The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation: Mindfulness, Concentration, and Insight

by Richard Shankman Narrated by Alan Taylor

Overview

The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation offers a practical guide to building a strong meditation practice by unifying mindfulness, concentration, and insight into a single, integrated approach.

Mindfulness and insight-clearly knowing what is happening in one's present moment experience-and concentration-the ability of the mind to remain steady and undistracted-are foundational elements of meditation, yet people are often confused about how these aspects of the practice fit together. Should they be doing insight meditation or concentration practices? How does concentration fit into insight meditation? To help, The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation offers specific guidance for cultivating both insight and concentration in meditation.

This audio book will be of interest to both beginning and experienced meditation practitioners who wish to familiarize themselves with, deepen their understanding of, and increase their practical skills in mindfulness, concentration, and insight meditation. New meditators who want hands-on skills they can easily put into practice will find the step-by-step instructions accessible and easy to understand. Experienced practitioners will find a complete and useful guide for deepening insight and cultivating the deeper stages of concentration known as jhana.

This audio book also discusses the most common experiences that can arise as the meditation process unfolds, and will help you find the approaches and techniques that work best for you.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

What a joy to read The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation. This book is filled with the author’s warmth, wisdom, and compassion. Richard Shankman has offered a very clear and user-friendly companion for anyone wanting to learn meditation. … A great gift.”
—Bob Stahl, PhD, coauthor of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook, Living with Your Heart Wide Open, Calming the Rush of Panic, A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook for Anxiety, and MBSR Every Day


“A wonderfully clear, simple yet thorough book on how to practice Buddhist meditation! Richard Shankman does a masterful job at guiding us through the natural and powerful interplay of mindfulness, concentration, and insight. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, this is a book to keep close at hand.”
—Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge


“In simple, clear language, [Shankman] shares how mindfulness, concentration, and insight form one complete path. A wonderful guide for practice! While valuable for anyone, people who can’t easily access a meditation teacher or supportive community will especially appreciate this book.”
— Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness


“A brilliant introduction to meditation practice. Infused with Richard Shankman’s compassion, this practical and wise book provides the tools needed for individuals to deepen their practice and find their own way on the path of meditation.”
—Gil Fronsdal, teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and Insight Meditation Center, and author of The Issue at Hand, A Monastery Within, and a translation of The Dhammapada


“Richard Shankman’s new book, The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation, is a wonderfully clear and straightforward guide for deepening our understanding of the meditative process. Based on his many years of practice and study, he offers a unified vision of the path, with many helpful and practical suggestions all along the way. An important contribution for navigating the inner journey.”
—Joseph Goldstein, author of Mindfulness


“Here is a book that you will turn to again and again over the years of your practice because it speaks to both the possibilities and the challenges of meditation. Richard Shankman offers clear instructions on how to establish a meditation practice as well as specific guidance through some of the deepest practices of concentration and insight.”
—Phillip Moffitt, author of Dancing with Life and Emotional Chaos to Clarity


“This book is like having a skilled meditation coach by your side. Richard will teach you the basics of meditation, and then keep refining your approach, anticipating the highs and lows you’ll meet over years of practice. He combines ease of understanding with a real depth in both concentration and insight. This book offers valuable tips for both new and experienced meditators.”
—Guy Armstrong, senior teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and the Insight Meditation Society


“For a less traditional take on vipassana meditation, Richard Shankman offers The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation. … Written for both the beginner and the experienced meditation practitioner seeking to deepen his or her understanding, this book offers hands-on skills easily put into practice via a step-by-step approach, coaching practitioners through the highs, lows, and inevitable obstacles that arise on the path of meditation.”
—Lion’s Roar

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171367732
Publisher:	Wetware Media
Publication date:	07/05/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged

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