Customer Reviews

Meditative States in Tibetan Buddhism

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This is a fairly nice and helpful book. It is divided into two parts. The first part is a fairly clear explanation of the basics of Mahayana Buddhist meditation training as taught in Tibetan traditions. The book is at its best here in the first half, presenting practical advice that one can easily put into practice in one's own meditative training. The second half is more academic, less practical, being a rather difficult to follow translation from the Tibetan of a commentary on a commentary on Maitreya's "Ornament for Clear Realization", dealing with the higher states of consciousness attained through meditative absorption. Those far enough along to understand what is being talked about are probably not going to need to read about it, but even if they do, a clearer explanation would probably be helpful. But still, the first half of the book justifies the purchase and reading of this book.

I am glad to write a review on this extraordinary guide to meditation for practicing Buddhists. According to the sutras and the texts written by sages such as Nagarjuna and Asanga, it is impossible to attain enlightenment without the stablization in meditative states. Getting familiar with this book can prevent Buddhists from mistakenly treat faults in meditative states as signs of enlightenment. However, I must admit that this book is not for those who have no knowledge of Buddhism, or for those Buddhists who do not wish to attain a high state of meditation.