Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English

[Matthew]

In his latest book Bhante Gunaratana addresses the lack of Shamatha and Jhana in modern Buddhism, as it has transitioned to the west. He is one of the few people starting to place an emphasis on such practice.

[not me]

This book is my current subject of study. I find its contents more challenging to comprehend than its predecessor, but no less compelling.

[Matthew]

Steve,

There is never an experience that can replace the experience itself - not reading a book, hearing a story - or anything else. If you have understood the purpose of Shamatha practice and followed closely the instruction of the Buddha (which differ from Bhante Gunatarana's), then Jhana arises and is transcended to Vipassana. What goes up must come down. No point reading books that point to Mars when you haven't seen the Moon!

Warmly,

Matthew

[sage_caveman]

Hello,

My first post here:)

Mindfulness In Plain English is the only book about meditation I've read so far. I'm keen to read a book which elaborates on Shamatha. I've researched this forum, many comments on amazon.com and came to the conclusion that Bhante Gunatarana is reliable source of information about meditation.

"If you have understood the purpose of Shamatha practice and followed closely the instruction of the Buddha (which differ from Bhante Gunatarana's)(...)"

 Now I'm shocked and don't know what to think? What do you mean? Could you write more? What would you recommend a newbie after reading above-mentioned book?

Regards

[Matthew]

Welcome sage - or do you prefer caveman?

I do recommend the book. Just ignore everything about your nose.

The Buddha taught, "The monk having taken himself to a secluded spot, sits on the floor. Having established mindfulness to the fore, he breathes in sensitive to the entire body and calming the entire body. He breathes out sensitive to the entire body and calming the entire body."

If you want to know why search the forum for Vagus Nerve and read my posts on it.

Warm regards, and have no fear - Bhante Gunaratana is a good teacher. The Buddha never mentions noses though. The word used in Pali is Paramukham which could mean "about" or "fully" + "face" or "facing". The correct interpretation is "fully facing the object of meditation"  (always an aspect of self) - it is the beginning, the middle and the end of meditation.

(Here comes the spoiler - at the end you realise there is no one to face because you have removed the conditioning that leads to the sense of self "I, me and mine".) Then you are truly alive.

Warmly, in the Dhamma,

Matthew

[Morning Dew]

(Here comes the spoiler - at the end you realise there is no one to face because you have removed the conditioning that leads to the sense of self "I, me and mine".) Then you are truly alive.

Man, that would be the day to celebrate    

BTW I have the book but feel it is not right time to read it.

[atalero]

Thanks for spoiling the ending Matthew...Sheeeesh!

Kidding, of course

[Morning Dew]

Cut off the nose! No nose, you hear!

LoL ha ha ha

Man too much dopamine Im telling ya. I better go to sleep now and calm down.

Good night ya all

Che freindly

[sage_caveman]

Thanks for an interesting answer(s) My mistake though, I've just read a topic about Shamatha....

I ordered the book, but I'll postpone reading it for a few weeks/months, cause I already got too many informations about meditation in my head. It turned out that the more the better principle is not applicable to meditation

Regards

P.S I'm a sage caveman

[Matthew]

sage caveman

My practice, orientation, school or tradition tells you my take on this: "Keep It Simple".

Words can cloud or aid understanding. In the beginning there is calm abiding practice as the first stage towards change. This leads to a reduction of words swimming round your head so less reading is often a wise choice once you have enough confidence to actually practice and work with the technique.

Warmly,

Matthew

[Jhana4]

I never would have heard about this book if not for this thread, thanks for posting.