Living Dharma (Paperback)

~ Jack Kornfield (Author) "The Buddha, after his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, was undecided about teaching..." (more)
Key Phrases: preparatory repetition, nibbana dhatu, outgoing exuberance, Sunlun Sayadaw, Mogok Sayadaw, Achaan Chaa (more...)

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

Product Description

Originally published as Living Buddhist Masters, this book includes an introduction to the basic teachings of Buddhism, along with a look at the Buddhist tradition as taught in Burma, Thailand and Laos. Also, one of America's leading Buddhist teachers presents this practice as taught by 12 highly respected Buddhist masters from Southeast Asia. Illustrations.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; Shambhala ed edition (November 14, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570621381
• ISBN-13: 978-1570621383
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #477,644 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #29 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > Theravada
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 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 (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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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.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	See See Chan (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews

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.

13 of 13 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 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. �@