New Releases by Stephen Levine

On a quiet Autumn evening in October 1968, the peace was broken by a large explosion at sea. Two more explosions followed it. The residents of the quiet seaside town of Eastbourne and other nearby towns rushed into the streets to see what had caused this disturbance. An oil tanker travelling down the English Channel was the cause of all this excitement. Fishing boats, tugs and a Royal Navy frigate all rushed to the aid of the vessel in distress. Our story recounts the events day by day of the crew''s rescue and the fight against the raging fire. After the tragedy of the Torrey Canyon the previous year, and the disastrous pollution of the sea and beaches in Cornwall, this was of great concern in the town. Local firefighters with no experience in fighting large fires at sea and two tugs with firefighting equipment managed to extinguish the blaze, but they could not save the tanker. We tell the story of the battle of those brave men.

A 95 year old mystery solved, well maybe. It is a clear, peaceful day when a British cargo vessel, the Asiatic Prince, departs America on a regular trip to Japan. She was carrying general cargo and valuable bullion. Eight days later, she sends out a distress call, and a rescue mission begins. The search cannot find any trace of the ship, so the rumours start. There were many reports in newspapers worldwide speculating the fate of the ship, her crew, and the bullion. Was there a mutiny, or did pirates attack the ship? There were suggestions that a meteorite or a tidal wave hit her. After extensive commercial and navy craft searches, no trace of the vessel or her crew has been found. The ship''s fate is still a mystery, but we try to bring an up- to-date perspective on what occurred on that fateful day, 24 March 1928.

Extensive land use change and global climate change present major threats to native ecosystems due to shifts in species ranges and the alteration of species assemblages through non-native species introductions. The conservation of these landscapes and associated biodiversity is pertinent and requires comprehensive biogeographic and ecological analyses that identify past, present, and future patterns of species distributions and ecosystem function. With an ever-increasing amount of spatial data related to species occurrences available through online citizen science platforms, the number and types of questions that can be answered related to conservation biogeography are rapidly expanding. However, spatial and taxonomic biases are known to exist in these datasets and the implementation of such data requires proper consideration. The application of these opportunistic datasets to conservation planning is further complicated by issues of access in settings with public/private land divides. The conceptual approach taken for this dissertation pulls from multiple subfields of environmental geography in order to adequately encapsulate the challenges inherent to local and regional scale conservation research and implementation. The assessment of a public/private landscape in the Texas Hill Country via satellite imagery and in situ vegetation surveys provides an example of spatially- and temporally- dynamic landscape assessment in a heterogeneous land tenure setting. The included spatial analyses of citizen science data investigate socioeconomic and demographic patterns in opportunistic species datasets and inform approaches to accounting for inherent spatial and taxonomic gaps in these data using the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexxipus) as a baseline species of analysis. Lastly, these studies are bridged together by an investigation of novel landscapes in Texas’ Blackland Prairies and the influence of exotic game ranching across Texas with discussion of the impacts of novel species assemblages and habitat fragmentation. The collected discussions and conclusions in this dissertation support recommendations for land managers and landowners and provide insight for conservation biogeographers working across spatially- and temporally- heterogeneous land tenure settings

THE RENOWNED TEACHER AND AUTHOR''S SPIRITUAL MEMOIR, AS TOLD THROUGH HIS LIFELONG ENCOUNTERS WITH ANIMALS AND NATURE “I love this book. It feels like a secret treasure bequeathed by Stephen Levine to be opened after his death—an overflowing vessel of insight, humor and literary genius. Animal Sutras may be the best book Stephen Levine ever wrote.” —Mirabai Starr, Wild Mercy “Stephen was a profound healer of the heart, writer and meditation teacher. In Animal Sutras, his other gifts shine, as a wise poet-naturalist and Dharma storyteller-philosopher, offered here in a lyrical, quirky, playful, and inviting collection.” —Jack Kornfield, A Path With Heart For Stephen Levine, “animal-people” were his greatest teachers. So, at age seventy, he began collecting animal spirit stories and transcendent moments in nature from throughout his life—from the green snake who taught him to meditate as a boy to the generous hen whom predators would not harm, and many more. “Animals have a natural mindfulness,” Levine writes. “They know what they are doing. Humans, who are full of confusion and seldom wholly in touch with their mind/body, need encouragement and technique to live in the present.” Stephen Levine (1937–2016) was an American poet, author, and spiritual teacher best known for his work, with his wife Ondrea, on death and dying. He is one of a generation of pioneering teachers who made Theravada Buddhism more widely available to students in the West. Like the writings of his colleague and close friend Ram Dass (formerly Richard Alpert), Levine’s work is also flavored by the devotional practices and teachings of the Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba. Levine spent many years in the Southwest, including one tending a wildlife sanctuary in southern Arizona, and among the mountains of New Mexico, where Ondrea still lives. His many books include Who Dies?, A Year to Live, Unattended Sorrow, and Healing into Life and Death.

Great Britain was at war with France after the breakdown of the Treaty of Amiens in 1803. Napoleon was ravishing Europe and there was great concern about an invasion across the English Channel. The authorities decided that they needed additional defences and a new department was setup by the War Office. They considered the south coast most vulnerable and began a large and expensive program of barrack building.This is a story about one such infantry barrack built in a small town in Sussex. I tell details of the setting up of the Barrack Master''s Office and the building of the barrack. There is information about the coming and goings of the many regiments that visited Hailsham while the barrack was maintained. After the defeat of Napoleon many barracks along the southern counties were closed.This is a record of all the regiments that visited along with church burial records that have survived. Soldiers were dying of disease, accidents, fights and the occasional suicide. Life was very difficult for the regular soldier.

A description of the towns in the county of Sussex with history and details of local government and the setting up of the town halls and police service.

Alteration of savanna systems is driven by a wide range of natural and anthropogenic disturbance regimes. This research investigates seasonal trends in vegetation cover and productivity within central Texas environments. Through a combined methodological approach that utilizes vegetation transect fieldwork and satellite imagery analysis, this project provides insight into the influence of management strategies on savanna vegetation. Both a protected area and privately owned land were assessed in order to determine differences between the management strategies employed. Multiple spatial and temporal analysis approaches were employed to better understand vegetation patterning and function within central Texas’ savanna environments. Regression analysis of woody vegetation structural canopy data resulted in significant relationships existing between the presence of graminoid ground cover and the use of prescribed burn management. Time-series analysis of vegetation productivity using a remotely-sensed vegetation index provided insight into the influence of variable precipitation trends and drought conditions on this system. A comparison of functional group diversity and species diversity also investigated the ability of such metrics to predict productivity in these systems, ultimately leading to the suggestion of a combined approach. Lastly, remotely-sensed vegetation indices were included with species distribution modeling of central Texas’ golden-cheeked warblers, allowing for an investigation into strategies to better identify suitable habitats. These findings will inform land management strategies for land owners, land managers, and park managers for a variety of goals including support of grazing capacity, reduction of encroachment, reduction of invasive species, and habitat provision for key species.

From the bestselling author of Be Here Now. “A challenging and enlightening collection of speeches and lectures by Ram Dass on his spiritual journey.” —Spirituality & Practice From Ram Dass, one of America’s most beloved spiritual figures and bestselling author of Be Here Now and Be Love Now, comes this timeless classic about the experience of being and the risks and rewards of our spiritual path. Originally published in 1976, Grist for the Mill offers a deep spiritual journey of self-discovery, and a universal understanding of what it means to “be” and to grow as human beings. The book is fully revised with a new introduction. As Ram Dass puts it, “When the faith is strong enough it is sufficient just to be. It’s a journey towards simplicity, towards quietness, towards a kind of joy that is not in time. It’s a journey that has taken us from primary identification with our body and our psyche, on to an identification with God, and ultimately beyond identification.” Praise for Ram Dass “One of our greatest teachers.” —Deepak Chopra “There’s no way to overestimate the role of Ram Dass.” —Marianne Willliamson “May Ram Dass inspire others to find their own path of true love, compassion, and joyful service.” —Thich Nhat Hanh

In his long career as a poet, Buddhist teacher, spiritual advisor, and writer, Stephen Levine has changed our understanding of death and dying. In Becoming Kuan Yin, Levine’s first new book in many years, he turns to the legend of Kuan Yin, the Bbodhistitva venerated by East Asian Buddhists for her compassion. In Becoming Kuan Yin, Levine shares the tale of Miao Shan, born centuries ago to a cruel king who wanted her to marry a wealthy but uncaring man. This is the story of how Miao Shan refused to follow the path her father had in mind and, instead, became Kuan Yin, the first acknowledged female Buddha who watches over the dying and those who work with them. Levine weaves together story and practice and helps readers discover their own infinite capacity for mercy and compassion under difficult circumstances. This book will have resonance for Kuan Yin''s millions of followers.

Based on his extensive counseling work with the terminally ill, Levine''s book integrates death into the context of life with compassion, skill, and hope. Capturing the range of emotions and challenges that accompany the dying process, he offers unique support to readers dealing with this difficult experience.

In this groundbreaking book, the authors of the perennial bestseller Who Dies? demonstrate how to use a relationship as a means for profound inner growth and healing. "Stephen and Ondrea''s work is among the deepest, most healing and heartfelt contributions to modern spiritual life in America." —Jack Kornfield, bestselling author of a Path with Heart Stephen and Ondrea Levine devoted more than eighteen years to investigating the mind/body relationship, particularly as it relates to the states healing, dying, and grieving. Their work has affected healing and medical practices worldwide. In Embracing the Beloved, the Levines turn their attention to what has been "our most significant spiritual commitment—our own relationship." Their insights and anecdotes will benefit all who are drawn to looking inward, and all who seek a relationship as a path for spiritual renewal and merciful awareness of life.

“Stephen Levine has worked creatively to help thousands of people approach their own deaths with equanimity, truth, and an open heart. I can think of no one better qualified to help us enrich our lives through embracing the mystery of death.”—Ram Dass “A Year to Live is a poetic and deeply passionate exploration into what creates human suffering. It is also a lyrical and generous-spirited guide to life.”—San Francisco Examiner In A Year to Live, Stephen Levine, author of the perennial bestseller Who Dies?, teaches us how to live each moment, each hour, each day mindfully—as if it were all that was left. On his deathbed, Socrates exhorted his followers to practice dying as the highest form of wisdom. Levine decided to live this way himself for a whole year, and now he shares with us how such immediacy radically changes our view of the world and forces us to examine our priorities. Most of us go to extraordinary lengths to ignore, laugh off, or deny our grief over the fact that we are going to die, but preparing for death is one of the most rational and rewarding acts of a lifetime. It is an exercise that gives us the opportunity to deal with unfinished business and enter into a new and vibrant relationship with life. Levine provides us with a year-long program of intensely practical strategies and powerful guided meditations to help with this work, so that whenever the ultimate moment does arrive for each of us, we will not feel that it has come too soon.

A to the point work that inspires and nourishes the reader in uncovering and bringing their cherished life desires into fruition. Shows how manifesting ones dream is like birthing a child, with distinct stages including life dream insemination, carrying to term, giving birth to the dream and raising/managing the dream once born. Provides specific guidance for each life dream birth transition.

LevineOs wit, wisdom, and untamed heart at their best. This delightful book celebrates the long-awaited return to poetry (after 40 years) of the beloved author/teacher, acclaimed worldwide for his work with the terminally ill. It teems with life and timelessness—ranging from hope to awe to gratefulness to wonder and pathos, with skillful evocations of Basho, Lorca, and Rilke.

Unattended sorrow is unresolved grief that has never been given a chance to heal. This lovely, spiritual book from one of the nation''s most trusted grief counselors offers a series of techniques to help heal this pain so readers can lead full and joyful lives. The book not only guides those who have experienced a fresh loss to face the hurt before it settles in, but it also addresses the devastating impact of tragedies past, when people become "stuck" years after childhood abuse, teen rape, early divorce, or loss of a loved one.

Quem gosta de meditar terá neste livro um grande aliado. Nele podem ser encontradas orientações para todos os tipos de meditações, desde um texto singelo que nos mobiliza internamente para a tranqüilidade, passando por meditações mais profundas, de cura, até as leituras adequadas para o momento da morte. Um excelente guia, tanto para profissionais como para praticantes, experientes ou não.

From a revered meditation teacher comes an invaluable volume of guided meditations for the deeper healing of spirit, mind, and body. The culmination of decades of personal and professional explorations into the process of human consciousness, Guided Meditations, Explorations and Healings is an indispensable source book, filled with resources for healing and the deepening of awareness. Essential reading for anyone facing pain, severe illness, addiction, or other forms of suffering, in these pages Levine presents practical processes for the deep exploration of the mind and body, which are used widely in meditation centers, hospices, and hospitals around the world. Now, in this remarkable work, they are offered for the benefit of all who are drawn to looking inward—and all who seek the healing power of a merciful awareness.

A guide to healing meditation, from revered teacher Stephen Levine. Drawing on years of first-hand experience working with the chronically ill, here Levine presents original techniques for working with pain and grief. Addressing the choice and application of treatment, discussing the development of a merciful awareness as a means of healing, and providing practical meditation techniques as well as personal anecdotes from his career, Levine has crafted a valuable resource for anyone dealing with pain—physical or mental.

In this intelligent, accessible work, acclaimed poet and meditation teacher Stephen Levine introduces readers to meditation. Filled with practical guidance and advice—as well as extensive personal recollections—A Gradual Awakening explains the value of meditation as a means of attaining awareness, and provides readers with extensive advice on how establish a practice. Drawing on his own personal experiences with and insights into vipassana meditation, Levine has crafted an inspiring book for anyone interested in deep personal growth.