The Buddha and the Bard

What does Shakespeare have to teach us about mindfulness? What Eastern spiritual views about death, love, and presence are reflected in the writings of The Bard? The Buddha and the Bard reveals the surprising connections between the 2,500-year-old spiritual leader and the most compelling writer of all time. Author Lauren Shufran explores the fascinating interplay of Western and Eastern philosophy by pairing quotes from Shakespeare with the tenets of an Eastern spiritual practice, sparking a compelling dialogue between the two. There is a remarkable interchange of echoes between Shakespeare's conception of "the inward man" and Buddhist approaches to recognizing, honoring, and working with our humanness. The Buddha and the Bard synthesizes literature and scripture--the ideals of Elizabethan England and that of Siddhartha Guatama's India--to shape a multifaceted lyric that we can apply as mindful practice in our own lives. Shufran's compelling analysis will encourage the reader to ask the deepest questions of themselves while bridging a cultural divide. DAILY INSPIRATION: Dip into The Buddha and the Bard for insight and inspiration whenever it's needed. SURPRISING CONNECTIONS: Reveals links from the concept of the theatricality of life to the power of inward reflection. THOUGHTFUL GIFT: A beautiful gift for lovers of Shakespeare and followers of Buddha alike. EXPERT AUTHOR: Poet and University of California instructor Lauren Shufran has studied and taught literature and Shakespeare informed by personal yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices for more than 8 years.