From a respected Zen teacher, a contemporary take on the paramitas, six traditional practices for cultivating compassion and wisdom--a path of deep hope in the face of personal trouble and societal crisis.

Amidst the barrage of the daily news cycle and the tumult of our personal lives, it may seem natural to contract out of fear or anxiety. But is there a way to face our lives and the world without closing off our hearts? There is such a path, says Zen teacher Diane Rizzetto. It can be reached through the teachings of the Buddhist paramitas or "perfections"--giving and receiving, taking skillful action, practicing patience, engaging effort, meditating, and seeing clearly. Filled with stories, teachings, student questions, and practices, Deep Hope demonstrates the possibility of living with a hopefulness that is grounded in the present moment--a practice of spiritual nourishment and deepening wisdom.