A "wonderfully accessible" interpretation of the Buddha's teachings on breathwork in meditation, from a leading insight meditation teacher (Joseph Goldstein, author of The Experience of Insight) Larry Rosenberg shares his journey of embracing insight meditation through the timeless teachings of the Anapanasati Sutra. Guided by revered teachers like Ajahn Buddhadasa and Thich Nhat Hanh, Rosenberg reveals the sutra's sixteen contemplations as a comprehensive path to mindfulness, offering readers a practical blueprint for awakening. The book emphasizes the breath as a powerful anchor, leading practitioners from simple awareness to the realization of life's deepest truths. Readers will discover how to integrate mindfulness into daily life, transforming ordinary activities into opportunities for presence and clarity. Rosenberg's personal experiences and insight illuminate the path to cultivating equanimity, compassion, and wisdom, making this ancient practice accessible to contemporary audiences. The book encourages a spirit of openness and nonattachment, guiding readers to experience the liberating wisdom at the heart of the Buddha's teachings. Rosenberg's engaging exploration of mindfulness and practical advice invites readers to embrace the breath as a gateway to inner peace and liberation. This work promises to inspire both seasoned practitioners and newcomers alike, offering a fresh perspective on integrating meditation into the fabric of everyday life.
The Anapanasati Sutra is the simplest of the several teachings of the Buddha on mindfulness and meditation. In many ways it is the very basis of the Vapassana tradition and the core of Insight Meditation. Mr. Rosenberg does not get carried away with this teaching, but approaches the sutra in a traditional manner. Of the many meditation books I have read, including better known Insight Meditation books, this is the easiest to understand and follow. Mr. Rosenberg is a very experienced teacher of this approach to meditation and the book shows it. This was the only Dharma book I took on a self-guided meditation retreat last winter. I am now on my third reading of it and I am finding it as helpful now as the first time. If you are interested in a basic approach to Insight Meditation and a clear description of the Buddha's most elementary teaching on meditation, this is for you. I give this my highest recommendation.
Witty and Interesting Meditation Guide
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I picked up this book after a professor read excerpts from it out loud in a class. I was taken with the author's wit and writing skill. This is an absolutely essential guide to meditation, great for beginners, advanced students, and folks like me who are just interested. Very clear, entertaining, lots of antecdotes. Not a dry tome by any means, but not a frivelous book either. It does get to be a bit repetitive at times, but otherwise, well done!
Excellent... highly motivating... very promising
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I am one of those people who wish it was easier to sit for an hour a day. I am one of those who is struggling to motivate myself to pursue what I have come to believe is an essential part of my life. This book is one that constantly makes my efforts and my struggles easier and keeps me motivated. I just wish I could do justice to this author's efforts in sharing what he has had the good furtune to have gained. I have given my copy of this book away on a few occasions just to replace it with yet another copy soon after. If you are a meditation enthusiast, make sure this book is on your bookshelf, if not right next to you, always.
Outstanding... really modivated me to sit.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I loved that the book is really written from a Western perspective. Allows the reluctant mediator (like me) to approach the topic from many different angles. This book helped moditvate me to meditate more regularly. Explains the paradox of meditation (i.e. the goal is to give up the goal) better than any book I've ever read.
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