Sitting: A Guide to Buddhist Meditation

by Diana St. Ruth

Gives an overview of the art of sitting, or meditation, with breathing exercises, walking meditations, and an illustrated guide to postures and sitting styles

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Meditation

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mary Overton]

Recommended on the website of the Ekoji Buddhist Temple, http://www.ekoji.org/ .
"When the mind is opened and the heart is softened, something begins to function that liberates one from the restricted world of the deluded mind." pg. xii
"Being alert, observing the movements of the mind and body in daily life, noticing what is taking place -- as opposed to what one wishes would take place, or what one fears might take place, or what one grieves over as having already taken place -- is a way of life that is completely free of all self-imposed restrictions and conflicting states of mind. Wisdom and compassion will be allowed to function freely under these circumstances." 77

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many books out there for people who are curious about meditation and don't know exactly where to start. This was the one that did it for me. It is straight forward, no-nonsense writing where every apprehension you may have felt towards meditating is addressed and is easy to follow; everything from how to sit, how to breathe, and how and when to employ meditation as a regular part of your life. I can highly suggest this book for anyone who would like to explore this subject, but feels overwhelmed with all of the possibilities. This book simplifies the mystery surrounding meditation, and even more importantly, places it easily within in your reach.

[Brian Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It is extraordinary, but even the simplest of tasks embodies the greatest spiritual happiness when performed calmly and with a quite mind. When nothing is yearned for we are free to enjoy what we do, free to see the patterns, to hear the music in all things.... Open the inner eye and see this very moment, now. Sense life, smell it, taste it, listen to it directly with the very core of your being. The mundane will become profound."

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was very informative. no frills, just great advice to start up a meditation practice

if you are interested in meditation at all i would reccomend this book to read.

thank you for your time and i hope that you stay blessed in your ways.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful refresher for me, as someone who has some (now distant) experience with Buddhist meditation. It's complete, but no longer than it needs to be.

[Mikey The Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pg. 71-78 is a great manifesto to appreciating what is in front of you and taking the time to connect with all things that surround us. Fantastic end message!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the tactile feeling of this book. It's a fairly small book and can easily be brought with you wherever you need to bring it. There are also a lot of figures and diagrams in this that are quite helpful.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short read about ways and practices. Very good source of support as I break back into meditating on the daily.