Book Description

Often when there is widespread interest in a subject, there are also widespread misunderstandings. This is certainly true regarding current interest in Buddhist meditation. Many different – and sometimes contradictory – methods of meditation are presently available, and the beginning meditator often finds it difficult to know which methods are beneficial or unbeneficial when viewed in terms of the Buddha’s path, and which are balanced and complete. The purpose of this book is to give the reader enough background in the Buddha’s path to make an informed choice in deciding which method of meditation to pursue. It emphasizes Right View – the first step of the path – as being of crucial importance, for without the development of Right View through reasoned investigation of physical and mental processes, no amount of concentration or mindfulness, bare awareness, or “going with the flow” can lead to absolute freedom from suffering. Included is an appendix which suggests a number of beginning techniques in walking and sitting meditation for use in conjunction with the approaches for developing Right View, discussed in the body of the book. The author, abbot of a forest monastery in northeastern Thailand, has written several Dhamma books, and is frequently invited to Bangkok to teach.