Essential Spirituality
The Seven Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind
by Roger Walsh. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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DESCRIPTION FROM BACK COVER
Based on over twenty years of research and spiritual practice, written by a man who is both a spiritual practitioner and award-winning scientist, this is a groundbreaking and life-changing book. For the first time, Essential Spirituality shows how you can apply the seven practices central to all the world’s major religions in your daily life.
In his decades of study, Dr. Roger Walsh has discovered that each of the great spiritual traditions has both a common goal and seven common practices to reach that goal: recognizing the sacred and divine that exist both within and around us. Going beyond Care of the Soul, Essential Spirituality integrates the spiritual principles of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism into one truly rewarding way of life in which kindness, love, joy, peace, vision, wisdom, and generosity become an ever-growing part of everything you do.
Filled with stories, exercises, meditations, myths, case histories, prayers, and practical advice, this extraordinary book has the power to change your life now.
Acclaim for Essential Spirituality
“Energetic, engaged, and occasionally electrifying…Roger is thoroughly grounded in actual spiritual practices, without which any writing on spiritual topics remains anemic and untrustworthy. The field of spiritual books has been looking for its own Lewis Thomas or Carl Sagan, and I believe Roger Walsh may be that one.”
—Ken Wilber, author of One Taste and A Brief History of Everything
“Deceptively simple. Its power is rooted not only in Dr. Walsh’s formidable intellectual capacity to effectively deal with a vast body of religious literature but in his own deep spiritual practice in a multitude of disciplines over many years. An important contribution.”
—Ram Dass, author of Be Here Now
“An absolute masterpiece…Essential Spirituality is helpful to both the unseasoned and seasoned seeker. The writing is deep, simple, and clear yet at the same time poetic and musical. A must read.”
—Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D., author of Love is Letting Go of Fear
Read more praise for Essential Spirituality
| ESSENTIAL SPIRITUALITY The 7 Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind Roger Walsh, M.D., Ph.D. |
| Foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Introduction 1. Unveiling the Sacred |
| The Seven Practices
Practice One: Transform Motivation: Reduce Craving and Find Your Soul’s Desire 5. The Secret of Happiness |
| Practice Two: Cultivate Emotional Wisdom: Heal the Heart and Learn to Love
10. The Gift of Love |
| Practice Three: Live Ethically: Feel Good by Doing Good
15. The Value of Virtue |
| Practice Four: Rest in Peace: Concentrate and Calm the Mind
19. Your Meandering Mind |
| Practice Five: Awaken Spiritual Vision: See Clearly and Recognize the Sacred In All Things
22. The Healing Power of Awareness |
| Practice Six: Cultivate Spiritual Intelligence: Awakening Wisdom and Understanding Life
27. What is Wisdom? |
| Practice Seven: Express Spirit in Action: Generosity and the Joy of Service
31. The Spirit of Service |
| Source Notes Further Reading Bibliography Index |
Roger Walsh is professor of psychiatry, philosophy, and anthropology, as well as professor in the religious studies program at the University of California at Irvine.