What if your deepest struggles were the very ground from which authentic joy could grow? Through 57 carefully-selected verses, Zen master Cuong Lu draws on the ancient wisdom of the Dhammapada to give us a path through suffering to insight and compassionate action.

From a direct disciple of the great Thich Nhat Hanh comes a radical new way to approach suffering. Instead of burying or avoiding pain, author Cuong Lu uses the profound wisdom of the Dhammapada--the most widely known collection of sayings from the Buddha--to reveal its hidden purpose. He offers a clear path to embracing life's difficulties, showing us how to transmute our suffering into deep insight, compassionate action, and lasting joy.

Lu presents 57 verses from this treasured Buddhist text, making its timeless teachings accessible and relevant for contemporary readers seeking deeper meaning in their lives. Through clear, engaging prose, his interpretations blend Zen wisdom with practical psychology, guiding readers to reframe their relationship with difficult experiences rather than resisting them. The book includes reflective exercises and real-world applications, making complex Buddhist concepts approachable for both newcomers and experienced practitioners.

This book serves as both a meditation companion and practical guide, helping readers cultivate inner peace amid life's turbulence. Whether you're new to Buddhist teachings or a seasoned practitioner, Lu's interpretations offer fresh perspectives on timeless truths, guiding you toward greater awareness, compassion, and the joy that comes from living with presence and understanding.

At Peace, Filled with Joy: Buddhist Wisdom from the Dhammapada; Cuong Lu; Shambhala; Paperback; 168 pages; $18.95

Cuong Lu is a Buddhist teacher ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum Village. He dedicated his life to service after witnessing a shooting while fleeing Vietnam in 1975. He served as a monk for sixteen years and now teaches in the Netherlands, where he lives with his wife and three children. A former prison chaplain, he is the author of The Buddha in Jail.