Customer Reviews

Beginning to See: A collection of epigrams about the problem of living and the freedom to be gained through meditation

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This lovely book is a compilation of thought provoking philosophies, stories and examples meant to help us focus on the meaning of life. I first read it many years ago when in my early twenties. It opened my eyes in one respect and in another, it reminded me of many things I already intuitively knew. Many of the pages are simple one line messages, others are two to three pages or less. Read a page or two and stop to contemplate the message. You will pick this book up many, many times. This book is enjoyable. It is educational. It is spiritual. It is an easy read. I am teaching a class called Spirituality 101 - Beginning to see is my text.

Sujata is an American who studied Buddhist Insight Meditation for 2 years as a monk in Sri Lanka. He traveled through India, Burma and taught in Europe and the USA.

This book is a collection of thoughts he wants the readers to consider in the tradition of a Koan given by a Zen Master. These sayings are based on the deep meditation practice he did as a monk and subsequently taught on retreats at the Stillpoint Institute in San Jose, CA. (No longer there)

My favorite is "Attachment is our greatest self cruelty". By liking and disliking all day long we tire ourselves out. By practicing Insight Mediation we may Begin To See how our mind works. Sujata studied with Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma and Munindra-ji of India.

After you read this book you must may end up doing a 30 day retreat...Like I did! It will change your life!

I found this book @ the recycle center and couldn't believe somebody threw it away! I too wrote a book, Still Singing, Somehow but Sujata hit the nail on the head with a lot less words than me. This book is a buried treasure that many could benefit from.