Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 288 pages
- Published by: Wisdom Publications May 25, 2001
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0861711769
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0861711765
-
Book Dimensions:
8.7 x 6 x 0.8 inches
- Weighs: 10.4 ounces
Reader Reviews
In this much-anticipated "sequel" to his 1993 meditation guide, MINDFULNESS IN PLAIN ENGLISH, Bhante G. recognizes that understanding the Buddha's teaching requires effort. "It is certainly much easier," he writes, "not to strive, not to change, just to take life for granted, and to continue in whatever patterns of thought and behavior have become your comfortable habits" (p. 247). Bhante G's new book may be read as a "complete guide to happiness," summed up in the eight steps (p. 1) of the Noble Eightfold Path: "skillful understanding" (pp. 25-55), "skillful thinking" (pp. 57-89), "skillful speech" (pp. 91-108), "skillful action" (pp. 109-132), "skillful livelihood" (pp. 133-148), "skillful effort" (pp. 149-192), "skillful mindfulness" (pp. 193-222), and "skillful concentration" (pp. 223-245). These eight steps are the spokes of the wheel of clarity, Bhante G tells us, and he encourages us to "set the wheel spinning" through our daily practice (p. 51) with the goal of finding "inner light, inner brightness, inner warmth" (p. 251). Bhante G. is a good teacher, and he illuminates his discussion with interesting anecdotes. "The present moment is your teacher," he writes in the same straightforward style as his previous book. "Turn it into your personal laboratory. Pay attention. Investigate. You alone can generate wisdom in yourself" (p. 253). "Walk the path for yourself," he tells us. "The path is spread across all the experiences of your life as you cultivate increasing skillfulness in thought, word, and deed" (p. 256). This is a "sequel" that stands on its own, and like MINDFULNESS IN PLAIN ENGLISH, this book is sure to become a trusted dharma resource on my bookshelf reserved for life-changing books. G. Merritt
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