"The Awakening of the West" is an insightful and elegantly written history chronicling the developing relationship between Buddhism and Western culture. As anyone familiar with the work of Stephen Batchelor (best-selling author of Buddhism Without Beliefs) would expect, "The Awakening of the West" is presented in a fresh and lively way and backed by thorough research. Using the innovative approach of starting with the present and working back in time, Batchelor makes it easy to connect familiar contemporary Buddhist teachers to their historical roots. He breathes life into history by...

"A wise and inviting introduction to meditation.
Martine's wisdom and humor shine through."
--Joseph Goldstein, author of
Insight Meditation: The Path to Freedom

There are many good reasons to start meditating. Meditation can relieve stress, promote relaxation, and improve your outlook--but most of all, meditation is about waking up to life, to all its choices and possibilities.

With an engaging mix of anecdote, humor, and clear instruction, Martine Batchelor shows that you don't have to be a Buddhist to benefit from meditation. She explains the...