The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of the Buddhist Path

A lively exploration of contemporary Buddhism from one of its most admired teachers.

In this wise and witty invitation to Buddhist meditation, Ethan Nichtern, a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, investigates the journey each of us takes to find where we belong. Drawing from contemporary research on meditation and mindfulness and from his experience as a Buddhist teacher and practitioner, Nichtern describes in fresh language the basic existential experience that gives rise to spiritual seeking—and also to its potentially dangerous counterpart, spiritual materialism. He explains exactly how, by turning our awareness to what’s happening around us and inside us, we become able to enhance our sense of connection with others and, at the same time, change for the better our individual and collective patterns of greed, apathy, and inattention. The Road Home shows that, in order to create a truly compassionate and enlightened society, we must start with ourselves. And this means beginning by working with our own mind—in whatever state we find it.

One of Library Journal’s Best Books of 2015 in Religion and Spirituality

One of Tech Insider’s Nine Books That Defined 2015

Praise for The Road Home

“The Road Home is a guidebook, a compass, a map, and a trusted companion, and as a wanderer I am forever grateful.” —Ruth Ozeki, author A Tale for the Time Being

“Nichtern is as gifted and compassionate a teacher in writing as he is in person. I’ve dog-eared my copy so thoroughly, it’s swollen to twice its normal size.” —Maud Newton

“Makes ancient Buddhist teachings and texts approachable, contemporary, and relevant. . . . Valuable for readers looking for an introduction to Buddhist teachings as they relate to meditation practice or for those searching for ways to live their lives in the here and now.” —Library Journal (starred review)

© 2024 North Point Press (Ebook): 9780374711962

Release date

Ebook: March 26, 2024