A Gradual Awakening (Paperback)

by Stephen Levine (Author) "Meditation is for many a foreign concept, somehow distant and foreboding, seemingly impossible to participate in..." (more)
Key Phrases: judging mind, wisdom mind, imagined self, Guided Meditation (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Poet and teacher of meditation Dr. Steven Levine writes simply amd gently about his personal experiences with and insights into vipassana meditation. A Gradual Awakening is an inspiring book for anyone who is interested in deep personal growth.

From the Publisher
Poet and meditation teacher Levine writes simply and gently about his own personal experiences with and insights into vipassana meditation. An inspiring book for anyone interested in deep personal growth.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (January 16, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385262183
• ISBN-13: 978-0385262187
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,388 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is the perfect starting point., September 7, 1999

By	Michael Indgin (Westchester, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This, and Swami Muktananda's brilliant "Where Are You Going?" are the two books that have given me the most practical information on meditation in the most accessible way, especially as a beginner. Without these two books, I never would have begun a path that I'm so grateful to have embarked upon. Get them both!

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is my favorite book on meditation., February 14, 1998

By	Craig C. Brandau - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have read this book more than once and plan on reading it again. To me, it truly captures the essence of meditation, clearly articulating its various nuances and developmental stages. Levine is from the Theravada (Vipasanna) tradition, whose methods I find very practical and somewhat similar to Zen. The only fault I find in Levine's book is that it is a little short on detail of the actual mechanics of meditation (i.e., sitting techniques, breath control, etc.). The best book I have found for technique is: "Mindfulness in Plain English," by H. Gunaratana, which offers precise instruction.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly and beautifully written, June 15, 2000

By	Victor T. Adams (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

The message in this book has the unmistakable ring of Truth to it. You will find yourself returning again and again to it. I have many books on Buddhism and Vipassana meditation, and I have to rate this as the most helpful.