A leading spiritual teacher offers this illuminating guide to Buddhism's transformational psychology. Filled with stories from Kornfield's Buddhist psychotherapy practice, it also includes a moving account of his own recovery from a violence-filled childhood.

Enrich your spiritual practice with a deeper understanding of Hebrew blessing. A Hebrew blessing is a powerful thing--a short, deeply meditative exercise exploring the nature of God and the dynamic relationship between God, human consciousness and the unfolding universe. Written in clear, illuminating prose, this book will guide you through the opening words of a Hebrew blessing--six words which embody the depth of Jewish spirituality--revealing how the letters and words combine to promote joy and appreciation, wonder and thankfulness, amazement and praise. Each word becomes an invitation to discover the Presence of God flowing through even the smallest actions of our lives. Examine the deeper meaning behind: Barukh Ata Adonay Eloheynu Melekh Ha'Olam In the ancient language of the Jewish mystical tradition and the modern language of hasidism, creation theology and psychology, The Path of Blessing brings the words of the Hebrew invocation dramatically alive.

"In a work Freud characterized as "brilliant," the author, an acknowledged pioneer in the study of the psychology of religion, analyzes a variety of rituals - couvade, puberty rites, the prayers and religious customs of modern Jews - in order to reconstruct the nature of the original impulses from which ritual is derived. He applies psychoanalytic methods of investigation to some of the most highly valued products of civilization - a task Freud called a "scientific duty." Connecting the superstitious beliefs of prehistoric times with contemporary practices, Dr. Reik illuminates the significance of modern and ancient religion. The author's lively style, combined with his scholarly documentation, makes this a book that will appeal alike to psychiatrists, psychologists, and students of comparative religion" -- Back cover.

Wisdom, solace and inspiration from Jewish tradition to bring you hope and healing after loss. "Mourning can open doors you may not have imagined before your life was shaken by loss. This book provides keys to those doors and a way into the rooms beyond them. Whether you stand at grief's threshold or give counsel to someone who does, this book can offer guidance.... With words of wisdom, ranging from comforting to provocative, each author stands at the entrance to one of mourning's doors, extending a hand to offer the key you will need, inviting you into one of these deep conversations." --from the Preface by Rabbi Anne Brener, LCSW Beloved and respected spiritual leaders from across the Jewish denominational spectrum share insights from their experience, Jewish tradition and their personal encounters with grief and healing. This wide range of perspectives, offered with grace and compassion, will be a treasured resource in your time of grief. Whether mourning a recent loss or experiencing pain from old scars, you will be encouraged and challenged to be fully, vulnerably present to your emotions; forgive your own shortcomings and those of others; and remain open to love despite pain and uncertainty. Contributors: Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, DHL - Rabbi Anne Brener, LCSW - Dr. Norman J. Cohen - Rabbi Mike Comins - Rabbi David A. Cooper - Rabbi Rachel Cowan - Rabbi Edward Feinstein - Rabbi Nancy Flam - Rabbi Lori Forman-Jacobi - Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman, MSW, MA, BCC - Debbie Friedman - Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer, PhD - Nan Fink Gefen, PhD - Rabbi Neil Gillman, PhD - Rabbi Edwin Goldberg, DHL - Rabbi Arthur Green, PhD - Dr. David Hartman - Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD - Rabbi Margaret Holub - Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar - Rabbi Lawrence Kushner - Rabbi Maurice Lamm - Rabbi Naomi Levy - Rabbi David Lyon - Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler - Rabbi James L. Mirel - Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky - Rabbi Daniel F. Polish, PhD - Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso - Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis - Rabbi Dannel I. Schwartz - Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz - Rabbi Rami Shapiro - Rachel Josefowitz Siegel - Rabbi Shira Stern, DMin, BCC - Rabbi Nancy Wechsler-Azen - Karen Bonnell Werth - Rabbi Nancy H. Wiener, DMin - Dr. Ron Wolfson - Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman For use by individuals as well as in groups or counseling settings.

Break the Surface of Spiritual Boredom to Find the Reservoir of Meaning Within We need to be bored. When we get bored and take responsibility for our boredom, we arrive at a new level of interest, introspection, or action that has been stirred by the very creativity used to keep boredom away. The relationship between boredom and creativity is far from accidental. Creative minds are often stimulated by boredom, regarding it as a brain rest until the next great idea looms on the horizon of the otherwise unoccupied mind. from Chapter 10 Boredom is a crisis of our age. In religious terms, boredom is sapping spirituality of its mystical and wholesome benefits, slowly corroding our ability to recognize blessing and beauty in our lives, to experience wonder and awe. What happens when our need for constant newness minimizes our interest in prayer, learning, and the mysteries of nature? This intriguing look at spiritual boredom helps you understand just what this condition is, particularly as it relates to Judaism, and what the absence of inspiration means to the present and future of the Jewish tradition. Drawing insights from psychology, philosophy, and theology as well as ancient Jewish texts, Dr. Erica Brown explores the many ways boredom manifests itself within Judaismin the community, classroom, and synagogueand shows its potentially powerful cultural impact on a faith structure that advises sanctifying time, not merely passing it.