The Four Immeasurables

Practices to Open the Heart

Edited by Zara Houshmand
Paperback
$18.95 US
On sale Sep 16, 2010 | 192 Pages | 9781559393539

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Centered around the Four Immeasurables—loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity—is a rich suite of practices that open the heart, counter the distortions in our relationships to ourselves, and deepen our relationships to others. Wallace weaves together ancient Buddhist wisdom with contemporary insight, offering a holistic approach to understanding and alleviating suffering. The Four Immeasurables explores the intricate dynamics of meditation, ethical discipline, and the nature of existence, inviting readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and interconnectedness.

Readers will gain valuable insight into shamatha practice, which cultivates a stable and serviceable mind, empowering them to navigate life’s complexities with grace and mindfulness. Wallace’s teachings provide practical guidance on cultivating loving-kindness and compassion. By integrating these principles into daily life, readers can foster a more compassionate and harmonious existence, ultimately leading to liberation from suffering. The Four Immeasurables serves as a beacon for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and enhance their understanding of self and reality.

Wallace offers a compelling exploration of the mind’s potential, challenging conventional beliefs and encouraging readers to embrace the transformative power of meditation and compassion. With its rich tapestry of Buddhist philosophy and practical wisdom, along with guided meditations and lively discussions on the implications of these teachings for daily life, this book is an essential guide for anyone yearning to cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.
B. Alan Wallace has authored, translated, edited, and contributed to more than forty books on Tibetan Buddhism, science, and culture. With fourteen years as a Buddhist monk, he earned a BA in physics and the philosophy of science and then a PhD in religious studies. After teaching in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he founded the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies to explore the integration of scientific approaches and contemplative methods.

About

Centered around the Four Immeasurables—loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity—is a rich suite of practices that open the heart, counter the distortions in our relationships to ourselves, and deepen our relationships to others. Wallace weaves together ancient Buddhist wisdom with contemporary insight, offering a holistic approach to understanding and alleviating suffering. The Four Immeasurables explores the intricate dynamics of meditation, ethical discipline, and the nature of existence, inviting readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and interconnectedness.

Readers will gain valuable insight into shamatha practice, which cultivates a stable and serviceable mind, empowering them to navigate life’s complexities with grace and mindfulness. Wallace’s teachings provide practical guidance on cultivating loving-kindness and compassion. By integrating these principles into daily life, readers can foster a more compassionate and harmonious existence, ultimately leading to liberation from suffering. The Four Immeasurables serves as a beacon for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and enhance their understanding of self and reality.

Wallace offers a compelling exploration of the mind’s potential, challenging conventional beliefs and encouraging readers to embrace the transformative power of meditation and compassion. With its rich tapestry of Buddhist philosophy and practical wisdom, along with guided meditations and lively discussions on the implications of these teachings for daily life, this book is an essential guide for anyone yearning to cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

Author

B. Alan Wallace has authored, translated, edited, and contributed to more than forty books on Tibetan Buddhism, science, and culture. With fourteen years as a Buddhist monk, he earned a BA in physics and the philosophy of science and then a PhD in religious studies. After teaching in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he founded the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies to explore the integration of scientific approaches and contemplative methods.

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