TREATISE
Contents
This was the first book about the path, and focussed on mind, energy body .... before zandtao was aware of the 4 foundations of mindfulness. It is the book that will give the most understanding of his earlier life on the path as it was closer in time. Most of it was written soon into retirement, although it stalled until a final part on path was written. In terms of thezeer much that is in the Treatise has been updated but as a formative book it is important for recognising path.
MANUAL
Contents
This began as a book to consider the activist struggle based on spiritual evaluation in Outer Engagement. This outer consideration then opened up into Inner Engagement where some spiritual tools were considered - notable being Nyanga although there were important other tools. .zandtao finally developed pathtivism - pathtivist - an activist on the path. Ultimately the struggle is not about ideals but finding our paths and in so doing embody activism.
COMPANION
Contents
This was written at the time when zandtaomed was most active. His meditation had become structured as MwB - Buddhadasa’s meditation approach that was based in the 4 foundations of mindfulness. As zandtaomed he realised that any meditation approach required much understanding of “psychological approaches” that he later (after this book) recognised as societal’s issues with mental health. Look at this book to see how western path such as inner child work fits in with meditation. It was after this book that zandtaomed felt the risks of giving meditation advice without sufficient psychological training as exemplified by Nicola Amadora PhD. At the time he hoped to see zandtaomed developing but being a meditation adviser soon stopped with the realisation of the risks.
<********* End Trilogy *************>
<********* Begin z-quests **********>
VIVEKA-ZANDTAO
Contents
Viveka is solitude, and this book looks back at the importance of solitude in zandtao’s life - including in his 2nd childhood - post upheaval. Beginning with consideration of Stephen Batchelor’s Art of Solitude, he then began to consider how much is solitude connected with the committed practical solitude of Bob Kull on his Patagonian island. This consideration of solitude led to the important recognition of faith’s magnetism that then consolidated in greater path understanding. Investigating solitude led to his crossing the threshold of autonomy.
************** autonomy *************
REAL LOVE
Contents
As zandtao crossed the threshold of autonomy he became conscious of the need for a love-wisdom balance. Aware of Buddhism as a wisdom tradition he could see that there were potential weakness in his practice. Using Sharon Salzberg's book "Real Love: the Art of Mindful Connection" zandtao explored love from romantic love to spiritual love. In the second part of Real Love he examined the relationship between love and patriarchy using bell hooks' book ""All about Love: New Visions with bell hooks". This brought into question the acceptance of wisdom traditions by patriarchy.
SECULAR PATH?
Contents
This began as an investigation of Stephen Batchelor's book on the possibility of a secular Buddhism - "Buddhism without Beliefs". Through the z-quest zandtao gained clarity on his own relationship with Buddhism. "Rather than eschewing metaphysics as Stephen did, have faith in your path and let your path guide you through the dangers and disturbances that arise on a journey towards sunnata." This study gave rise to possible communes for awakening so in the 2nd part he studied Cultures of Awakening (CoA). Whilst there are people and places of awakening, to decsribe it as a culture is too strong. Through looking at his own story he recognised the need to be ready, and he detailed his seeker story to develop readiness. This led to a need to include the feminine - that leads to 3 strong spiritual influences on his life now - Nicola Amadora, Teal Swan and Gabi Kovalenko. Taking the lead from Jac O'Keeffe the last section was concerned with embodiment - in some ways she considered awakening as only the start.
<************** End Z-quests *********>
ADVICE
zandtao has used writing (z-quests) as a means of exploring and as a means of expression and explaining. You can goto
 for a whole history of blogs.
But when he began his work as zandtaomed his blogs were limited to meditation advice. After crossing the threshold of autonomy he wanted to separate new considerations from meditation advice.
After autonomy -
Reflections
(closed), then
Zeersights
Working with an appropriate teacher/adviser you could use this Meditation Advice -  , ZPAP and COMPANION
|
