The Passionate Buddha: Wisdom on Intimacy and Enduring Love

Description

Beginning his book with the ringing question 'what are you waiting for?' Robert Sachs goes on to interweave traditional Buddhist thought with the concerns of the modern couple. Using clear playful language Sachs describes the different aspects of healthy relationships within a Buddhist context. However rather than just setting an ideal he clarifies how Buddhist practices not only can be integrated into a modern lifestyle but also can be powerful tools for the many changes that occur in any loving relationship. Sachs also considers the role of each individual in a relationship showing that a couple may develop or possess qualities of being an indivisible unit but that where the real work lies is when two people are committed to grow and change with one another. He offers techniques for finding oneself both in and out of a relationship and ideas on how to deal with anger and other emotions that arise in the course of life - emotions that occur most intensely over the course of an intimate relationship. PASSIONATE BUDDHA acts as a guide for all those 'fumbling towards ecstasy' in today's confusing world of relationships. Interweaves Tantric Buddhist teachings with modern concerns such as monogamy and contraception. Gives a holistic view of a healthy relationship from physical pleasure to emotional connections and spiritual transformation. Discusses love in the broader Buddhist concepts of karma and reincarnation.

Robert Sachs has spent the last twenty-five years studying with some of today's most noted Tibetan spiritual leaders and Ayurvedic physicians. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, he is also the author of Tibetan Ayurveda and Perfect Endings. He lives with his wife and children in San Luis Obispo, California.

"The Passionate Buddha is a wonderful book on the proper handling of the magnetics of the heart--its irrepressible attraction as well as its unremitting opposition. It is about the great work that only the heart is great enough to handle. Robert has written an anniversary gift to last a lifetime or three." * Stephen Levine, author of Embracing the Beloved and A Year to Live: How to Live This Year as if It W * "The Passionate Buddha is a must for anyone seeking to practice the profound path of intimate relationship, as it contains meditations and practical tools for joining deep awareness with passionate intensity." * Tsultrim Allione, author of Women of Wisdom and founder of Tara Mandala Retreat Center * "Robert Sachs is himself a passionate Buddha, as well as a longtime Buddhist practitioner, husband and father, healer and teacher. I find a lot here in this book that helps us to further sacred relationships by learning to open the spiritual heart, deal with anger and inner conflict, love and accept ourselves and others, and live a more enlightened life. Wisdom and love are the essence of spirit and represent the innate qualities of awakened mind and heart; practices of meditation and self-inquiry such as those found here are the tools to unfold the marvelous natural resources within us. I heartily recommend The Passionate Buddha to all on the spiritual path." * Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within and founder of Dzogchen Foundation * "An intelligent and moving book about the nature of love as seen through the filter of Buddhist ideals." * Mike Richman, Magical Blend, Issue 84 * "The book is a wonderful first step for those seeking to learn different dynamics from which to understand relationships." * April Davis, Shy Librarian, Spring 2003 * "This book had a profound effect on my thinking. May you fare as well." * John Gilbert, TarotInstitute.com, 7/17/2003 *