We are all imprisoned by the projections of our minds, and we all have the power to free ourselves. To gain this freedom, we must do three things: know that we are imprisoned, investigate how we entrap ourselves, and discover how to overcome our habitual patterns. The discipline of the sitting practice of meditation can lead us through such a process.
Meditation doesn't have to be heavy or ambitious. We don't have to cultivate the self-image of being "spiritual" people. Rather, by forming a simple, direct, and honest relationship with ourselves and our world, we discover a rich and full path, no matter what our life situation. Cultivating decency and gentleness is always possible. And doing so makes a genuine life.
Living Life Fully: Finding Sanity and Goodness in the Unpredictable, Bill Karelis, Snow Lion, Paperback, 204 pages, $14.95
Bill Karelis teaches meditation and conducts intensive programs and retreats in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa. He is founder of the Shambhala Prison Community, which propagates education in criminal justice systems.
Contents: Living Life Fully: Finding Sanity and Goodness in the Unpredictable by Bill Karelis |
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Homage |
vii |
Foreword |
ix |
Introduction |
3 |
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SECTION I: Coming Down to Earth |
9 |
1. On the Edge of Nowhere |
11 |
2. Life Journey
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15 |
3. Taking Our Time Properly
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21 |
4. The Three Wheels of Discipline |
27 |
5. Gentleness |
33 |
6. Renunciation |
39 |
7. Humbleness |
47 |
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SECTION II: Finding Our Direction |
51 |
8. Insight, the Compass |
53 |
9. Regret |
59 |
10. Prison of Habitual Patterns |
63 |
11. Traversing the Six Realms |
69 |
12. Freedom of the Mind |
77 |
13. Awakened Heart |
83 |
14. Working Out Our Karma |
87 |
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SECTION III: Tasting Life |
93 |
15. Meeting Fear |
95 |
16. Going beyond Hope |
101 |
17. A Sense of Celebration |
107 |
18. The Lonely Road |
113 |
19. Artistry in Everyday Life |
117 |
20. Generosity |
123 |
21. Path to Freedom |
129 |
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SECTION IV: Moving Forward |
133 |
22. Using Every Resource |
135 |
23. Opportunity for Practicing Dharma |
141 |
24. Finding a Teacher |
145 |
25. Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels |
151 |
26. Bridge to the World |
157 |
27. Broken Heart |
163 |
28. Meditation in Action |
169 |
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Appendix I: Meditation Instruction |
175 |
Appendix II: Verses |
179 |
Notes |
191 |
Acknowledgments |
197 |
Index |
199 |
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