Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

"It's been said that we learn more from our mistakes than our successes - and I think that's true - but only if we eventually have success; otherwise we just keep making the same mistakes over and over." ~Marshall Glickman

Learning to take care of our bodies by eating correctly and exercising seems a true journey all on its own. When you decide to incorporate a style of meditation into your life then a whole-body Vipassana might bring you more peace of mind. It is a sensation-based style of meditation.

Marshall Glickman has a beautiful writing style and his ideas connect perfectly with the modern reader who may or may not be familiar with meditation. His ideas are presented in a way that makes meditation come alive. I used to think meditation was complete stillness and lack of thought, but there are ways to focus on sensation that bring you to a deeper understanding of yourself. Some of the intellectually intriguing aspects of this work include:

The Power and Pleasure Principle
The Biochemical Basics of Pleasure
The Neurochemistry of Karma

There are chapters filled with instructions on how to meditate, but the real highlights of this book are the insights into living life effectively and understanding how our bodies function on the chemical level.

"Focusing on sensations puts us more directly in touch with what's motivating us, while at the same time helping to free us from the storylines which tend to obscure our feelings. In this way, greater awareness to our sensations increases our emotional sensitivity." ~Marshall Glickman

If you have trouble settling into a meditation session, do yoga first. It helps your body to work out all the extra energy that might keep you from sitting still. You can also meditate while reclining in bed or while sitting in a chair. You don't have to meditate in a guru-style seated position. I normally meditate while laying flat on my back after an invigorating yoga practice. Some of the most blissful happy places I've ever been have been after doing a Chakra Yoga workout. I finally understood the place meditation could take you. I like imagining colors inside my body and working with sensations and the release of negative thoughts. I've noticed that when I do meditate I think more clearly and can solve problems more effectively. When I don't meditate, chaos creeps into my life.

After reading this work, you may also enjoy Tobin Blake's "The Power of Stillness: Learn Meditation in 30 Days."

~The Rebecca Review

i've purchased this book at least 15 times in my life to give it away. You dont have to be Buddhist to read or benefit from the teachings and practice; most people who i gave it to were not.
If you want to understand the science behind meditation, if you want to in liven your practice, if you just want a little help with the day to day upsets in life and manage your emotions...READ THIS BOOK.
It's actually classified as a "Self Help" book, and thats the section you'll find it in at Barnes & Noble, and it truly is. Glickman nailed it!

"Beyond the Breath" is written by a fellow baby-boomer in a style and vernacular completely understandable to me. As such, Marshall Glickman fills a modern Buddhism explanation niche.

For example, the First Noble Truth of Buddhism, "LIFE IS SUFFERING" probably sounds completely dismal and off-putting to the average Westerner--a real hindrance to investigating Buddhism further. Most people would probably respond with, "Well, isn't life basically good? Isn't life what you make it?" The author, however, puts a subtle spin on the First Noble Truth which, in my opinion, makes Buddhism a lot more appealing. The author suggests that, "Something is always a bit off," or "Things are never just right."

He explains it this way. Pleasure and pain are nature's binary operating system which works in a nonverbal sensation-based way. Unfortunately, we confuse pleasure with happiness. Pleasure is addictive and we can easily get entranced by it making it our goal. The biochemistry of pleasure is the same as addiction. When pleasure dissipates it leaves us agitated and hungry for more. Unfortunately, trying to hold onto pleasure and keep pain at bay causes unhappiness because even the best of pleasures can't give us total satisfaction.

Marshall supports traditional Buddhist notions on materialism by citing a study that found that the pleasure we get from owning things hinges on one-upmanship, hardly a source of lastly fulfillment or happiness. There is also an interesting section on the psychological experiences of organ transplant recipients that dramatically demonstrates the body-mind connection. Another powerful distinction in the book is that true detachment comes from accepting what is, not dissociating from or steeling yourself against what is. So paradoxically, acceptance leads to detachment.

Like the author, I too have completed several S.N. Goenka sponsored 10-Day Vipassana courses so I can truly say that "Beyond the Breath" points the reader towards a powerful and personal experience of transformation, which is the essence of Buddha's message. You can read a book on swimming while sitting comfortably in a deckchair and then make up an elaborate story about it, or you can read a book on swimming and jump into the pool. The stated goal of this book is to inspire you to jump into the pool, i.e. do a 10-day Vipassana course. IMO he succeeds.

"Beyond the Breath" is an excellent resource for anyone interested in improving the quality of their life by using the ancient technique of Vipassana meditation. This is a great book. Highly recommended!

I am a clinician very much interested in using meditation as an adjunct therapy for some of my patients. I read this book in detail, culling through for clinical evidence and potential clinical application. I was pleasantly surprised. The book is practical but with sufficient theoretical background to fufill my expectations. I strongly recommend, "Beyond the Breath".

Author Marshall Glickmn details the difficulties and discomforts (even suffering a
'traditional' clubbing from a Zen Master in the process) during the decades he spent
trying different Buddhist meditative techniques, looking for the most effective
method to transcend his ego. His excellent book about Vipassana Meditation,
"Beyond the Breath", (no clubbing in that technique) was the result of his search.
Glickman thinks Vipassana is likely closest to the style of meditation practiced
by the Buddha himself. The author takes us on a very intellectually accessable
tour of Buddhist and related Western philosophical thought, including showing how
modern science supports what the Buddha taught about people and the Universe
thousands of years ago. Buddha was searching for the source of human suffering and
a way to find relief from it. Glickman tells us what answers Buddha found and how
Vipassana Meditation can have a relieving effect on our own sufferings today.
"Beyond the Breath" is one of those books you regret having to put down.
I think you will very much enjoy reading it, and through it meeting a very erudite
and likable author.
Now that I have read his book, I have no excuse for not committing to practicing
the technique, though it may even take a little Zen clubbing to get me going.
From my reading, Marshall Glickman is very understanding about such very human
problems and his book includes lots of helpful advice about getting started.

Ted Kavanau
Founding President, CNN Headline News

This is a practical and insightful guide to meditation as a practice
and mindfulness as a way of being. There is also abundant theory in the form of a spritual and psychological approach to life.
This is a very clear, personable and well written book which offers a diverse array of insightful quotes from many interesting sources.
My only complaint is the picture of buddha on the cover because I believe that this image limits the very universal and secular insights that are presented so well in this book.