

Paperback: 364 pages
Publisher: Blue Dolphin; First edition (October 16, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1577332768
ISBN-13: 978-1577332763
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #689,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #154 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism > Theravada #3407 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Alternative Medicine > Meditation #21075 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age & Spirituality

I very much enjoyed this book.It's an excellent commentary on the links of dependent origination as taught by the Buddha in the original suttas as well as a practical snapshot of what to expect as your meditation progresses through the jhanas.As a student of jhana master, Bhante Vimalaramsi, the author promotes a style of meditation called Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation. It's basically a Vipassana meditation with a "Relax" step included and it truly is immediately effective if practiced as instructed. And it's FUN! :)Too often, the teachings of the Buddha are shrouded in mystery by modern meditation instructors due to their adherence to commentaries on the Buddha's teachings rather than by study of the original suttas themselves. This book will point out some of the simple adjustments one can make in their meditation so that their practice adheres to the methods actually taught by the Buddha.This isn't a fluffy feel-good book reviewing what we should do to be nice people. It is commentary on a step-by-step instruction for meditation and progression through the jhanas as taught by the Buddha.If you're serious about progressing in your practice then set aside much of what you know about meditation thus far and try this method. Approach it with a light mind and a smile and you'll be amazed at what there is to discover.
This is perfect for the experienced or the novice meditation student. It is well researched, straighforward with both classical and contemporary references. By describing his own journey Doug Kraft helps us ease awake. It is a delighful read, very human and very wise.
This is a phenomenal book. It unlocked several pieces of puzzles which were a mystery for me.It seems like, there are three reasons which make this book unique. First, it has its basis on the teachings of the Buddha as explained by Bhante Vimalramsi. Second, Doug has very openly shared his experiences of learning meditation and used these narrations very effectively to clarify topics (e.g. anatta) which would otherwise be very difficult to understand for most of us. Third, Doug's background as a psychotherapist seems to have been very useful in explaining Buddha's teachings in a way which is easy to understand and easy to relate to.I felt so light after reading the explanation on how "private and enduring" experiences stick to our sense of self, I started singing with joy :) Every few pages, I came across nuggets of wisdom which cut through the fogginess and misunderstanding. In my opinion, It's best to read this book in sequence though.I used this book along side the practice of the technique taught by Bhante Vimalramsi. I think that combination makes the understanding of Buddha's teachings much more effective and easy to follow.
Great description for the lay person about how to begin meditation, why to continue to delve in further with it, and very motivating. He is great at using metaphors to explain complicated concepts in a way I could immediately grasp. Deep, enjoyable and interesting read.
Buddha's Map: His Original Teachings on Awakening, Ease, and Insight in the Hear The Buddha's Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (Teachings of the Buddha) Streetwise Rome Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Rome, Italy - Folding pocket size travel map with metro map, subway New French with Ease mp3 Pack (Assimil with Ease) Japanese with Ease, Volume 1 (Assimil with Ease) (v. 1) In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (Teachings of the Buddha) How Would Buddha Think?: 1,501 Right-Intention Teachings for Cultivating a Peaceful Mind (The New Harbinger Following Buddha Series) The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya (Teachings of the Buddha) The Long Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Digha Nikaya (Teachings of the Buddha) Great Disciples of the Buddha: Their Lives, Their Works, Their Legacy (Teachings of the Buddha) The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: A Complete Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya (Teachings of the Buddha) Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living Hear-Say French [With Activity Book] (Amazing Hear Say) (French Edition) StreetSmart NYC Map by VanDam - City Street Map of Manhattan, New York, in 9/11 National Memorial Edition - Laminated folding pocket size city travel and subway map, 2016 Edition The Buddha and His Teachings Samurai Awakening: (Samurai Awakening Book 1) Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World Awakening the Buddha Within 12 Steps on Buddha's Path: Bill, Buddha, and We Awakening Love: Teachings and Practices to Cultivate a Limitless Heart