A self-described meditation junkie, Brahm, the author of the popular Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung?, shares his recipe for bliss in this practical, energizing new book. The Meditator's Handbook is a complete, stem-to-stern guide to the subject, with precise step-by-step instructions for traversing the stages of practice and overcoming obstacles. Drawing on his working-class roots, Brahm explains difficult concepts clearly and easily, so that beginners understand them, while those who already meditate gain new insight. Full of surprises, delightfully goofy humor, and entertaining stories that inspire, instruct, and illuminate, The Meditator's Handbook encourages novices and gives a shot in the arm to more experienced practitioners.
Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond: A Meditator's Handbook; Ajahn Brahm; Wisdom Publications; Paperback; 291 pages; $19.95
AJAHN BRAHM has been a Buddhist monk for over forty years and is the abbot and spiritual director of the Buddhist Society of Western Australia. He is the author of many books, including Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung?; Don't Worry, Be Grumpy; Bear Awareness; and Falling is Flying.
| Foreword
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vi
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| Abbreviations |
ix |
| Acknowledgments |
x
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Introduction: The Big Picture
Meditation and its goal. How to use this book |
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| Part 1: The Happiness of Meditation |
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1. The Basic Method of Meditation I
A solid foundation using the first four stages of meditation |
7
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2. The Basic Method of Meditation II
Three advanced stages of meditation in which the breath becomes beautiful |
19
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3. The Hindrances to Meditation I
The first two of the five hindrances standing between us and deeper states of meditation--sensory desire and ill will |
29 |
4. The Hindrances to Meditation II
The remaining three hindrances--sloth and torpor, restlessness and remorse, and doubt |
39 |
5. The Quality of Mindfulness
Mindfulness, the gatekeeper, and how we can succeed in meditation. |
53 |
6. Using Variety to Freshen Up Our Meditation
Meditations that entertain the mind, relieve boredom, and create joy |
65 |
7. The Beautiful Breath
Gaining deep states of meditation--the jhanas--and the insights of enlightenment |
81 |
8. The Four Focuses of Mindfulness
Using the focuses of mindfulness to arrive at the jewel in the heart of the lotus |
103 |
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| Part 2: To Bliss and Beyond |
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9. The Jhanas I: Bliss
The "beautiful breath" that begins the journey |
127 |
10. The Jhanas II: Bliss upon Bliss
Nimittas, the doorway to the jhanas |
137 |
11. The Jhanas III: Bliss upon Bliss upon Bliss
How to enter a jhana, and what it is like inside |
153 |
12. The Nature of Deep Insight
What keeps us from seeing things as they truly are.
How a mind empowered by deep meditation discovers truth |
173 |
13. The Deep Insight That Liberates
Deep insights that change everything and lead us to the experience of enlightenment |
185 |
14. Enlightenment: Entering the Stream
What nibbana (enlightenment) is, and the first experience of nibbana--stream winning |
211 |
15. Onward to Full Enlightenment
The four stages of enlightenment, and how to tell if someone is enlightened |
231 |
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Conclusion: Letting Go to the End
The importance of letting go, the attachments or hurdles we may encounter, and how to develop peace and happiness in our busy lives |
255 |
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| Notes |
273 |
| Bibliography |
277 |
| Index |
281 |
| About the Author |
292 |
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