2022/06/02

The Red Thread of Passion: Spirituality and the Paradox of Sex by David Guy | Goodreads

The Red Thread of Passion: Spirituality and the Paradox of Sex by David Guy | Goodreads

The Red Thread of Passion: Spirituality and the Paradox of Sex

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 3.75  ·   Rating details ·  32 ratings  ·  6 reviews
Is sex an enemy that must be subdued before spiritual practice can happen, or is it a powerful creative force and a vehicle of enlightenment? There may be no completely satisfying answer—though the question has engendered discussion for centuries. David Guy's contribution takes the form of a personal exploration of the place of sex in his own life and meditation practice, as well as in the lives and work of figures he has come to regard as pioneers on the boundaries of sex and spirituality: Walt Whitman, D. H. Lawrence, Alan Watts, and the erotic writer Marco Vassi among them. It also includes accounts of his pilgrimages to contemporary theorists, activists, and sex workers.

From poets to prostitutes, everyone has something to say, even though the reconciliation of sex and spirituality may always remain something of a paradox—as expressed in the Zen koan from which the title is taken: "Why is it that the most clear-eyed monk cannot sever the red thread of passion between his legs?" David Guy's answer is this honest and compelling exploration of the nature of desire.
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Hardcover260 pages
Published April 20th 1999 by Shambhala
Original Title
The Red Thread of Passion
ISBN
1570623597  (ISBN13: 9781570623592)
Edition Language
English
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 Average rating3.75  · 
 ·  32 ratings  ·  6 reviews


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Sejin,
Sejin, start your review of The Red Thread of Passion: Spirituality and the Paradox of Sex
Josh Rollins
Jul 09, 2013rated it really liked it
I'd probably toss this book away into the pile of "meh" at many other periods in my life, but somehow, it found me just at the right moment.

Guy is very much into Zen and Buddhism, but he doesn't try to convince you his way is the best, as many other books about sex and spirituality would. As a matter of fact, he was one of the few people who admitted to be confused and unsure of themselves at the moment where everyone else around me - besides me - were pretty damn sure about themselves.

So peop
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Michael
A more accurate title would have been "A Writer Obsesses about Sex by Admiring Other Highly Sexed Writers, Then Concludes There Are No Conclusions." There are a few insights mixed with a lot of cloudy (and explicit) enthusiasm. (less)
John
This is the book I want my students in Sexuality and Spirituality to read.. on their own.
Sarah
Sep 15, 2012rated it it was amazing
So far this book has proven to be an eye opener. I have been fascinated with the topic of men writing about sex ever since I started reading Marco Vassi. David Guy not only goes there, he stays there to contemplate and observe for the rest of us. I will post a full review when I am finished. I am pretty sure already that this will be another book I give to everyone and their brother, it is that important.
Judy Lindow
Dec 30, 2013marked it as to-read
This book was 2.00 in the discounted books at my local 2nd hand book store. Um. Shambhala press? Read a page. Must be here for a reason. 2 weeks later. Still here. Must be here for me. Brought the book home and started reading about Marco Vassi. Um. Will write a review later.

Not porn - not romance - sounds like an unusual find.
E Jeanne Harnois
Apr 07, 2013rated it really liked it
A thoughtful discussion on sex from a male perspective that's longer than one sentence and isn't porn. Who knew!?! The "book" on sex I can imagine a guy writing: "Sex is good...oh wait, the game's on." (less)

Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice Larry Rosenberg | Goodreads

일상에서의 호흡명상 숨 - 빨리어 호흡관법경 강의 
래리 로젠버그 (지은이),미산,권선아 (옮긴이)한언출판사2006-04-05
원제 : Breath by Breath (1998년)




224쪽

책소개

<호흡관법경>은 붓다의 근본 가르침에 입각하여 빨리어로 쓰여진 불교 명상 경전이다. 이 책은 불교 초기 수행법을 체계적으로 정리한 <호흡관법경>을 지금 독자들에 맞게 해설한 수행 지침서이다. 심리학 교수이자 인도, 한국 등에서 수련한 지은이가 특별한 기술이나 도구 없이도 호흡을 통해 간편하게 수행을 할 수 있도록 돕는다.

호흡수행법을 16단계로 구성하여 1~4장까지는 각각 4단계씩의 수행법을, 5장에서는 2단계로 축약한 수행법을 소개한다. 일상 속에서의 수행과 침묵 혹은 적멸을 주제로 한 수행을 함께 소개하였고, 다른 수행법처럼 특정 문화 색깔을 강하게 띠지 않는 보편적인 수준의 수행법으로 소개하여 자연스러운 입문이 가능하도록 했다.


목차
추천의 글
일러두기
머리말 - 나만의 수행 방법을 찾아서

1장 숨과 몸에 대한 관찰
2장 숨과 느낌에 대한 관찰
3장 숨과 마음에 대한 관찰
4장 숨과 법에 대한 관찰
5장 삼매와 지혜에 이르는 숨의 관찰
6장 숨의 관찰과 일상에서의 수행
7장 숨에서 침묵 속으로

감사의 말
부록 - 빨리어 호흡관법경 번역
용어 해설
참고문헌
=====
책속에서
빨리어인 위빠사나는 '통찰'로 번역된다. 그리고 내가 상좌불교의 전통에 따라 가르치는 수행은 미국에서 통찰명상으로 알려지게 되었다. 통찰명상수행원이 설립되었을 때, 그리고 내가 캠브리지통찰명상수행원을 시작했을 때, 우리는 위빠사나 대신 insight(통찰)를 선택했다. 외국어가 불교로부터 사람들을 멀어지게 할 것이라고 느껴서였다.

문제는 insight란 단어가 다양한 뜻을 가지고 있다는 것이다. 사람들은 가끔 그것이 치료나 꿈의 분석, 또는 일기 쓰기 같은 데서 쓰는 통찰을 의미한다고 생각한다. 그런 통찰은 명상에서도 나타나며, 그것은 매우 가치 있는 것일 수도 있다. 하지만 위빠사나는 매우 특정한 의미를 지니고 있고, 이 마지막 법념처에 상세히 설명된 지혜를 의미한다. 무상을 보는 것은 그 모든 것을 보는 것이다. - 본문 205~206쪽에서  접기
잘 봐라. 너는 지금 혼란스럽다. 그리고 그건 아무렇지도 않은 일이다.-147쪽 - 이누아
우리에게 음식은 중요한 부분이고, 우리의 사랑은 섹스를 포함한다. 우리는 돈도 필요하다. 이런 형태의 에너지를 효과적으로 다루는 법을 배우는 것은 매우 중요하다. 두려움 때문에 그들에게서 도망쳐서는 안 된다.-148쪽 - 이누아
우리는 깨달음이 항상 기분 좋은 경험일 거라고 생각한다. 그런 상태를 바라는 것은 단지 또 다른 욕망일 뿐이다. 진정한 깨달음은 거기 무엇이 있든, 단지 있는 그대로 그와 함께 머무는 것이다. 그것이 다른 것이기를 바라지 않는 것이다. 혹은 만약 그것이 다른 것이기를 바라는 우리 자신을 본다면, 그 바람까지도 꿰뚫어 보는 것이다. 그것은 끝없는 과정이다. -236쪽  접기 - 이누아


저자 및 역자소개
래리 로젠버그 (Larry Rosenberg) (지은이) 
브루클린 대학 졸업 후 시카고 대학에서 사회심리학 박사학위를 취득했다. 하버드 의과대학 정신과, 시카고 대학, 브랜다이스 대학에서 사회심리학을 가르쳤다.
브랜다이스 대학 교수 시절 지두 크리슈나무르티를 만나면서 명상을 시작한 이래로 숭산 선사, 아잔 마하 부와, 붓다다사 등 여러 선지식들에게 가르침을 받았다.
오랜 세월 죽음 알아차림 수행에 천착하여 얻은 지혜와 수행 지도의 경험 그리고 붓다의 ‘죽음에 관한 다섯 가지 성찰’을 바탕으로, 그는 늙어 감, 병듦, 그리고 죽음과 친밀해지는 것이 얼마나 우리를 자유롭게 해 주는지를 보여 준다.
존 카밧진, 조셉 골드스타인 등과 더불어 서양을 대표하는 1세대 현대 명상 스승으로서 왕성하게 활동하고 있으며, 1987년 미국 매사추세츠주 케임브리지 통찰 명상 센터를 설립, 지금까지 명상을 지도하고 있다. 쓴 책으로 『일상에서의 호흡명상, 숨』과 『호흡이 주는 선물』이 있다. 접기
최근작 : <잘 죽는다는 것>,<호흡이 주는 선물>,<일상에서의 호흡명상 숨> … 총 15종 (모두보기)


미산 (옮긴이) 

KAIST 명상과학연구소 소장이자 상도선원 선원장, 하트스마일명상연구회 회장. 1972년 백양사로 출가한 이래 봉암사와 백양사 운문선원 등에서 간화선 수행을 했으며, 인도와 미얀마에서 초기불교 명상 수행을 했다. 동국대학교 선학과를 졸업했으며, 팔리어와 산스크리트어 문헌을 연구하여 인도 뿌나 대학교에서 석사 학위를 받았다. 이후 옥스퍼드 대학교 동양학부에서 〈남방불교의 찰나설의 연구〉로 철학 박사 학위를 취득했으며, 하버드 대학교 세계종교연구소 선임연구원, 중앙승가대학교 교수를 역임했다.
현대인을 위한 자비 명상 프로그램인 하트스마일명상을 계발하여 누구나 일상에서 자비를 실천할 수 있도록 돕고 있다. 저서로 《미산스님의 초기경전 강의》, 공저로는 《행복, 채움으로 얻는가 비움으로 얻는가》 《자비, 깨달음의 씨앗인가 열매인가》 《마음, 어떻게 움직이는가》 《인생교과서 부처》가 있으며, 역서로는 래리 로젠버그의 《일상에서의 호흡명상, 숨》 《호흡이 주는 선물》(공역) 등이 있다. 접기
최근작 : <[큰글자책] 미산스님 초기경전 강의 >,<참여와 명상, 그 하나됨을 위한 여정>,<미산스님 초기경전 강의> … 총 17종 (모두보기)


권선아 (옮긴이) 
고려대학교 사범대와 동 대학원 국문과에서 공부했고, 동국대학교 불교학과에서 「현대 서양의 자비 명상 연구」라는 논문으로 박사학위를 받았다. 2003년 틱낫한 스님의 방한과 2016년 서양의 선 스승 노만 피셔의 방한을 기획하고 통역하였다. 현대 사회의 고통에 구체적으로 응답하는 불교에 관심을 갖고 서양 심리학과 과학, 동·서양 불교의 소통과 대화에 주목해 왔다. 중앙승가대와 동국대 등에서 강의해왔고, 스탠퍼드 대학의 자비 명상 프로그램인 ‘Compassion Cultivation Training(CCT)’을 중심으로 마음챙김과 자비수행의 사회적 확산을 위해 노력하고 있다. 접기
====
평점분포    9.5
구매자 (2)
전체 (2)
공감순 
     
호흡, 명상에 관해 차분하게 읽으면 도움이 될 내용이네요  구매
HERM 2017-11-17 공감 (0) 댓글 (0)
===
     
인도 한국 일본을 거치며 30년 이상 명상 수행을 한 저자, 서양 1세대 구루가 쓴 ‘호흡관법경‘ 해설서이다. 붓다가 설한 방법론을 풀어서 수행 방법을 제시한다. 명상은 어설픈 신비주의에 현혹되지 말고 구체적인 방법을 보고 직접 수행을 해야만 한다. 아나빠나삿띠와 같이 보면 좋을 듯.  구매
종이연필 2020-08-25 공감 (0) 댓글 (0)
====
마이리뷰
==
     
명상호흡법, 이렇게 자세한 길도 있었습니다.

한줄 한줄 밑줄 그어가며 읽었습니다. 그냥 소설처럼 읽을 책이 아니라 곱씹어가면서 한줄한줄 맛보아가며 읽었습니다. 마치 석가모니부처님께서 제 앞에서 손수 길을 일러주시는 듯하였습니다.
pza761 2009-06-14 공감(9) 댓글(0)
=====



Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation by Larry Rosenberg | Goodreads


Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation
by Larry Rosenberg, David Guy (Goodreads Author)
 4.34  ·   Rating details ·  738 ratings  ·  42 reviews
Freedom from suffering is not only possible, but the means for achieving it are immediately within our grasp—literally as close to us as our own breath. This is the 2,500-year-old good news contained in the Anapanasati Sutra , the Buddha's teaching on cultivating both tranquility and deep insight through full awareness of breathing. In this book, Larry Rosenberg brings this timeless meditation method to life. Using the insights gained from his many years of practice and teaching, he makes insight meditation practice accessible to modern practitioners. (less)
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Paperback, 240 pages
Published November 9th 2004 by Shambhala (first published March 17th 1998)
Original TitleBreath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation
ISBN1590301366  (ISBN13: 9781590301364)
Edition LanguageEnglish
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Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation (Shambhala Classics) 
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 Average rating4.34  ·  Rating details ·  738 ratings  ·  42 reviews

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Sejin,
Sejin, start your review of Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation

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Sarah
Apr 07, 2009Sarah rated it it was amazing
Shelves: theology-philosophy
So far, the most helpful idea of this witty meditation book is his description of the mind.... it's like a dog chasing a plastic bone over and over. Our minds keep going after the same worries or different worries with the same, non-nutritive, repetitive result. Mediation is a way to quiet the wayward puppies of our mind for just a moment, and watch those fleeting worries pass by, unchased, with the same result.

Thankfully, he says it a lot better. It is a very enjoyable book. (less)
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Mark Robison
Jun 11, 2016Mark Robison rated it it was amazing
Simply the best book I’ve come across on breath meditation. It really gets into the nitty-gritty questions that Westerners have with “just” sitting there. He sprinkles in anecdotes from his experiences that keep the narrative moving; these are generally enlightening and often funny, as when he’s bitten by a mosquito during a meditation session where the participants aren’t allowed to move lest a monk beat them with the “stick of compassion.” And then there’s a chapter about how to incorporate everything you’ve just learned into a typically hectic life. Grade: A (less)
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Sherry
Oct 28, 2021Sherry rated it it was amazing
Shelves: audiobook, kindle, owned, bargain, meditation, read-in-2021
This is one of the best books on breath work I have read to date and the author’s teachings on the Anapanasati Sutra were very accessible. I found having read this, my understanding of Thich Nhat Hahn’s teachings deepened as well. Highly recommend this for someone who is looking to understand what meditation and breath work (and by work, I don’t mean labor) are all about or for someone like myself seeking to deepen my understanding and practice.
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Cindywho
Sep 03, 2007Cindywho rated it liked it
This is mostly an analysis of the Anapanasati Sutra by a local teacher from the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center. It's clear, readable and interesting. He does pepper it a bit with personal stories - I had to laugh at the one about a 3 month meditation retreat in Thailand that culminated in a week without sleeping. It made me think that some people will turn just about anything into an extreme sport. His chapter on daily practice for laypeople was more useful and I did like the book. (April 29, 2007) (less)
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Mary
Jan 18, 2014Mary rated it it was amazing
Shelves: spiritual
Recommend this book to practitioners who desire to learn the benefits of living in the present moment. It is a wonderful guide to following the breath and finding inner peace.

The books speaks to me in different ways each time I read it. I will re-read this book forever.
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Adam
May 09, 2021Adam rated it it was amazing
Shelves: audiobooks
Books about meditation and Buddhism are always hard to review. How many words can you spend on insights that are beyond language? This is always the challenge of writing about insights and awakening. Nevertheless Rosenberg has a clear and concrete guide to insight meditation.

For those familiar with this practice, there may not be a lot that is new, but it is a comprehensive and clear guide to the practice. It is firmly rooted in its Buddhist origins, so while it is not at all necessary to be a practicing Buddhist to practice insight meditation, Rosenberg uses reference points from Buddhist teachings. Therefore, it is a book for all practitioners, but those without a fundamental knowledge of Buddhist history may find themselves initially lost.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to deepen their connection with their practice and themselves. (less)
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Mike
Mar 03, 2020Mike rated it it was amazing
I've read, perhaps, 60-70 books related to "meditation" and watched many more youtube videos. I'm practicing samatha/vipassana myself and have been meditating for about four years now - every single day. In "Breath by Breath," Larry suggests that we - as he does - follow and use the Anapanasati Sutta contemplations as a framework for our practice and that by doing so, we can "launch the process of liberation," without having to be too concerned with a lot of other Buddhist teachings (i.e. the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, The Seven Factors of Awakening, all the fetters and hindrances, etc.). In other words, we can check off a lot of "boxes" by being guided by the Anapanasati Sutta because these contemplations encompass so much of Buddha's teachings. Larry's descriptive, personal experiences and insight have provided very valuable guideposts for my own practice. I highly recommend this book. (less)
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Kelly
Nov 11, 2015Kelly rated it it was amazing
I absolutely adored this book and will be reading everything I can get my hands on by Larry Rosenberg. I enjoyed that he comes from a background like mine (highly intellectual, academic, secular); I felt that helped him speak about Buddhist practices in language that felt more natural to me than many other books, even ones I've liked.

Breath by Breath is a commentary on the Anapanasati sutra: the sutra I studies with my meditation group on breathing. Rosenberg helped my understanding of Vipassana meditation more than any other author we read, especially how to do open awareness meditation. I really learned a lot from this book about what breathing meditation can do for me and how it supports wisdom meditation. (less)
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Michaela
Aug 29, 2011Michaela rated it really liked it
Read this in conjunction with The Meditative Path and these two books really complimented each other. This book follows the Anapanasati Sutra. The author has wonderful quotes scattered throughout. For example, "Most of the time that people get discouraged with practice, they do it to themselves. They've heard time and time again that the practice is being nobody and going nowhere, then they sit down and try to be somebody getting somewhere." The author does a good job of explaining the origin of the Pali words and scatters personal anecdotes throughout as well. (less)
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Matthew  Robinson 
Sep 29, 2017Matthew Robinson rated it it was amazing
Breath by Breath is a very clear, insightful commentary on the Buddha's sutra on breathing and meditation. In my opinion its more of a reference book and one to be read over and over to reaffirm the integrity of your meditation practice. This is a classic and will bring insight for all those that pick it up n (less)
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Chazzy
Jan 15, 2008Chazzy rated it it was amazing
oh so great! i recommend this book to any and everyone. it will make you so aware of self... well as much as a book can... that you'll be ready to do a vipassana retreat right then. which i haven't done, by the way. (less)
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Sirpa Grierson
Mar 01, 2009Sirpa Grierson rated it really liked it
Shelves: inspiration-spiritual, information-text, well-being
"One trains oneself. . . " For anyone who really is attempting to learn mindfulness, this is a must read. Its one that I will return to time and time again as my meditation practice becomes an increasingly practical art. (less)
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Chris Bush
Jan 01, 2010Chris Bush rated it it was amazing
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a clear, straightforward guide to meditation to develop insight and to work towards enlightenment. Rosenberg stress a path aht is practical and grounded in living everyday life.
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Tanya Hakala
Aug 31, 2014Tanya Hakala rated it really liked it
This is another one that I wish there was a 10 star rating system (or half stars). I give it 4.5 starts with the caveat that it takes a lot to get me to give 5 stars.

This book is a great companion as you start exploring the Anapanasati Sutta.
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Mjbick
Nov 16, 2014Mjbick rated it it was amazing
One of the most impactful books I've read on my Buddhist path, Rosenberg brings personal stories to the ancient text and makes it relevant to modern life. I return to it again and again. I have it in both paper and digital versions so I have ready access to it wherever I am. (less)
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Bill
Mar 21, 2011Bill rated it really liked it
Very readable introduction to insight meditation
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Hollis Fishelson-holstine
Feb 15, 2016Hollis Fishelson-holstine rated it it was amazing
I've probably read this at least 2x before, but suddenly this sutra seemed to unlock all kinds of mysteries for me - it's all about the breath.... (less)
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J.
Aug 25, 2016J. added it
If you read only one book on mindfulness meditation, read this one. I can't recommend it too highly. (less)
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Justin
Oct 20, 2016Justin rated it liked it
Not too many new ideas here. I was hoping for more exercises, instead this is filled mostly with advice on how to approach meditating that is repeated in most Buddhist books.
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Phil Calandra
Aug 27, 2018Phil Calandra rated it really liked it
"Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation" is the discussion of the teachings contained in the Anapanasati Sutra, an ancient Buddhist Text, which outlines the basic tenets of Buddhism that the "self" is a delusion, is at the heart of suffering and that one's breathing is an escape to that suffering leading to one's insight and liberation. I would highly recommend this book. (less)
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dB
Jan 09, 2022dB rated it really liked it
An excellent, potentially invaluable, companion for anyone practicing vipassana, specifically the Anapanasati Sutra. Rosenberg provides guidance and clarity in what can be a somewhat mysterious scripture. I feel much better prepared after reading it to renew my practice. My only critique of the book is that Rosenberg tends to ramble a bit too much with more repetition of information than to my tastes.
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Jake Novick
Jan 24, 2021Jake Novick rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2021, spiritual
One of my favorite meditation books in a while, this brought me back to a beginner's mindset (I am still quite a beginner, in fact) and focusing on the simple breath and how it serves as a gateway. This is more a reference piece that I expect to be reading agian. (less)
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Holly Socolow
Feb 02, 2018Holly Socolow rated it it was amazing
Shelves: mindfulness-dharma
Based on the Buddha’s sutra on four ways of establishing mindfulness via the breath. Explicit directions from a master and refreshingly loaded with good humor.
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Surabhi Bhardwaj
Jan 01, 2019Surabhi Bhardwaj rated it it was amazing
Shelves: prof-rajaram, buddhism
The best explanation of Buddhist meditation techniques that I have seen so far. Highly recommended for anapana and Vipassana practitioners.
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Maria Spalding
Mar 12, 2020Maria Spalding rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
Really would recommend this book to anyone looking to delve deeper into finding silence. Certainly will be re-reading.
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Stuart Enkey
May 26, 2021Stuart Enkey rated it it was amazing
Practical, approachable, and optimistic.
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Joel
Aug 05, 2021Joel rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: owned
Breathe in, breathe out
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Kate K
Nov 23, 2021Kate K added it
I found this to be the most useful book on meditation that I've read, and I've adopted it as my main meditation guide. It was immensely helpful to me. (less)
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Amy Mills
May 31, 2021Amy Mills rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: mysticism, religion, inspirational, educational, nonfiction, buddhism
This is very much from the Buddhist perspective, so bear that in mind, but it also gives the most comprehensive guide to the experience of meditation that I have ever come across. A lot of it is experiential: the sorts of things meditators are likely to experience at various stages of their practice. Rosenberg correlates these to Buddhist thought, with the idea that as people experience these, they are likely to come to the same realizations about them as are given in the Buddhist tradition (and with no expectation that people should accept those ideas without such experiences and realizations, which is refreshing after 'Zeal for Zen').

What I found the most interesting is how many of the 'higher' level experiences I had come across in my taiji practice. Not all, certainly, but enough to make me realize anew how valuable my taiji practice is to me. Taiji is a different meditative path from the one presented here, but seems to get to many (if not all) of the same mental states. I've only recently started a proper 'sitting' meditation, in addition to my taiji practice, through the game Playne (disclaimer: yes, it would be better if I didn't need an external motivator, like a game; no, I'm not there yet; also, it's a very well-constructed game with lovely symbolism), and found it a very valuable addition to my practice. This book gave it a bit of a boost by making me aware of mental habits that were probably unhelpful (keeping track of and counting through the breaths, rather than just breathing, for instance).

At the end, Rosenberg talks about what he calls 'Silence': "Silence in action is the doerless doing that we’ve spoken of before, in which you just wash the dishes, just vacuum the floor. The ego is not present. Typically, whatever we do, we bring an “I” to it, attach to it as me or mine."
I have one kind of experience that seems to fit with this, and his other descriptions, of Silence. It's from taiji push-hands, where your body moves in response to the other player with no conscious thought on your part, and it fits very well with the 'doerless doing' that Rosenberg describes.

Another experience that I first thought to group with 'Silence' may fit better with 'Serenity': "The ancients described rapture as the feeling that a parched man has when he discovers water in the desert. Serenity is the feeling of satisfaction he has after he has drunk the water." There are times when I have a sense of 'homecoming', which seems to have very little to do with my physical abode and very much to do with my mental state. It happens most consistently when I go through the taiji form (especially after a dry period of not doing much taiji), but I remember it happening when I was canoeing at Stanley Lake as well, and it occurred when I was driving up to meet friends for taiji practice after more than a year apart due to COVID (we're all vaccinated now).

Recommended for anyone with a meditation practice, or with an interest in Buddhist thought. (less)
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Mrs. Fisher
Apr 27, 2016Mrs. Fisher rated it it was amazing
This beautiful exploration of the Anapana Suttra has been such a supportive,, down to earth text! I highly recommend this for anyone interested in mindfulness practice. Drawing on ancient teaching from the Buddha, and his own expertise as an experienced meditator and founder of the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, Larry Rosenberg offers insight, humor and instruction that will direct both mindfulness practitioners that are beginning their journey or seasoned meditators wanting find a fresh perspective or just validation for our practice. This is an amazing resource to read again and again! (less)
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The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Hinduism: Ingrid Fischer-Schreiber, Franz-Karl Ehrhard, Kurt Friedrichs, Michael S. Diener: 9780877739807: Books - Amazon

1 He Teachers, Tradl-Rlons, and Literature of Asian /F//1S0O1/1 | PDF | Nondualism | Ātman (Hinduism)


Original Title:

The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion - Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zen — A Complete Survey of the Teachers, Traditions, and Literature of Asian Wisdom.pdf




The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Hinduism: Ingrid Fischer-Schreiber, Franz-Karl Ehrhard, Kurt Friedrichs, Michael S. Diener: 9780877739807: Books - Amazon



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The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Hinduism Paperback – January 1, 1994
by Ingrid Fischer-Schreiber (Author), & 3 more
4.6 out of 5 stars 26 ratings








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Amazon.com Review
Dharma, karma, yoga, Tao -- what does it all mean? Buddha, Krishna, Lao-tzu, Rinzai -- who in the heck were they? Translated from the German of four specialists in the fields of Buddhism and Taoism, Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Zen, The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion is more than just a dictionary of terms. It includes the lives of significant teachers, mystics and philosophers; entries for the basic texts and scriptures; capsules of the various sects and schools of thought; as well as mythological figures and events. Packed with information, inexpensive and printed on acid-free paper -- a bargain investment.
From Booklist
This encyclopedia purports to be "a complete survey of the teachers, traditions, and literature of Asian wisdom." With more than 4,000 entries compiled by four experts, one each for Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, and Hinduism, it is certainly as close to complete as any single-volume work covering four religions can be.

The short introduction explains the compiler's intention to give the nonscholar a readable guide to these complicated belief systems. There is a pronunciation guide to the five original languages: Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese. Entries are in alphabetical order in their most common transliteration. Each entry includes a symbol indicating its religion and a literal translation of the term followed by its definition. The numerous cross-references are indicated by an arrow preceding the term. In-depth explanations or biographies are often included in the entries in smaller print. There are many diagrams and photographs to enhance the text. Those terms that are common to two or more disciplines, but have divergent meanings, have separate entries. An extensive bibliography is divided into the four religions and subdivided by primary and secondary sources.

It seems appropriate to compare this title to the recently reviewed Historical Dictionary of Buddhism (HDB) [RBB N 1 93], which also covers Zen. The pronunciation guides are similar; the encyclopedia includes a detailed chart of pinyin to Wade-Giles transliteration. The entries in HDB are shorter, and the language is more scholarly, whereas the encyclopedia has more in-depth explanations and is easier to read. For example, in HDB the entry Shambhala is 59 words in length with no cross-references; in the encyclopedia it is 250 words with six cross-references. There is no entry in HDB for Yoga; the encyclopedia's entry is more than 200 words. The encyclopedia devotes 1 1/2 pages to Zen and includes a Ch'an/Zen lineage chart, whereas HDB has a 150-word paragraph.

On the whole, the encyclopedia is easier and more interesting to read than HDB (in spite of the smaller type) and includes illustrations. At half the price, it is the better choice for high-school and small public libraries. An academic, religious, or large public library may want both titles.





Review
"This valuable reference work is the result of a monumental effort to bring together in a form accessible to English readers the basic terminology and doctrinal systems of the four great wisdom teachings of the East: Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Zen. . . . The Encyclopedia is clearly written, items are cross-referenced, and when a concept is given a different meaning by different traditions, each interpretation is provided for the reader. . . . A necessary reference book for everyone's bookshelf."—Karuna



"Very satisfying . . . A certain reverence to the Eastern traditions on the part of the writers seeps through every page of this admirable volume. One comes to love it."—The Advent

"A useful—indeed essential—source of just the kind of authoritative information any knowledgeable person needs in the post-secular era of today. The material is judiciously selected and helpfully organized for ready access."—Professor Harvey Cox, Harvard Divinity School



"This is a work no student of religion can dispense with. It is a highly professional, specialized, yet broadly informative book one needs for frequent consultation on such topics as the Lotus School, Nagarjuna, Zen Buddhism, Vasubandhu, or I Ching . The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion covers in depth a very large number of entries, from the most general to the very specialistic, being a necessary tool in the orientation of a broad audience within the fascinating yet unfamiliar land of Eastern religions. It is an excellent instrument of knowledge for an essentially pluralistic age."—Ioan P. Couliano, author of Out of This World
About the Author
Shambhala Publications is dedicated to creating books, audio, and immersive courses aimed at improving lives—in ways big and small—in the hope of contributing to the development of a thoughtful, kindhearted, and contemplative society.
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Product details
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shambhala; UNABRIDGED VERSION edition (January 1, 1994)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 488 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0877739803
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0877739807
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.44 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.94 x 9 inchesBest Sellers Rank: #247,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)#69 in Dalai Lama
#103 in Philosophy Reference (Books)
#264 in Mystery Writing ReferenceCustomer Reviews:
4.6 out of 5 stars 26 ratings




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eastern philosophy philosophy and religion reference book encyclopedia of eastern terms thorough buddhism source zen taoism

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M. A. Bailey

4.0 out of 5 stars A call to publish this book in digital formatReviewed in the United States on December 20, 2020
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This is such a valuable resource. I have used it for years now. I only wish the publisher would put it in Kindle format. This would make the encyclopedia so accessible. When I travel I read a lot. Inevitably I find myself wishing I had brought the large book. Its size is a deterrent.

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Patrick Church

4.0 out of 5 stars nice to have 😐Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2018
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Knowledge is power...nice to have 😐


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Bobbie Gleason

5.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and ReligionReviewed in the United States on October 4, 2007
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Great reference book at a small price. You will not be dissapointed. I wasn't. I love it. Just wish it was also a dictionary with roman transliteration

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Tami Tamitegama

4.0 out of 5 stars Esoteric knowledge on 4 important Eastern Philosophies and Religions are clearly outlined.Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2019
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I use the encyclopedia for much of my circumspect research, and it is spot on with spontaneous illuminations and profound descriptors. It is also a delightful reading companion.


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Issa Abramaleem

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable Reference Tool!Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2013
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Very, very, very comprehensive!
An invaluable reference for anyone looking to fill in the gaps of their understanding.
Very valuable, indeed!


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Moria Williams

5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on February 17, 2015
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Just as described and prompt shipping


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Walter Otto Koenig

5.0 out of 5 stars An helpful Reference Book at a Reasonable PriceReviewed in the United States on October 27, 2000

Usually Reference Books of this type are quite expensive and are also often difficult to find. Congratulations to Shambhala Press for providing a useful book at a reasonable price. The Book concentrates on four areas: Buddhism, Hindiusm, Taoism and Zen. The first three are covered by German and Austrian Scholars, and Zen by a Japanese Scholar. The Book is a translation (by Committee) from the German, and suffers surprisingly little as a result. All entries are Alphabetical and are coded to the four categories listed above, thus making it easy to use. Within the text of the entries arrows next to trems lead readers to related entries. The entries are by necccessity brief. An extensive but incomplete Bibliography, provides much of the most important Source Material. It is an ambitious undertaking to produce a one Volume, 468 page, Reference Book of this type. I think that the Editors have succeeded in their undertaking. I hope that subsequent editions will expand on some of the more important entries and add others. I recommend this Book highly to Students and Scholars alike.

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craiger

4.0 out of 5 stars Not what the title suggestsReviewed in the United States on May 6, 2004

I can not give this book one star or less as a reflection of my disappointment in what I was expecting. I was expecting an "encyclopedia" of eastern philosophy. I received a "dictionary" of eastern philosophy. I write this review to prevent others from spending money as I did in hopes of getting some kind of overview of eastern philosophy. You will not. Do you wonder what Abhava means? Or Miroku? How about Hsi K'ang? Then buy this book. This is a thorough (very thorough) glossary of terms. I have been reading western and a mix of western and eastern philosophy by western authors. So I thought I'd pick up this book to ease myself into eastern philosophy, to get an idea of what is out there and what might be to my liking. If you are looking for the same, save your money. If, on the other hand, you are a student or a reader of eastern philosophy who needs reference material to help you along the way I would not hesitate to recommend this book. It is smartly organized (just like a dictionary) with an impressive bibliography. Keep in mind though, this is strictly a reference book. My hope was to find an introduction to eastern philosophy. You will not find yourself reading this book but rather augmenting what you are currently reading through its vast definition of terms. I look forward to using it when I am finally introduced to real eastern philosophical writings. I must give this four stars for its content (I'd like to give it none in comparison to what I was expecting but that would be inappropriate) However, "The Dictionary of Eastern Philosophy and Religion" would have been a more appropriate title. Had that been the title, I would have stayed away and saved twenty-five dollars. Hopefully I will have a use for it in the future.

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Cath
5.0 out of 5 stars Good referenceReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2015
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Easy to use with good information, especially for the Buddhist tradition.

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JOAQUIN VIÑOLY PALOP
5.0 out of 5 stars IndispensableReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2017
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There should a copy in any library, public or at home.
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Penny-Shaini
4.0 out of 5 stars Four StarsReviewed in Canada on June 6, 2017
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A must have resource.
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The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion

1 He Teachers, Tradl-Rlons, and Literature of Asian /F//1S0O1/1 | PDF | Nondualism | Ātman (Hinduism)


Original Title:

The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion - Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zen — A Complete Survey of the Teachers, Traditions, and Literature of Asian Wisdom.pdf