Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Deeply embedded in the practice of contemporary mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) are concepts drawn from the ancient wisdom of meditative traditions. The Dharma of Modern Mindfulness uncovers the essential Buddhist teachings at the heart of this powerful anti-stress program, enabling you to deepen your historical and spiritual understanding of MBSR and nourish your practice.

Meditation and mindfulness are everywhere: in hospitals, clinics, and schools; in major medical, psychological, and scientific journals; on TV; and in popular publications--even on the cover of Time magazine. And thankfully so--since Jon Kabat-Zinn developed MBSR, a treatment blending meditation and yoga, it has been proven effective in treating conditions like chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and depression for sufferers around the world. Lesser known, however, are the deep philosophical roots of MBSR known as the Buddhist dharma , translated as "the teachings of the Buddha." Although they form the very foundation underlying MBSR and other mindfulness-based interventions, they often remain hidden within modern mindfulness practices.

The Dharma of Modern Mindfulness illuminates these cornerstones, communicating previously esoteric teachings with language that makes them easily accessible and applicable to your complex daily life. The book follows the structure of an eight-week MBSR class, paralleling the participant's journey with that of the Buddha for the alleviation of suffering. With real-life examples, guided reflections, and practices throughout, this book will show you the connections between the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and contemporary MBSR.

Regardless of your background, status, or education, and whether you're a practitioner, teacher, or trainer, this invitation to explore the essential Buddhist teachings at the heart of modern mindfulness--such as the four noble truths, the noble eightfold path, and the four brahmaviharas: loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity--will expand your understanding and enhance your practice, and, in doing so, connect you with your inner wisdom and deepest humanity.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

In a sympathetic, welcoming tone, Mulligan, a physician assistant and Zen practitioner, takes readers through her eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) class meant for stress reduction in a group environment. Founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor emeritus of medicine and creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the original MBSR course provides mediation training through self-investigation and mindful movement based on yoga, in a group format, and is intended to reduce stress and anxiety, improve immune function, and answer the question, "How can I live peacefully with this challenge?" Mulligan explains how she developed her own course based on MBSR. Raised in an alcoholic family, Mulligan came to MBSR in order to better understand the emotional and physical effects of her traumas. Her instruction can be used by anyone, but will be of particular help to those experiencing substance abuse, divorce, grief, depression, chronic pain, or financial stress. In jargon-free language, Mulligan presents appropriate parables and dharma teachings from Buddha's Four Foundations of Mindfulness and Eightfold Path, and offers guidance on mindful awareness of the body, breathing, speaking compassionately, and acting ethically. This is an effective guide that will be of interest to anyone looking to expand meditation practice into a group setting. (Dec.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Booklist Review

Mindfulness is a word and a practice that is becoming more and more popular, and readers seeking a deeper understanding of the Buddhist teachings behind the practice will find this book a kind and gentle guide. Each chapter elucidates a facet of Buddhism that influences the author's practice of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The author, a practitioner and teacher of MBSR, uses examples from her own life and from the groups she leads to illustrate the tenets of MBSR, then goes on to connect those tenets to the Buddhist teachings that guide them. Illustrating each example are stories from her own practice and classes. Through it all, the author's tone is clear, logical, and kind, guiding readers to options for practicing mindfulness in their own lives. A companion website also gives help. It is a clear and helpful guide to understanding both the practice of mindfulness and the deep spiritual tradition behind it.--Engel, Christine Copyright 2017 Booklist

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Beth Ann Mulligan, PA-C , graduated magna cum laude from the Duke University School of Medicine physician assistant program in 1982, and has practiced primary care medicine with diverse populations for the past thirty years. She is a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teacher and international teacher trainer for the University of Massachusetts Medical School Center for Mindfulness, as well as a certified mindful self-compassion (MSC) teacher and international teacher trainer. She teaches MBSR, MSC, and mindful eating at the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine and at InsightLA, and has been a presenter at the International Scientific Conference on Mindfulness. The Guiding Dharma teacher at Insight Community of the Desert, and a longtime senior student at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center, she leads meditation retreats across the country.

In 1993, foreword writer Melissa Blacker joined the staff of the University of Massachusetts Medical School Center for Mindfulness, founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Until 2012, she was a member of the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teaching staff, associate director of the Stress Reduction Clinic, and director of professional training programs. Blacker offers private instruction in mindfulness meditation, and is also available for group workshops, classes, and silent mindfulness meditation retreats.