Why is the Buddha Smiling by Mark Magill

This text offers readers the chance to explore ways of bringing clarity and insight to their everyday lives using the Buddhist principle of mindfulness. Mindfulness involves a re-examination of every aspect of life, from our relationships with ourselves and others to our behaviour and thought patterns in every situation - the workplace, at home and in the outdoors - in a way that shows us things clearly as they are and frees us from habitual reactions. The book includes exercises and practices that should help readers to live life with awareness of the present moment and to increase their connection with life. This awareness offers freedom from the grip of negative emotions, which lead to suffering. Mindfulness helps to steady, stabilize and strengthen the power of our attention and increases our "centre of gravity" so we are less easily distracted. In learning this practice, we will realize that the Buddha is smiling because he has discovered that there is a path to freedom from suffering. The path begins with mindfulness and it is open to everyone.