Category: | Book |
By (author): | Halifax, Joan |
Foreword By: | Solnit, Rebecca |
Subject: | PHILOSOPHY / Movements / Humanism |
RELIGION / Buddhism / General (see also PHILOSOPHY / Buddhist) | |
RELIGION / Buddhism / Zen (see also PHILOSOPHY / Zen) | |
SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / General | |
Audience: | general/trade |
Publisher: | Flatiron Books |
Published: | November 2019 |
Format: | Book-paperback |
Pages: | 304 |
Size: | 9.25in x 6.12in x 0.00in |
From The Publisher* | "Joan Halifax is a clearheaded and fearless traveler and in this book…she offers us a map of how to travel courageously and fruitfully, for our own benefit and the benefit of all beings." -From the foreword by Rebecca Solnit Halifax has identified five psychological territories she calls Edge States-altruism, empathy, integrity, respect, and engagement-that epitomize strength of character. Yet each of these states can also be the cause of personal and social suffering. In this way, these five psychological experiences form edges, and it is only when we stand at these edges that we become open to the full range of our human experience and discover who we really are. Recounting the experiences of caregivers, activists, humanitarians, politicians, parents, and teachers, incorporating the wisdom of Zen traditions and mindfulness practices, and rooted in Halifax's groundbreaking research on compassion, Standing at the Edge is destined to become a contemporary classic. A powerful guide on how to find the freedom we seek for others and ourselves, it is a book that will serve us all. |
Review Quote* | "[A] wise exploration of the search for meaning...Clear, detailed, and profound, this remarkable book will be appreciated by anyone seeking a framework for a meaningful life."-Publishers Weekly, starred review "This book is an invitation to dive deeper into those uncomfortable places and learn new skills to navigate them.... Through a lifetime of contemplative practice, Roshi Joan Halifax inspires us to be present and to remember our humanity regardless of circumstances. What seems impossible becomes possible if you're willing to go to the edge with her." -Tara Well, PhD, Psychology Today "Reflecting on her decades long experience as a social activist, medical anthropologist, Zen Roshi, and wise elder, Joan Halifax introduces us to Edge States-qualities of mind that invite optimal balance. Through the extraordinary example of her own remarkable life, and her re-telling of the stories of many others, this book is a must-read to help us navigate these turbulent times, regain our footing, and recognize the balance that is our true nature." -Richard J. Davidson, New York Times-bestselling author of The Emotional Life of Your Brain and Altered Traits "Roshi Joan Halifax embodies what she teaches: equanimity, dedication to benefiting others, and putting compassion into action. Her no-nonsense approach to the emotions that push us to our edge-and can also propel our greatest good-truly inspires. In Standing at the Edge she offers us all a fascinating read and a practical roadmap to fulfilling our personal good work." -Daniel Goleman, New York Times bestselling author of Altered Traits and Emotional Intelligence "Standing at the Edge is a moving contemplation, a guidebook of how to be a caring human being, filled with practical advice, rich experience, tenderness, wisdom and courage." -Jack Kornfield, author of A Path With Heart "People everywhere will be able to benefit from Roshi Joan's truth and her wisdom. Her courage and straightforward message should touch the hearts of all who want to create a better world for all of us and move them to action." -Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Chair, Nobel Women's Initiative "With her book, Standing at the Edge, Joan Halifax has given the world a timeless sand necessary gift. An engaging, story-filled excavation on the meaning of compassion and the psychological states that define the human experience, Standing at the Edge has profound lessons for individuals and organizations. Halifax's writing is infused with the strength of character, honesty, and authenticity that have earned her a reputation for being a fearless and steadfast spiritual leader, activist, and humanitarian. This book has wisdom for us all." -Bernie Glassman, author of Instructions to theCook: A Zen Master's Lessons in Living a Life That Matters "In this beautifully-written volume, Joan Halifax combines a spiritual master's depth, the insight of a psychologist, and the vision of a prophet to help us fulfill our humane duty towards others while maintaining respect and care for our own body, mind, and soul." -Gabor Maté, MD, author of In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction "Standing at the Edge arrives at a critical moment in history, when the world is searching for a new way to reconnect with the deep roots of our spirituality. The book is profoundly engaging and ruthlessly poetic. It is a vital exploration of how we can transform this world through compassionate action." -Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne, founder and president of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement in Sri Lanka "At this precipitous moment of history, when so many of us are unbalanced and suffering, Roshi Joan Halifax offers us a modern classic. Her essential wisdom, compassion, and experience dare to lead us-as it has led her-in and through the dark places of our lives and minds, to a ground of steadfast clarity. With stories and accessible practices, documented by cutting-edge research, Halifax points the way to our own ease and completeness." -Sensei Hozan Alan Senauke, Clear View Project "With the clear eyes of a social scientist and the warm heart of a Buddhist, Roshi Joan explores those liminal spaces where burnout is transformed into recalibration, empathy grows the wings of wisdom, and in tending the broken heart of the world we are brought home to our fullest humanity." -Mirabai Starr, translator of John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and Julian of Norwich, and author of Caravan of No Despair: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation "Through her insightful reflection and intimate research, Roshi Joan maps the dividing points between our failures and genuine, wholesome activities. Standing at the Edge is a most generous gift from her lifetime of meditation, deep thinking, and amazing scale of service to society." -Kazuaki Tanahashi, author of Painting Peace: Art in a Time of Global Crisis "A must-have guidebook for altruists, seekers, caregivers, and all those wishing to make a difference. Standing at the Edge reminds us that good intentions are not enough to change the world; Nothing short of deep inner work-both contemplative and psychological-is required. Roshi Joan's voice, fierce and wise, reveals the edge as a place where true spiritual transformation happens." -Cheryl A. Giles, PsyD and Willa B. Miller, PhD, authors of The Arts of Contemplative Care "Joan Halifax shares with us the wise insights derived from a life of deep inquiry and service to others. This is a work of heart and of substance." -Hal Roth, author of Original Tao: Inward Training and the Foundations of Taoist Mysticism, Professor of Religious Studies, and Director of the Brown University Program in Contemplative Studies |
Biographical Note | Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D., is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest and anthropologist. She is Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya Institute and Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She received her Ph.D. in medical anthropology and received a National Science Foundation Fellowship in Visual Anthropology, was an Honorary Research Fellow in Medical Ethnobotany at Harvard University, and was a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Library of Congress. She is the founder of the Upaya Prison Project and of the Nomads Clinic in Nepal. |