Sach - The everything Buddhism book : learn the ancient traditions and apply them to modern life

Dear Reader:

Like many Westerners, I was not raised a Buddhist but came to Buddhism on my own. My family did not practice any organized religion , though spirituality was strong in my home. I was introduced to Buddhism while working in publishing. Many books were coming across my desk that spoke of emptiness, suffering, and awakening to truth. My interest was piqued and Buddhism warranted further investigation.

I discovered the Zen Mountain Monastery in the Catskill Mountains of New York and took an introductory weekend on Zen practice. To my surprise, I discovered that practice was hard, but there was something about it that kept bringing me back. Well, as they say: When the student is ready the teacher appears, and so it was for me. After moving from New York City to the farm country of New Jersey I had no reason to hope that I would stumble across, as I did, a sangha and a teacher and that my life would become so wonderfully alive because of it. But the world has a way of wanting you to wake up and if you open your mind you will see the lessons everywhere. The discovery of Buddhist practice is a blessing like none other.

Editorial

Production

Visit the entire Everything Series at everything.com

Copyright 2003, F+W Media, Inc.
All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced
in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions
are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

An Everything Series Book.
Everything and

everything.com are registered trademarks of F+W Media, Inc.

Published by Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322 U.S.A.
www.adamsmedia.com
ISBN 13: 978-1-58062-884-6
ISBN 10: 1-58062-884-2

Printed in the United States of America.

J I H G F

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Sach, Jacky.

The everything Buddhism book / Jacky Sach.
p. cm. (Everything series)
ISBN 1-58062-884-2
1. Buddhism. I. Title. II. Series.
BQ4012.S23 2003
294.3dc21

2002154917

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the
American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Adams Media was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

This book is available at quantity discounts for bulk purchases.
For information, call 1-800-289-0963.

To my dharma teacher, Kurt, and to my dharma friends Alex and Bob. With much gratitude to all of the teachers who illuminate the path with brilliant books, Web sites, and tapes. A list of valuable resources is available at the back of this book, though the teachings of the dharma far exceed any space allotted here.

With special thanks to Eric Hall, a wonderful and supportive editor.