Wisdom Develops Samādhi is Ajaan Mahā Boowa’s ground-breaking treatise on the role wisdom plays in promoting the development of calm and concentration in Buddhist meditation practice. It describes various techniques for using the practice of investigation to forcefully subdue an unruly mind when more traditional methods for attaining samādhi are not effective.
Ajaan Mun is a towering figure in contemporary Thai Buddhism. He was widely revered during his lifetime for the extraordinary courage and determination he displayed in practicing the ascetic way of life and for his uncompromising strictness in teaching his many disciples. The epitome of a wandering monk intent on renunciation and solitude, he assumed an exalted status in Buddhist circles, his life and teachings becoming synonymous with the Buddha’s noble quest for self-transcendence.
Forest Dhamma was the first book published containing English translations of Ajaan Mahā Boowa’s discourses on the practice of Dhamma. In it are presented most of his basic teachings on meditation. The talks in this collection deal with practical aspects of meditation, and particularly with the development of wisdom in the light of fundamental principles of truth.
Being near Ajaan Paññā, one sensed his palpable inner peace and serenity. His gaze was open, calm and benevolent, free of conflict, bias or judgment. With his warmth, his wisdom and his compassion, Ajaan Paññā personified the nobility of the teachings. By his personal example, the Dhamma was rendered practical and vibrant with life. Earnest practitioners saw in his exemplary manner and in his freedom from attachments, the special teacher whom they longed to encounter.
This reprint of Living Buddhist Masters is one of the most valuable books in print on Theravada Buddhist practice, bringing to the reader the precise instructions of twelve great meditation masters, including Mahasi Sayadaw, Achaan Chah and U Ba Khin. With lucid introductory chapters and photos.
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.
