Live-online. Fortnightly on Mondays over 8 weeks, 6pm- 7.15pm (AEST)

If you have been touched by what you have learned in your mindfulness journey so far and want to understand more, come to our book club.

We read contemporary texts from divergent views around awareness practice - then sit and explore what they raise for us - in practice and in life.

In each session, we explore:

  • What resonated with you?
  • What questions do you have that we can grapple with together?
  • What do you see as implications for your practice?

Please note participants are responsible for obtaining their own copy of the book.

This book club is different from others. Over the weeks of reading and meeting, we encourage each other to take the readings and try them in our own lives so that the learning will translate into something practical and nourishing. Usually, through four or five fortnightly sessions, we finish the book together. The Book Club has become a place of belonging for many - especially those who do not have a face-to-face group in their area where they can practice and discuss things. 

Pamela Lovell — faciliator 

Here's what we'll be reading next:

Choose a book to learn more & register

I don’t like to read books on meditation even though I know I should and I know they are helpful. So, I forced myself (with kindness and compassion) to join the MTI book club to help break through. And I read the book (all of it). And I sat with others and asked questions and had many of them answered. And I learnt a lot of helpful things about mindfulness that is helping my practice and helping me to help others. So while I still don’t like reading books on meditation the book club helps. —Trevor

The exploration of mindfulness, both it’s application and underlying principles, with a collective of generous-minded people, does wonders for motivating me in my regular practice (apart from being fun!). It’s a win-win-win!—Sally

I’ve been part of the book club for over 4 years now, and I wouldn’t want to be without it! Together we read, ponder and puzzle over a wide range of texts that illuminate mindfulness and Buddhist philosophy. I’ve found it so helpful with understanding tricky concepts, and providing practical suggestions to enrich my own meditation practice. But the most precious aspect  is that our club has become our sangha, a place of friendship, listening and laughter. Everyone welcomed whenever they can make it, and every viewpoint valued. Thank you for this wonderful offering, and may it continue for many years. I’ll be there! —Rosy

The Openground bookclub has been a very special way to enrich my understanding  of the dharma. I have attended for several years and have several very fine books that I have read or listened to ( on kindle - it having been read by the author) that have become a resource or refuge. Two that standout are Boundless Heart by Christina Feldman and In Love with the World by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Being able to reflect on the writers experience or interpretation of the dharma with others has been so enriching. The sessions begin with a guided mindful practice offered by the facilitator and end respectfully with a moments silence - absorbing the teachings we have shared. For anyone who enjoys delving into the written or spoken word the bookclub is highly recommended.—Marijke

Here's everything we've explored so far...

A mindfulness bookclub has been operating through our sister organisation (the Mindfulness Training Institute) since 2019. 

Here's what we've read:

Why Buddhism Is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation
Robert Wright

The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching
Thich Nhat Hanh

The Science of Enlightenment: How Meditation Works
Shinzen Young

A Gradual Awakening
Stephen Levine

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
Pema Chödrön

The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving-Kindness
Pema Chödrön

Radical Compassion
Tara Brach

Neurodharma: New Science, Ancient Wisdom, and Seven Practices of the Highest Happiness
Rick Hanson

Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis
David R. Loy

In Love with the World: A Monk's Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche (with Helen Tworkov)

Awake Where You Are: The Art of Embodied Awareness
Martin Aylward

The World Could Be Otherwise: Imagination and the Bodhisattva Path
Norman Fischer

Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation
Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Lama Rod Owens, Jasmine Syedullah

Boundless Heart: The Buddha's Path of Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity
Christina Feldman

Training in Tenderness: Buddhist Teachings on Tsewa, the Radical Openness of Heart That Can Change the World
Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
Shunryu Suzuki

Food for the Heart: The Collected Teachings of Ajahn Chah
Ajahn Chah

How We Live Is How We Die
Pema Chödrön

Freedom from the Known
J. Krishnamurti

We Were Made for These Times: Ten Lessons for Moving Through Change, Loss, and Disruption
Kaira Jewel Lingo

Nothing Special: Living Zen
Charlotte Joko Beck

The Art of Living
Thich Nhat Hanh

Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method
Rebecca Li

Confidence: Holding Your Seat Through Life's Eight Worldly Winds
Ethan Nictern

Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times
Greg Boyle

Who Dies?: An Investigation of Conscious Living and Conscious Dying
Stephen Levine

Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience
Sharon Salzberg

The World Exists to Set Us Free
Larry Rosenberg

The Essential Dogen: Writings of the Great Zen Master
Edited by Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt

Ordinary Wonder
Charlotte Joko Beck

Have questions?

Call us: 0401 904 995 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEDT)
Email: info@openground.com.au

Response time: within 1-2 business days

Contact Us Register for Book Club