Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
"A straightforward and pragmatic guide to deepening levels of concentration and insight. This book is a joy to read and a great gift to us all."
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"Bhante Gunaratana has done it again! There is practical logic and an almost startling common sense to the explainations that lead the reader smoothly through the various stages of meditative concentration."
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"Elegant and profound."
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"Thoroughly grounded in the core teachings of the Buddhist path, this is a simple and clear introduction that will make these tools an accessible element in every meditator's practice. A welcome addition!"
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"Straight-forward and valuable."
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"Excellent and highly recommended."
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"Bhante Gunaratana writes with such clarity that we are drawn in to taste stillness and joy even as we read. An inspiring book!"
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"It's been nearly two decades since the bestselling Mindfulness in Plain English was published, and this new book is a classic in the making. It shows us that having faith in the Buddha, and applying a healthy striving with sincerity and energy, will guide us towards wisdom. This does seem so achievable, as the author gives us the theory, piece by piece and voila! Mindfulness in perfect balance. Of course we have to get rid of some hindrances along the way but the goal is worth it."
Review
"Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English is written in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand style that clearly seems based on the author's personal experience. Bhante Gunaratana offers a clear sense of the experience of moving from ordinary distracted mind to a strong state of concentration leading to the stages of awakening."
Synopsis
"A straightforward and pragmatic guide to deepening levels of concentration and insight. This book is a joy to read and a great gift to us all."--Joseph Goldstein, author of Mindfulness Countless people worldlwide have made Mindfulness in Plain English a beloved and bestselling classic in almost a dozen languages. Now after nearly two decades, Bhante helps meditators of every stripe take their mindfulness practice to the next level - helping them go, in a word, beyond mindfulness. In the same warm, clear, and friendly voice, Bhante introduces the reader to what have been known for centuries as the "jhanas" - deeply calm, joyous, and powerful states of meditation that, when explored with the clearly presented tools in this book, can lead to a life of insight and unshakeable peace.
Synopsis
Gunaratana offers basic instruction on the meaning of insight meditation through concepts that can be applied to any tradition. His focus here is on the Jhanas, those meditative states of profound stillness in which the mind becomes fully immersed in the chosen object of attention.
Synopsis
Countless people worldlwide have made Mindfulness in Plain English a beloved and bestselling classic in almost a dozen languages. Now after nearly two decades, Bhante helps meditators of every stripe take their mindfulness practice to the next level - helping them go, in a word, beyond mindfulness. In the same warm, clear, and friendly voice, Bhante introduces the reader to what have been known for centuries as the "jhanas" - deeply calm, joyous, and powerful states of meditation that, when explored with the clearly presented tools in this book, can lead to a life of insight and unshakeable peace.
About the Author
Bhante Gunaratana was ordained at the age of twelve as a Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka, earned his PhD in philosophy from The American University, and has led meditation retreats, taught Buddhism, and lectured widely throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is the president of the Bhavana Society in High View, West Virginia, where he lives. He is the author of the bestselling Mindfulness in Plain English, as well as Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness, The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English, Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English, and Journey to Mindfulness.