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A Buddhist Grief Observed

Published by Wisdom Publications
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Amid the world-shattering pain of loss, what helps?

“After the death of his beloved partner from cancer, Newland finds himself asking how effective his long years of Buddhist practice have been in helping him come to terms with overwhelming grief. This finely written book offers a lucid meditation on what it means to practice the Dharma when everything falls apart.” —Stephen Batchelor, author of Buddhism without Beliefs and After Buddhism

In the tradition of C. S. Lewis’s A Grief Observed, Guy Newland offers this brave record of falling to pieces and then learning to make sense of his pain and grief within his spiritual tradition. Drawing inspiration from all corners of the Buddhist world—from Dogen and the Dalai Lama, to Pema Chödrön and ancient Pali texts—this book reverberates with honesty, kindness, and deep humanity. Newland shows us the power of responding fully and authentically to the death of a loved one.

“A sad, beautiful, and necessary book—and a map waiting for many who will need it.” —James Ishmael Ford, author of If You’re Lucky Your Heart Will Break

“Guy Newland faces squarely the pain of death and the pain of grief and offers a work of uncommon power, insight, and honesty—and extraordinary compassion.” —Jay L. Garfield, author of Engaging Buddhism

About The Author

Product Details

  • Publisher: Wisdom Publications (August 9, 2016)
  • Length: 136 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781614293224

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Raves and Reviews

“This book is extraordinary: raw, honest, wise. It comforts in the right ways and challenges where needed. The practical guidance is clear and powerful, a boon for the grieving and those who wish to help but don’t know how.”

– Deborah Schoeberlein David, author of Living Mindfully

“How do we work with the raw tenderness of sorrow and grief? Guy Newland generously shares his path and learnings of love and loss, and in doing so, offers a new path for us to follow.”

– Koshin Paley Ellison, cofounder, New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care and editor of Awake at the Bedside

“A powerful reflection on Newland's experience losing his wife to cancer…an extraordinary book.”

– Buddhadharma

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