The Fruitful Darkness: A Journey Through Buddhist Practice and Tribal Wisdom

By Joan Halifax

Book Overview

The long-awaited reflections of a celebrated world traveler--notes on the extraordinary life and spiritual pilgrimage of anthropologist, ecologist, educator, and author Halifax. In her first book in nearly 12 years, Halifax shares her intensely personal voyage into the fruitful darkness of the earth body, her encounters with Buddhist masters, Mexican shamans, and Native American elders.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062503693
• ISBN13: 9780062503695
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.8" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

One of the best books I have ever read

(and I have read a lot of books!) I am on my second reading, and will soon reread a third time, slowly, taking notes and making my own commentary. Halifax's ability to combine a deep understanding of Buddhism, shamanism, deep ecology, the history of civilization, indigenous cultures is unparalleled - and her understanding is not academic, it has been gained through forty-plus years of experience. This is a book to read slowly, several times, meditating, pondering, and experiencing for oneself what Halifax so profoundly points to.

superb

Joan Halifax accomplishes the ultimate through this great book -- she transmits Buddhism through the heart.

Amazing

It is amazing that this book has never been reviewed (2006). I bought the hardback in 1993 and I still consider it one of my most favorite books ever. It is thoughtful and very well written. It gave me a very good introduction to deep ecology and shamanism. I consider it a must read for those interested in the subject.