The Tao That Can Be Spoken:
Words Pointing To Truth
If you enjoy Elizabeth’s blog, then you might also enjoy these …
1. Physics, Philosophy & Nondual Spiritual Inquiry e-books
Kindle e-books featuring the best of Elizabeth’s essays. Enjoy!
* Physics, Philosophy & Nondual Spiritual Inquiry, Volume 1: Physics & Western Philosophy
* Physics, Philosophy & Nondual Spiritual Inquiry, Volume 2: Tao-Buddha
* Physics, Philosophy & Nondual Spiritual Inquiry, Volume 3: Nonduality In Various Flavors
Introduction
The essays contained within the three volumes of Physics, Philosophy & Nondual Spiritual Inquiry were written over a period of five years or so, as part of my ongoing process of braiding together various threads of influence: an early and rather intensive training in mathematics; a lively interest in eastern and western philosophy; a laywoman’s fascination with physics; and experience with body-centered practices such as hatha yoga and qigong — and placing these in friendly conversation with (or extinguishing them in the silence of) the nondual view expressed variously within Taoism, Advaita Vedanta, Buddhism and the mystical core of other traditions.
With the encouragement of several friends, I’ve gathered these playful-serious explorations together and — with just some minor revisions — am offering them here as “food for thought” for any who may resonate with these sorts of inquiries. May they be of benefit (equally in their “taking-up” and their “casting-away”) to all who chance upon them.
And also —
* Homing Pigeons: Wonderings, Wanderings & Poetic Meanderings …
Introduction to Homing Pigeons
As implied by the subtitle of this collection, the 30 essays contained herein are “wonderings, wanderings and poetic meanderings” — created over a period of six years or so. They catch me in a variety of moods: serious, playful, poetic, philosophical, devotional …. and more. Themes touched upon include the dialogue between science and spirituality, the wisdom embedded within moments of deep challenge, the healing power of the natural world, and the awe-inspiring fluidity of perception. And always, an underlying current defined by the question: who am I, really?
May these at-times-quiet, at-times-raucous reflections be of benefit to all who chance upon them …
Please note: The four ebooks listed above now feature [as of April 6, 2019] newly-improved formatting, making them much easier to read and navigate. If you’ve already purchased one or more of them, and turned on your automatic book update option, then you will have received the new version.
2. Meditation Now: A Beginner’s Guide
Published in 2014 by Althea Press (via Callisto Media), Elizabeth’s Meditation Now: A Beginner’s Guide is an excellent introduction to a variety of different meditation techniques. The book also includes sections on common myths and misunderstandings about meditation; ways of applying the insights of meditation to daily life; support for establishing an at-home meditation practice; and more.
3. Elizabeth’s Archived Taoism.about.com Website
This website—nine years in the making—features a plethora of interesting essays, on taoism and related topics. The January 2016 archived version is the one that we recommend, for your browsing pleasure. Enjoy!
4. Video Course: Happiness Without Conditions
Check out Happiness Without Conditions—Elizabeth’s 30-day video course at Udemy.com. In ten engaging lessons, you’ll be guided—via both video and written lectures—through a series of experiments and explorations, to clarify your Natural State as Pure Awareness, i.e. Unconditioned Happiness. Enjoy!
Additional Literary Resources
This list is excerpted, in part, from the appendix of Meditation Now – A Beginner’s Guide.
1. Concise Practice Guides
Adyashanti. The Way of Liberation: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. Campbell, CA: Open Gate Sangha, 2013.
Bhikkhu, Ajahn Sumano. The Brightened Mind: A Simple Guide to Buddhist Meditation. Wheaton, IL: Quest Books, 2011.
Gunaratana, Bhante. Mindfulness in Plain English, 20th Anniversary Edition. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 2011.
Loori, John Daido. Finding the Still Point: A Beginner’s Guide to Zen Meditation. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2007.
McDonald, Kathleen. How to Meditate: A Practical Guide. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 2005.
Nhat Hanh, Thich. How to Sit. Berkeley, CA: Parallax Press, 2014.
Nhat Hanh, Thich. The Long Road Turns to Joy: A Guide to Walking Meditation. Berkeley, CA: Parallax Press, 2011.
Odier, Daniel. The Doors of Joy: 19 Meditations for Authentic Living. London, UK: Watkins Publishing, 2014.
2. Taoism
Cleary, Thomas. The Secret of the Golden Flower: The Classic Chinese Book of Life. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins, 1991.
Lao Tzu. Tao Te Ching. Suggested translations: (1) Jonathan Star. Tarcher Cornerstone Editions, 2008; (2) Hu Xuezhi. SevenStar Communications, 2006; (3) Stephen Mitchell. Simon & Brown, 2012.
Loy Ching-Yuen. The Book of the Heart: Embracing the Tao. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 1990.
Lui I-Ming. Awakening to the Tao. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 1988.
Wong, Eva. Nourishing the Essence of Life: The Outer, Inner, and Secret Teachings of Taoism. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2004.
3. Advaita Vedanta
Bennett, Francis. I Am That I Am. Salisbury, UK: Non-Duality Press, 2013.
Frawley, David. Vedantic Meditation: Lighting the Flame of Awareness. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2000.
Frazier, Jan. The Freedom of Being: At Ease with What Is. San Francisco, CA: Weiser Books, 2012.
Lucille, Francis. Truth, Love & Beauty. Temecula, CA: Truespeech Productions, 2006.
Wheeler, John. You Were Never Born. Salisbury, UK: Non-Duality Press, 2007.
4. The Ch’an & Zen Traditions
Fischer, Norman. Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2013.
Nhat Hanh, Thich. The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1999.
Suzuki, Shunryu. Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2011.
Wei Wu Wei. All Else Is Bondage: Non-Volitional Living. Boulder, CO: Sentient Publications, 2004.
Yuanwu (translated by J. C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary). Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 1994.
5. The Theravada Tradition
Goldstein, Joseph. The Experience of Insight: A Simple and Direct Guide to Buddhist Meditation (Shambhala Dragon Editions). Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 1987.
Kornfield, Jack. Meditation for Beginners. Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2008.
Salzberg, Sharon. Loving-Kindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2002.
6. The Tibetan Tradition
Chödrön, Pema. How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind. Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2013.
Fenner, Peter. Natural Awakening: An Advanced Guide for Sharing Nondual Awareness. Richmond Hill, ON Canada: Sumeru Press, 2015.
Kongtrul, Dzigar. It’s Up to You: The Practice of Self-Reflection on the Buddhist Path. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2006.
Mingyur Rinpoche, Yongey. The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness. New York, NY: Harmony Books, 2007.
Thubten, Anam. The Magic Of Awareness. Boston, MA: Snow Lion, 2012.
Yeshe, Lama Thubten. When The Chocolate Runs Out. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 2011.
7. Others
Doyle, Billy. Yoga in the Kashmir Tradition: The Art of Listening. Salisbury, UK: Non-Duality Press, 2014.
Schiffmann, Erich. Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness. New York, NY: Pocket Books, 1996.
Tolle, Eckhart. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. Novato, CA: New World Library, 1999.
Viljoen, Edward. The Power of Meditation: An Ancient Technique to Access Your Inner Power. New York, NY: Penguin, 2013.
