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The Issue at Hand: Essays on Buddhist Mindfulness Practice
Essays on Buddhist Mindfulness Practice. An inspiring and very accessible compilation of essays and edited talks on the Buddhist practice of mindfulness. As Gil Fronsdal states, "the search for the issue at hand is the search for what is closest at hand, for what is directly seen, heard, smelt, tasted, felt, and cognized in the present." Gil brings the practice of mindfulness not only to formal meditation but to all the varying aspects of every day life.
http://www.insightmeditationcenter.or....
http://www.insightmeditationcenter.or....
160 pages
First published January 1, 2001
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779 people want to read
About the author
Gil Fronsdal
29 books101 followersGil Fronsdal is the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Center (IMC) of Redwood City. He has a PhD in Buddhist Studies from Stanford University. His many dharma talks available online contain basic information on meditation and Buddhism, as well as subtle concepts of Buddhism explained at the level of the lay person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 26, 2020
Get it for free here:
https://www.insightmeditationcenter.o...
The title.
The front cover.
What you did there,
I see it.
Page 1:
'Once upon a time, long ago, people walked about barefoot. One day the queen, walking across a rock field, cut her foot on a sharp stone. Annoyed, she called together her ministers and ordered the Queendom carpeted with leather. One wise minister stepped forward and suggested an easier way. "Rather than covering the entire realm, let's cover the soles of everyone's feet." The Queen agreed and that was the origin on shoes.
Page 3:
'Occasionally people hang on to the identity “I’m a victim,” and want to be treated by others as a victim. We can use our suffering to get other people to respond to us in ways that may not be healthy.'
Chapter 5:
'When we are settled on the breath, the heart becomes clear, peaceful, and still like a mountain pool. Then we can see all the way to the bottom.'
----------------------------------------------
Metta Sutta
To reach the state of peace
One skilled in the good
Should be
Capable and upright,
Straightforward and easy to speak to,
Gentle and not proud,
Contented and easily supported,
Living lightly and with few duties,
Wise and with senses calmed,
Not arrogant and without greed for supporters,
And should not do the least thing that the wise would criticize.
[One should reflect:]
“May all be happy and secure;
May all beings be happy at heart.
All living beings, whether weak or strong,
Tall, large, medium, or short,
Tiny or big,
Seen or unseen,
Near or distant,
Born or to be born,
May they all be happy.
Let no one deceive another
Or despise anyone anywhere;
Let no one through anger or aversion
Wish for others to suffer.”
As a mother would risk her own life
To protect her child, her only child,
So toward all beings should one
Cultivate a boundless heart.
With loving-kindness for the whole world should one
Cultivate a boundless heart,
Above, below, and all around
Without obstruction, without hate and without ill-will.
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down,
Whenever one is awake,
May one stay with this recollection.
This is called a sublime abiding, here and now.
One who is virtuous, endowed with vision,
Not taken by views,
And having overcome all greed for sensual pleasure
Will not be reborn again.
translated by Gil Fronsdal
---------------------------------------
Welcome to the CyberSangha :p
https://audiodharma.org/
https://www.insightmeditationcenter.o...
The title.
The front cover.
What you did there,
I see it.
Page 1:
'Once upon a time, long ago, people walked about barefoot. One day the queen, walking across a rock field, cut her foot on a sharp stone. Annoyed, she called together her ministers and ordered the Queendom carpeted with leather. One wise minister stepped forward and suggested an easier way. "Rather than covering the entire realm, let's cover the soles of everyone's feet." The Queen agreed and that was the origin on shoes.
Page 3:
'Occasionally people hang on to the identity “I’m a victim,” and want to be treated by others as a victim. We can use our suffering to get other people to respond to us in ways that may not be healthy.'
Chapter 5:
'When we are settled on the breath, the heart becomes clear, peaceful, and still like a mountain pool. Then we can see all the way to the bottom.'
----------------------------------------------
Metta Sutta
To reach the state of peace
One skilled in the good
Should be
Capable and upright,
Straightforward and easy to speak to,
Gentle and not proud,
Contented and easily supported,
Living lightly and with few duties,
Wise and with senses calmed,
Not arrogant and without greed for supporters,
And should not do the least thing that the wise would criticize.
[One should reflect:]
“May all be happy and secure;
May all beings be happy at heart.
All living beings, whether weak or strong,
Tall, large, medium, or short,
Tiny or big,
Seen or unseen,
Near or distant,
Born or to be born,
May they all be happy.
Let no one deceive another
Or despise anyone anywhere;
Let no one through anger or aversion
Wish for others to suffer.”
As a mother would risk her own life
To protect her child, her only child,
So toward all beings should one
Cultivate a boundless heart.
With loving-kindness for the whole world should one
Cultivate a boundless heart,
Above, below, and all around
Without obstruction, without hate and without ill-will.
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down,
Whenever one is awake,
May one stay with this recollection.
This is called a sublime abiding, here and now.
One who is virtuous, endowed with vision,
Not taken by views,
And having overcome all greed for sensual pleasure
Will not be reborn again.
translated by Gil Fronsdal
---------------------------------------
Welcome to the CyberSangha :p
https://audiodharma.org/
November 15, 2021
Great, short, easy to digest but very insightful chapters. It was excellent for reading and discussing weekly with our sangha group.
From the Metta Sutta:
[One should reflect:]
“May all be happy and secure;
May all beings be happy at heart.
All living beings, whether weak or strong,
Tall, large, medium, or short,
Tiny or big,
Seen or unseen,
Near or distant,
Born or to be born,
May they all be happy.
Let no one deceive another
Or despise anyone anywhere;
Let no one through anger or aversion
Wish for others to suffer.”
As a mother would risk her own life
To protect her child, her only child,
So toward all beings should one
Cultivate a boundless heart.
With loving-kindness for the whole world should one
Cultivate a boundless heart,
Above, below, and all around
Without obstruction, without hate and without ill-will.
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down,
Whenever one is awake,
May one stay with this recollection.
This is called a sublime abiding, here and now.
translated by Gil Fronsdal
From the Metta Sutta:
[One should reflect:]
“May all be happy and secure;
May all beings be happy at heart.
All living beings, whether weak or strong,
Tall, large, medium, or short,
Tiny or big,
Seen or unseen,
Near or distant,
Born or to be born,
May they all be happy.
Let no one deceive another
Or despise anyone anywhere;
Let no one through anger or aversion
Wish for others to suffer.”
As a mother would risk her own life
To protect her child, her only child,
So toward all beings should one
Cultivate a boundless heart.
With loving-kindness for the whole world should one
Cultivate a boundless heart,
Above, below, and all around
Without obstruction, without hate and without ill-will.
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down,
Whenever one is awake,
May one stay with this recollection.
This is called a sublime abiding, here and now.
translated by Gil Fronsdal
December 10, 2025
Was a nice morning routine to read these essays. Easy to connect with the teachings, and will probably read again.
October 5, 2016
I must say, I started reading this book when I was taking a class at IMC (Insight Medication Center of the Mid-Peninsula), but I was reading online, and lost my place. It sat for a long time, and I decided to finish the book, for the sake of finishing the book. It's a wonderful and simple introduction the Mindfulness, and American Theravadian practice. It does take a little time to get through, simply to allow the teachings to sink in. It's not really worth speed reading. Each article can stand on its own or be part of the larger work. I've been doing Buddhish practice now for a decade, and so the principles were hardly new to me, but I found each article to be quite clear. If you visit IMC, you can pickup a copy for free, or you can read it from the IMC website.
February 18, 2013
Short, helpful chapters on mindfulness and lessons on how to be more aware of emotions in order to acknowledge them and not be judgmental. This is all in order to feel inner peace within and eventually be more compassionate and helpful to others. It was a good little book and for someone entering the realm of Buddhism (or not, the information translates to anyone) and an easy read. What a great gift for the New Year!!
This book is also free to anyone who lives in the U.S. It's also available online at: www.insightmeditationcenter.org. as a single PDF or as individual chapters. Check it out.
This book is also free to anyone who lives in the U.S. It's also available online at: www.insightmeditationcenter.org. as a single PDF or as individual chapters. Check it out.
May 31, 2019
I did not know what I should expect when I started reading this book. It turns out to be one of the most memorable reads. With his clear and concise writing style, the author has convinced me Buddhism is pragmatic wisdom, virture, ethics, based not on ideas of good and bad but rather on observation of human actions, and dhammas as "the psychological processes and insights that relate to the cultivation of liberated awareness". The author has helped me to set foot on a new intellectual exploration.
January 6, 2015
Straightforward and readable introduction to Buddhist mindfulness and meditation.
May 6, 2017
One of the best book of teachings on mindfulness- on my fifth, sixth read-through.
February 19, 2020
Gil has a wonderful way of teaching the Dhamma in plain simple terms that don’t take away from the depth of the teachings.
August 5, 2023
Insightful! I appreciated the translations and quotes from the suttas and the dhammapada throughout the text.
Regarding the Sangha:
“Do not associate with evil friends
Do not associate with wicked people
Associate with virtuous friends” - Dhammapada 78
The insight of the author is pertinent to the American Buddhist practitioner:
“While there can be many benefits to practicing with others, we must be aware of possible problems. As soon as a group of people gathers as a community, there is culture, and cultures always have blind spots, or “shadows”. If you avoid being involved with a community because it has a shadow, no community will ever be adequate. If you relate only to the light of a community , you are doing yourself a disservice. If you relate only to the shadow, you are also doing yourself a disservice. A function of Buddhist practice is to clarify and draw out the shadow, bringing it into balance with the light. Without honest practice, a culture’s shadow can remain hidden.” [112]
His discussion really hits home for Buddhists in America! How many communities and their leaders have ignored their shadows, only for those shadows to manifest in the darkest ways - leading to the dissolution of the entire community, or staining the great progress the sangha made in spreading the dharma!
This is a wonderful read and admittedly I revisit its simple teachings ever so often to remind me of the practice.
Regarding the Sangha:
“Do not associate with evil friends
Do not associate with wicked people
Associate with virtuous friends” - Dhammapada 78
The insight of the author is pertinent to the American Buddhist practitioner:
“While there can be many benefits to practicing with others, we must be aware of possible problems. As soon as a group of people gathers as a community, there is culture, and cultures always have blind spots, or “shadows”. If you avoid being involved with a community because it has a shadow, no community will ever be adequate. If you relate only to the light of a community , you are doing yourself a disservice. If you relate only to the shadow, you are also doing yourself a disservice. A function of Buddhist practice is to clarify and draw out the shadow, bringing it into balance with the light. Without honest practice, a culture’s shadow can remain hidden.” [112]
His discussion really hits home for Buddhists in America! How many communities and their leaders have ignored their shadows, only for those shadows to manifest in the darkest ways - leading to the dissolution of the entire community, or staining the great progress the sangha made in spreading the dharma!
This is a wonderful read and admittedly I revisit its simple teachings ever so often to remind me of the practice.
February 23, 2022
https://www.insightmeditationcenter.o...
A clear and beautiful guide on what Buddhism entails. Ideal for anyone who isn't familiar with Buddhism and mindfulness yet.
Will buy and cherish the book, and probably read it again.
One of many fragments I loved: "The story of an angry man who insulted the Buddha: The Buddha simply asked the man if people ever visited him in his home. Surprised at the change of topic, the man answered yes. The Buddha then asked if he ever offered to feed his guests. When the man replied yes again, the Buddha asked what would happen if they refused to accept the food? Who would the food belong to then? The man said that, of course, it would still belong to him. The Buddha then calmly and, I imagine, kindly said, “In the same way, I do not accept your insults. They remain with you.”"
A clear and beautiful guide on what Buddhism entails. Ideal for anyone who isn't familiar with Buddhism and mindfulness yet.
Will buy and cherish the book, and probably read it again.
One of many fragments I loved: "The story of an angry man who insulted the Buddha: The Buddha simply asked the man if people ever visited him in his home. Surprised at the change of topic, the man answered yes. The Buddha then asked if he ever offered to feed his guests. When the man replied yes again, the Buddha asked what would happen if they refused to accept the food? Who would the food belong to then? The man said that, of course, it would still belong to him. The Buddha then calmly and, I imagine, kindly said, “In the same way, I do not accept your insults. They remain with you.”"
February 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this no-nonsense down-to-earth presentation of Buddhist mindfulness practice. Fronsdal has a gift for explaining Buddhist concepts with remarkable precision, clarity, and in plain English.
I have been practicing mindfulness meditation and awareness for about 15 years now and have read several books on the subject from authors with diverse backgrounds; I found this short collection of essays to be very useful and informative and without a doubt one of the best.
Highly recommended.
I have been practicing mindfulness meditation and awareness for about 15 years now and have read several books on the subject from authors with diverse backgrounds; I found this short collection of essays to be very useful and informative and without a doubt one of the best.
Highly recommended.
January 15, 2022
A really delightful book filled with short chapters on various topics related to Buddhist life. I do not identify as a Buddhist but appreciate meditation and the Buddhist approach to life. I hilighted many things in this book, especially related to meditation. Suggest for someone interested in an introduction to American forms of Buddhism and meditation. An easy book for me to recommend without any reservations.
December 19, 2025
I wish… when I had first started exploring buddhism and meditation, all these many long years ago, that I had stumbled upon this book. It would’ve answered a lot of questions for me and made things a lot more simple.
As it is I’m grateful that I’ve come across it now. It’s never too late. The chapters are short, the writing is straightforward and simple.
I would recommend it to anyone who is just beginning or has been on the journey for a while.
As it is I’m grateful that I’ve come across it now. It’s never too late. The chapters are short, the writing is straightforward and simple.
I would recommend it to anyone who is just beginning or has been on the journey for a while.
September 23, 2019
I read this book as part of a mindfulness teacher training and I think it is very well laid out and thoughtful introduction to mindfulness and Theravada Buddhism. The chapters are short, but not simple. Each one introduces a central concept essential to developing one's own practice. I think the best way to read this book is to give yourself time to process and practice after each chapter.
May 4, 2020
As a relative novice to Buddhism and the practice of mindfulness, I found these essays were easy to understand and helped me to refocus on the core elements of the practice. I have explored this topic more fully in other books, so the essays served to me as more of a refresher than an introductory text on the subject.
June 30, 2024
"We are discovering a way to be present to everything - our full humanity - so everything becomes a gate to freedom, to compassion and to ourselves."
Best wee book on mindfulness. Accessible and clear, it's so easy to read and relate. Wish I had found this earlier but will definitely be coming back to it again and again...
Best wee book on mindfulness. Accessible and clear, it's so easy to read and relate. Wish I had found this earlier but will definitely be coming back to it again and again...
December 13, 2025
I'm not a Buddhist but you should read this book if only for the feeling of being cared for. The author's ability to synthesize complex topics into such a brief book is an indication of a great mind and humble heart. The applicable life wisdom is not original with Fronsdal but worth the time for all people, regardless your background.
December 13, 2017
Delightful little book on mindfulness and Buddhism. Lots of wisdom. Will read again. Choosing between this and "Mindfulness for Beginners", I found this better written and more accessible, but they're in a similar vein: short Buddhism-relevant essays.
June 13, 2018
A great, concise book on mindfulness practice. Wasn't pretentious at all, lots of knowledge crammed into a small amount. Wish I would have bought a soft copy so I could thumb through the pages at a later time.
February 4, 2020
Very good for a general introduction to Theravada Buddhism and meditation practices. A quick read that does not deep dive any given area but can demystify and whet appetite for further study and exploration.
February 7, 2024
this was the first book i've ever read on buddhism. my other introductions to it have been through teachers and videos online. this book has so much depth and personality from fronsdal about the concepts of buddhism and how we can apply it to our lives. amazing read.
October 14, 2017
Excellent!
November 2, 2018
This book is a helpful support for entering upon a daily practice of contemplation and mindfulness.
March 8, 2019
I very much appreciate this book. Both practical and profoundly wise. Will likely read it again in the coming days.
November 16, 2019
Read this book every few years. Very helpful in my morning quiet time.
July 6, 2020
Great free resource for beginner Buddhists!
April 6, 2021
Good overview introduction to concepts including Buddhism, mindfulness, meditation, etc. Short, bite-sized chapters make for an easy read.
July 5, 2021
Good overview of Buddhist practices from a lived perspective.
January 29, 2022
Read as Buddhism 101. Incredibly dense definitely reread. I’m sure I would have missed a lot if we hadn’t studied it together. Ebook copy in iBooks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews