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Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English: An Introductory guide to Deeper States of Meditation

Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English: An Introductory guide to Deeper States of Meditation
By Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

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Every meditation tradition explains that there are two aspects to any effective meditation practice: insight and concentration. In Mindfulness in Plain English, author Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, a monk from Sri Lanka and venerated teacher of Buddhism, offered basic instruction on the meaning of insight (or vipassana) meditation through concepts that could be applied to any tradition. In Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English, he presents the levels of concentration with the same simplicity and humor that made the previous book so successful. The focus here is on the Jhanas, those meditative states of profound stillness and concentration in which the mind becomes fully immersed and absorbed in the chosen object of attention. Using the Jhanas to guide readers along the path to joy, happiness, equanimity, and one-pointedness, the author provides all of the instruction necessary to utilize meditation as a tool for building a more fulfilling life.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #14507 in Books
  • Published on: 2009-09-08
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 200 pages

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Customer Reviews

The Best Way to Peace.5
This book, the most recently published of Bhante G's is so clear, so comprehensive regarding Jhanas; the states of meditation through practice. There are so many books out there that are just gimmicks to the real thing. Bhante Gunaratana is so REAL that reading his words penetrate to carry you further on the path of insight; a critical key to our liberation along with practice of 8 Fold Path.

People in our culture are suffering due to their lack of focus. This book can help anyone who is feeling scattered and needs a practice to calm their body and mind. There are so many benefits to concentration. Bhante G shows the way to practice best. He claims no superpowers. Although, in fact, he is the leading Theraveda monk in the western world. Walk on with him; you are likely to find peace. He has paved the way with loving friendliness and diligent effort to make Buddhas teachings accessible to us all. He wrote his dissertation for his PHD on Jhanas and has come full circle with this publication. A Beautiful work.

Required reading to develop your Mindfulness practice further5
Both Concentration and Insight Meditation practices are equally important. While I have read many useful guidebooks on Insight Meditation (including this author's), it is the first time that I see a practical guide to Concentration. I intend to spend long hours following the easy but detailed instructions here.

A Good Start4
I've got to tell you that I was thrilled that Gunaratana had written a follow-up to his wonderful "Mindfulness in Plain English." And I was very pleased at the opening few chapters of this book: they are clearly written and very instructive.

I have to admit, though, that I have recently put the book down. When the author starts talking about the Jhanas in great detail, he gets a little more vague and frankly, boring. Still I think this is a worthwhile endeavor and worth taking a look at. Perhaps others may be more intrigued than I was.