Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English: An Introductory guide to Deeper States of Meditation [Paperback]

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 2009

Every meditation tradition explains that there are two aspects to any effective meditation practice: insight and concentration. In Mindfulness in Plain English, author Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, a monk from Sri Lanka and venerated teacher of Buddhism, offered basic instruction on the meaning of insight (or vipassana) meditation through concepts that could be applied to any tradition. In Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English, he presents the levels of concentration with the same simplicity and humor that made the previous book so successful. The focus here is on the Jhanas, those meditative states of profound stillness and concentration in which the mind becomes fully immersed and absorbed in the chosen object of attention. Using the Jhanas to guide readers along the path to joy, happiness, equanimity, and one-pointedness, the author provides all of the instruction necessary to utilize meditation as a tool for building a more fulfilling life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications (September 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0861715292
• ISBN-13: 978-0861715299
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Meditations

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Way to Peace., October 16, 2009

By 

Claudine N. Grange "claudine grange, APRN" (Portland, ME) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English: An Introductory guide to Deeper States of Meditation (Paperback)

This book, the most recently published of Bhante G's is so clear, so comprehensive regarding Jhanas; the states of meditation through practice. There are so many books out there that are just gimmicks to the real thing. Bhante Gunaratana is so REAL that reading his words penetrate to carry you further on the path of insight; a critical key to our liberation along with practice of 8 Fold Path.

People in our culture are suffering due to their lack of focus. This book can help anyone who is feeling scattered and needs a practice to calm their body and mind. There are so many benefits to concentration. Bhante G shows the way to practice best. He claims no superpowers. Although, in fact, he is the leading Theraveda monk in the western world. Walk on with him; you are likely to find peace. He has paved the way with loving friendliness and diligent effort to make Buddhas teachings accessible to us all. He wrote his dissertation for his PHD on Jhanas and has come full circle with this publication. A Beautiful work.

30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Start, November 14, 2009

By 

James D. McGlothin - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English: An Introductory guide to Deeper States of Meditation (Paperback)

I've got to tell you that I was thrilled that Gunaratana had written a follow-up to his wonderful "Mindfulness in Plain English." And I was very pleased at the opening few chapters of this book: they are clearly written and very instructive.

I have to admit, though, that I have recently put the book down. When the author starts talking about the Jhanas in great detail, he gets a little more vague and frankly, boring. Still I think this is a worthwhile endeavor and worth taking a look at. Perhaps others may be more intrigued than I was.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable book for serious Meditators - not 4 absolute beginers, January 27, 2011

By 

Andy "tincoster" (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English: An Introductory guide to Deeper States of Meditation (Paperback)

This book is clearly aimed at people who have progressed well beyond the beginner level meditation. Therefore, if the reader is not so experienced or not curious enough, he or she may find this "boring " or Useless" otherwise this is a truly accurate and rare book.

For me this is an unimaginably 100% exact book I wanted. I began meditation without seriously reading any books. But I knew I got to watch my breath and eventually to be locked in to it in order to experience something. I tried very hard but I could not do that. Later I discovered that Metta meditation helps to concentrate, and I tried that and then continued in mindfulness meditation.

One day it happened to me, suddenly felt that I just immersed into something I never experienced before, but continued some days without knowing what exactly it is (I had relatively lesser knowledge in Jhnas and deeper experiences)

Then, I watched this video series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X4o1Q2QP94 and discovered that I have experienced a Jhana. I was really happy and I kept doing this regularly and I felt that I was becoming more aware and progressing on this.

Then this book came across me, and I started to read it I could not believe my eyes, every word and every step it explained is exactly as I have experienced. I felt so grateful to this monk for writing this book. With this I discovered that I have almost gone beyond 2nd Jhana.

This book has explained all accurately up to where I am now, therefore I can safely assume that rest of it accurate too. If you go beyond basics, this is a wonderful companion. I think this book assumes that you already know about mindfulness meditation and have some knowledge in Buddhism.