The New Middle Way: A Buddhist Path Between Secular and Ossified - Enlightenment for Regular Folks

Mel Pine

“A delightful book that will benefit many.” Author Andrew Holecek

“Feels like sitting with a wise and compassionate elder.” Discovery Reviewer Maileen Hamto

The New Middle Way offers an accessible, contemporary approach to Buddhism that bridges the gap between traditional, ritual-heavy practice and the modern, often secular reinterpretations of Buddhist teachings. Pine draws on his forty years of personal study and practice, integrating insights from philosophy, science, and his own life experiences—including trauma, loss, and spiritual searching.

The book is both a memoir and a guide, written in a conversational, often humorous style.

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IAC Main Tropes:

Detailed Tropes:

Enlightenment for regular folks. A chat with a wise elder.

Representations in This Book:

Age Groups:

Adult

Spice Level:

No Romance

Available Formats:

Content Information:

Level 1

Personal tragedy and trauma. Blunt language.

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About the Author

Mel Pine

Mel's end-of-life mission is to share the wisdom he has gained over almost eight decades of life and four decades of Buddhist practice to relieve the suffering of others. He is a seasoned writer, Buddhist practitioner, and spiritual communicator with six decades of experience in clear nonfiction writing. Through his blogs and teachings, he has cultivated a substantial following across the United States and internationally, offering accessible teachings and practices drawn from his extensive spiritual journey and Buddhist practice. Describing himself as a "Jewish Buddhist Contrarian"—Jewish by birth and early culture, Buddhist by calling, and contrarian by temperament—Mel's writing style is characterized by honesty, heart-centered communication, and a focus on practical wisdom that can reduce suffering across spiritual traditions. His voice is unique in contemporary Buddhism. Mel and his wife, Carol, live in Loudoun County, Virginia, close enough to their son, Carl, that a highlight of their week is Family Dinner Night.

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Community Reviews

average rating is 4 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Ratings