I have written my books for the fellow travelers in the study and practice of Buddhism that includes the practice of the Eightfold Path. My journey in the study and practice of Buddhism began with an introduction to the Zen teachings which were becoming popular in the United States in the 1960s; after Zen Buddhism, I explored Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingmapa and Gelupa) and then Theravada Buddhism. So these books hightlight my particular spiritual search in Buddhism for answers to questions that have been important to me and, I think, to other travelers of the Buddhist way. These books are meant, therefore, not to be a detailed survey of the Buddha’s teachings but rather to share and understand his vital lessons. Moreover, these books reflect 40 years of study, reflection, and practice not only in Buddhism and the teachings of the Buddha but also in psychology and philosophy. They stem from a unique yet cogent perspective that incorporates the traditional Buddhist teachings, as well as my own meditation experience, with the research and study of modern scholars, scientists and psychologists. Therefore, these books go beyond what is usually taught in traditional Buddhist texts. My aim is to make accessible, from a modern cognitive psychology perspective, what the Buddha was talking about.   

Rodger R Ricketts is a clinical psychologist and mindfulness meditation teacher. He has been studying Buddhism for over thirty years both for his own spiritual quest but also to apply meditation as a therapeutic tool in psychotherapy. Rodger has given numerous presentations at Wellness and professional psychological conferences on the topic of Mindfulness and well-being. Rodger continues to study numerous topics in science and Buddhism, meditate and teach mindfulness.