Beyond the Breath: Extraordinary Mindfulness Through Whole-Body Vipassana Meditation [Paperback]

Marshall Glickman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Glickman is nothing if not practical, as his credentials suggest. The editor and publisher of Green Living, an environmental journal, and author of The Mindful Money Guide argues that sensation-based vipassana meditation as taught by revered Indian master S.N. Goenka is the most effective meditation method. Twenty years of meditation appear to have brought Glickman useful clarity: his meditation instructions will help beginners, his unpacking of the idea of Buddhist detachment is insightful and his correlation of new brain research results with ancient Buddhist wisdom is fresh and persuasive. When he moves beyond meditation and the insights of the four noble truths about reality, however, he overreaches. He discusses ethics, karma, nirvana as a nod to the whole complex way of seeing and being that Buddhism offers, yet here seems to be much more un-Buddhistically theoretical. His connections can be hard to grasp: Darwin's consonance with Buddhism is an intriguing idea that is under-explained, and the topic of addiction to pleasure is similarly underdeveloped. The biggest disappointment in the book, though, is the editing. Someone should have corrected the misspelling of Henepola Gunaratana's name in the bibliography as well as a dozen other distracting mistakes in text ("snacked very discretely," "severals times," "compliment and reinforce"). The book's strength is Glickman's nitty-gritty appreciation of the somatic experience of reality. The Buddha knew that suffering hurt. Glickman does well to emphasize the "mindbody" as the vehicle we humans have to drive to nirvana.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Journey Editions; 1 edition (November 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582900434
• ISBN-13: 978-1582900438
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280,620 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Inquiry into Vipassana Meditation, November 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Beyond the Breath: Extraordinary Mindfulness Through Whole-Body Vipassana Meditation (Paperback)

Vipassana Meditation As Taught By S.N.Goinka is, indeed, a jewel. Unfortunately, because of the way his organization is structured, there are few sources of information or perspective on this meditation technique or on the experience of meditation apart from those written by S.N.Goinka himself or his teachers. "Beyond the Breath" by Marshall Glickman is a valuable addition to this too small body of literature.

In "Beyond the Breath" Marshall discusses Buddhism in general, Vipassana meditation in particular, and the scientific and biochemical underpinnings which make Vipassana meditation so effective. All of this in a simple and accessible style which both beginners and experienced meditators will read with enjoyment. Marshall points out some of the critical points concerning Vipassana mediation such as the fact that it is a gradual process; like "a dawn" rather then "a lightning bolt", that we must learn not to "confuse pleasure with happiness", and that the mind-body connection is such that it is possible to understand the term "mind" as including not only the brain and it's congnitive processes but also the body and it's physical sensations. He then goes on to explain how these and other abstract ideas from Buddhist philosophy and cosmology are realized in meditation practice and how such insights lead to a greater happiness.

I would, however, express reservations (or perhaps further stress similar assertions made by Marshall) concerning the practical and specific recommendations and meditation instructions contained in this book. I'm not certain that this form of Vipassana can be effectively learned by most people outside of a 10-day course. I would recommend reading these sections of the book as the particular opinions, perspectives and experiences of one meditator rather then as an instruction manual.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly effective, December 8, 2006

By 

M. Bradley (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beyond the Breath: Extraordinary Mindfulness Through Whole-Body Vipassana Meditation (Paperback)

I have read several books by S.N. Geonka and his followers, but none really gave me insights into the actual technique. It is explained in detail here. I understood it,applied it in my practice and it has definitely given me new insights into this particular style of Vipassanna meditation. It was intense, a lot of emotions materialized and my sensitivity to bodily sensations is makedly increased. I've have been practicing "noting" as well as "just sitting" for a while. Both techniques have been effective also, but this Vipassana technique is more refined.

The book stated a strong case for practicing the precepts of Buddhism in addition to just meditation. The explanation and tie in to the laws of attraction and Kharma were very clear and well thought out.

Any one interested in Vipassana should try this book. Anyone interested in integrating meditation and Buddhism into their lives, but have yet to make the jump, should also try it.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to Sensation-Based Vipassana meditation, November 2, 2003

By 

Panaman (Panajachel, Guatemala) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond the Breath: Extraordinary Mindfulness Through Whole-Body Vipassana Meditation (Paperback)

I read this book prior to the 10-day meditation retreat. It gives a great overview and introduction to this method of meditation. It's also very convincing. The technique that it lays out is very effective, I've found, although has some flaws within it. The retreat, lodging, and food is actually offered free of charge and can be accessed at www.dhamma.org. Check out the book prior to registering for it.