In this compelling collection of talks, essays, interviews, and letters, Toni Packer presents a radically simple and original approach to spiritual growth free from religious authority, doctrine, symbolism, and ceremony. A former Zen teacher and student of Krishnamurti's work, Toni Packer goes beyond traditional religion and explores with the reader the root of human attachments and the source of suffering, opening the way to compassion."This is some of the clearest, most grounded Buddhist-oriented teaching I have come across in a very long time."—Stephen Levine, author ofA Gradual Awakening
"Toni shakes us out of the branches of our tree so we can see the root."—Charlotte Joko Beck, author ofEveryday Zen
"This book is an essential corrective for the troubles of the world—many of which are discussed—and should be read by everyone."—Anne Bancroft, author ofWeavers of WisdomandZen: Direct Pointing to RealityToni Packer began studying Zen at the Rochester Zen Center in 1967 with Roshi Philip Kapleau (author ofThe Three Pillars of Zen). She teaches and leads retreats at Springwater Center in Springwater, New York.US