In the Lap of the Buddha - by Gavin Harrison (Paperback)

About the Book

In this book a teacher of insight meditation offers personal testament, healing words, and wise instruction to help meet the suffering that comes with catastrophic life events. Speaking openly about his own struggles with memories of childhood sexual abuse and with the HIV+ diagnosis he received in 1989, Gavin Harrison reveals how the compassionate teachings of Buddha and the practice of meditation offer refuge and help to all who suffer from similar crises of body, heart, and spirit.

Book Synopsis

In this book a teacher of insight meditation offers personal testament, healing words, and wise instruction to help meet the suffering that comes with catastrophic life events. Speaking openly about his own struggles with memories of childhood sexual abuse and with the HIV diagnosis he received in 1989, Gavin Harrison reveals how compassion offers refuge and help for all who suffer from similar crises of body, heart, and spirit. Among the topics covered are:

- Dealing with fear, anger, and self-hatred
- Working with difficult relationships
- Confronting physical pain and the fear of death
- Transforming the legacy of sexual abuse
- The question of karma and "Why me?"
- Grappling with issues of faith, freedom, hope, and miracles
- Basic insight meditation instructions, plus guided meditations for forgiveness, compassion, and equanimity

Review Quotes

"A profoundly hopeful book that teaches people how to cope not only with the trauma of abuse and the onslaught of disease, but also with the tribulations of daily life. It is a book about becoming more aware and compassionate toward ourselves and our loved ones."--Natural Health

"The heartfelt prose rings true, as do the parallels between the lives of contemporary Americans and the life of Siddartha Gautauma; and Harrision's life itself, here documented, convincingly makes the case that Buddhist meditation practices are not a path away from life but rather a road into and through it."--Publishers Weekly

"Courageous and articulate . . . a powerful presentation by an effective writer who uses Buddhist teaching and meditative practice to effect a triumph of the human spirit."--Library Journal

"I read many books by people transformed by suffering. In the Lap of the Buddha rises above other books with its wisdom and beauty. Let it guide you and teach you to live."--Dr. Bernie S. Siegel, author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles

"With penetrating mindfulness, Gavin Harrison uncovers the roots of suffering and the path to wholeness. The healing he seeks, though stimulated by fearsome childhood abuse and an HIV diagnosis, is in truth the healing we all seek."--Stephen Levine, author of Healing into Life and Death

"This wonderfully wise and warm book brings the timeless teachings of the Buddha to life, reminding us that every challenge, every trial, is grist for the mill of awakening to the compassionate heart of our own true nature. The authenticity and deep humanity of Gavin Harrison shine out from every page of this book. It is truly a jewel."--Joan Borysenko, author of Minding the Body, Mending the Mind

About the Author

Gavin Harrison teaches at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Mass.