Boundless Awakening: The Heart of Buddhist Meditation

by Shamar Rinpoché

Boundless Awakening is a pocket-sized book on meditation. The book is excellent for people interested in meditation, both beginners and advanced. A primary benefit experienced by the practitioner of meditation is the immediate improvement in the conditions of daily life. The practice of meditation leads to a mind that is more peaceful, more tranquil and more at ease. Because the mind is more relaxed, events that usually disturb us seem to take on less importance, and we stop taking them in such a serious way. Likewise, through meditation the mind gradually learns to be independent of external conditions and circumstances. This mind that is unaffected by outer conditions is then able to discover its own stability and tranquility. A stable mind, one that is not disturbed, leads to the experience of less suffering in our lives.

44 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

SHAMAR RINPOCHE was born in 1952 in Eastern Tibet to the elder brother of the late 16th Karmapa. He was recognized as a reincarnation of the Shamarpa by the 16th Karmapa, and confirmed by the 14th Dalai Lama. The Shamarpa lineage is the second-oldest reincarnate lineage in Tibetan Buddhism and dates back to the 13th century. Historically, during the life of the 10th Shamarpa, the 18th century Emperor Qianlong of China imposed a law to ban the continuation of the Shamarpa institution, due to the 10th Shamarpa’s allying with the Nepalese government when the emperor was attacking Nepal.

According to this history, the present 14th Shamarpa is the 11th throne holder. The present day Shamar Rinpoche was enthroned in 1965 by the 16th Karmapa in Sikkim. He had a Buddhist education in Sikkim and, since age 29, has been teaching worldwide. In addition, he has founded several non-profit organizations worldwide engaged in charitable activities such as schooling underprivileged children and promoting animal rights.

Reviews

[Sebastián Morales Arbeláez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide for those who are beginners in the practice of meditation. It provides explanation on the sitting position, how to deal with distractions when practicing, calm abiding meditation, insight meditation, and useful tips on keeping a healthy mind.

[Lukas Massarotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is best way I’ve seen the process and goals of meditation described, through Shamar Rinpoche’s descriptions of ‘Calm Abiding’ and ‘Insight’ meditation practices, it gives the reader a great base knowledge and understanding on how to properly meditate in the Bhuddist way and what to look for (and look out for) during practice.

[Sharon Gamsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this to be the perfect pocket edition meditation guide. Easy to carry, great gift, wonderful reference, easy yet profound guide for day to day compliment to meditation practice. Buy several and you will always have a ready, meaningful gift on hand.