"The Four Directions help support and strengthen our transformational shift to a more universal consciousness." Melvin Grossman M.D., Child Psychiatrist, Retired Clinical Instructor Harvard Medical School. "Through transcending Buddhist terminologies, Sensei Stultz reveals significant insight into our egos and sources of unhappiness. Readers will benefit on several levels through the analysis and practices taught in this work." -Rev. Alfred Bloom, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Buddhism, University of Hawaii "Sensei Stultz is a knowledgeable commentator on the social ethics and practices that have come to be called "engaged Buddhism". he has enriched the discussion of the emerging Buddhism with his experience." -Christopher S. Queen, Ph.D., Dean and Lecturer on Buddhist Studies, Harvard University Author and Sensei Anthony Stultz brings together the ancient wisdom of the East and the psychological language of the West, making it easier for those living in a contemporary society to understand the Dharma and put it into practice. Stultz explains the goals, details, and applications of the Four Directions and provides exercises and true stories that will show you how to: - Rediscover your true self - Understand your ego self - Harness your inner power - Trust in yourself Free Your Mind takes you on a pilgrimage of self-discovery that will guide you to becoming one with your true self.
Throughout many years of my life I have struggled with depression and anxiety. Finally, I found the guidance I need to become free of the suffering I have endured for so long. My meetings with the author and the use of the techniques clearly elucidated in his book have changed my life. Whenever I have find myself having thoughts and feelings that are troubling I go back to this book and follow the steps to seeing clearly the cause of my suffering. It is with great joy that I am now becoming able to see clearly and appreciate this precious life.
Valueable information, invaluable practices
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
The lessons presented in The Four Directions takes the best that Buddhism philosophy has to offer and combines it with the best of western psychology. At first glance, I thought the small size of the book would make for a simple read. However, there is a lot of valuable information packed into that little form and I found myself re-reading portions to get a good grasp on the material before moving on. If there is any difficulty getting a good grasp on the material or diagrams, I highly encourage contacting the Blue Mountain Lotus Society and speaking to a Four Directions teacher. Halfway through the book, I contacted a teacher and gained even more insight into the Four Directions. One can certainly gain invaluable practices from this book all on it's own, but paired with a teacher's additional insights, it offered life-changing strategies for me.
This book 'Freed' my mind
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Before using the Four Directions I had a lot of trouble with OCD. I was having a hard time enjoying regular things in my life. Once I found out about these techniques and I began to use them, I felt completely better. I recommend it to anyone having psychological or self esteem issues.
WOW! THIS STUFF WORKS!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
In easy-to-grasp language and exercises, author and Sensei Anthony Stultz helps us to lovingly understand ourselves and transform our lives. In his book FREE YOUR MIND: THE FOUR DIRECTIONS OF AN AWAKENED LIFE, Sensei Tony steps us through the five stages of development that led us to our individual personalities and present conditioning; who we THINK we really are. He then helps us to apply his unique Four Directions which lead us to rediscover our True Self, understand our Ego Self, harness our inner power and trust in our Self. Adding personal stories of those he has worked with, as well as the story of his own significant yet transformational heartache, we see the power and awakening the Four Directions can offer us. As early in the book as pages 3-5, I challenge you to read Stultz' take on the Psychic Eruptions and NOT be able then to answer the question, "What's going ON with me?" Likewise in Chapter 3, The Second Direction: Understanding the Ego Self. Using the Parent/Adult/Child Model familiar to Western psychology, Sensei Tony weaves Eastern sensibility into the mix and gives us powerful exercises to label and observe our Ego Self and our True Self, then help our True Self to guide awareness of our thoughts and subsequent emotions and sensations. Learn the important differences between self-esteem and self-confidence, then learn to leave behind the impossible reach for perfection as you combine integrity and harmony to a new, healthier search for wholeness. At ANY age or place in your life, read this book! There's no mumbo-jumbo, no complicated or irrelevant philosophies, nothing weird or "out there." Sensei Tony's commitment to "Engaged Buddhism" transcends all belief systems and all religions, and can dovetail beautifully into everyone's life. Learn to really live your life fully and honestly, freely and beyond conditioning. Free Your Mind - what a glorious, liberating concept!
A Taste of Freedom
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
The core of the Buddha's teachings concern liberation from suffering and finding harmony and happiness in day-to-day life, now. The author, a Buddhist teacher and counselor, presents key concepts in a reader-friendly way that lets you begin to try the practices right away. The chapters build on each other until by the end of this delightfully compact book a complete way to work with difficult things in your life is presented. Chapters include very helpful summaries. The different methods are complemented by real-life stories from the author's counseling work and experiences. Some examples deal with relationship problems and anxieties. Some go into areas that reach at our deepest fears: a prisoner who says he feels no emotion when hurting people he robbs; a mother who feels a compulsion to hurt her newborn; and Sensei Tony's loss of his beloved sister in a car accident. What is special about each story is that it relates directly to the method (or Direction) just discussed and is a real guide as to how to work with the techniques presented. The charts and diagrams are relevant and useful. The price is right, too. I highly recommend FREE YOUR MIND. It is not just for Buddhists but for anyone looking for the taste of true freedom. Enjoy!
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