In this compelling collection of talks, interviews, and letters, Toni
Packer provides a comprehensive overview of the path of meditative
inquiry—a nondenominational approach to spiritual growth that emphasizes
the direct experience of the present moment. "The immense challenge for
each one of us," Packer writes, "is can we live our lives, at least for
moments at a time, in the wonder of presence that is the creative
source of everything?" She shows how we can transform fear, anger,
guilt, and attachment to our self-image through simple, direct
awareness. Having recently lost her husband of fifty years, Packer also
speaks with candor and tenderness about the convulsions of a grieving
heart and the peace that undivided awareness can bring.
Toni Packer began studying Zen in 1967 with Roshi Philip Kapleau (author of
The Three Pillars of Zen )
at the Rochester Zen Center and was eventually named his successor.
Seeing the potentially destructive effects of relying too much on
tradition, however, she did not accept the position. Packer is strongly
influenced by the teachings of Krishnamurti and has turned away from the
traditional forms and hierarchies that are prevalent in many Buddhist
schools. Her approach is appealing to many Westerners who find
institutionalized practices such as chanting, bowing, and burning
incense to be alien and unnecessary.
170 pages. Paperback.