Theravāda Meditation
Theravāda Meditation

Author: Winston Lee King

Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publ.

Published: 1992

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9788120808423

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The first book in English to relate modern forms of Theravada meditational practice to its Indian roots, Theravada Meditation: The Buddhist Transformation of Yoga rectifies the publishing imbalance toward Mahayana and Zen. The classic Theravada pattern in Buddhaghosa`s Path of Purification (circa A.D. 500) is shown to be relevant to the present Buddhist world. Beginning with a general description of similarities and differences between the Upanisadic-Yogic and early Buddhist viewpoints, the author goes on to analyze Gotama`s rejection-acceptance-modification of the Upanisadic-Yogic method of striving for moksa (salvation) in his search for Buddhahood (enlightenment), as related in the Pali Canon. A second major section analyzes the meditational method of Buddhaghosa, showing the interaction between Upanisadic-Yogic jhanas (modes of concentration) and Buddhist vipassana (insight meditation). Attention is given to the highest attainable state, nirodha-samapatti (cessation of thought and perception), held by Theravada Buddhism to be an actual experience of Nibbana (world-escape) in this life. The final chapter discusses the attraction of Theravada meditation in parts of the contemporary world, notably Burma, drawing upon materials little known in the West. In Burma and, to some degree, in Ceylon and Thailand, emphasis is on a simplified meditational method open to layman as well as monk, yet viewed as fully orthodox. Contents Preface, Yogic Factors in gotama Buddha's Enlightenment, Conditions, Preparations, and Lower Levels of Meditation, The Jhanic and Formless States, The Jhanic Related Buddhist Meditation, Vipassana Meditation, The Attainment of Cessation (Nirodha-Samapatti), Contemporary Theravada Meditation in Burma, Appendix A Buddhist Pilgrim's Progress , Notes, Selected and Annotated Bibliography, Index.

Esoteric Theravada
Esoteric Theravada

Author: Kate Crosby

Publisher: Shambhala Publications

Published: 2020-12-22

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 1611807948

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A groundbreaking exploration of a practice tradition that was nearly lost to history. Theravada Buddhism, often understood as the school that most carefully preserved the practices taught by the Buddha, has undergone tremendous change over time. Prior to Western colonialism in Asia—which brought Western and modernist intellectual concerns, such as the separation of science and religion, to bear on Buddhism—there existed a tradition of embodied, esoteric, and culturally regional Theravada meditation practices. This once-dominant traditional meditation system, known as borān kammatthāna, is related to—yet remarkably distinct from—Vipassana and other Buddhist and secular mindfulness practices that would become the hallmark of Theravada Buddhism in the twentieth century. Drawing on a quarter century of research, scholar Kate Crosby offers the first holistic discussion of borān kammatthāna, illuminating the historical events and cultural processes by which the practice has been marginalized in the modern era.

Buddho
Buddho

Author: Venerable Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo

Publisher: San Fran Dhammaram Temple

Published:

Total Pages: 139

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

I have written this book, Buddho, so that readers will come to understand the correct meaning and use of the word “Buddho.” There are those who wrongly believe that by just reciting the word “Buddho” they are able to rid defilements and cravings (kilesa) from their minds, then expecting wisdom to arise which will enable them to realize how thing really are (the Truth). However, just reciting repetitiously the parikamma word “Buddho” does not make one reach purity of mind (citta) and gain Noble Fruitions, and Nibbana. The use of the word “Buddho” has two distinct applications in these Dhamma practices: Samatha (tranquility meditation) Vipassana (gaining wisdom) These two types of Dhamma practice, samatha and vipassana, have different purposes and ways to practice. You will know and understand those differences by reading this book. Please read with rational discernment and come to the correct understanding. Once you understand the correct meaning and use of “Buddho,” Dhamma practice will not be confusing. In your present life, if you have accumulated sufficient merit and virtue (parami), you shall reach one of the four stages of Noble Fruitions. If not, you will reincarnate in the era of the next Lord Buddha, Buddha Metteyya.” You will listen to his Dhamma, develop wisdom and see the Truth. You will reach the ultimate state of Nibbana, becoming an arahant. In the present life, consider yourself as a lucky person to become a Buddhist disciple. Do not let this good opportunity go by. Put forth great effort to practice Dhamma and strive to accumulate merit and virtue. If you miss this good opportunity in the present life, it is uncertain that you will reincarnate to become a Buddhist again as in the present life. In this life, you have responsibilities and work to do, so just keep doing them as your duty. As your special task, keep practicing Dhamma and accumulate virtue and merit, for these will go with you when you pass away from this world. It will be the benefit of life and your real treasure. Finally, my wish for you is that you gain discernment and wisdom to see the real view of the Truth in this present life. Phra Acariya Thoon Khippapanno

The Birth of Insight
The Birth of Insight

Author: Erik Braun

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2013-11-19

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 022600094X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Insight meditation, which claims to offer practitioners a chance to escape all suffering by perceiving the true nature of reality, is one of the most popular forms of meditation today. The Theravada Buddhist cultures of South and Southeast Asia often see it as the Buddha’s most important gift to humanity. In the first book to examine how this practice came to play such a dominant—and relatively recent—role in Buddhism, Erik Braun takes readers to Burma, revealing that Burmese Buddhists in the colonial period were pioneers in making insight meditation indispensable to modern Buddhism. Braun focuses on the Burmese monk Ledi Sayadaw, a pivotal architect of modern insight meditation, and explores Ledi’s popularization of the study of crucial Buddhist philosophical texts in the early twentieth century. By promoting the study of such abstruse texts, Braun shows, Ledi was able to standardize and simplify meditation methods and make them widely accessible—in part to protect Buddhism in Burma after the British takeover in 1885. Braun also addresses the question of what really constitutes the “modern” in colonial and postcolonial forms of Buddhism, arguing that the emergence of this type of meditation was caused by precolonial factors in Burmese culture as well as the disruptive forces of the colonial era. Offering a readable narrative of the life and legacy of one of modern Buddhism’s most important figures, The Birth of Insight provides an original account of the development of mass meditation.

Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism

Author: Asanga Tilakaratne

Publisher: University of Hawaii Press

Published: 2012-09-30

Total Pages: 218

ISBN-13: 0824837290

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book brings to life the age-old religious tradition of Theravada (literally, “view of the elders”) Buddhism as it is found in ancient texts and understood and practiced today in South and Southeast Asia. Following a brief introduction to the life of the historical Buddha and the beginning of his mission, the book examines the Triple Gem (the Buddha, his teachings, and the community of monastic followers) and the basic teachings of the Buddha in the earliest available Pali sources. Basic Buddhist concepts such as dependent co-origination, the four noble truths, the three trainings, and karma and its result are discussed in non-technical language, along with the Buddha’s message on social wellbeing. The author goes on to chronicle his own involvement as an observer-participant in “the Theravada world,” where he was born and raised. His is a rare first-hand account of living Theravada Buddhism not only in its traditional habitats, but also in the world at large at the dawn of the twenty-first century. He concludes with a discussion on what is happening to Theravada today across the globe, covering issues such as diaspora Buddhism, women’s Buddhism, and engaged Buddhism. The book’s accessible language and clear explication of Theravada doctrine and texts make this an ideal introduction for the student and general reader.

Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond
Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond

Author: Brahm

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2006-08-11

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 0861712757

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"Better than sex!" That's how Ajahn Brahm describes meditation, and his enthusiasm is contagious. 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.

Wisdom Wide and Deep
Wisdom Wide and Deep

Author: Shaila Catherine

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2011-10-10

Total Pages: 596

ISBN-13: 0861718526

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Wisdom Wide and Deep is a comprehensive guide to an in-depth training that emphasizes the application of concentrated attention (jhana) to profound and liberating insight (vipassana). With calm, tranquility, and composure established through a practical experience of jhana meditators are able to halt the seemingly endless battle against hindrances, eliminate distraction, and facilitate a penetrative insight into the subtle nature of matter and mind. It was for this reason the Buddha frequently exhorted his students, Wisdom Wide and Deep follows and amplifies the teachings in Shaila Catherine's acclaimed first book, Focused and Fearless: A Meditator's Guide to States of Deep Joy, Calm, and Clarity. Readers will learn to develop this profound stability, sustain an in-depth examination of the nuances of mind and matter, and ultimately unravel deeply conditioned patterns that perpetuate suffering. This fully detailed manual for the mind sure to become a trusted companion to many inner explorers.

Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism

Author: Kate Crosby

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2013-09-16

Total Pages: 467

ISBN-13: 1118323297

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Theravada Buddhism provides a comprehensive introductory overview of the history, teachings, and current practice of an often misunderstood form of one of the world’s oldest religious traditions. Explores Theravada Buddhism’s origins, evolution, teachings, and practices Considers the practice of Theravada beyond Sri Lanka and Thailand, by exploring a wealth of material from countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam Reveals its rich and varied traditions, and corrects common misunderstandings about links to other practices, such as early Buddhism or Hinayana Buddhism Incorporates student-friendly features including a glossary and other study aids