A treasury of the most notable, profound, and thought-provoking Buddhism-inspired writing published in the last year. The Best Buddhist Writing 2009 • An interview with novelist Tom Robbins • Guiding principles for a new ecospirituality from Thich Nhat Hanh • Jack Kornfield on basic human goodness • Pico Iyer’s portrait of the Dalai Lama • Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle on a couple’s journey through Alzheimer’s disease • The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche on the true, enlightened nature of mind • Wendy Johnson on bringing the beginner’s mind to gardening • A mindfulness practice from Pema Chödrön to help us wake up to the world around us • Joan Halifax on approaching death with fearlessness and compassion • Peggy Rowe-Ward and Larry Ward with stories, meditations, and exercises for experiencing love in a new and deeper way • Natalie Goldberg on the art of writing personal memoir • Dzigar Kongtrül on our search for happiness • Sharon Salzberg on overcoming passion, aggression, and ignorance in our relationships • Stephanie Kaza on making environmentalism a spiritual path, not just a change in lifestyle • Meshuga- wisdom from Rabbi Rami Shapiro • John Welwood on how we can use our relationships for profound spiritual growth • And much more