In the same engaging style that has endeared him to readers of "Mindfulness in Plain English," Bhante Gunaratana delves deeply into each step of the Buddha's most profound teaching on bringing an end to suffering: The Noble Eightfold Path. With generous and specific advice, "Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness" offers skillful ways to handle anger, to find right livelihood and to cultivate loving friendliness in relationships with parents, children, and partners, as well as tools to overcome all the mental hindrances that prevent happiness. Whether you are an experienced meditator or someone who's only just beginning to practice mindfulness, this gentle and down to earth guide will help you bring the heart of the Buddha's teachings into every aspect of your life.

Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness, Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, Wisdom Publications, Paperback, 268 pages, $16.95

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana was ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of 12. He earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from The American University, and has taught courses in Buddhism at several American colleges. He lectures and leads meditation retreats throughout North America, Europe, and Australasia. He is the abbot of the Bhavana Society monastery in West Virginia.

Acknowledgments	ix
List of Abbreviations	xi
Introduction	1
The Buddha's Discovery	3
Supports for Practice	12
Beginning a Practice of Mindfulness	17
Skillful Understanding	25
Understanding Cause and Effect	27
Understanding the Four Noble Truths	30
Mindfulness of Skillful Understanding	51
Key Points for Mindfulness of Skillful Understanding	54
Skillful Thinking	57
Letting Go	58
Loving-Friendliness	65
Compassion	74
Mindfulness of Skillful Thinking	81
Key Points for Mindfulness of Skillful Thinking	88
Skillful Speech	91
Speak the Truth	93
Words Are Not Weapons	95
Speak Softly	96
Avoid Useless Chatter	99
Mindfulness of Skillful Speech	102
Key Points for Mindfulness of Skillful Speech	107
Skillful Action	109
The Five Precepts	109
Ethics in Action	110
Higher Precepts for Laypeople	123
Mindfulness of Skillful Action	127
Key Points for Mindfulness of Skillful Action	131
Skillful Livelihood	133
Questions for Assessing Skillful Livelihood	134
Finding Skillful Livelihood	141
Mindfulness of Skillful Livelihood	146
Key Points for Mindfulness of Skillful Livelihood	148
Skillful Effort	149
The Ten Fetters	151
The Five Hindrances	158
Four Steps to Skillful Effort	161
Remember the Big Picture	186
Mindfulness of Skillful Effort	187
Key Points for Mindfulness of Skillful Effort	191
Skillful Mindfulness	193
The Four Foundations of Mindfulness	197
Mindfulness of the Body	200
Mindfulness of Feelings	208
Mindfulness of the Mind	215
Mindfulness of Mental Objects	216
Key Points for the Practice of Skillful Mindfulness	220
Skillful Concentration	223
Wholesome Concentration	224
The Stages of Full Concentration	227
Mindfulness of Skillful Concentration	237
Key Points for Mindfulness of Skillful Concentration	243
The Promise of the Buddha	247
Enlightenment	250
"Come and See"	253
Suggested Further Reading	257
Index	261
About the Author	267