Living Dharma [Paperback]

Jack Kornfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 14, 1995

In this book (previously published under the title Living Buddhist Masters), Jack Kornfield presents the heart of Buddhist practice as taught by twelve highly respected masters from Southeast Asia, Here, renowned teachers such as Mahasi Sayadaw, U Ba Khin, Mohnyin Sayadaw, and Achaan Maha Boowa describe a rich variety of meditation techniques—practices that can lead to the dissolution of a limited sense of self, an awakening of insight, compassion for all beings, and the realization of Nirvana. In other chapters, Achaan Chaa, Achaan Buddhadasa, and Sunlun Sayadaw offer practices clarifying the essential attitude that will allow each person to discover the truth of the Buddha's teaching here and now—the living Dharma. The book also provides an introduction to the basic tenets of Buddhism and a look at the Buddhist tradition as taught in Burma, Thailand, and Laos.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An enjoyable and inspiring spiritual odyssey, highly recommended for both the beginner and the seasoned meditator."— Yoga Journal



"A useful, practical guide to the art of meditation."— Library Journal

About the Author

Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma. He is a founding teacher of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, and has taught meditation internationally since 1974. His books include After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace; Meditation for Beginners; and The Wise Heart.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; Shambhala ed edition (November 14, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570621381
• ISBN-13: 978-1570621383
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars almost the very best source on Theravada Buddhism, August 2, 2001

By 

Wyote (Seoul) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Living Dharma (Paperback)

This book records the teachings of 12 Theravada Buddhists, mostly famous ones in their own societies: Achaan Chaa, Mahasi Sayadaw, Sunlun Sayadaw (via a disciple), Achaan Buddhadasa, Achaan Naeb, Achaan Maha Boowa, Taungpulu Sayadaw, Mohnyin Sayadaw, Mogok Sayadaw (via a disciple), U Ba Khin, Achaan Dhammadaro, and Achaan Jumnien. These are basically the most famous meditation instructors in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand and Laos. If you want to learn about Theravada meditation, either for scholarly reasons or to practice, you can't do better than this book without learning their languages.

However, I think it represents a sort of elite perspective on Theravada Buddhism. Many practitioners don't share exactly the spiritualities expressed by these teachers, and I think their practices and beliefs (some would say superstitions) are an important and valuable part of Theravada Buddhism, not to be neglected by either scholars or practioners.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Theravada in one book, June 5, 2000

By 

See See Chan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Living Dharma (Paperback)

This book although now a little dated, is still brilliant.Here in one book are the many diverse strands of Theravada Meditation, the Thai Forest Ajahns & the Burmese Vipassana Sayadaws are present. The material covers a very broad spectrum of Teachings & approaches. I am loving reading this book.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very inspiring book!, November 18, 2004

By 

Hakuyu "Ikeda" (Kyoto, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Living Dharma (Paperback)

This book is one of those 'classics' - it will always bring inspiration. The twelve different teachers/teachings which comprise the core of the text - come over as very real, very concrete - and, for all the exotic surfaces (they are, after all, S.E. Asian people) - what they have to say, to teach, is very much here and now.

Jack Kornfield writes about these people and teachings with years of experience behind him. Still, he isn't (thank goodness!) trying to sell you an institution.This book has been presented to help you practice, wherever you may be. Of course, on one level - the teachers/teachings in this book are interesting, because they reflect a certain culture and out-look. This is Theravada Buddhism. Sometimes, the Theravada can come over as rather dry. But in 'Living Dharma' - the Theravada teachings seem very fresh and engaging.

The reviewer confesses that - in fact, he practices Northern Buddhist meditation techniques. Jack Kornfield observes that - in America, Theravada is a relatively late arrival - against Zen or Tibetan Buddhism. But - in Europe, the Theravada has roots going back decades. My first bona fide Buddhist teacher was a Theravadin, and the Theravada has much to teach - even if you happen to practice Mahayana Buddhism. Far from feeling invidious - I really hope that Buddhists from all backgrounds will look at this book. The teachers are impressive. Their practical advice/instruction - priceless. �@