Publishers Weekly
04/01/2024
Meditation is rooted in a boundless “original love” that has inspired all of creation, according to the contemplative if meandering latest from zen teacher Shukman (One Blade of Grass). Guiding readers on a path toward such a love, Shukman outlines four “inns,” or resting points, where one can learn the value of mindfulness (through which “we learn to love ourselves... to have compassion for the way we suffer”); support (connecting with others and with the meditative practice itself); absorption (finding fulfillment and total presence in the moment); and awakening (to an “infinite love” that connects the practitioner to the universe). Guided meditations and tips elucidate these concepts and how readers can practice them, as do frequent anecdotes from the author’s life. To illustrate absorption, for example, Shukman recalls growing up with severe eczema and learning to access a mental “refuge” within the extreme pain by, paradoxically, letting go of his desire for relief: “I couldn’t get there by wanting to... the door opened by itself.” While the surfeit of personal examples sometimes takes things off track, Shukman’s graceful prose and eye for nuance allows him to build an effective case for cultivating an “ever more breaking heart” that can love and be loved with total openness. Meditation practitioners of all levels will find inspiration in Shukman’s wise guidance. (July)
From the Publisher
"This is one of the rare books destined to inspire new and seasoned meditators alike. Drawing on his own deep experience and years of teaching, Henry Shukman brings a lucid and refreshing cast to the fundamentals of practice, and reveals how the loving we yearn for is always, already here; love is intrinsic to what we are. Please gift yourself with this powerful, poetic, transformative guide to awakening our hearts." — Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance
"Henry Shukman is one of the wisest and most poetical teachers of dharma we have today. In an increasingly fragmented world, he is unusually good company." — Sam Harris, New York Times bestselling author of Waking Up and host of the Making Sense podcast
"This is a book the world has been waiting for—one that speaks clearly and eloquently to the reality of love as the foundational energy of this world. I can’t think of a more important project for humankind than all of us finding this love as matter of urgency. Of all the books on meditation I’ve read, none have so clearly laid out the finding of love as its central project. It’s a beautiful book, but more important, it’s one we all need, and we need it now." — Richard Rohr, author of Falling Upward
“[Shukman’s] writing is gorgeous, funny, fascinating, and audacious.” — Rick Hanson, bestselling author of Buddha’s Brain
"Henry Shukman has a natural, contagious and enlightened enthusiasm which his fine writing style carries so beautifully to the reader through every page. This is a book for breaking the spell of the ‘me’, not in the sense of erasing ourselves, but in taking the journey of awakening where we can come out from behind the surface, defended self and appear fully and transparently and even lovingly in this difficult world." — David Whyte, author of Consolation and The Sea in You
"Original Love is a lively compendium of all you want to learn about meditation, mindfulness, suffering, non-suffering, joy, coming home and being whole. All that is in this book is hard-earned, on the ground, clearly explained. Shukman so much wants to share his understanding that you can feel the excitement and longing right in the center of the still page. This book is a great friend, one who tells the simple obvious truth that is right in front of our face. And on top of all this, Shukman knows how to write, like an angel." — Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing on Empty and Three Simple Lines
"Henry is a masterful teacher. His insight, compassion and wisdom combine to provide some of the best meditation teaching out there." — Kelly Boys, author of The Blind Spot Effect and Director of The Foundation for a Mindful Society and the Mindful Cities project
"Take a break. Fall in love with your life. Breathe in the rich fragrance of mindfulness as taught by a master Zen teacher who is also a superb poet. For beginning or advanced students of meditation, Henry Shukman will lead you seamlessly into your own original love for life as it is, and you as you are. Extraordinary in its freshness and replete with all kinds of wisdom, this book illuminates waking up naturally, aimlessly, in your own time. Enjoy it." — Polly Young-Eisendrath, author of Love Between Equals and The Present Heart
"This book, like Henry himself, is wise and deep and filled with heartfelt meditation advice and beautiful, powerful stories. You will be very glad that you've read it." — Michael Taft, author of The Mindful Geek
"A fascinating and beautiful contribution to the world of meditation by an adept in the practice." — Roshi Joan Halifax, abbot and founder of Upaya Zen Center
