Mindfulness in Plain English

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.

This is truly a classic, a nuts-and-bolts guide to meditation, and probably the most comprehensive one ever written in terms of advice for dealing with distractions. I have meditated and taught meditation for many years, and realized as I was reading this 20th anniversary edition that I had read it before, about 15 years ago, and found it tremendously helpful at the time, but couldn't fully appreciate everything it had to offer. Reading it now, after more years meditating and teaching, I was truly awe struck at points. He characterizes so many distractions, and methods for dealing with them, in amazing detail. I especially appreciated his descriptions of 'thinking' vs. 'sinking' mind, and his concrete suggestions for dealing with both. I also appreciated his descriptions of the difference between mindfulness and concentration, and the balance that needs to be struck between both, and what happens when they are out of balance. He covers more basic distractions as well, in terms of physical pain, and feeling bored, etc. The brilliance of this book is that it could only have been written by someone like himself that has taught meditation for so many years, and to so many different people, because it seems virtually every possible hurdle is addressed. I think it's worth noting that this is written within the context of the Vipassana Buddhist tradition, so the type of meditation taught is rooted in focus on the breath, and on mindfulness or 'insight' meditation. He does frame this instruction within a Buddhist context, and outlines the Vipassana path to awakening. However, because so much of this book is general advice on meditating, and suggestions for dealing with distractions, this book will be of value even to people who practice or teach other forms of meditation, or are coming to meditation with stress-reduction or other aims besides spiritual. I myself teach chakra/kundalini based meditation, but didn't find this diminished my appreciation for the book - most of the meditation advice would apply to almost any path. Many of the additions/edits to this 20th anniversary edition are meant to clarify the Vipassana context, so that helps with this as well.

Great book

The book deal with a very complex subject in an extremely simple way. I regret that I did not buy it before. But....never is too late!

Life altering book!!! if you are one of those who says/thinks - meditation is 'bakwas' and is only for 'babaji log', just try it! Must read for anyone contemplating on trying meditation OR looking for sharper focus and better memory. peacefulness and happiness are some of the side benefits! However, the real benefit is beyond the reach of words/expressions... can't be explained, can only be perceived directly! (to understand the challenge of describing, consider explaining what vision is, to a blind person who is blind by birth!) creates a crystal clear view in reader's mind about what meditation is and what it is not! and how to do it- step by step guide. no 'baba ji like preaching'. it's like a scientist explaining to make us understand what, how, why of meditation. it teaches the technique for doing meditation very beautifully, in a convincing manner. It removes the doubts even before they arise in your mind (while you attempt to do meditation). It presents a very simplistic view about meditation- takes away confusing/religious part. It answers questions that may come to a beginners mind. It prepares so well that person can face the hurdles (in practice of meditation) with confidence and overcomes that. I learnt meditation from it around 2-3 years back and practicing the same since then. i greatly benefitted from it. and now i am trying to spread this technique to as many people as i can.. by verbally sharing, and by gifting/sharing this book. only caution/tip i would like to share, about meditation, is: you have to be consistent and persistent (at least for few weeks)! It may appear futile in the beginning.. but you would be able to perceive the effect/benefits after a month or so. just keep at it.. benefits will surely come! I began with just 5 minutes a day... and that's perhaps why i could continue for several weeks..after which positive effects, kicked in and provided the necessary motivation. Most people give up just too early... and deprive themselves of the great benefits it brings at near zero cost!

Der Autor beschreibt in einfacher Sprache die Vipassana Meditation. Keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich. Sehr praktisches Buch, du kannst sofort loslegen, sehr viele anregende Impulse, leicht zu lesen und auch sehr interessant, ja fesselnd geschrieben. Bin sehr angetan davon.

A lot of useful recommendations and procedures for meditation. The book first introduces what meditation is and then goes bit by bit into the topic of Vipasanna Meditation. Recommend for people who want to learn meditation, relaxation, concentration, etc.