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Summary: A great introduction to the subject
Review: Am on to my second reading of this book and "almost" ready to sign up for the ten day course.This really is abook on Vipassana Mediataion and not a collection of anecdotes on Buddhism or life. On the one hand this can make it a little dry on the other it doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. If anyone reading this review has done the ten day course I would love to hear your comments. Enjoy the book, enjoy life. chalky_white@yahoo.com
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Summary: Just returned from the 10 Day Course...
Review: Happy to report that Vipassana works!! (and I was a hard sell...) This is something everyone can put stock in. If done properly, you're "bound to succeed...BOUND to succeed!"
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Summary: This is the best introduction to Buddhism I've ever found.
Review: I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK HIGHLY ENOUGH! For those new to Buddhism, this slim volume is the best concise, non-sectarian, comprehensive introduction I've found in twenty years.Answers the "basic" questions about such topics as: morality, training the mind in concentration, "what causes unhappiness?", "what is Mindfulness meditation?", "how can it help me?". No history or cultural baggage, just the fundamentals. - I literally buy this book in volume quantities several times a year so I can give it away to people who are curious about Buddhism! (For more detailed info on meditation theory and instruction, I highly recommend "Mindfulness in Plain English" by Venerable Henepola Gunaratana).
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Summary: Meditation
Review: If you are looking for a comprehensive introduction to meditation then this is the book for you. I lead a meditation group in support of the International Campaign for Tibet and use this text regular as a source of information and inspiration for the group members.
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Summary: Not really about meditation per se, but very good.
Review: If you're looking for a book on "how to meditate" you should look elsewhere. This book is not about Vipassana meditation technique, it's more about the philosophy that underlies it. So the title may mislead, depending on what you're looking for. However, having said that I found the discussions that are contained in the book to be extremely good and very useful from the point of view of Vipassana as an approach to life in general. So if you think of LIFE as an extended meditation, then perhaps the book really is about Vipassana meditation. Anyway, as long as you're not expecting a book on meditation technique, I highly recommend this one. Good stuff.
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Summary: Most Essential Method Providing Pos Results [if applied]
Review: S.N. Goenka was a businessman who suffered from migraine headaches. He turned to meditation as taught by the Buddhist community in Burma. He relieved his symptoms and embarked on the journey to share the successful technique of Vipassana meditation with others. What a magnaninous gift! Basically, this book, written by one of his students, teaches one how to be "aware" and track the thoughts which arise and ultimately are the root cause of one's negative feelings, i.e. suffering. Since all thoughts arise and diminish, it is a matter of *not* forcing or trying to change things as they are ... but instead to *observe*, witness what is truly happening. In and of itself, sounds simple enough ... but anyone who knows what sitting still and quieting the mind is like ... will tell you ... *not* so simple or as easy as it sounds. The book concerns itself with "ultimate reality" which we all share. It concerns itself with the part we play in this world and where our happiness resides ... To quote the Buddha: "If with a pure heart you speak or act, then happiness follows you as a shadow that never departs." [p. 37, Harper SanFrancisco, c. 1987] William Hart the author covers basic Buddhist concepts of the cause of suffering, training of moral conduct, right behavior, training of concentration, training of wisdom, training of equanimity, right thought, right understanding, eradicating old conditioning, and penetrating ultimate truth ... He does a superb job of clearly articulating basic principles of the Buddhist viewpoint. He provides techniques for developing awareness and thereby more happiness in one's life. In conclusion, another quote from the Budda (who said it best) ..."When faced with all the ups and downs of life, still the mind remains unshaken, not lamenting, not generating defilements, always feeling secure, that is the greatest happiness". [p. 125, Harper San Francisco, c. 1987 from Sutta Nipata II. Maha-Magala Sutta] This book is highly recommended for anyone seeking a technique to enrich one's life. Erika Borsos {erikab93}
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Summary: A book of possibilities
Review: The author says you should learn meditation only at a Vipassana Center so why buy this book? My understanding was that if we take swimming as an analogy, learning swimming by reading a book might not be a great idea for one who is not familiar with it; and this I felt was what the author meant by emphasizing that its not a Learn To Do It Yourself book. However the book does give an idea that swimming is a very real possiblity. That it is possible for a man to learn to stay afloat, even in a churning sea with waves throwing him up or pushing him down all the time. The course itself helped me begin to understand and accept who I really am, not who I appear to be. The book is also useful as a reference guide after taking the course, one that can be reread occasionally to always find some or the other new point every time. Placing the book under Buddhism is slightly misleading I think; the book and the technique is about Dharma, the foundation of any religion. If we compare it to computer software, Dharma is like the 1s and 0s; while any religion is like a device driver or application software built over the fundamental concepts. I happen to be a Hindu, and can attest that I'm still a Hindu, though I feel I'm a better Hindu then what I used to be. At the same time, Im able to more honestly make an attempt to see the point of view of other religions. In other words, my religion no longer divides me from the rest of humanity. Cheers,
Sanjay Mysoremutt
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Summary: A bit light
Review: The book is a bit light, intended for as an introductory text with a few of the basic ideas. The idea is to get you to go to your first ten day retreat, as the next step. After you learn a lot about meditation, you go back and read this book again and find out, "Oh, it was there all along." But now you understand it with your heart and your experience, not with just your head and your concepts. I practiced this method faithfully for ten years, attending one retreat each year. Extraordinarily beneficial. Change your life. Come out of your suffering.
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Summary: Not really about meditation per se, but very good.
Review: There is a tendency to read too much and sit (practice) too little. This clear and concise book provides all you need to get on the path. Read it then practice daily; after a year, read it again-- it will seem like a whole new book to you.
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Summary: Must Buy Book
Review: This is one of the best introductions to Buddhist philosophy that I have come across. Everything from the need for compassion to the vipassana technique of meditation is explained in adequate detail. Yet, unlike some other books, this is really interesting and easy to understand. I recommend this book to everyone, irrespective of their age and religion.
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