This kind of book is ubiquitous in the Christian world, called “daily devotionals.” This may be the first time it’s been done with Buddhist wisdom, teachers, and practices. It’s a great idea.
Each day’s selection begins with a quotation from one of the great Buddhist teachers of history. Most common is the Buddha himself. Other names you may recognize include Milarepa and Chogyam Trungpa. None of them are living teachers, but a few are from the twentieth century. The book calls them “philosophers,” and a glossary of all thirty-four, with short biographies, appears at the back.
The titles of each day’s meditation are often spiritual intentions, and the authors’ Buddhist advice, expanding on the quotations, usually turn toward the practical. Each day’s advice is usually three concise paragraphs. For example, there’s “The Problem with Passion” and “Change Your Behavior and Your Feelings Will Follow.” Another example is from March 30 — “You Can’t Escape Your Shadow” (see the excerpt accompanying this review).
The authors are a married couple living in Brooklyn whose experience is primarily in Tibetan Buddhism. Their book grew out of their newsletter by the same name.
