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Top positive review
27 people found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsBoth a great orientation and refresher on mindfulness and meditation
BySaeahon May 2, 2017
“We are simply not paying enough attention to notice that we are not paying attention.”
I have a meticulous system for taking notes when I read, but it didn’t work with Mindfulness in Plain English. Underlining 90% of the book doesn’t help highlight the most important lessons. This is the best book on mindfulness and meditation that I’ve read to date.
I read this book as a meditation refresher several years after I started meditating. I expected to take away a few tips on how to breathe better, how to deal with feeling sleepy and how to cope with pain and numb legs. I didn’t expect all the profound insight on the true meaning of mindfulness.
This book tells you what meditation is and what it isn’t. If you have an allergy to the word meditation, this is probably the book to start with because as the title indicates, it’s in plain English. There’s very little of the type of lingo that tends to turn a lot of people away from meditation. The book discusses things like loving kindness in a way that is approachable and understandable. It gives concrete tips on how to deal with some of the challenges you face not only during meditation, but in life. I had so many ah-ha moments that I actually started saying “ah-ha” while reading it.
Even though this book is centered on a Buddhist meditation practice called Vipassana, or insight, meditation, the book felt secular to me. You can get a lot out of it regardless of your religious or non-religious affiliation.
Even if you never plan to meditate, this book is still worth reading. If you’ve ever had anxiety or depression, if you ever get nervous or antsy, if you have difficulties concentrating, if you get distracted easily, read this book. If you’ve ever felt jealous, resentful, or just a little out of control, read this book. If you have regrets about the past or feel uncertain about the future, read this book. If you think you’re too busy to read, read this book.
Both a great orientation for those who are new to meditation and mindfulness and a refresher for seasoned meditators. It's a book I'll read again and again. Highly recommended. 10/10.
"We view impermanent things as permanent, though everything is changing all around us. The process of change is constant and eternal."
I have a meticulous system for taking notes when I read, but it didn’t work with Mindfulness in Plain English. Underlining 90% of the book doesn’t help highlight the most important lessons. This is the best book on mindfulness and meditation that I’ve read to date.
I read this book as a meditation refresher several years after I started meditating. I expected to take away a few tips on how to breathe better, how to deal with feeling sleepy and how to cope with pain and numb legs. I didn’t expect all the profound insight on the true meaning of mindfulness.
This book tells you what meditation is and what it isn’t. If you have an allergy to the word meditation, this is probably the book to start with because as the title indicates, it’s in plain English. There’s very little of the type of lingo that tends to turn a lot of people away from meditation. The book discusses things like loving kindness in a way that is approachable and understandable. It gives concrete tips on how to deal with some of the challenges you face not only during meditation, but in life. I had so many ah-ha moments that I actually started saying “ah-ha” while reading it.
Even though this book is centered on a Buddhist meditation practice called Vipassana, or insight, meditation, the book felt secular to me. You can get a lot out of it regardless of your religious or non-religious affiliation.
Even if you never plan to meditate, this book is still worth reading. If you’ve ever had anxiety or depression, if you ever get nervous or antsy, if you have difficulties concentrating, if you get distracted easily, read this book. If you’ve ever felt jealous, resentful, or just a little out of control, read this book. If you have regrets about the past or feel uncertain about the future, read this book. If you think you’re too busy to read, read this book.
Both a great orientation for those who are new to meditation and mindfulness and a refresher for seasoned meditators. It's a book I'll read again and again. Highly recommended. 10/10.
"We view impermanent things as permanent, though everything is changing all around us. The process of change is constant and eternal."
Top critical review
1.0 out of 5 starsDhukka
ByT-Boneon August 18, 2018
This is the worst book I have read on Buddhism/mindfulness. Painful. If nothing else, it was a lesson on speed reading. The author attempts to present a guide to his preferred method of meditation. Apart from a few lines on how to consciously monitor one's breathing, the rest of the book is fluff and paddling. Most of the content is focused on what mindfulness is not. Too much negativity.
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5.0 out of 5 starsOne of the best "How-to" books ever written explaining mindfulness and Buddhist meditation, written in an engaging style
ByM. Smithon October 7, 2016
Mindfulness in Plain English is one the very best books written as an introduction to mindfulness and Buddhist meditation. It is far more than simply in introduction to meditation. It is a masterfully explained “how to” handbook, a nuts and bolts kind of map, that walks you through how to meditate and deal with the many typical obstacles which virtually all people deal with as they begin and progress. What sets this book apart from other leading books in this category, is that Bhante Gunaratana is from the Theravada Buddhist tradition, classicly trained and ordained in the form of practice he calls Vipassana, which places great emphasis on mindfulness. He explains, “Vipassana is the oldest of Buddhist meditation practices. The method comes directly from the Satipatthana Sutta, a discouorse attributed to the Buddha himself.”
Bhante Gunaratana writes with a very engaging and relaxed style, which makes the book easy to follow and even humorous at times. He speaks with candor and right from the beginning he emphasizes that, “Meditation is not easy. It takes time and energy. It also takes grit, determination and discipline.” But, then he goes on to emphasize that meditation should be rejuvenating and liberating, and in fact, that most seasoned practitioners have a good sense of humor, because the practice creates a calmness and relaxed perspective about life. The author’s explanations about key concepts is stated in a fresh manner, for instance explaining that the word “suffering” in Buddhism needs to be thoroughly understood to realize that in the original Pali language it does not just mean agony of the body, but that it also means a sense of dissatisfaction that is typical of what all people deal with on a daily basis. He also emphasizes that Vipassana, unlike some other Buddhist traditions, ranks mindfulness and awareness right up beside concentration as a means to liberation. Thus a great part of the focus of meditation is a combination of concentration and mindfulness.
The author takes the time to explain differences in approach between Vipassana Buddhism and other forms, such as classic Mahayana sects like Zen Buddhism and Tibetan traditions. The other key element to this book is the great detail he goes into to explain precisely how to meditate, breaking it down regarding not using any mental recitations at all to help your focus, (which is something some other forms suggest you do). He explains multiple ways to help you focus through counting your breaths in different manners, emphasizing that different ways work for different people. And always, he emphasizes to be gentle with yourself and stay calm and patient as you experiment and practice. This last point is something he emphasizes again and again, making sure we understand that if our practice is causing suffering then we are clearly not practicing correctly. He addresses how to plan your practices and how to deal with common things such as your legs falling asleep, boredom, distractions, discouragement, drowsiness and inability to concentrate.
Bhante Gunaratana writes with a very engaging and relaxed style, which makes the book easy to follow and even humorous at times. He speaks with candor and right from the beginning he emphasizes that, “Meditation is not easy. It takes time and energy. It also takes grit, determination and discipline.” But, then he goes on to emphasize that meditation should be rejuvenating and liberating, and in fact, that most seasoned practitioners have a good sense of humor, because the practice creates a calmness and relaxed perspective about life. The author’s explanations about key concepts is stated in a fresh manner, for instance explaining that the word “suffering” in Buddhism needs to be thoroughly understood to realize that in the original Pali language it does not just mean agony of the body, but that it also means a sense of dissatisfaction that is typical of what all people deal with on a daily basis. He also emphasizes that Vipassana, unlike some other Buddhist traditions, ranks mindfulness and awareness right up beside concentration as a means to liberation. Thus a great part of the focus of meditation is a combination of concentration and mindfulness.
The author takes the time to explain differences in approach between Vipassana Buddhism and other forms, such as classic Mahayana sects like Zen Buddhism and Tibetan traditions. The other key element to this book is the great detail he goes into to explain precisely how to meditate, breaking it down regarding not using any mental recitations at all to help your focus, (which is something some other forms suggest you do). He explains multiple ways to help you focus through counting your breaths in different manners, emphasizing that different ways work for different people. And always, he emphasizes to be gentle with yourself and stay calm and patient as you experiment and practice. This last point is something he emphasizes again and again, making sure we understand that if our practice is causing suffering then we are clearly not practicing correctly. He addresses how to plan your practices and how to deal with common things such as your legs falling asleep, boredom, distractions, discouragement, drowsiness and inability to concentrate.
31 people found this helpful
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ByJulie Balamuton May 23, 2017
I've read a lot of mindfulness books in order to build a practice of lovingkindness. In my opinion this is the best because it is practical, easy to follow, and encouraging. Gunaratana gently draws you in to practice with his no-nonsense approach. Sometimes readers are skeptical about practices that originate from the Eastern tradition. There is nothing new-agy or mysterious in this book. In fact, you will wonder why you didn't begin a mindfulness practice earlier because he articulates the benefits so clearly.
We hear news reports and studies about how meditation and mindfulness improve health, reduce stress, build focus, and increase longevity, all for free. But how does one go about incorporating these activities in our lives? H. Gunaratana provides the information we need in simple, understandable English.
This is not a step-by-step "Meditation for Dummies" book that simply tells us to sit and stare. Rather, the book provides a gentle introduction into the entire mindset involved. You can see that from the very first chapter - "Meditation: Why Bother?" The book takes a down to earth approach. It's like sitting down with a good friend over tea and having a relaxed talk about everything. Meditation isn't just staring at a wall. It's not necessarily easy! It takes some perseverance - but the rewards are well worth it.
He explains that it's not about one particular pose. The poses are simply ones many people find can help them - but if your body doesn't allow one, that's fine! Use a pose that works well for you. We are all different. Be patient, observe, and relax. Your mind is going to swirl - that's ok. Gently release those swirls and let your mind settle again. When those normal distractions come up, use them to help you build your skills. The book provides great advice on dealing with these and with the tiny aches that might come along. These practices help you immensely in daily life, too! And that's one of the benefits of meditation - learning to handle all those ups and downs that life is all about.
I enjoy this book immensely and actively recommend it to friends. Yes, it provides great information on "how" to meditate. But it goes so much deeper into why meditation and mindfulness can be helpful in each life. It helps us take stock of this life we're in, realize how impermanent our life is, and to appreciate what we have each day. Everything is always changing. Nothing stays the same. To cling to the way things are is an exercise in futility. The more we can breathe in what we have, and look forward to what comes next, the better our health, well being, and life.
Well recommended.
This is not a step-by-step "Meditation for Dummies" book that simply tells us to sit and stare. Rather, the book provides a gentle introduction into the entire mindset involved. You can see that from the very first chapter - "Meditation: Why Bother?" The book takes a down to earth approach. It's like sitting down with a good friend over tea and having a relaxed talk about everything. Meditation isn't just staring at a wall. It's not necessarily easy! It takes some perseverance - but the rewards are well worth it.
He explains that it's not about one particular pose. The poses are simply ones many people find can help them - but if your body doesn't allow one, that's fine! Use a pose that works well for you. We are all different. Be patient, observe, and relax. Your mind is going to swirl - that's ok. Gently release those swirls and let your mind settle again. When those normal distractions come up, use them to help you build your skills. The book provides great advice on dealing with these and with the tiny aches that might come along. These practices help you immensely in daily life, too! And that's one of the benefits of meditation - learning to handle all those ups and downs that life is all about.
I enjoy this book immensely and actively recommend it to friends. Yes, it provides great information on "how" to meditate. But it goes so much deeper into why meditation and mindfulness can be helpful in each life. It helps us take stock of this life we're in, realize how impermanent our life is, and to appreciate what we have each day. Everything is always changing. Nothing stays the same. To cling to the way things are is an exercise in futility. The more we can breathe in what we have, and look forward to what comes next, the better our health, well being, and life.
Well recommended.
Bymonaon February 8, 2013
I'm a Buddhist nun and I've read many books on meditation and this is truly by far one of the best I've ever come across in terms of being clear, straight forward and avoiding as much Buddhist terminology to put newcomers off. And I am truly grateful to those who took time to evaluate and recommend this book.
It is definitely a book I would not hesitate to recommend to beginners as well as experienced meditators because Bhante Gunaratana dispenses practical advices, he is not only humorous yet explains many things which sometimes can't be found in other books and that is simply because only one who is truly an expert in this field can give such guidance with ease and yet be entertaining due to his many years of thorough religious study and personal experience in the various classic Buddhist scriptures. He does justice to Buddhism and the practice of Vipassana meditation and for that I am truly grateful to this great meditation master for the many useful insights and benefits I've gained just by reading and practicing his recommendations. He even helped solved one of my meditation woes which bugged me for many years !
Good meditation masters are a rare find and Bhante Gunaratana is one of them.
It is definitely a book I would not hesitate to recommend to beginners as well as experienced meditators because Bhante Gunaratana dispenses practical advices, he is not only humorous yet explains many things which sometimes can't be found in other books and that is simply because only one who is truly an expert in this field can give such guidance with ease and yet be entertaining due to his many years of thorough religious study and personal experience in the various classic Buddhist scriptures. He does justice to Buddhism and the practice of Vipassana meditation and for that I am truly grateful to this great meditation master for the many useful insights and benefits I've gained just by reading and practicing his recommendations. He even helped solved one of my meditation woes which bugged me for many years !
Good meditation masters are a rare find and Bhante Gunaratana is one of them.
ByRick (Indiana)on March 19, 2014
If you are even a little interested in meditation or mindfulness, purchase Mindfulness in Plain English. Bhante Gunaratana writes this book in such an eloquent way, making sure each step can be easily followed by those of us who live in the west. A traveling Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka recommended this book to me as one of the best books for someone starting mindfulness meditation. He was absolutely right. I will continue to use Mindfulness in Plain English as an instruction manual for my practice.
ByEric Koeppenon June 7, 2014
Bhante Gunaratana has produced a really good book here on the foundations of Mindfulness practice. The writing is very clear and approachable. He really goes out of his way to avoid sectarian bias, though in certain spots it still manages to slip through. On the whole, as a practitioner of a different sect, with a different form of practice, I found a lot more similarities than differences. This book helped me understand my own practice further and I'm grateful.
ByJacob Flemingon April 27, 2014
Gunaratana (hereafter G-Money for short) has the gift of being concise and transparent in his words, but simultaneously uplifting and inspiring. Rare indeed. I would recommend taking the time to read the book all the way through, as it provides numerous nuggets of wisdom from beginning to end.
Further, your understanding of how to structure your meditation practice will improve throughout as he discusses things to do before, how to deal with restlessness, and numerous other issues certain to come up. I tried to start meditating before I read all of the book and felt awkward and uncertain. Having finished the book, I feel more prepared and know what I can expect from my practice. Even the added epilogue contains some extremely valuable wisdom for practicing mindfulness and loving friendliness in your daily life, not just "on the cushion".
If you want to see the positive changes in your life that mindfulness can afford but aren't sure where to begin, start here.
NOTE: I used the Kindle version and found this edition to be excellent on the iPad, as you can quickly flip to different chapters as you may need them for your meditation practice. I highly recommend it for the lower price and extra utility.
Further, your understanding of how to structure your meditation practice will improve throughout as he discusses things to do before, how to deal with restlessness, and numerous other issues certain to come up. I tried to start meditating before I read all of the book and felt awkward and uncertain. Having finished the book, I feel more prepared and know what I can expect from my practice. Even the added epilogue contains some extremely valuable wisdom for practicing mindfulness and loving friendliness in your daily life, not just "on the cushion".
If you want to see the positive changes in your life that mindfulness can afford but aren't sure where to begin, start here.
NOTE: I used the Kindle version and found this edition to be excellent on the iPad, as you can quickly flip to different chapters as you may need them for your meditation practice. I highly recommend it for the lower price and extra utility.
ByKevin T. Briggson July 18, 2012
I had the pleasure of attending a meditation retreat last year and Bhante Gunaratana was the featured teacher. It was a profound experience, and Bhante Gunaratana was very skilled at guiding the participants through mindful reathing and mindful walking. He is a true gem in the world of spirituality, and anyone interested in meditation or the dharma should seek him out.
"Mindfulness in plain English" is a literary accomplishment. From the very first page Bhanta Gunaratana does a wonderful job of engaging the reader in what can easily become a very complicated topic. However, the topic never does become complicated. In fact, the explanations remain simple, concrete, and very direct. It is obvious that Bhante Gunaratana is only interested in the reader understanding the basic ideas of meditation. Follow the breath, return to the breath, again, again, and again. Keep doing so. The rewards are self-evident. This is Bhante Gunaratana's main instruction. It works so well because for the beginning meditator the struggle is against one's own body. Following the breath is very difficult at first, and is always at least somewhat of a challenge after learning the skill. This book is only about these things, in plain English.
I find no faults in this book. Bhante Gunaratana even avoids buddhism by and large, which must be difficult as he is a buddhist monk who has studied, pursued, and taught the dharma for the majority of his life. So, if you are not inclined towards buddhism, this book is still an indespensible guide for meditation in general.
"Mindfulness in plain English" is a literary accomplishment. From the very first page Bhanta Gunaratana does a wonderful job of engaging the reader in what can easily become a very complicated topic. However, the topic never does become complicated. In fact, the explanations remain simple, concrete, and very direct. It is obvious that Bhante Gunaratana is only interested in the reader understanding the basic ideas of meditation. Follow the breath, return to the breath, again, again, and again. Keep doing so. The rewards are self-evident. This is Bhante Gunaratana's main instruction. It works so well because for the beginning meditator the struggle is against one's own body. Following the breath is very difficult at first, and is always at least somewhat of a challenge after learning the skill. This book is only about these things, in plain English.
I find no faults in this book. Bhante Gunaratana even avoids buddhism by and large, which must be difficult as he is a buddhist monk who has studied, pursued, and taught the dharma for the majority of his life. So, if you are not inclined towards buddhism, this book is still an indespensible guide for meditation in general.
ByYishai ben Yakov Leibon April 16, 2012
This is a very important book. Very insightful, informative, & at times humorous. Gunaratana walks the razor's edge between explaining & brief clarity, giving just enough to provide a firm practical foundation. He touches on a sketch of orienting theory lightly enough to provide context without getting too deeply entrenched in Buddhist culture so as to distract from the method & its application possibilities. The wording seems effortlessly Western & familiar. It certainly encourages an easy & fruitful beginning insight meditation & universal friendliness practice.
ByMike N.on May 9, 2017
A classic book on meditation. Good for all experience levels but an especially good text for beginners.. Bhante Gunaratana is both a scholar and a experienced meditator.
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