Books by Sarah Shaw

A quick guide to the history of the world's most popular meditation practice.From the time of the Buddha to the age of meditation apps, this straightforward introduction gives an entire overview of the use of the term "mindfulness" in Buddhist meditative traditions. Drawing upon years of experience through practicing, researching, and teaching the history of mindfulness, Dr. Sarah Shaw offers the first-ever accessible guide to the roots of this ancient meditation technique that continues to benefit millions throughout the world. Although the term is heard everywhere from boardrooms and classrooms to gyms and yoga studios, surprisingly little is known about the origins of mindfulness. This easy-to-read short history will give readers, whether they are seasoned or novice practitioners, a better sense of the most practiced meditation in the world.

Sarah Shaw looked in control of her life. She had a successful career as a manager in retail business. But she came to a point when she could no longer keep up appearances, by controlling her tormented inner world. So explosive was her inner pain, and so damaged was she by the consequences of childhood abuse, that she was eventually put on a lifetime's incapacity benefit. Her consultant psychiatrist was at a loss how to help. This story is not, however, about the horrors of abuse, but is an extraordinary testimony to the triumph of God's healing love.The author writes:"e;So many abused, hurting people don't understand their brokenness. They are stuck, as I was, in the tormenting symptoms of guilt, self-hatred, multiple fears, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, eating disorders, self-harming and suicidal tendencies. The book gives insights into the Christian healing ministry I received and offers hope to victims of abuse, without negating the reality of the desperate inner conflicts and struggles."e;"e;This remarkable book is about true recovery of health by a deeply wronged woman, whom I met more than ten years ago. Rarely is this subject written about, and even more uncommonly in Sarah's calm and thoughtful way."e;Dr Geoff Searle MBBS. BSc. FRCPsych (Sarah's Pychiatrist)"e;A profound and moving story - it struck me that despite such harrowing experiences the human spirit can be so resilient and triumphant."e;Dr Adrian Hutchings MBBS. (Sarah's GP)"e;So many people around the world have been abused, and often their pain is muffled by secrecy. Thankfully the woman who wrote this book has decided to expose her pain to the light of Jesus Christ. By doing so she has found total healing - and I believe her decision to share her painful secret with the world will help many other abused people find complete emotional recovery."e;J. Lee Grady - Editor, Charisma Magazine

Secret Diary of a 1970s Secretary is the diary of Sarah Shaw for the year of 1971, which she recently uncovered whilst clearing out her loft. Working as a secretary for the BBC at the time, Sarah's diary describes the life of a suburban girl who certainly wasn't 'swinging' but who was, ironically, not only working on a cutting edge BBC survey on sex education but also in the throes of an unlikely affair with middle-aged, working-class, Irish lift attendant, Frank.Sarah talks humorously and frankly about what it was like to be a young, working woman at the time as well as life at the BBC during the 1970s and the difficulties of navigating her first romance. She is funny and self-effacing with a self-knowledge that only few attain. Her innocence and naivety are hugely charming and the diary forms a valuable snapshot of a time not so far away that is now lost to us.

Is it possible to capture the spirit of Buddhist meditation, which depends so much upon silence and unspoken wisdom? Can this spirit be found after two millennia? This wise and reassuring book reminds us that the Buddhist meditative tradition, geared to such concerns from its inception, has always been transmitted through texts. A great variety of early writings-poems, stories, extended practical guides, commentaries, and chants-were purposely designed to pass teachings on from one generation to the next. Sarah Shaw, a longtime practitioner and teacher of Buddhism, investigates a wide and varied range of ancient and later Buddhist writings on meditation. Many of these texts are barely known in the West but, as the author shows, they can be helpful, moving, and often very funny. She begins with early texts of the Pali canon-those that describe and involve the Buddha and his followers teaching meditations-and moves on to "e;commentaries,"e; with their copious range of practical tips, anecdotes, and accounts of early meditators. The author then considers other early texts that were inspirational as Buddhist traditions spread through India and on to China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet. Centuries after being written, early Buddhist texts have lost none of their relevance, this authoritative book shows. In a tradition characterized by flexibility and mobility, these writings offer wisdom unchanged by time.

Describes Buddhist meditation and its purpose and place in the context of different Buddhist schools. This book outlines the procedures associated with Buddhist practices and suggests appropriate activities, useful both for students and interested Buddhists.