The Restoration of Joy

The Restoration of Joy: Spiritual Healing for Battered Souls with Flint Sparks

If you were to ask a broad sample of contemplatives what they thought was the essential feature of Buddhist practice, you might hear something about the understanding suffering and the end of suffering. This is what the Buddha taught of course, but with only a partial understanding it gives Buddhism a bad name.

Only suffering? In truth, the fruit of this transformational practice is actually the restoration of joy. Herein lies the living edge state of spiritual formation from a Buddhist perspective: A human life is, by its nature, infused with suffering. Out of our fundamental ignorance we experience unnecessary suffering born out of the ordinary pains and challenges of life. Buddhist practice is about illuminating and invigorating our natural state of awakening, and this infuses us with joy. This is joy independent of ordinary happiness and it is our birthright, the necessary balm for healing battered souls.

A Zen teacher and former psychologist dedicated to assisting people in the unending path of growing up and waking up, Flint Sparks is an experienced therapist and a master teacher who assists people in the skillful removal of blocks to love, both inside and outside. He is a clear and caring resource on the path of freedom from unnecessary suffering.

Flint has nearly four decades of experience in the practice and teaching of psychotherapy. He is also a Zen teacher who leads retreats throughout North America and Europe.