The Dharma of Modern Mindfulness

February 5, 2018
In a sympathetic, welcoming tone, Mulligan, a physician assistant and Zen practitioner, takes readers through her eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) class meant for stress reduction in a group environment. Founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor emeritus of medicine and creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the original MBSR course provides mediation training through self-investigation and mindful movement based on yoga, in a group format, and is intended to reduce stress and anxiety, improve immune function, and answer the question, “How can I live peacefully with this challenge?” Mulligan explains how she developed her own course based on MBSR. Raised in an alcoholic family, Mulligan came to MBSR in order to better understand the emotional and physical effects of her traumas. Her instruction can be used by anyone, but will be of particular help to those experiencing substance abuse, divorce, grief, depression, chronic pain, or financial stress. In jargon-free language, Mulligan presents appropriate parables and dharma teachings from Buddha’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness and Eightfold Path, and offers guidance on mindful awareness of the body, breathing, speaking compassionately, and acting ethically. This is an effective guide that will be of interest to anyone looking to expand meditation practice into a group setting.

November 15, 2017
Mindfulness is a word and a practice that is becoming more and more popular, and readers seeking a deeper understanding of the Buddhist teachings behind the practice will find this book a kind and gentle guide. Each chapter elucidates a facet of Buddhism that influences the author's practice of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The author, a practitioner and teacher of MBSR, uses examples from her own life and from the groups she leads to illustrate the tenets of MBSR, then goes on to connect those tenets to the Buddhist teachings that guide them. Illustrating each example are stories from her own practice and classes. Through it all, the author's tone is clear, logical, and kind, guiding readers to options for practicing mindfulness in their own lives. A companion website also gives help. It is a clear and helpful guide to understanding both the practice of mindfulness and the deep spiritual tradition behind it.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)