Gelong Thubten on a monk's guide to fearless living

Gelong Thubten is a Buddhist monk, meditation teacher and author. Gelong ordained as a monk 26 years ago at Samye Ling Tibetan Monastery in Scotland, and he has spent over six years in intensive meditation retreats. He is now regarded as one of the UK's most influential meditation teachers, with pioneering work in providing non-religious mindfulness programmes to businesses, hospitals, schools, universities, prisons and addiction counselling centres. He also trained Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton in meditation techniques during the filming of Marvel's Dr. Strange.

His own book, A MONK'S GUIDE TO HAPPINESS was a Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller with editions in 10 countries internationally. Thubten's work has been featured in The Times and Guardian newspapers and on Sky, the BBC and ITV.

In HANDBOOK FOR HARD TIMES Gelong teaches us to understand that happiness, kindness and resilience can be cultivated through reframing life's difficulties as opportunities for transformation. Meditation and mindfulness practices help us to access deep reserves of inner strength as we learn how to 'lean into' our suffering. Thubten suggests how we can find meaning in pain and discomfort, transforming deeply ingrained patterns of fear and resistance.

We all go through hard times. We can experience moments when life feels like an uphill struggle, leading to unhappiness and stress. Perhaps we are feeling sad, anxious, or are challenged to deal with something bigger, such as a bereavement, a loss, a painful ending or a broken heart. It is during these moments when life feels difficult that we could do with some help with our thoughts and feelings.

As we discover how hard times can enhance the development of mindfulness, compassion and forgiveness, we can develop a fearless outlook on life and lasting, unshakeable happiness.

This approachable and practical book, complete with meditations, is designed for modern times, and will be a valuable resource to anyone during times of struggle, but also during all times to encourage and build resilience and help us find inner contentment and peace.

'Thubten is a very generous and kind monk who writes with the lived honesty and humour of someone who has experienced the wisdom he shares. His writing is full of inspiration but also the pragmatism needed to form a sustainable practice. He clearly illustrates why we all need meditation and mindfulness in our lives.'- Benedict Cumberbatch

'A most qualified guide in the journey from darkness and turmoil towards inner peace and positivity.'
ANNIE LENNOX