An invaluable road map for anyone who meditates, Swallowing the River Ganges is a comprehensive practice guide to the “great treatise” of Theravadan Buddhism, the “path of purification” (Visuddhimagga). Written in the fifth century, this encyclopedic manual of Buddhist doctrine and meditation organizes the various teachings of the Buddha into one clear path. Step by step, this meditation course guides readers through the seven stages of purification, explaining the teachings and putting them into a modern context.
Books
This page contains the resources that I have found useful in my personal and professional life. Admittedly, it is an eclectic list. It contains everything from quotes and books that I like to podcasts, videos, and slideshows.
If you don’t want to scroll through the entire list, you can click on one of the links below and filter the resources by specific category.
I will update this list as I discover new resources. If you have a resource you think I should add, please email me.
Radical Responsibility (Sounds True, 2019)
In his new book, Fleet Maull writes about “Radical Responsibility” and “How To Move Beyond Blame, Fearlessly Live Your Highest Purpose, and Become an Unstoppable Force for Good”. Fleet teaches that taking radical responsibility is the fundamental practice that gives one’s life meaning. This book is especially for those who aspire to be agents of change, through self-responsibility. Because before you can have an impact in the world you must “pull yourself up by the spiritual bootstraps” by taking radical responsibility.
A pioneer of Buddhist meditation and mindfulness practice in the west, it is not an understatement to say that Joseph Goldstein has catalyzed several generations of meditators in the west. “Insight Meditation: The Practice Of Freedom” is one of Joseph’s early books that covers topics as basic as why and how we practice, the Buddhist teachings of “Non-Self” and “Karma, the Psychology of the Dharma, and the ultimate practice of how we bring our awakening into to the world. I wholeheartedly recommend “Insight Meditation: A Practice Of Freedom” to anyone who has a serious calling to awaken.
Though having only met him briefly, I feel that I have spent many a sitting hours with Joseph Goldstein through the wisdom he shares in his books. A companion early on my path his books have guided me through my “kick-start” years with daily practice and his inspiration took me further into the depths of meditation on intensive vipassana retreats. His inspiration encouraged me on the “path lass traveled” and has indeed, made all the difference.
Compiled from the Aikido tele-summit, “Aikido At The Leading Edge.” Join 50 of the world’s top Aikido teachers as they answer a single question; “What is your #1 tip, or practice advice for someone to keep their Aikido at the leading edge?”
Christian Tissier, Robert Nadeau, Linda Holiday, John Stevens, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Wendy Palmer, Robert Frager, Jan Nevelius, David Shaner, Joe Thambu, Koichi Barrish, Patrick Cassidy, and many more!
The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido (Shambhala, 1992)
This beautiful little handbook contains the inspirational teachings of Morihei Ueshiba, O’ Sensei himself. Each of its 112 short verses describes O’ Sensei’s perspective of the real way of the spiritual warrior. If you seek to explore the greater meaning of Aikido, and what it means in your life, then this book will give you a deep dive into the enlightened mind of the founder of the art.
Integral Spirituality: A Startling New Role for Religion in the Modern and Postmodern World (Shambhala, 2007)
Aptly referred to as the “Einstein of consciousness”, Ken Wilber is perhaps the most significant philosopher of our times. He is the mapmaker that has synthesized all of the human wisdom traditions into his famous Integral Model, which applies to every aspect of life. Integral Spirituality illuminates the promise and potential of the spiritual path like never before. Through “multiple perspective taking” you will gain a powerful map of the classical path of spiritual states and the skill-sets you need to reach higher and higher stages of spiritual development.
Everything Is Workable: A Zen Approach to Conflict Resolution (Shambhala, 2013)
Diane Musho Hamilton is a dear friend and mentor, a gifted Zen teacher, master facilitator, and professional mediator. In her first book, Diane brings a Zen approach to conflict resolution. You will learn from her to work with your personal “conflict style,” discover the creativity that lies at the core of all conflict, and the 3-fold practice of showing up, listening and witnessing. Diane is just great, and this book will introduce you to the art of conflict, and how to work with it in all aspects of your life.
In This Very Life: The Liberation Teachings of the Buddha (Wisdom Publications, 1995)
As you might know, Sayadaw U Pandita was my meditation teacher. His book is hands down the best guide for anyone who is interested in doing extended Vipassana meditation retreats. It is safe to say that no other teacher has impacted the establishment of the Dharma in the West as much as the late Burmese meditation master Sayadaw U Pandita.
A highly skilled Dharma and meditation teacher for over 60 years, U Pandita guided thousands of yogis through the Progress Of Insight, including many of the top Western meditation teachers such as Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, Ram Das, Daniel Goldman, Sharon Salzberg, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Sam Harris.
You won’t find a better guide for your practice. This book is suited for beginners, for advanced practitioners, and for anyone who aspires to realize the Dharma in this very life!
Eyes Wide Open: Cultivating Discernment on the Spiritual Path (Sounds True, 2009)
In “Eyes Wide Open” Mariana Caplan has created a first of its kind “field guide” for walking a spiritual path. She has laid out a post-modern map of the major interior spaces you need to consider on your path – cultural, psychological, tantric, and shadow work. She also writes on the critical issue of what it means to be in a relationship with a spiritual teacher in a postmodern world. For anyone interested in cultivating wisdom, orientation and clarity on the spiritual path, “Eyes Wide Open” is essential reading.