Introduces the central teachings of Buddhism and the practice of insight meditation, covering such topics as proper meditation practice, developing compassion and wisdom, and understanding the laws of karma. Reprint. printing. In Seeking the Heart of Wisdom Goldstein and Kornfield present the central teachings and practices of insight meditation in a clear and personal language. The path of insight meditation is a journey of understanding our bodies, our minds, and our lives, of seeing clearly the true nature of experience. The authors guide the reader in developing the openness and compassion that are at the heart of this spiritual practice. For those already treading the path, as well as those just starting out, this book will be a welcome companion along the way. Among the topics covered are: • The hindrances to meditation-ranging from doubt and fear to painful knees-and skillful means of overcoming them • How compassion can arise in response to the suffering we see in our own lives and in the world • How to integrate a life of responsible action and service with a meditative life based on nonattachment Useful exercises are presented alongside the teachings to help readers deepen their understanding of the subjects. Preface vii Foreword ix Dalai Lama Acknowledgments xi Part One: Understanding Practice Discovering the Heart of Meditation 3(15) Exercise: Learning from the Precepts 16(2) Why Meditate? 18(12) Exercise: Concepts and Reality 28(2) Meditation Instructions 30(8) Difficulties and Hindrances 38(19) Exercise: Making the Hindrances Part of the Path 56(1) Deepening Levels of Practice 57(18) Exercise: Moving from Content to Process 72(3) Part Two: Training the Heart and Mind The Seven Factors of Enlightenment 75(22) Exercise: Awareness of the Factors of Enlightenment 95(2) The Life of the Buddha 97(15) Exercise: Recollection of the Buddha 111(1) The Freedom of Restraint 112(11) Exercise: Restraint 122(1) Suffering: The Gateway to Compassion 123(14) Exercise: Cultivating Compassion 134(3) Part Three: The Growth of Wisdom Understanding Karma: Cause and Effect 137(14) Exercise: Equanimity Meditation 149(2) Understanding Karma: Liberation 151(6) Exercise: Observing Intention 156(1) The Five Spiritual Faculties 157(14) The Three Basic Characteristics 171(16) Exercise: Observing Discomfort in Our Conditioned Response 185(2) Perspectives on Reality 187(12) The Path of Service 199(16) Exercise: The Heart of Service 213(2) Integrating Practice 215(20) Exercises: Strengthening Mindfulness 232(3) Glossary 235(2) Index 237