The World's Best Book Summaries
What is life? How does life work? Can organization and complexity arise from chaos? Biochemist Nick Lane answers these questions as a starting point in his exploration of life’s origins. He says that, to explain the origin of life, we have to understand how cells process energy and the physical conditions that gave rise to the peculiar mechanisms that all life uses to power itself. Read more for Lane’s explanation of how life works.
How is mindfulness applied to everyday life? What’s the difference between the RAIN technique and the STOP technique? At a Buddhist conference, former ABC News anchor Dan Harris heard Tara Brach speak about loving and accepting yourself as you are. She presented a technique that he found helpful in applying mindfulness in everyday situations. Keep reading to learn about the RAIN technique and how it might benefit you as it benefited Harris.
Are the people who are abandoning religion also leaving something crucial behind? Are they throwing the baby out with the bathwater? The answer is yes, according to Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion by Sam Harris. He believes that spiritual experiences, particularly higher states of consciousness, are important for people who are seeking happiness and peace. Continue reading for an overview of this thought-provoking book.
What are the principles of Zen Buddhism? How is Zen Buddhism expressed and experienced? Is this philosophy for you? Many people have a passing familiarity with the concept of Zen. But, few really know what “Zen” means or could articulate how Zen Buddhism describes reality and human life. In The Way of Zen, Alan Watts explains the major principles and the history of Zen Buddhism. Continue reading for an overview of the book that’s likely to answer many of your questions.
Is it possible to know something without describing it with words? What’s the difference between acting impulsively and acting spontaneously? Two Taoist philosophies helped give Zen Buddhism its form: There are two ways of knowing, and we can act spontaneously and naturally. Alan Watts discusses the influence of Taoism on Zen in his classic work The Way of Zen. Read more to learn about the connection between Taoism and Zen Buddhism.
Is it possible to have spirituality without religion? If so, how? Why would you want to pursue this? Sam Harris is known for encouraging skeptics to confront religion. In 2017’s Waking Up, he lays out a reason-based approach to spirituality that’s rooted in what science and meditation teach about the workings of the human mind. Read more to learn what secular spirituality means and why Harris recommends it.
How is Zen Buddhism different from traditional Buddhism? How does it view awakening and meditation? What are wu-hsin and dhyana? Zen borrowed several concepts from earlier traditions, and it developed some of its own philosophies. That makes it a unique offering in Eastern thought. Alan Watts explores the ideas that differentiate Zen from other schools of Buddhism. Continue reading to learn about the three primary distinctions of Zen Buddhism.
Are you a Christian? Are you ready to jump into a life of prayer and devotion? Whether you’ve been a Christian for years or you’re considering joining the religion, diving into resources is a good place to start. There’s always room for spiritual growth as a Christian, so you’ll never stop learning about the faith. Transform your faith with the best Christianity books, blogs, and podcasts of 2023.
What’s consciousness? What do we understand about it? What implications does it have for spirituality and our sense of self? According to Sam Harris, consciousness is worth studying despite its elusiveness. Harris, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience, explores what neuroscience and psychology have to say about the nature of consciousness and the mind in his book Waking Up. Keep reading to understand what Harris believes consciousness tells us about ourselves and the world around us.
What is Zen Buddhism? What does it share with other traditions? How is it unique? In The Way of Zen, Alan Watts explores the ins and outs of Zen Buddhism. He explains where Zen came from, considers the most important ideas that Zen adopted from the ancient philosophies and religions that preceded it, and points out which ideas differentiate Zen from other schools of thought. Read more to learn about the history and philosophy of Zen Buddhism.