James Blumenthal

James Blumenthal (1967–2014) trained under Geshe Sopa at the University of Wisconsin and from 1999 to 2014 served on the faculty at Oregon State University. He was also a founding faculty member in Buddhist Studies at Maitripa College in Portland, Oregon. His doctoral research focused on Madhyamaka philosophy in the writings of the Indian master Śāntarakṣita, which was published in his first book, The Ornament of the Middle Way (2004).

Books, Courses & Podcasts

Steps on the Path to Enlightenment, Vol. 4

Geshe Sopa continues his elucidation of Lama Tsongkhapa’s masterwork on the Buddhist path with an explanation of the core meditative practice of śamatha, or calm abiding.

Showing how it is absolutely essential for—and goes hand in hand with—the achievement of insight into reality, he gives practical tips for countering sleepiness, agitation, and their more subtle counterparts. Leading us step by step toward deeper levels of concentration, volume 4 of the Steps on the Path to Enlightenment series brings readers closer to the ultimate goal of śamatha: unlimited and effortless focus.