Buddhist Meditation: Tranquillity, Imagination and Insight

by Kamalashila

First published in 1991, this book has become established as a comprehensive guide to the theory and methods of Buddhist meditation, providing a complete introduction for beginners as well as detailed advice for experienced meditators seeking to deepen their practice. With this third edition Kamalashila has included new sections on the importance of the imagination, on Just Sitting, and on refection on the Buddha. There is also new material on sadhana—including less formal, more experimental ways to connect with the living reality of the awakened mind—on mindfulness, and on the balance required between active and receptive approaches in meditation. Writing in an informal, accessible style, Kamalashila draws particular inspiration from the great Theravadin commentator Buddhaghosa, from Zhiyi—the preeminent master of the Chinese Tien-t’ai School—and above all from the Buddha. The result is a practical handbook, complete with trouble-shooting guides to the places your practice might take you. It is also an exploration of the ultimate aim of Buddhist heightened awareness, true happiness and—ultimately—liberating insight into the nature of reality. Kamalashila has been teaching meditation since 1976. He has developed approaches to meditation practice that are accessible to people in the contemporary world while being firmly grounded in the Buddhist tradition.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2012

Reviews

[Pierre Van Eeckhout · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book that goes beyond finding a suitable place and concentrating on your breath. After one year of meditation starting with 20 minutes a day to 60 minutes, I needed a book to sharpen my aims, guide my efforts and make me reflect on my pratice. This was exactly the book I needed, very informative, detailed, well explained. All important aspects are touched with rigor and intelligence. I think there are some other book better suited for complete beginners. This kind of information seemed overwhelming just a year ago but now, it's starting to make sense. The book is succint enough to be read easily and keep the attention of the reader. I'm going to take the time to read it a second time to let all this info sink in. Worth your time if your are on the path.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive it says on the back and that's pretty darn accurate. Although it does a very good job of clearly describing mindfulness and metta bhavana meditation in the early chapters, this book then goes off into far more complex and esoteric matters to really understand most of which you'd need more face to face guidance I think.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good meditation guide.