of Books as "a bellwether anthology"-mapping the spiritual trails followed by a generation of American Buddhist youths. But if you're not closed up alone all day, this is the one to help you maneuver the daily minefield we call the workplace. ![]() " Awake at Work: 35 Practical Buddhist Principles for Discovering Clarity and Balance in the Midst of Work's Chaos," Michael Carroll (Shambala, 2006, $16.95) Don't buy this book unless you work around other people. Trunpa breaks down tough concepts and injects lots of humor. " Smile at Fear: Awakening the True Heart of Bravery," Chögyam Trunpa (Shambala, 2009, $19.95) The late founder of Naropa University in Boulder, Colo., helps you dig into your deepest fearof yourselfand break the cycles of suffering. ![]() " Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears," Pema Chödron (Shambala, 2009, $21.95) The latest from this American Buddhist nun focuses on the concept of shenpa to help us break habits that "hook" us into blame, self-hatred, obsession and addiction. Caution: You'll be blessing your enemies, decluttering your house and changing the world when you finish these essays. (Shambala Publications, 2009, $15.95) This newly published collection brings some of the greatest living Buddhist thinkers together. " In the Face of Fear: Buddhist Wisdom for Challenging Times," Barry Boyce and Shambala Sun, editors. " Living Buddha, Living Christ," Thich Nhat Hanh (Penguin Group, reprint 2007, $15) One of the best books by the inspiring Vietnamese monk that helps you figure out that all faith traditions are really all about one thing: living to serve others. It ends with great tips on meditating beyond "just sit." " Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World," Lama Surya Das (Broadway Books, 1997, $15.95) A thick primer of the Eightfold Path that makes this way of thinking understandable. (And while you're book-shopping, remember the whole Zen local thing, and head to Lemuria Books to buy or order.) ![]() Curious about this whole mindful, compassionate, in-the-moment thing? Here are books to inspire you to focus and meditate and let the stupid stuff go, regardless of your religious faith. ![]()
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