Mirka Knaster

Mirka Knaster is an independent scholar, freelance writer and editor, and artist who applies a cross-cultural perspective to her work, whether on women, healing arts, or spiritual traditions. She holds an MA in Latin American Studies and a PhD in Asian Philosophies and Cultures. Her writings on loving-kindness meditation, the body and spirituality, interreligious dialogue, and ethical speech as a spiritual practice appear in magazines, anthologies, encyclopedias, and at Beliefnet.com. Her writing website can be found at http://www.mirkaknaster.com.

As an artist who works with textiles, fiber, and mixed media, Mirka also exhibits internationally and curates shows that highlight work by artists from other cultures. East Asian aesthetics, the many places where she has lived and traveled, 20th-century abstract art, and her meditation practice are the most important influences and inspirations for her art. She explores how Dharma practice and the creative process inform and support each other. Her art website and blog can be found at https://mirkaart.com.

Joseph Goldstein

Joseph Goldstein has studied and practiced meditation since 1967 and is a cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies in Barre, Massachusetts. He is the author of many books, including Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening and One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism, and he has coauthored books with Sharon Salzberg and Jack Kornfield. He continues to lead Insight Meditation retreats around the world.

"Munindra’s view of the Buddhist path, his scholarship, and his insight all helped me go beyond my fears and self-doubt to pursue meditation practice wholeheartedly." —Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Happiness and Lovingkindness

"A kaleidoscopic view of one of the most influential figures in the spread of Buddhism in the West. Anagarika Munindra was one of a kind—wise, delightful, intriguing—and a fully human being." —Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

"Munindra was one of the most important teachers for Westerners in the establishment of Vipassana and mindfulness meditation. He was a warm, openhearted, scholar of immense learning, a pragmatic and truly compassionate teacher." —Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart and coauthor of Seeking the Heart of Wisdom

"Knaster skillfully weaves teachings and personal stories. This is a wonderful introduction to a teacher whose students are now household names: Sharon Salzberg, Daniel Goleman, Jack Kornfield. This deeply felt, loving portrait of a modern Buddhist master will also inspire those on their own journeys." —Tricycle

"Good biographies leave us feeling better informed and closer to the humanity of some historical figure. Knaster’s Living This Life Fully does both, establishing the beloved, much-cited Bengali vipassana teacher Anagarika Munindra as a critical figure for world Buddhism in the mid- to late twentieth century and recording his last beneficial imprint on hundreds of students, whose tender reminiscences form the backbone of the narrative. The book is delightful, touching, instructive. Knaster does an incredible job of organizing a plethora of material." —Inquiring Mind