The teachings of IMS revolve around Theraveda Buddhism, which in the West translates into a commitment to insight, moral integrity, and compassion. As a result, these themes resonate throughout. For example, Steven Smith speaks about the insight he gained from the death of a friend--it helped him grasp the sacredness of friendship. In another essay, Michele McDonald-Smith talks about accidentally locking her car keys and her other sandal in her car. From this anecdote she begins to ponder what it would be like "to live like a guesthouse"--always ready to receive the unexpected guests and situations that come to us in everyday life. It is the use of personal stories that make these Buddhist gleanings so satisfying and accessible. As editor Sharon Salzberg explains in her introduction, "We are unfolding a tradition that speaks of current challenges, our own triumphs, and our unique lessons.... It is a significant step in the transmission of a living truth." --Gail Hudson

Voices of Insight is also a good Buddhist primer. One author tells the history of Siddhartha Gotama Buddha and explains important basic ideas like nirvana and samsara. Another author covers the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Joseph Goldstein's chapter on the science and art of meditation explains what meditation is for and what you should be doing when you're meditating more clearly than anything I've ever come across, and all by itself makes the book worth getting.

This book is helpful. It will help you develop your practice. It is not merely interesting and educational; it is practical. I'm the author of the book, Self-Help Stuff That Works, so I'm sort of an expert on applicable information. Voices of Insight is not only illuminating and enjoyable to read, it is thoroughly applicable.

Some of the teachers writing in this book are monastics; most lead their lives as laypeople; some talk about their families, some describe their teachers in Asia or the West; and some discuss experiences of deep silence and awareness. The diversity of the teachings feels very inclusive, and it is delightfully balanced by the clarity and thoughtfulness with which this book is organized. There are sections focussing on the Buddha, representing both the historical Buddha and the various Teachers; the Dharma, or the reality of the teachings as they can be experienced; and the Sangha, the support and teaching we receive from being in relationship with others on a spiritual path. In each of these, the writers express their individual styles in a way that makes their stories accessible and alive. I continually found connections between the experiences described in this book and my own life, whether the teachers were describing formal meditation practice or the practice of being a mother.

This book is not a meditation handbook or a guide for one's practice; it is more of an inspirational book and a demonstration of the teachings that are available. Fortunately, several of the authors, including Sharon Salzberg, have also written books of their own. After tasting their style in "Voices of Insight", it's great to be able to go on and learn more from them.