In this book Lama Surya Das explores the power of mindfulness in achieving bodhicitta (enlightenment). This approach differs slightly from that of Osho and the Dalai Lama in that their focus was on achieving mindlessness or emptiness. Das eludes to this as the primary goal but focuses on mindfulness or awareness of present as the path to emptiness. He explores different meditations to assist in achieving mindfulness and discusses the positive attributes attained through self awareness. The most meaningful to me was the Tronglen practice of giving and receiving. Through meditation it encourages visualization that you are absorbing negative energy and releasing light and positive energy. The thought behind this is to bring consciousness to the qualities in both negative and positive energy that bring wisdom. It is practiced to train the mind to accept the good and bad as equal, for both assist in our spiritual journey. In practicing this technique it is believed that compassion and empathy is developed for all of mankind's suffering and our ego is diminished through lack of judgement in distinguishing good from bad.
Das also discusses the "37 Practices of a Bodhisattva" (an enlightened one), he gained from Thogme` Zangpo a Tibetan bodhisattva. These meditations bring awareness to our mind and how it relates to our relationships, our reactions, our environment and ourselves. The 37th practice stresses the interconnectedness of everything, man and all of nature. It reminds us that our practices are not only to benefit ourselves but to ultimately positively impact everything around us.
One quote I found especially inspiring:
"When we are mindful, touching deeply the present moment, we can see and listen deeply, and the fruits are always understanding, acceptance, love and the desire to relieve suffering and bring joy. . . . To me, mindfulness is very much like the Holy Spirit. Both are agents of healing. When you have mindfulness, you have love and understanding, you see more deeply, and you can heal the wounds in your own mind. The Buddha was called the King of Healers. In the Bible, when someone touches Christ, he or she is healed. It is not just touching a cloth that brings about a miracle. When you touch deep understanding and love, you are healed."
- Thich Nhat Hanh from his book "Living Buddha, Loving Christ"
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