Shaila Catherine has laid out a path of practice from the simplest beginnings to profound and subtle insights. Her writing is beautifully lucid, making accessible the inner depths of the Buddha’s teachings.

— Joseph Goldstein, author of One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism

Through practical exercises and clear examples, Shaila makes the ancient wisdom of the jhanas accessible to all.

— Amy Schmidt, author of Dipa Ma: The Life and Teaching of a Buddhist Master

I love Shaila’s writing! Her books are simultaneously engaging, rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, and brimming with practical wisdom useful to practitioners at every level.

— Terry F., Washington

Shaila Catherine has managed a difficult feat—to be simultaneously encyclopedic and charming. Her extraordinary clarity and step-by-step approach will embolden some readers to attain jhanic absorption, while others may simply gain useful insights into mind-body processes.

— Kate Lila Wheeler, editor of In This Very Life: Liberation Teachings of the Buddha

Shaila writes with an authority that comes from genuine meditation experience, and a clarity that is informed by her own personal experiences of this training.

— Pa-Auk Sayadaw, author of The Workings of Kamma

Shaila excels in making the Buddha’s teachings crystal clear, as well as in providing wonderfully creative practical exercises to help you absorb and apply the teachings.

— Maryleigh B., Oregon

I felt that she was speaking directly to me and my own experience, saying just the right thing to bring a smile and a nod and show me a way forward in my own practice.

— Ed H., California

Shaila offers readers a treasure trove of practices to live a fulfilled life. She points out the myriad expressions of distraction—such as daydreams, fantasies and projections. She then offers skillful means to dissolve the notion of distraction and to engage fully with our priorities. Readable, clear and down-to-earth, Beyond Distraction deserves a wide readership.

— Christopher Titmuss, author of The Buddha of Love and The Spiritual Roots of Mindfulness

If you seek an exceptional guide for developing wisdom, compassion, and freedom from suffering—on the cushion and in daily life—look no further.

— Lisa Dale Miller, author of Effortless Mindfulness

Shaila Catherine offers candid, clear, and sincere insight into the workings of the mind, the dharma, and the meditative process. She frames the problem of distracting thoughts with a deep knowledge of the Buddha’s teachings and how they apply to contemporary life.

— Deborah V., California

Shaila Catherine brilliantly translates the Buddha’s ancient teachings on working with thoughts to practical ways of working with the mind in modern times. Her writing is clear and accessible, appropriate for beginners as well as experienced practitioners.

— Robin B., New Jersey

Shaila Catherine writes with a voice so fresh and rare, speaking from direct experience of knowing and seeing, guiding readers along the path of meditation practice. Instructions are clear and concise. Discussions are light-hearted and relevant.

— Ann D., Florida

Reading this practice manual felt as though Shaila was personally guiding me through the many exercises and meditations. Her words provide an on-going emotional and technical support for this demanding and sometimes tumultuous work.

— Diane S., California

Shaila Catherine shares her extensive knowledge with the reader in a practical, engaging, witty, and warm way. I utilize the tips and advice in this book almost every day and have seen wonderful benefits.

— Zarina P., Washington

Backed by an enormous amount of research, Wisdom Wide and Deep presents in-depth detail on important meditation practices, and mindfulness in general. It is written with clarity by a guide who obviously has directly toured the path deep and wide, and has the dedication to share this valuable information.

— Surja T., Oregon

By following the instructions in this book I was able to tremendously deepen my concentration, increase my tranquility, and experience never before known states of bliss and joy.  This is a must read for anyone interested in deepening their meditation practice.

— Stacey W., Missouri

I love Shaila’s book. Her exercises for daily life are truly original—and fun, plus they really work. She makes renunciation sound good—she’s very humble, but at the same time, wise. Her descriptions of deep jhanic states are imbued with her own experience.

— Kate Lila Wheeler, editor of The State of Mind Called Beautiful

Shaila Catherine penetrates the mysterious world of jhana practice. Her book’s strength lies in that she knows the territory intimately and teaches from her own experience. The author has deeply devoted her life to awakening through meditation, and her confidence and wisdom ring true throughout the whole book.

— Diana Winston, author of Wide Awake: A Buddhist Guide for Teens

Shaila’s simple and clear writing style succeeds in delivering useful information with a light and authentic touch.

— Tom G., Nevada

I love this book. I have now read it twice and both times I have learned things. I am going to keep this on my reference shelf. Her great examples and clear writing style really helped me understand.

— Betty C., California