“A compendium of gentle wisdom.”—PublishersWeekly.com

“The most illuminating of these [essays] include Phillip Moffitt’s lucid explanation of mindfulness and Martine Batchelor’s and Joan Sutherland’s contributions on koans. The series’ greatest aspect, however, is ready access to engaging personal accounts by lesser-known authors; standouts include Calvin Malone’s “Razor-Wire Dharma,” Rabbi Rami Shapiro’s “Where Is God When Stick Hit Floor?” and Pico Iyer’s look at the Dalai Lama’s life as a simple monk. Verdict: A good bet for those seeking a quick survey of contemporary Buddhist thought and especially for readers who benefit from shared personal struggles.”—LibraryJournal.com

A treasury of the most notable, profound, and thought-provoking Buddhism-inspired writing published in the last year.

The Best Buddhist Writing 2009 includes:

• An interview with novelist Tom Robbins

• Guiding principles for a new ecospirituality from Thich Nhat Hanh

• Jack Kornfield on basic human goodness

• Pico Iyer’s portrait of the Dalai Lama

• Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle on a couple’s journey through Alzheimer’s disease

• The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche on the true, enlightened nature of mind

• Wendy Johnson on bringing the beginner’s mind to gardening

• A mindfulness practice from Pema Chödrön to help us wake up to the world around us

• Joan Halifax on approaching death with fearlessness and compassion

• Peggy Rowe-Ward and Larry Ward with stories, meditations, and exercises for experiencing love in a new and deeper way

• Natalie Goldberg on the art of writing personal memoir

• Dzigar Kongtrül on our search for happiness

• Sharon Salzberg on overcoming passion, aggression, and ignorance in our relationships

• Stephanie Kaza on making environmentalism a spiritual path, not just a change in lifestyle

• Meshuga-wisdom from Rabbi Rami Shapiro

• John Welwood on how we can use our relationships for profound spiritual growth

• And much more