Listening to the Heart: A Contemplative Journey to Engaged Buddhism by Kittisaro; , Thanissara

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Mysticism

Listening to the Heart: A Contemplative Journey to Engaged Buddhism

Name: Listening to the Heart: A Contemplative Journey to Engaged Buddhism
Price: 23.00 USD
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Rating: 4.7 (2 reviews)
Author: Kittisaro; , Thanissara
ISBN: 9781583948392

Kittisaro; , Thanissara

Reader rating

4.7

(1 reviews) 75 sold

$23.00

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Journey with two former monastics as they reveal the heart of engaged Buddhist practice.

This profound work by Kittisaro and Thanissara offers a deeply personal exploration of Buddhist awakening. Drawing from their unique shared history as former monastics and now a married couple, they weave together candid narratives of spiritual struggle and breakthrough. The book illuminates how the inner practice of meditation can evolve into a broader commitment to compassionate action. It presents a vision of enlightenment not as an isolated achievement, but as a journey culminating in profound intimacy with all existence and dedicated service to the world.

Key themes

Engaged Buddhist Practice The Spiritual Hero's Journey Intimacy & Non-Dual Reality

Historical context

This work emerges from the Engaged Buddhism movement, bridging traditional Theravada monastic discipline with contemporary lay spiritual life. It reflects a modern synthesis where ancient contemplative practices are adapted for active social and personal engagement in the world.

Difficulty

●● Moderate

Fans will love it

Thich Nhat Hanh · Pema Chödrön · Jack Kornfield · Joseph Goldstein

🌌 Mysticism

🏛 North Atlantic Books 📅 2014 📖 296 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781583948392

Fun fact

Kittisaro and Thanissara have crafted a rare gem, blending profound Buddhist wisdom with raw, honest personal narrative. It excels in making abstract concepts like non-duality tangible through their lived experience, inspiring readers to integrate practice with service. While those seeking a strictly academic treatise might find the personal stories extensive, this book is an invaluable guide for anyone yearning to deepen their spiritual path and contribute meaningfully to the world, solidifying its place in contemporary Engaged Buddhist literature.

📝 Description: Listening to the Heart: A Contemplative Journey to Engaged Buddhism

A husband and wife share stories of struggle and triumph along the path of the Buddha, distilling his most essential teachings in this guide that is "luminous in clarity and depth" (Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance) Husband and wife Kittisaro and Thanissara take turns co-authoring chapters in this deeply personal dharma book exploring the inner practice of meditation in support of awakening. Within the context of the lives of the authors, both monastics in their youth, awakening unfolds as a multifaceted process following the archetypal journey of the hero(ine). Traveling from innocence to disillusionment through the fields of trials and despair that lead to maturity, and ultimately to inspiration and a blessed life, Listening to the Heart tells the story of two unconventional individuals who have together embraced spirituality as the keystone of their lives. At the heart of the book, through teachings on the nondual nature of reality, we enter the "intimacy with all things" as revealed in core Buddhist texts. Without ending at the goal of personal freedom, Thanissara and Kittisaro encourage us to go beyond the experience of inner peace to embodying wisdom in acts of service within the world. With a realistic appraisal of our current global crisis in which sustainability is threatened by catastrophic climate change, the authors encourage a preparedness that enables a mindful balance of equanimity and passionate engagement whatever the outcome of our global evolutionary journey. The guiding refuge for this journey is the Buddha, the historical teacher and--most profoundly--that immediate and direct pure awareness, which we all can access. The book also draws on teachings and stories of Buddhist masters who are fearless, funny, and challenging. Eventually, we are led into the Mary-like presence of the goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin who, as a great archetype within Buddhist cosmology, reveals the deepest mystery of our own hearts and our capacity for merciful and compassionate response. As the inner process of awakening unfolds, it transforms seekers and their lives, as modeled by the authors. It both heals the personal self in its journey through its wounds and shadows, and yet at the same time dissolves identification with the self. The book then ends by returning to the simplicity of the authors' primary teacher, Ajahn Chah, with his encouragement to "Be the Dharma."

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Kittisaro and Thanissara deliver a sincere narrative that demystifies the path to awakening through their unique lens as a married couple of former monastics. The text succeeds in showing how personal struggle can transform into global compassion. However, readers seeking rigid doctrinal instruction or purely academic analysis may find the personal anecdotes too informal or lacking in scholarly rigor. Those preferring detached, theoretical philosophy over emotional vulnerability might feel alienated by the intimate tone. It is not for those who view spirituality as a strictly intellectual pursuit devoid of relational context.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a grounded, authentic approach to spirituality will find profound value in this intimate exploration. It is ideal for those who feel disconnected from rigid dogma but crave depth, offering a path where meditation directly fuels compassionate action. Former monastics or anyone curious about the transition from secluded practice to married life will appreciate the candid vulnerability. The book serves as a gentle guide for individuals desiring to integrate inner peace with outer service, proving that enlightenment is not an escape from reality but a deeper immersion into it through shared human experience.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5

★★★★★

If you're seeking a path that bridges personal spiritual growth with active compassion, and resonate with deeply personal narratives, this book is for you. It offers profound insights for both seasoned practitioners and those curious about Buddhism's relevance in a complex world.

Reader rating

4.7

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Kittisaro and Thanissara deliver a sincere narrative that demystifies the path to awakening through their unique lens as a married couple of former monastics. The text succeeds in showing how personal struggle can transform into global compassion. However, readers seeking rigid doctrinal instruction or purely academic analysis may find the personal anecdotes too informal or lacking in scholarly rigor. Those preferring detached, theoretical philosophy over emotional vulnerability might feel alienated by the intimate tone. It is not for those who view spirituality as a strictly intellectual pursuit devoid of relational context.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Its distinctive feature is the dual authorial voice from a married couple, both former monastics, sharing their intertwined and individual spiritual journeys. This offers a rare, intimate perspective on awakening through shared experience and diverse challenges.

While it delves into advanced concepts like non-duality, the personal storytelling and clear articulation of core principles make it accessible. Beginners will find inspiration in the journey, and experienced practitioners will appreciate its depth and contemporary relevance.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Engaged Buddhist Practice

The authors delve into the concept of Engaged Buddhism, demonstrating how personal spiritual development naturally extends beyond individual peace. They advocate for a path where inner wisdom is actively applied in the world, transforming personal liberation into compassionate service and addressing collective suffering, moving spiritual practice from the cushion to daily life.

The Spiritual Hero's Journey

Through alternating chapters, Kittisaro and Thanissara chronicle their individual and shared spiritual odysseys. They present their lives as an archetypal quest, detailing moments of youthful idealism, profound disillusionment, challenging trials, and eventual integration of wisdom. This narrative arc illustrates the multifaceted process of awakening through lived experience.

Intimacy & Non-Dual Reality

Central to their teaching is the exploration of non-dual consciousness, guiding readers toward a profound sense of interconnectedness. The book emphasizes moving beyond perceived separation to experience an 'intimacy with all things,' revealing how this deeper understanding of reality fosters genuine compassion and allows for a more integrated and meaningful existence.

💬 Quotes from the book

“The crucible of our own suffering, when met with awareness, becomes the very forge where compassion for all beings is truly tempered.”

“True liberation blossoms not in retreat from the world, but in the boundless intimacy we cultivate with every breath, every connection, and every act of service.”

📜 Historical context

Rooted in the Theravada tradition, this work expands upon classical Buddhist teachings by embracing the modern movement of Engaged Buddhism. It places emphasis on the integration of contemplative practice with social action, a development that gained prominence in the 20th century. The authors' unique journey from monasticism to partnership reflects a contemporary adaptation of ancient wisdom.

📚 Glossary

Dharma
Non-dual
Engaged Buddhism

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a personal struggle you've faced. How might viewing it as part of an 'archetypal journey' shift your understanding of its purpose or meaning?
Consider an area where you feel disconnected from the world. How might cultivating 'intimacy with all things' through mindful awareness change your perception and actions?
What does 'engaged spirituality' mean to you personally? How can your inner practice translate into acts of service or compassionate engagement in your community?