Featuring an in-depth look at the emerging field of contemplative science — and what it tells us about meditation — plus, the Dalai Lama, Charles Johnson, a profile of (and a teaching by) Mingyur Rinpoche, book reviews, and much more.
this issue's editorial:• Inquiring Minds
Barry Boyce on meditation, science, and how they come together in this issue.feature spotlight: the science of meditation
• Taking the Measure of Mind
At
the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds, prominent neuroscientist
Richie Davidson (left) and his team try to see how far our minds can go
and how meditation helps. Senior Writer Barry Boyce reports.
• The New Science of Mind
Scientists study phenomena. Meditators study experience. And never the twain shall meet. Until now. Jill Suttie reports on the Mind and Life Institute and the growing field of contemplative science.
• L
iving Proof
Does meditation work? The first place to look for the answer is in our own lives. Margot Sammurtok talks to Isabel Adon (left) and three others who say the practice has made all the difference.MORE, IN THE MAGAZINE: The Dalai Lama's scientific requisite for a full study of the mind, A "Mind Science Timeline," and the questions scientists are asking about meditation — and the surprising answers they're getting.
more features
• The Wanderer
Yongey
Mingyur Rinpoche was a bestselling author and a rising star of the
Buddhist world, but one day he up and left it all behind. Andrea Miller on the fascinating story of a modern lama braving the ancient path of the wandering yogi.• Lasting Happiness
It's surprisingly easy to achieve it, says Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.
• A Meditation Instruction
The first of a yearlong series of teachings to commemorate the 25th
anniversary of the death of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, founder of the
Shambhala Sun.
RELATED SHAMBHALA SUN SPOTLIGHT:
• The Teachings of Chögyam Trungpa
PLUS, IN THE MAGAZINE: "Kamadhatu," a short story by Charles Johnson, Milarepa on the happy life of the wandering yogi, and Leza Lowitz on finding in life's difficulties the greatest gift of all.
other voices
• New Ethic for a Small Planet
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
makes a heartfelt plea: If our century is to be one of peace and
caring, we must develop a new ethic of human values that transcends
religion.
RELATED SHAMBHALASUN.COM SPOTLIGHT:
• The Dalai Lama: His best from the Shambhala Sun
• Good Failure
You may fail to change the system, but it's a good failure if you've made life a little kinder or more beautiful. Activist Courtney E. Martin on reclaiming failure as the mark of a dream worth having.• Stop, Relax, Wake Up
Meditation practice, says Sakyong Mipham, gives us time to slow down and really wake up to the naturally occurring love in our hearts.RELATED SHAMBHALASUN.COM SPOTLIGHT:
• Sakyong Mipham: His best from the Shambhala Sun
• She Who Hears the Cries of the World
Joan Sutherland reviews Searching for Guan Yin by Sarah E. Truman and Bringing Zen Home by Paula Arai.
• Books in Brief
Andrea Miller reviews books by Lodro Rinzler, Allan Lokos, Susan Bauer-Wu, Thich Nhat Hanh, plus five other new titles worth your
while.