The Dalai Lama always recommends a classic text by the Buddhist sage Shantideva as essential reading for those seeking a practical approach to Buddhism. With its life-changing psychological tools and transcendent wisdom, it is one of the world's great spiritual treasures. In Enlightenment to Go, David Michie provides a lively, accessible introduction to the 'best of' Shantideva. He shows how modern psychology confirms the insights of Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, and he unpacks its powerful antidotes to contemporary problems, including stress, anxiety and depression. He also offers a structured meditation program to help readers integrate transformational insights at deeper levels of consciousness where genuine change becomes possible. Recounting stories from his own journey, Michie illustrates the relevance of Shantideva's breakthrough teachings to a typically busy Westerner with warmth and humor. Whether you are a newcomer to Buddhism or a seasoned practitioner, Enlightenment to Go offers a glimpse of a radiantly different reality.
Enlightenment to Go: Shantideva and the Power of Compassion to Transform Your Life, David Michie, Wisdom Publications, 286 pages, $17.95
David Michie is the internationally best-selling author of The Dalai Lama's Cat series, as well as the spiritual thrillers The Magician of Lhasa and The Secret Mantra, and the non-fiction titles Buddhism for Busy People, Buddhism for Pet Lovers, Mindfulness is Better than Chocolate and Hurry Up and Meditate. His books have been translated into 30 different languages and are available in over 50 countries. In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa, combining wildlife viewing and meditation sessions in journeys to unexplored places, outer and inner.
Introduction
Part I: Developing the Compassionate Mind of Enlightenment
1. The Choice of Awakening
2. The Big Picture or the Here and Now?
3. Inner Experience or Outer Appearance?
4. Shifting the Focus from Self to Other
5. Bodhichitta: The Compassionate Mind of Enlightenment
Part II: The Compassionate Mind of Enlightenment in Practice
6. Open Heart, Open Hand: The Perfection of Generosity
7. A Practical Approach to Ethics
8. Thank Buddha for Aggravation! The Perfection of Patience
9. Mindfulness and the Yoga of Coffee Drinking
10. Breaking the Cycle of Dissatisfaction
11. The Four Laws of Spiritual Success
12. Our Greatest Teacher
13. Feeding the Good Wolf
14. Emptiness and Santa Claus
15. Adventures in Inner Space
16. The Eight Worldly Dharmas
17. A Code of Conduct for Awakening Beings
18. Dedication
Appendix: How to Meditate
References
Further Reading
Index
About the Author
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