Shambhala Publications Inc

?A fascinating dive into the little-known spiritual dimensions of the popular martial art of Muay Thai, as well as its rich history, traditions, and esoteric practices.?Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is considered by many to be the most effective martial art, and its popularity has only been heightened by its dominance in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) arena. But one little-known aspect of this potent self-defense system is its deep spiritual roots and meditative practices.In The Essence of Muay Thai, Nuakai Aru, a Muay Thai master and longtime practitioner of various other martial arts, offers a fascinating historical and philosophical view of Muay Thai?along with his personal insights and experiences on the path.Muay Thai?originally known in its purest fighting form as Muay Boran?was developed as a military fighting system during the 13th century to protect the Sukhothai Kingdom, the first independent?and Buddhist?Thai kingdom. Buddhism infused every aspect of life and society?from governance, to art and architecture, to military strategy?and the view of the Noble Warrior was central in Muay Thai and Muay Boran. The Muay Thai warriors were tasked with protecting the kingdom and its rulers using skillful, tactical, and enlightened action. Aru is a compelling guide into the enigmatic world of Thai martial arts?its history, legend, lore, esoteric practices, and spiritual aspects?and he shares his own fascinating personal story of physical and emotional healing through Muay Thai.

Down-to-earth wisdom on how to live a life of authenticity and spiritual integrity, from one of the West?s most respected teachers of vipassana meditation.How does dharma wisdom show up in our lives every day? This collection of teachings by the beloved Insight Meditation teacher Larry Rosenberg offers clear, down-to-earth guidance on learning how to live a life informed by Buddhism?through questioning, reflective observation, and self-understanding. Rosenberg is known for presenting the essence of the Buddhism in a way that is unvarnished, utterly accessible, and that resonates with a wide audience. Here he unpacks?with his signature engaging and iconoclastic style?such topics as meditation, silence, use of the breath, self-knowing, working with strong emotions, intimacy, illness and grief, among others.    There are few teachers who so epitomize the idea of ?spiritual friend? in the way that Larry Rosenberg does. His teachings give a clear sense that dharma is very much a part of everyday life. This book is also informed by what Rosenberg considers his deeper and more immediate understanding of dharma that has come in recent years?a period marked in his own life by illness and disability?and in the life of the planet by a deadly pandemic, war, an existential climate crisis, and pervasive technological distraction.An introductory essay, written by journalist and author Madeline Drexler, serves as a spiritual biography of Rosenberg, presenting his reflections on more than half a century of dedicated dharma practice and instruction. This essay illuminates what, for Rosenberg, were profound turning points and moments of realization?his long apprenticeships with foundational figures in twentieth-century Buddhism, including Ajahn Chah, Thich Nhat Hanh, Seung Sahn, and Ajahn Buddhadasa, as well as Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Explore the life-changing practice of anapanasati, or breathing mindfulness?one of the most popular and foundational Buddhist meditation practices.Breathing mindfulness meditation is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice, believed to be key to the Buddha''s own enlightenment. This powerful technique fosters a harmonious blend of awareness and tranquility, guiding practitioners towards profound meditative states and deeper wisdom. Sarah Shaw guides readers through the history and contemporary interpretations of breathing mindfulness in the Pali or Southern tradition of Buddhism. In this in-depth study, she examines:The Anapanasati Sutta, the foundational Buddhist text on breathing mindfulness; The systematization of the practice through the commentarial texts like Vimuttimagga (The Path to Freedom) and Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification); Intriguing, lesser-known systems of esoteric Theravada breath meditation nearly lost to history; The integration of breath meditation into modern spiritual practices; The importance of breath meditation to the insight meditation (vipassana) movement; And the influence of breathing mindfulness across diverse spiritual paths. Shaw''s exploration reveals the enduring legacy of this practice, from its ancient origins to its contemporary resurgence.