Untangling Self invites us to see nonself, interdependence, and mindfulness as rational, real-world solutions to the human condition of suffering. In psychologically rich essays that equally probe traditional Buddhist thought and contemporary issues, Andrew Olendzki helps us to reconcile ancient Buddhist thought with our day-to-day life. His writing is sophisticated and engaged, filled with memorable imagery and insight drawn from decades of study, reflection, and meditation on Buddhist teachings. Seasoned Buddhist readers and anyone interested in the intellectual heart of Buddhism will find this collection of fascinating essays rewarding.
Untangling Self: A Buddhist Investigation of Who We Really Are, Andrew Olendzki, Wisdom Publications, Paperback, 144 pages, $20.95
Andrew Olendzki has been part of Barre Center for Buddhist Studies since its earliest days, bringing it to life, managing its operations and teaching countless courses to many grateful students. After moving into a full-time role as Senior Scholar in recent years, to focus more on scholarship and teaching exclusively, he is now continuing that role part time and embracing a new role with the Mind and Life Institute in Amherst and Hadley, Massachusetts.
contents
Contents: Untangling Self:
A Buddhist Investigation of Who We Really Are |
|
Introduction: The Challenge of Nonself
|
1
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1. Understanding the Buddha
|
11
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The Radical BuddhaWork
|
11
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A Modest Awakening
|
14
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The Other Dukkha
|
17
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A Protestant Buddhism
|
20
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2. Mindfulness and Meditation
|
25
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Finding the Center
|
25
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Mind Like a Mirror
|
28
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Bait and Switch
|
31
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Growing Pains
|
34
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3.
Nonself |
39
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I Think I Am
|
39
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Castles Made of
Sand
|
42
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Simple Awareness
|
45
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Waking Up
|
48
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4.
Understanding Ourselves
|
51
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Mind Comes First
|
51
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The First Person
|
57
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Ten Billion Moments
|
60
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Blinded by Views
|
63
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5. The
Interdependence of Experience
|
67
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Pinch Yourself
|
67
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A Perfect Storm
|
70
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The Buddha's Smile
|
74
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Music of the Mind
|
76
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6. Healing or Harming?
|
81
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Pleasure and Pain
|
81
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Deeper Health
|
84
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Turning the Corner
|
87
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A Tree Called Steadfast
|
90
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Shining a Light
|
93
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7. Rethinking
Buddhism
|
97
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The Mindfulness
Wedge
|
97
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Walking the Talk
|
100
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Cherish the
Nuns
|
103
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Helping the
World
|
106
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Conclusion: The Promise of Nonself
|
109
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Acknowledgments
|
117
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Notes
|
129
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Index
|
131
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About the Author
|
145
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