The rainstorm passed, leaving behind droplets of rain dripping rhythmically; looking out, the sky looks to turning a greyish hue. The bustle and din gradually disappear, and the school becomes quiet once again. School is over, as students gradually make their way home. I sit in this quiet classroom with a mixture of excitement and agitation, waiting for a momentous ritual that would be a watershed moment. What kind of ceremony would this be? What would my future be? Moments later, Ms. Kwan Man-Yiu enters, and closes the door behind her. She reminds me further, “You must always meet your leader in public places, and wait no more than ten minutes. And make sure you lose your tail.” “Remember, don’t ask anything that doesn’t concern you. The Party will let you know what you need to know. Don’t even acknowledge any comrades unless it is someone you report to directly.” Finally, she adds, “During the time of White Terror, things were even more precarious. If you try to set up a time to meet over the phone, subtract any date or time by one.” I struggle to remember everything she said, and become a “comrade”, thereby rewriting the entire story of my life.

In this 1950s coming-of-age story, a young girl becomes aware of social inequities and segregation. As an adult, she harkens back to her memories of one of the greatest lessons she ever learned.

This classic is required reading for understanding Tibetan Buddhism. its revered verses have been a seminal influence on the Dalai Lama.

A new edition of the #1 NYT’s bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time” and “a consummate storyteller.” Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy—an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness—that is both profound and clarifying. His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and savor the beauty offered by life's unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life's multiple dimensions, each one drawn with awe and affection. The Book of Awakening is the result of Nepo’s journey of the soul and will inspire others to embark on their own. He speaks of spirit and friendship, urging readers to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships. Encompassing many traditions and voices, Nepo's words offer insight on pain, wonder, and love. Each entry is accompanied by an exercise that will surprise and delight the reader in its mind-waking ability.

Awakening: An Introduction to the History of Eastern Thought engages students with lively anecdotes, essential primary and secondary sources, an accessible writing style, and a clear historical approach. The text focuses primarily on India, China, and Japan, while showing the relationships that exist between Eastern and Western traditions. Patrick Bresnan consistently links the past to the present, so students may see that Eastern traditions, however ancient their origins, are living traditions and relevant to modern times. Updates to the Sixth Edition include a new introduction as well as new approaches to problem areas throughout the text, but with special emphasis in Chapter 5 (Ashtanga Yoga), Chapter 10 (Basic Teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha), Chapter 12(Mahayana Buddhism: Madhyamaka section) and Chapter 18 (Chan Buddhism: regarding the relationship of Chan Buddhism to Zen Buddhism). In addition, all references and source material have been brought up to date. The companion website includes two new videos and many new photos, produced by the author. New to this Sixth Edition: • A new introduction that provides a helpful overview of each of the nineteen chapters and important connections between them; • An improved explanation of the nature of Vedanta philosophy, and a more logical organization of the Key Elements of the Upanishads in Chapter 3; • An extensive rewrite of Chapter 5, which deals with the subject of Ashtanga Yoga as expressed in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali; • A greatly improved presentation of Buddha’s “Four Noble Truths” in Chapter 10; • A total recasting of the teaching of Nagarjuna in the Madhyamaka section of Chapter 12; • A clearer and easier to understand presentation of the teaching of the Dao De Jing in Chapter 14; • A major revision of Chapter 18 so as to clearly distinguish Chinese Chan from Japanese Zen; • Greater emphasis throughout, where pertinent, on the role of meditation practice in all Eastern traditions; • Revised and updated Questions for Discussion at the end of each chapter; • New photos and two newly produced videos prepared by the author for the book’s companion website: http://patrickbresnan.com/.

This book aims to show readers the actions they must take to start attracting the life they want. Ashley explains the three powerful steps necessary for success, how many people sabotage their success and why, and finally how to change those negative behaviors.

With perfect precision, the author guides the reader along a path of awakening which leads to liberation from the pain and limitations of the past into the joyful and unlimited world of Now. This book reveals, in the simplest way, how to still the mind and become fully present and awake in the truth of life. Perhaps the most important aspect of this book is the author's unique insight into the nature of the mind and ego. He describes in detail how the ego's resistance to Presence is the primary obstacle to awakening and how we can overcome that resistance in a simple and effective way. Each page of this book reveals a part of the mystery. There are hidden keys to awakening on every page. It is like a road map home.