Author:
Mel Pine
Book Title:
A Buddhist Path to Joy: The New Middle Way Expanded Edition
Publishing Information:
Mel Harkrader Pine, 2025
Link to Purchase Book:
Synopsis:
A funny thing happened on the way to my death… At 78, Mel Pine was preparing to die. Poor health, cognitive decline, and mounting pain had him planning his final exit. But somewhere between acceptance and surrender, he discovered something unexpected: awakening.
A Buddhist Path to Awakening: The New Middle Way Expanded Edition completes the story—in intimate detail—of a man who transformed his approaching death into a mission of life. Writing with the candor of someone who has nothing left to lose and everything to give, Pine shares hard-won wisdom from four decades of Buddhist practice, devastating personal traumas, and the surprising joy that emerged from letting go.
This isn’t another scholarly treatise on Buddhism. It’s dharma from the trenches—honest, accessible, and refreshingly free of spiritual pretense. Pine calls himself a “Jewish Buddhist contrarian,” and his irreverent yet profound voice guides readers through everything from AI consciousness and Buddha Nature to the practical art of dying well while fully alive.
Whether you’re new to Buddhism or a seasoned practitioner, these short readings offer a modern middle way between rigid tradition and shallow spirituality. Pine proves that awakening isn’t reserved for monastery dwellers—it’s available to anyone willing to make friends with their mind and embrace the radical ordinariness of joy.
“I am awake!” Pine declares with hard-earned confidence. His invitation is simple: you can be too.
Author Bio:
Mel Pine’s end-of-life mission is to share the wisdom he has gained over almost eight decades of life and four decades of Buddhist practice to relieve the suffering of others. He is a seasoned writer, Buddhist practitioner, and spiritual communicator with six decades of experience in clear nonfiction writing. He has cultivated a substantial following across the United States and internationally.
Book Testimonial:
“A Buddhist Path to Joy by Mel Pine is a treasure, worthy of taking the time to carefully read every chapter and meditate on the Dharma that is shared within the pages. Pine does an excellent job of clearly laying out what he considers to be the middle path; however, for those who want more, he also shares shares bits of what other paths are like.” –NetGalley Reviewer
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