The Power of an Open Question: The Buddha's Path to Freedom

Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, Dzigar Kongtrul (Foreword by)

$19.95

Publication Date: June 21st, 2011

Publisher:

Shambhala

ISBN:

9781590309278

Pages:

128

Description

“A bold, playful, and invigorating” look at how asking challenging questions—without expectations—can lead Buddhist practitioners to powerful spiritual insights (Pema Chödrön)

How do we find a resting place in a world that is complex and always changing? How do we practice spirituality beyond the limits of blind acceptance and doubt? Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel proposes that when we ask challenging questions like these, we access our deepest intelligence and most powerful insights.

“When we ask a question,” Mattis-Namgyel suggests, “our mind is engaged yet open. The process of inquiry protects us from our tendency to reach static conclusions. Instead, we can respond to uncertainty and change with inquisitiveness and a sense of wonder.”

By telling the story of the Buddha's awakening, Mattis-Namgyel shows us that by contemplating hard questions—and by not simply rejecting seeming contradictions in his experience—the Buddha became enlightened. Her book guides us on a provocative, playful, and spiritually enriching journey of contemplation that could last a lifetime.

About the Author

Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel is the wife of Tibetan Buddhist master Dzigar Kongtrül and the editor of two of his books (It’s Up to You and Light Comes Through). She has studied and practiced in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition for twenty-five years under his guidance and completed years of solitary retreat. As a Buddhist teacher, she leads weekend retreats throughout the United States and Europe.

Praise for The Power of an Open Question: The Buddha's Path to Freedom

“A bold, playful, and invigorating book about the Buddha’s most important and subtle teachings.”—Pema Chödrön, author of Taking the Leap

“The reader will harvest the fruit of Elizabeth’s mature humility.”—Dzongsar Khyentse, author of What Makes You Not a Buddhist

“Elizabeth Namgyel has written a totally accessible book, one which shows tremendous depth of understanding.”—Diana J. Mukpo, author of Dragon Thunder

“Personal and insightful. Mattis-Namgyel writes with the clarity and grace one hopes for from such a dedicated student of Buddhist tradition.”—Library Journal

“Mattis-Namgyel understands her Western readers. She reaches out gently to them, with compassion born of twenty-five years of Buddhist practice. She knows the questions that readers need answered. She anticipates the challenges that will arise for them as they attempt to drastically change their mindsets. Reading this book is a beautiful experience on the journey in search of enlightenment.”—New Age Retailer

“Mattis-Namgyel’s book guides us on a provocative, playful, and spiritually-enriching journey of contemplation.”—The Messenger

“An edifying examination of openness.”—Spirituality & Practice