Contented Living

A pre-sectarian, pragmatic, secular and scientific approach to the timeless philosophical insights of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. Two of the most common questions I am asked are:?"e;How come you're always smiling and appear so calm and laid back?"e;?and?"e;How on earth did you survive a suicidal mental breakdown?"e;?The answer to both will be found in this book. I hope you find the approach outlined in this book helpful on your own journey. If you require any clarification or wish to discuss any aspect of its contents, you are most welcome to contact me. Please remember:?"e;I am not the moon. I'm merely the finger pointing at it."e;. . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Beard is an English-born Dharma communicator and meditation teacher specialising in awareness practices. He formally committed to the Dharma journey within the Theravada tradition in 1984, later exploring that commitment further within the Tibetan, Zen and Western Buddhist traditions. In 2006, he began teaching in Western Australia from a pre-sectarian, pragmatic, secular (nonreligious), and scientific approach. He has led meditation and Dharma retreats in the UK, Europe, Australia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and India. He continues to teach weekly meditation classes and monthly Dharma discussion groups in Mandurah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . The proceeds from the sale of this book are dedicated to KarunaDana INC. This is a Western Australian-based public benevolent charity and the sole provider of funds for The Happy Children's School near Bodh Gaya, India. The school is located in the impoverished rural village of Rajaundha, where children would otherwise be unable to receive any form of education due to the remoteness of the area and the high level of poverty. The charity is run entirely by volunteers, both here and in India, and none of the donations is used for any purpose other than the provision of resources that enhance the education opportunities available to the village children.