Table of Contents

Introduction
1. In Search of the Essence
2. Consensus Paradigm and Abstract Thought
3. The Divided Mind
4. Governing Laws of the Formless Paradigm
5. Comparing Strategies: Adaptation and Surrender
6. Crossing the Divide
7. The Buddhist Continuum: Suffering and the End of Suffering
8. Other Continuums
9. The Discerning Power of Awareness
10. The Principles of Practice
11. The Applications of Practice
12. A Paradigm's Shift Toward the Heart
13. Living Non-Separation

About the Author

Rodney Smith has recently retired as a guiding teacher for the Insight Meditation Society and from the Seattle Insight Meditation Society, which he founded in 1993. He is the author of Lessons from the Dying, Stepping Out of Self-Deception- The Buddha's Liberating Teaching of No-Self,and Awakening- A Paradigm Shift of the Heart.

Reviews

“With systematic precision, and with subtle wisdom born of a lifetime of practice, Rodney Smith uses science, psychology, and traditional Buddhism to explain the unexplainable: the how and why of authentic spiritual awakening. The book’s thorough and remarkable argument is bolstered throughout with subtle exercises that guide the reader to experiential appreciation. Radically simple, but never facile or easy, Awakening is an original work by a contemporary spiritual master at the height of his powers.”—Norman Fischer, author of Training in Compassion

“Rodney Smith presents the results of the shift of view that spiritual practices aim for. This approach helps the reader to review his/her spiritual path from a fresh perspective and to avoid effort based on the self-paradigm that is the main obstacle to awakening. This book has much to offer and can be read and reread many times for wise reflection.” —Ajahn Sucitto, author of Turning the Wheel of Truth