Mindfulness in Plain English MP3 CD – Unabridged, October 18, 2016

Mindfulness in Plain English is one the very best books written as an introduction to mindfulness and Buddhist meditation. It is far more than simply in introduction to meditation. It is a masterfully explained “how to” handbook, a nuts and bolts kind of map, that walks you through how to meditate and deal with the many typical obstacles which virtually all people deal with as they begin and progress. What sets this book apart from other leading books in this category, is that Bhante Gunaratana is from the Theravada Buddhist tradition, classicly trained and ordained in the form of practice he calls Vipassana, which places great emphasis on mindfulness. He explains, “Vipassana is the oldest of Buddhist meditation practices. The method comes directly from the Satipatthana Sutta, a discouorse attributed to the Buddha himself.”Bhante Gunaratana writes with a very engaging and relaxed style, which makes the book easy to follow and even humorous at times. He speaks with candor and right from the beginning he emphasizes that, “Meditation is not easy. It takes time and energy. It also takes grit, determination and discipline.” But, then he goes on to emphasize that meditation should be rejuvenating and liberating, and in fact, that most seasoned practitioners have a good sense of humor, because the practice creates a calmness and relaxed perspective about life. The author’s explanations about key concepts is stated in a fresh manner, for instance explaining that the word “suffering” in Buddhism needs to be thoroughly understood to realize that in the original Pali language it does not just mean agony of the body, but that it also means a sense of dissatisfaction that is typical of what all people deal with on a daily basis. He also emphasizes that Vipassana, unlike some other Buddhist traditions, ranks mindfulness and awareness right up beside concentration as a means to liberation. Thus a great part of the focus of meditation is a combination of concentration and mindfulness.The author takes the time to explain differences in approach between Vipassana Buddhism and other forms, such as classic Mahayana sects like Zen Buddhism and Tibetan traditions. The other key element to this book is the great detail he goes into to explain precisely how to meditate, breaking it down regarding not using any mental recitations at all to help your focus, (which is something some other forms suggest you do). He explains multiple ways to help you focus through counting your breaths in different manners, emphasizing that different ways work for different people. And always, he emphasizes to be gentle with yourself and stay calm and patient as you experiment and practice. This last point is something he emphasizes again and again, making sure we understand that if our practice is causing suffering then we are clearly not practicing correctly. He addresses how to plan your practices and how to deal with common things such as your legs falling asleep, boredom, distractions, discouragement, drowsiness and inability to concentrate.

We hear news reports and studies about how meditation and mindfulness improve health, reduce stress, build focus, and increase longevity, all for free. But how does one go about incorporating these activities in our lives? H. Gunaratana provides the information we need in simple, understandable English.This is not a step-by-step "Meditation for Dummies" book that simply tells us to sit and stare. Rather, the book provides a gentle introduction into the entire mindset involved. You can see that from the very first chapter - "Meditation: Why Bother?" The book takes a down to earth approach. It's like sitting down with a good friend over tea and having a relaxed talk about everything. Meditation isn't just staring at a wall. It's not necessarily easy! It takes some perseverance - but the rewards are well worth it.He explains that it's not about one particular pose. The poses are simply ones many people find can help them - but if your body doesn't allow one, that's fine! Use a pose that works well for you. We are all different. Be patient, observe, and relax. Your mind is going to swirl - that's ok. Gently release those swirls and let your mind settle again. When those normal distractions come up, use them to help you build your skills. The book provides great advice on dealing with these and with the tiny aches that might come along. These practices help you immensely in daily life, too! And that's one of the benefits of meditation - learning to handle all those ups and downs that life is all about.I enjoy this book immensely and actively recommend it to friends. Yes, it provides great information on "how" to meditate. But it goes so much deeper into why meditation and mindfulness can be helpful in each life. It helps us take stock of this life we're in, realize how impermanent our life is, and to appreciate what we have each day. Everything is always changing. Nothing stays the same. To cling to the way things are is an exercise in futility. The more we can breathe in what we have, and look forward to what comes next, the better our health, well being, and life.Well recommended.

We’re reading this book in my meditation class. It’s a very helpful handy book for beginner meditators.

I've read many books on meditation, but this one was the most profound, direct, and helpful yet. It covers Vipassana, insight meditation gives a direct and helpful process and instructions, covers the challenges and how to pass through them. I found even reading the book helped me feel present, and the instructions are rich and profound. It ends with some interesting and concise contextualization. I can't recommend it enough.

Amaising book about mindfulness

Livro claro, espontâneo, e esclarecedor! Ensina diversas técnicas dentro do conceito de Mindfulness, não somente o método clássico que todos os iniciantes são ensinados(concentração na respiração), mas também formas distintas de se meditar utilizando mindfulness. Mas por que mais de uma forma? Porque a mente se cansa, ela fica entediada depois de repetir o mesmo processo diversas vezes. Então somos ensinados a praticar mindfulness com diversos objetos de concentração, e com distintos objetivos. Mas todos levam ao mesmo caminho, a iluminação! Nirvana!Eu sou praticante do budismo há 2 anos, li alguns livros de budismo desde então. Mas de todos eles, esse foi o que mais explicitou as práticas budistas de maneira que eu conseguisse entender e digerir a ideia, mesmo longe e impossibilitado de ter uma instrução formal. Acho que pode vir a ser útil para todos vocês leitores deste comentário, e sinceramente, espero que eu esteja certo!! Boa leitura e muita paz! =)

I have been meditating for many years and have read so many meditation books. This book is absolutely amazing. Even though it is not very thick (only about 200 pages), it stated all important points in a very, very simple layman terms, giving very pragmatic advices and instructions using modern days' life examples without losing authentic buddhist teachings. What a wonderful book!!!I will highly recommend anyone who wants to learn and master authentic Buddhist mindfulness meditation practices.