Boundless Heart: The Buddha's Path of Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity

Description

A course in the Buddhist practice of the brahma viharas, or "heavenly abodes." Detailed instructions from the Buddhist tradition in cultivating mindfulness presented by a prominent Insight Meditation teacher. An esteemed Insight Meditation teacher leads you through the sublime qualities of Buddhism-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity-and how they can enrich your life Compassion, kindness, equanimity, and joy are not only the fruits of the awakened life but also the path to it-attitudes of mind that can be cultivated through intention and dedication. Also known as the brahma viharas(sublime abodes) and the "Four Immeasurables," these enobling qualities are far more than simply the "feel-good" states they are often mistaken for. They must be pursued sincerely as a spiritual practice-not just as a means of getting a "spiritual high"-in order to experience the full extent of their power. In Boundless Heart, Christina Feldman presents teachings on the Four Immeasurables, exploring how they balance each other in a way that enhances them all. Her simple practices will lead you toward a life infused with kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity-and to a way of being that promotes those qualities to the world at large.

CHRISTINA FELDMAN is a prominent teacher in the Insight Meditation world in the US and the UK. She is one of the Guiding Teachers of the Insight Meditation Society, Barre, MA, where she frequently leads retreats. She is also cofounder of Gaia House in the UK. She teaches extensively throughout America and Europe. She is the author ofThe Quest of the Warrior Woman,Principles of Meditation,Heart of Wisdom,Mind of Calm, and, with Jack Kornfield,Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart.

"Thanks to Christina Feldman for this important contribution on practices to develop kindness. Boundless Heart helps locate these ancient and essential practices in modern life. Anyone who wishes to know the sense of freedom kindness can bring will treasure this book." -Sharon Salzberg, New York Times-bestselling author of Real Happiness and Lovingkindness "In Boundless Heart, Christina Feldman explores the four immeasurable, beautiful qualities of our human existence:friendliness, compassion, joy and equanimity. With her characteristic clarity and wisdom, she expands our understanding of each of these ennobling qualities and how they interweave with one another as they open the door to the highest freedom. This book is a dharma treasure." -Joseph Goldstein, author of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening "One of the most respected voices in contemporary Buddhism, Christina Feldman has written an extraordinarily clear and important guidebook to opening the heart. These profound teachings and practices help us to deeply connect with life and make this a better world. As Buddhists say after a particularly skillful action: 'Sadhu-Well done!'" -James Baraz, co-author of Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to Happiness