If the Buddha Got Stuck_ A Handbook for Change on a Spiritual Path - Charlotte Sophia Kasl [1]
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First published in Penguin Books 2005
Copyright © Charlotte Sophia Kasl, 2005
All rights reserved
Page 241 constitutes an extension of this copyright page.
Kasl, Charlotte Davis.
If the Buddha got stuck : a handbook for change on a spiritual path / by Charlotte Sophia Kasl.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-1-1012-0043-8
1. Religious life—Buddhism. I. Title. BQ4302.K37 2005
294.3'444—dc22 2004053396
Set in Albertina M T with Village Titling • Designed by Sabrina Bowers
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ALSO BY CHARLOTTE KASL
If the Buddha Dated: A Handbook for Finding Love on a Spiritual Path
If the Buddha Married: Creating Enduring Relationships on a Spiritual Path
Finding Joy: 101 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance with Life
Many Roads, One Journey: Moving Beyond the Twelve Steps
Women, Sex, and Addiction: A Search for Love and Power
A Home for the Heart: Creating Intimacy with Loved Ones, Neighbors, and Friends
Yes, You Can! A Guide to Empowerment Groups
Dedicated to
The Jeanette Rankin Peace Center of Missoula, Montana
and Peace Makers everywhere . . .
Who seek to bring together
all that is fragmented
and separated and hurting
in the world
between us and within us.
To those who seek to understand,
create connections,
reconnect,
reach out in kindness,
share resources,
create equality and justice
and see in the eyes of people everywhere
that we are all brothers and sisters made of one creator.
Namaste
A Note on the Title
What do you mean, “If the Buddha got stuck”?
Of course the Buddha didn’t get stuck. What a ridiculous idea. Buddha literally means being awake or conscious, and you can’t be awake and asleep at the same time.
The Buddha wasn’t a Buddhist either. He was a man, formerly known as Siddhartha Gautama, who, after many years of seeking the cause of suffering, became enlightened. That is, he broke through his identity as a separate self to live at one with the energy of All That Is. People started referring to him as The Buddha when he became a teacher who was clearly awake and at peace with himself.
The title really asks, what if you got stuck, and looked to Buddhist teachings, to help you get unstuck and feel more at ease in the world? What if you really believed that there are specific ways to ease your stress, calm your fears, gather courage to take action, and bring greater peace and happiness to your life? It is possible. The Buddha found the way, and his teachings can help you regardless of your background, religion, or belief system.
Welcome to the Journey.
Heartfelt Thanks and Bright Blessings . . .
To my longtime agent Edite Kroll, for humor, availability, encouragement, faith, good conversations, and help with the manuscript. It’s amazing