Composting Our Karma
By Barbara Rhodes
Foreword by Richard Shrobe
Edited by Elizabeth S. R. Goldstein
Afterword by Dae Bong
Learn to cultivate a clear mind, improve your intuition, feel naturally at ease, and generate the compassionate wisdom to face whatever arises.
Barbara Rhodes offers the Korean Zen teaching of don’t-know mind as an antidote to the overthinking, overly-stimulating modern world that is the cause of so much suffering. Rhodes shows us that there are ways we can work with, or “compost,” whatever we’ve got in front of us, digest it into energy that can get us through the rough times, and cultivate a satisfying life. And she offers fascinating insights from her professional life as a nurse, commitment to engaged Buddhism, life experience as a member of the LGBTQ community, use of psychedelics on her spiritual path, and more.
"You know about the importance of paying attention to the present moment, the only moment there is. But what do you do with that knowledge? Barbara Rhodes shows you how to embody and manifest the question, ‘What is this?’ You become fascinated and engaged with the ordinary, and when you are confronted with deep perplexity, amazement, or terror, your innate wisdom will pour forth. Follow her instructions here." —Polly Young-Eisendrath, author of The Present Heart
"Barbara Rhodes has lived a life dedicated to service, whether to her Zen students, her hospice patients, or her young tomato plants. This book shines with the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism and the teaching of Zen Master Seung Sahn, who brought ‘don’t-know mind’ to the world." —Stephen Mitchell, author and translator
"In Composting Our Karma, Zen Master Barbara Rhodes reveals her warm, generous and inspirational teaching style. This book is a roadmap, illuminating the path of Zen. Put these teachings into actual practice in your life and you will taste the fruits of this Zen path." —Jeff Kitzes, Empty Gate Zen Center
"The author’s refreshingly playful outlook produces many approachable and charming bits of wisdom. . . . Spiritual seekers looking to refresh their practice will be energized." —Publisher's Weekly