Description

A course in the Buddhist practice of thebrahma viharas, or "heavenly abodes." Detailed instructions from the Buddhist tradition in cultivating mindfulness presented by a prominent Insight Meditation teacher. The four sublime qualities (brahma viharas) that can be cultivated through practice and lead to a life lived with wisdom and love. Also known as the "four immeasurables," they aremetta, karuna, mudita, anduppekha, or kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Many people are familiar withmetta, or lovingkindness, meditation, which has become very popular in the last couple decades. But, according to Christina Feldman, to focus on that quality--delightful as it is--is to leave the practice somewhat unbalanced. The four qualities in fact help and balance each other in a way that enhances them all. Christina presents teachings on the brahma viharas along with simple practices that can lead to a life infused with kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, and to a way of being that promotes those qualities in the world at large."

Reviews

"Thanks to Christina Feldman for this important contribution on practices to develop kindness. BoundlessHearthelps locatethese ancient and essential practicesin modern life. Anyone who wishes to know the sense of freedom kindness can bring will treasure this book." -- Sharon Salzberg, author ofLovingkindness"In Boundless Heart, Christina Feldman explores the four immeasurable, beautiful qualities of our human existence: friendliness, compassion, joy and equanimity. With her characteristic clarity and wisdom, she expands our understanding of each of these ennobling qualities and how they interweave with one another as they open the door to the highest freedom. This book is a dharma treasure." --Joseph Goldstein, author of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening "One of the most respected voices in contemporary Buddhism, Christina Feldman has written an extraordinarily clear and important guidebook to opening the heart. These profound teachings and practices help us to deeply connect with life and make this a better world. As Buddhists say after a particularly skillful action: 'Sadhu--Well done!'"--James Baraz, co-author of Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to Happinessand co-founding teacher Spirit Rock Meditation Center "

Author description

CHRISTINA FELDMAN is a prominent teacher in the Insight Meditation world in the US and the UK. She is one of the Guiding Teachers of the Insight Meditation Society, Barre, MA, where she frequently leads retreats. She is also cofounder of Gaia House in the UK. She teaches extensively throughout America and Europe. She is the author ofThe Quest of the Warrior Woman, Principles of Meditation, Heart of Wisdom, Mind of Calm, and, with Jack Kornfield, Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart."