Featuring a new foreword by Pema Chödrön, this Chögyam Trungpa classic explores the meaning of freedom in the profound context of Tibetan Buddhism Freedom is generally thought of as the ability to achieve goals and satisfy desires. But what are the sources of these goals and desires? If they arise from ignorance, habitual patterns, and negative emotions, is the freedom to pursue these goals true freedom-or is it just a myth? In The Myth of Freedom and the Way of Meditation, Chögyam Trungpa explores the true meaning of freedom, showing us how our attitudes, preconceptions, and even our spiritual practices can become chains that bind us to repetitive patterns of frustration and despair. He also explains how meditation can bring into focus the causes of frustration, and how these negative forces can aid us in advancing toward true freedom. Trungpa's unique ability to express the essence of Buddhist teachings in the language and imagery of contemporary American culture makes this book one of the best, most accessible sources of the Buddhist doctrine ever written. Illustrations ix Foreword xi Preface xiii Enthronement xv The Myth of Freedom Fantasy and Reality 1(4) Disappointment 5(2) Suffering 7(5) Egolessness 12(7) Styles of Imprisonment Cosmic Joke 19(4) Self-absorption 23(5) Paranoia 28(1) Passion 29(3) Stupidity 32(3) Poverty 35(2) Anger 37(6) Sitting Meditation The Fool 43(1) Simplicity 44(4) Mindfulness and Awareness 48(3) Boredom 51(5) The Way of the Buddha 56(7) Working with the Emotions The Dualistic Barrier 63(6) Lion's Roar 69(4) Working with Negativity 73(10) Meditation in Action Work 83(3) Love 86(4) Working with People 90(2) The Eightfold Path 92(11) The Open Way Bodhisattva Vow 103(3) Heroism 106(5) The Sanity of Earth 111(2) Patience 113(3) Tradition 116(3) Zen and Prajna 119(2) The Approach to Enlightenment 121(6) Devotion Surrendering 127(4) Spiritual Friend 131(3) The Great Warrior 134(4) Commitment 138(2) The Universality of Guru 140(9) Tantra Aloneness 149(3) Mandala 152(5) Mahamudra Upadesa 157(8) Appendix 165(2) Meditation Center Information 167(2) Index 169