The Wonder of Presence: And the Way of Meditative Inquiry

by PACKER, TONI

• ISBN13: 9781570628757
• ISBN10: 1570628750
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-04-16
• Publisher: Shambhala

Summary

In this compelling collection of talks, interviews, and letters, Toni Packer provides a comprehensive overview of the path of meditative inquiry-a nondenominational approach to spiritual growth that emphasizes the direct experience of the present moment. "The immense challenge for each one of us," Packer writes, "is can we live our lives, at least for moments at a time, in the wonder of presence that is the creative source of everything?" She shows how we can transform fear, anger, guilt, and attachment to our self-image through simple, direct awareness. Having recently lost her husband of fifty years, Packer also speaks with candor and tenderness about the convulsions of a grieving heart and the peace that undivided awareness can bring. Toni Packer began studying Zen in 1967 with Roshi Philip Kapleau (author ofThe Three Pillars of Zen) at the Rochester Zen Center and was eventually named his successor. Seeing the potentially destructive effects of relying too much on tradition, however, she did not accept the position. Packer is strongly influenced by the teachings of Krishnamurti and has turned away from the traditional forms and hierarchies that are prevalent in many Buddhist schools. Her approach is appealing to many Westerners who find institutionalized practices such as chanting, bowing, and burning incense to be alien and unnecessary.

Author Biography

Toni Packer began studying Zen at the Rochester Zen Center in 1967 with Roshi Philip Kapleau (author of The Three Pillars of Zen). She teaches and leads retreats at Springwater Center in Springwater, New York. She is the author of The Work of this Moment and The Wonder of Presence. 

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix
Michael Atkinson
Preface	xix
Acknowledgments	xxi
Part One What Is Meditative Inquiry?
The Wonder of Presence	3	(2)
What Is the Meditation Practice at Springwater?	5	(6)
Meditative Questioning	11	(4)
A Few Tips for Sitting	15	(4)
Effort and Energy	19	(7)
The Authority of a Spiritual Teacher	26	(6)
Can This Work Be Transmitted?	32	(11)
Part Two Me and You and the World
What Is the Me?	43	(8)
Personality	51	(8)
Touching Fear	59	(5)
Anger	64	(5)
Guilt and Responsibility	69	(7)
The Trace of Attachment	76	(3)
What Is My Innermost Core?	79	(5)
What Is It That Dies?	84	(9)
Part Three Relationship
Can There Be Personal Freedom in a Committed Relationship?	93	(6)
Judging Others	99	(4)
The Importance of Communicating	103	(8)
Sexual Energy	111	(4)
World Peace	115	(8)
Part Four Conditioning and Wholeness
Is There Your Truth and My Truth, or Just One Truth?	123	(3)
The Two Aspects of Meditative Inquiry	126	(6)
Consciousness, Attention, and Awareness	132	(8)
Is Presence Available Everywhere?	140	(4)
Stillness and Openness	144	(3)
Is Awareness Enough?	147	(5)
Enlightenment	152	(6)
Tracking the Two Bodies	158	(9)
Listening to It All	167