Friday, October 10, 2008

Fear of Serenity?



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"Right Concentration" (samma samadhi) is part of the Noble Eightfold Path. It is defined in many sutras as the Four Jhanas ("meditative absorptions"). This is fundamental to realizing the Dharma. So why are people afraid, and why do some teachers advise against, practicing jhana and Serenity Meditation? Renowned meditation expert, Bhante G (abbot of the Bhavana Society in West Virginia), explains.

Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness
Bhante Gunaratana

The Noble Eightfold Path is the core of the Buddha’s teaching and the fourth Noble Truth. In his book, Bhante G systematically discusses each step individually, while never losing sight of their relationship to each other or how they affect our daily lives. As always the author is clear and direct in language, with many practical examples drawn from real life experience, and lists of check-up points to help identify their role in our lives.

Wisdom Publications (Boston) 2003

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