Recommended on the website of the Ekoji Buddhist Temple, http://www.ekoji.org/ .

"When the mind is opened and the heart is softened, something begins to function that liberates one from the restricted world of the deluded mind." (pg. xii)

"Being alert, observing the movements of the mind and body in daily life, noticing what is taking place -- as opposed to what one wishes would take place, or what one fears might take place, or what one grieves over as having already taken place -- is a way of life that is completely free of all self-imposed restrictions and conflicting states of mind. Wisdom and compassion will be allowed to function freely under these circumstances." (77)

I like the simplicity of the way it was written; not flowery, direct to the point.

This is a wonderful, brief introduction to meditation. The author assumes no previous knowledge of Buddhism, and provides clear instructions in establishing a meditation practice. This is a great present to offer to anyone who has asked for information about meditation. ( )