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The State of Mind Called Beautiful
In The State of Mind Called Beautiful, Burmese meditation master Sayadaw U Pandita lays out the breadth, depth, and wealth of the Theravadan tradition of Buddhism. U Pandita begins with the basic guidelines of Buddhism, and moves on to various practices: those that can be done for one minute a day, those that sweeten and strengthen the mind, those that heal societies and families, those that lead to liberation.
Also included are complete teachings on Vipassana or Insight meditation, from how to do it, to how to refine it, to how to deal with difficulties. Teachings on the development of mindfulness, wisdom, patience, and practice itself are all included, and the book is capped by an extremely helpful "Question and Answers" section--an FAQ for newcomers and established practitioners alike. Lastly, both Pali-to-English and English-to-Pali glossaries are included, with all such terms also being glossed in the text, ensuring that readers easily master the meanings of important terms.
Also included are complete teachings on Vipassana or Insight meditation, from how to do it, to how to refine it, to how to deal with difficulties. Teachings on the development of mindfulness, wisdom, patience, and practice itself are all included, and the book is capped by an extremely helpful "Question and Answers" section--an FAQ for newcomers and established practitioners alike. Lastly, both Pali-to-English and English-to-Pali glossaries are included, with all such terms also being glossed in the text, ensuring that readers easily master the meanings of important terms.
- GenresBuddhismNonfiction
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 2, 2009
This is the most recent full volume on Satipatthana Vipassana meditation from Sayadaw U. Pandita, and was edited by one of his longtime students.
It's the most comprehensive and concise volume on Theravadan Satipatthana Vipassana that I've personally read. Excellent translations and editing helps readers through the frequent use of Pali terms. Overall, the book does a good job of grounding Buddhist philosophical and psychological theory within the technical framework of Satipatthana Vipassana and the Noble Eightfold Path.
The earliest chapters go into some depth on Buddhanussati and Metta meditations, two of the four Guardian Meditations. After a brief introduction to the lineage, there are exceptionally concise and accessible instructions for sitting and walking meditations on pages 77-82. Those instructions alone are enough to get someone started and worth having the book for.
Next, there is an extensive "Technical Discussion of Satipatthana Vipassana" that is based on the framework of the Noble Eightfold Path. A helpful description of the progressive stages of meditation are covered beginning on page 117. Although In This Very Life goes into greater detail on the progressive stages of meditation, which some advanced meditators may find helpful.
The book may come across as a bit 'preachy' through sections that cover foundational morality (sila). Sila is traditionally taught as a prerequisite for meditation within this lineage. Sayaday U. Pandita does a very good job throughout the book to describe the theoretical and technical necessities of Sila to the progress of Satipatthana Vipassana.
Overall, I believe that The State of Mind Called Beautiful will be more accessible than In This Very Life, but both are valuable volumes. In some respects, The State of Mind Called Beautiful covers more areas than In This Very Life, while the former goes into greater depth on others.
Overall, I recommend The State of Mind Called Beautiful for people who are looking for an accurate, somewhat technical, and non-fluffy book on the Therevadan practice of Satipatthana Vipassana meditation.
It's the most comprehensive and concise volume on Theravadan Satipatthana Vipassana that I've personally read. Excellent translations and editing helps readers through the frequent use of Pali terms. Overall, the book does a good job of grounding Buddhist philosophical and psychological theory within the technical framework of Satipatthana Vipassana and the Noble Eightfold Path.
The earliest chapters go into some depth on Buddhanussati and Metta meditations, two of the four Guardian Meditations. After a brief introduction to the lineage, there are exceptionally concise and accessible instructions for sitting and walking meditations on pages 77-82. Those instructions alone are enough to get someone started and worth having the book for.
Next, there is an extensive "Technical Discussion of Satipatthana Vipassana" that is based on the framework of the Noble Eightfold Path. A helpful description of the progressive stages of meditation are covered beginning on page 117. Although In This Very Life goes into greater detail on the progressive stages of meditation, which some advanced meditators may find helpful.
The book may come across as a bit 'preachy' through sections that cover foundational morality (sila). Sila is traditionally taught as a prerequisite for meditation within this lineage. Sayaday U. Pandita does a very good job throughout the book to describe the theoretical and technical necessities of Sila to the progress of Satipatthana Vipassana.
Overall, I believe that The State of Mind Called Beautiful will be more accessible than In This Very Life, but both are valuable volumes. In some respects, The State of Mind Called Beautiful covers more areas than In This Very Life, while the former goes into greater depth on others.
Overall, I recommend The State of Mind Called Beautiful for people who are looking for an accurate, somewhat technical, and non-fluffy book on the Therevadan practice of Satipatthana Vipassana meditation.
May 25, 2023
A little repetitive and simple, but a solid introduction to Buddhism, especially to satipaṭṭhāna vipassanā or insight mindfulness meditation.
February 15, 2020
Book 13/100: The State of Mind Called Beautiful by U Pandita. This was recommended to me by a dear friend awhile ago, I finally sat myself down, in the quietness of my home, freshly smudged atmosphere and good calming stones near me, this book was an amazing read and calming before bed.
October 6, 2023
A clear and concise instructional manual for the practise of satipatthana in the Theravadan tradition of Buddhism. Very grounding and clear
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews