A.H. Almaas and Henry Shukman: “The Many Faces of Awakening”

This book provides a new translation and commentary on the Diamond Sutra, one of the sublime wisdom teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. Mu Soeng integrates this ancient wisdom with current scientific and psychological thought, tracing connections between these teachings and contemporary theories of quantum reality. He explores the sutra within the framework of Buddhist meditation practices and provides a comprehensive historical survey of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The commentary aims to make the inspiration and wisdom of the Diamond Sutra accessible and engaging for modern readers.

Original Love is an essential meditation guide for the twenty-first century. Henry Shukman, a spiritual director and mindfulness teacher, provides a way forward based on four paths—Mindfulness, Support, Absorption, and Awakening—that promote growth and healing through meditation. The book includes inspiring stories from his students and weaves together teachings from Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and other contemplative traditions. It aims to help readers create peace by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, relaxing the mind and body, easing feelings of worry and anger, and improving decision-making and executive functioning. The book emphasizes the importance of direct experience over intellectual understanding and encourages readers to explore meditation to discover the transformative power of mindfulness and awakening.