Author: Henepola Gunaratana
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Year: 2008
Language: English
Pages: 263
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120812360
Description
In the oldest scriptures of Theravada Buddhism much attention is given to the Jhanas, high levels of meditative attainment distinguished by powerful concentration and purity of mind. Ven. Dr Gunaratana examines these jhanas within the context of Buddhist teaching as a whole and particularly within the meditation disciplines taught by the Buddha.
Beginning with the ethical foundation of meditation, the role of the teacher, the classical subjects of meditation, and the appropriateness of these subjects to individual practitioners, the author traces the practice of meditation to the higher reaches of realization. The eight stages of jhana are individually analyzed and explained in terms of their relation to one another and to the ultimate goal of the teaching.
The author makes the critical distinction between the mundane jhanas and super mundane jhanas, pointing out that the lower four, while leading to various mental powers and psychic attainments, are not necessary to full enlightenment and may be developed or bypassed as the meditation wishes. The author goes on to explain the place of the jhanas among the accomplishments of the arahat and to elucidate their usefulness for the dedicated meditator.
EXCERPTS FROM REVIEWS:
This is a work which combines sound scholarship with considerable experience. The author's approach successfully combines a time-honored methodology with a clear and business like form of exposition well adapted to the present times.
- Amadeo Sole-Leris, Buddhist Studies Review
The quality of the author's exposition is doubled bas he consults the Burmese Buddha Sasana Samiti editions and Sinhalese and Devanagari editions of the commentaries and sub-commentaries besides, without solely relying on the PTS edition.
- Review Projector (India)
For a long time in my experience new-comers to Buddhism have been confused about the position of Jhanas (absorptions) in Buddhist meditations practice. This is the first book .. Which deals clearly and exhaustively with the subject.
- Philip M Eden , Middle Way
The book will help to elucidate the nature of the experience to a large number of earnest people who are endeavoring to find lasting peace of mind through the use of Buddhist meditation practice. It is one through which a meditator may attain the various levels of jhanas. It is highly recommended to those who are interested in proper meditation techniques for their mental development, tranquility and purity.
- Voice of Buddhism
Contents
PREFACE
Introduction
The Prelimanires to Practice
The Conquest of the Hinerances
The First Jhana and its Factors
The Higher Jhanas
Beyond the Four Jhanas
The Way of Wisdom
Jhana and the Noble Attainments
Conclusion
Appendix
Glossary
List of Abbreviations
Select Bibliography
Index
English / Pali