Strength in the Storm

Eknath Easwaran (1910--1999) is respected around the world as an authentic guide to timeless wisdom, and as the originator of passage meditation, an eight-point program of universal spiritual practices that includes slowing down and one-pointed attention. In 1961 he founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, which carries on his work with publications and retreats. Easwaran's books on spiritual living have been published in 26 languages. His translations of the Indian spiritual classics are bestsellers in English, and more than 1.5 million of his books are in print. A gifted teacher who lived for many years in the West, Easwaran lived what he taught, giving him enduring appeal as a teacher and author of deep insight and warmth.

Chapter 1: Strength in the Storm Steadiness of mind is one of the most practical skills. Nothing is more vital than learning to face turmoil with courage, confidence, and compassion. Fortunately, we already possess these capacities, but we need a calm mind to draw on them. Chapter 2: Be at Peace in the Moment Hurrying blocks our access to our deeper resources. One of life's most precious skills is learning to slow down and live completely in the present moment. Chapter 3: Take the Worry Away Living completely in the present is the most joyful way to be free from worry and anxiety. And one of the simplest ways to do this is to do only one thing at a time. Chapter 4: Nourish Your Mind Building a strong body requires good food. The mind, too, needs nourishment to grow stronger. Just as the body is what we eat, the mind absorbs what it experiences. For a healthy body, we avoid junk food. Why not avoid junk experience, too? Chapter 5: Choose Kindness When we get upset, it's not because life upsets us. We get upset because we're upsettable. With practice, everyone can develop a mind that's not upsettable. One of the best ways to do this is to give complete attention and respect to those around us -- particularly when we differ. Chapter 6: Light in the Darkness A calm mind has great power. It generates calm around it -- a field of peace in which anger, fear, and violence can subside. By learning to calm the mind, each of us can become an instrument of peace. Afterword Further Resources Acknowledgments Index