Combining humor, academics, pop culture, movie references, and personal insight, Cheryl Barnes-Neff has written a book unique in modern Buddhist literature. Not a historical or educational tome, and not an instructional manual, the book takes the reader on a journey that touches on the past, present, and future of the author. Even in an analysis of an obscure Buddhist sutra, Barnes-Neff finds a nugget of wisdom to apply to her daily life. The book draws upon an extensive bibliography that may send the reader to the library, or even to discover some of the volumes may already be on their bookshelf, ready to be re-explored with fresh eyes. Barnes-Neff inspires what education can be: an exploration of the self through the stories, ideas, and practices of a long line of Buddhist teachers all the way back to the Buddha himself.

Open Hearted: Essays on Buddhist Study and Practice, Cheryl Barnes-Neff, Laurel Oak Press, Paperback, 412 pages, $19.95

Cheryl Barnes-Neff, PhD, MDiv holds certifications in Religious Studies and World Religions from the Harvard Divinity School, a Master's degree in Buddhist Doctrine, a Master's of Divinity in Buddhist Studies, and a Doctorate in Biblical Studies with a distinction in Religious Studies. A Registered Nurse for over forty years, she has worked in a variety of settings. She found her calling in hospice care, and has spent over twenty years as a hospice nurse, educator, quality manager, and chaplain. Always interested in culture and religion, she has explored learning and immersing herself in both. She is currently an Associate Professor in Buddhist Studies and Chaplaincy at the Buddha Dharma University.

The emphasis of her writing is on religious literacy, and making both the distinctions and the connections between the academic study of religion and devotional practice. A board certified meditation instructor, she also has trained healthcare professional in self-care practices like guided imagery, meditation, and compassion.

She also really likes cats.