On a mission to help readers find calm and clarity , Li-Anne Tang’s Get Off Your Cushion – Weaving Meditation Into the Fabric of Life not only demystifies the practice of meditation but explains how with three simple steps the principles of meditation can be woven into every aspect of day to day. A firm believer that challenges are part of life, but suffering is optional; embracing the contents of this book marks the first step of your journey to 24/7 inner peace.
UNITED KINGDOM – A supportive and nurturing introduction to meditation for those looking to embrace the practice and providing new insights and hacks to those already on their mindful journey, Li Anne Tang’s Get Off Your Cushion does what it says on the can. It shares how to let the benefits of meditation permeate every aspect of your life.
With readers praising the author’s knowledge and nurturing approach to navigating the first steps to mindfulness and spiritual awakening, this book is far from a stereotypical self-help manual jumping on the today’s wellbeing zeitgeist.
Having spent most of her life and her entire academic career studying the mind (the author holds a Bachelor of Psychology, a Master of Cognitive Science, a Ph.D. in neuropsychiatry and postgraduate training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy) Li-Anne Tang is not only eminently qualified to impart her wisdom but is living proof that meditation works; having experienced only contentment and serenity following her recovery from viral encephalitis.
If you’re considering learning how to meditate, this is the book you need to read.
Synopsis:
A practical and profound book on meditation and mindfulness that shows readers how to live and act more mindfully, without meditating on a cushion for hours each day – Sayadaw U Tejaniya
Drop the old habit of meditating only on a cushion. Use this book as a blueprint to bring meditation to every experience of your life, to pave your path to spiritual awakening.
Whether you are looking for the best meditation book for anxiety or on the path towards spiritual enlightenment, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to:
- Move from stress to serenity at will in 3 simple steps
- Cultivate continuous mindfulness off the cushion
- Hack into the most effective way to train your mind: through enjoyment
- Apply Buddhist teachings to all aspects of life
- Free yourself entirely from suffering
You will want to re-read this book over and over again and allow the gems of wisdom to infuse into every aspect of your life.
Praised by the author’s meditation peers and the medical profession, reviews include:
Li-Anne’s book teaches you how to build the right attitude as a daily practice and appreciate the journey of awareness.”– Sayadaw U Tejaniya, Shwe Oo Min Dhamma Sukha Forest Meditation Center, Myanmar
“This is the Dhamma book that I have been waiting for, a book that tells you how to apply meditation in everyday life without getting out of touch with life. Li-Anne showed me something essential which I didn’t know could be taught and learned: We can cultivate and develop the right attitude as a mindfulness practice.”– Ma Thet Ghosh, Interpreter for Sayadaw U Tejaniya for 25+ years
“Li-Anne is a true psychonaut, someone who continues her exploration under any circumstances and is always open to new discoveries. In “Get Off Your Cushion” both the sufferer and the explorer will find new approaches and practical methods which they can use on the cushion and in daily life.”– Walter Köchli, Ghostwriter, Compiler and Editor of several of Sayadaw U Tejaniya’s books
“A deeply supportive book. Li-Anne’s candour about her personal journey was inspiring and engaging, placing the path of practice into a practical context.”– Andrew Sherbrooke, ‘The Mind Illuminated’ Dharma Teacher
“Get off Your Cushion is filled with gems for training the mind, introspection, and self-inquiry. Written in Li-Anne’s unique voice, this book is an offering filled with clarity and wisdom pointing to the heart of the transformational journey.”– Emyo Darlene Tataryn, PhD, Rinzai Zen Priest Hollow Bones order and Karma Kagyu
“This book is crammed with wisdom, yet very accessible. Li-Anne really succeeds in balancing easy-to-follow practices with wisdoms of the Dhamma. I can’t think of a better book for beginners to meditation – but there is plenty also for advanced practitioners. Highly recommended!”– Robert Johansson, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden
Equally well-received by Amazon readers, five-star reviews include:
“Li-Ann’s book is a really beautiful balance between very clear descriptions of easy to use tools for beginners and slightly more in-depth pointers for the seasoned meditator, all geared toward the application of Buddhist insights in daily life.
She also includes really great personal anecdotes and a detailed case study elaborating what the experience of awakening actually looks like for the busy practitioner who doesn’t have the time to hole up in a cave. Her story of Peter and his journey is straightforward and simple, demystifying the lofty notion of enlightenment and making it clear that it’s a beautiful, subtle, but powerful experience, available to all, with just a little of the right effort.
She also breaks down some of the more daunting of the Buddha’s teachings, like the intimidating 8-Fold Noble Path and provides easy access points to begin to use this powerful framework. For the nerd, there’s just the right amount of Pali terminology (the original language), with little risk of overwhelming or boring the newbie.
It’s a great book for the beginner who loves the idea of a life with less suffering but who can’t find the practical tools missing in more popular books, while also being a great book for the hardcore sweat-covered practitioner, desperate to master the core teachings of the Buddha. Li-Ann’s covers both angles with easy to read prose and a depth of experience as a teacher and psychotherapist. If we happen to be good friends, this is the gift you’re getting from me this coming holiday season. Sorry to ruin the surprise.” – Darren ODonnell
“As a long term meditator, this book showed me what I do off the cushion is as important as what we do on the cushion. And as a result, my practice and my life have improved dramatically. Such a simple book to read and yet the lessons will transform you.” – Peter Radcliffe
“Never thought a Dhamma book can be a page turner. Clear, concise and very practical. Some sections read like a sequel to Culadasa’s ‘The Mind Illuminated’ book.
Most importantly, this book stands out as one of the few (if not the only one) that emphasizes deep and dedicated practice in daily life without requiring any kind of renunciation. I think this book is especially useful for lay people with jobs and families. Traditionally, walking the path and going through the stages of awakening would mean leaving all worldly affairs behind. Li-Anne describes the opposite approach, where practice is closely integrated with daily life and where modern Western lifestyle is being fused and organically combined with the traditional Buddhist teachings.” – Gene
Published by Metta Publishing, Get Off Your Cushion – Weaving Meditation Into the Fabric of Life is available to purchase in paperback at Amazon.
About the author:
Li-Anne Tang is a Buddhist meditation teacher who is committed to helping people free themselves from stress and suffering.
She is married and has two adult children. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Psychology, a Master of Cognitive Science, a Ph.D. in neuropsychiatry and postgraduate training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Since 2008 she has closely mentored her students in the styles of Sayadaw U Tejaniya, Culadasa’s The Mind Illuminated and in the Mahasi tradition. She emphasises joy as an integral part of this path to liberation.
