Nuevo manual de meditación

by Kelsang Gyatso

Este práctico manual, que goza de gran popularidad, nos permite descubrir la paz interior y la claridad mental que se obtienen mediante la práctica de la meditación. Tras una introducción a la meditación –sus beneficios y cómo comenzar y mantener la práctica de la meditación–, el autor expone con claridad las diferentes clases de meditación, enseñándonos a dar sentido a nuestra vida, a liberarnos del sufrimiento y a cultivar las mentes de amor y compasión verdaderos.

Si practicamos estas meditaciones, que forman en conjunto el camino budista completo a la iluminación, podremos disfrutar de estados mentales cada vez más apacibles y beneficiosos, transformar nuestra vida cotidiana, desarrollar nuestro potencial espiritual y encontrar en nuestro interior una fuente inagotable de felicidad profunda y duradera. Para aquellos que estén interesados en la meditación budista, este libro es una guía y compañero perfectos.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Meditation, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Mental Health

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1990

About the author

*'Geshe' is a Tibetan Buddhist academic degree for monks and nuns.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation Master and internationally renowned Teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society. Presenting Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and suitable for modern people with busy lives, he shows how these teachings can be used by anyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, to solve problems, improve relationships and eventually attain a deep and lasting inner peace and happiness.

He has also created all the conditions necessary to support the study and practice of Buddhism in modern society: writing 22 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddha; establishing over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist centers and groups throughout the world; developing modern study programmes; training qualified Teachers; and establishing local, national and international courses, festivals and retreats. Through all these and other activities Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is giving new life to Buddhism, enabling people everywhere to discover inner peace and happiness through Buddha’s teachings, thereby bringing greater peace to a troubled world.

The term "Rinpoche," added to Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's name, is a Tibetan word that means "Precious One," and has been added as a mark of deepest respect.

To discover more about Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s compassionate vision and activities visit http://tharpa.com/us/benefit-all-worl....

Reviews

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not your typical meditation handbook. While it does clearly explain the necessity for and various methods of meditation, it also delves into more esoteric aspects of Buddhism. Parts of it read like a sort of biblical Ten Commandments of what you have to do in order to avoid going to hell. Or at least being reborn in the hell realms. I must say, all of the rules, regulations, meditations, contemplations, renunciations and dedications were a bit much. Not that we're looking for an easy way out, but somehow it didn't exactly feel like it was going to make our life happy or meaningful. Maybe it would. In any case, it would make life a lot busier trying to work it all in.

[James Tyrrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost nothing on meditating as such and more a very focused view on a particular branch of very supernatural Buddhist thought. While some of it was interesting and I'm sure it meant well, ultimately it was a book that promised happiness while threatening a hellish existence for those who didn't follow it's philosophy.

[Jamie George-holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on Buddhism for starting and sustaining a daily mediation practice. The bulk of the book is a set of 21 meditations, each meditation being the essential points of a major aspect of Buddhist meditation (such as meditation on death, compassion, love, boddhichitta, emptiness ect... ). You would take one meditation each day, do the next meditation the next day, and after 21 days start over. Each meditation is both self contained, but also feeds upon the previous meditations. So each round of meditations gets you deeper into the meaning and experience of the 21 meditation presented in this book.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a general introduction to meditation, but rather a book of meditations in a specific Buddhist tradition.

[Nicholas George · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are some basic Buddhist meditations, but it's not a book for someone new to Buddhist teachings. While much of this made sense to me, some of the concepts required deeper understanding.

[Elwyn Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had a favourite book written by Master Geshe Kelsang Gyatso out the few he has written that I've read, then this book would be my personal favourite because the spiritual experiences and tremendously deep soulful insights I attained from reading and following the meditation practices have stayed with me since. Following the meditation practices daily for weeks, I went "on retreat" and I came to a silent, transcendent place within the universe I will forever carry with me 💝.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It was a different perspective than I had expected but it was interesting to think in that way. I have a pretty good understanding now of what meditation is, how to meditate, and how analytical and placement meditation can be used to relax and better someones life by reflecting on the values that mean the most.

[John Matthew IV · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to a very specific version of Buddhist meditation. If you want that, it is wonderful. If you just want to learn about meditation, it quickly becomes irrelevant. Though, as I said, you can learn a lot about Buddhism reading this book.

p. 7) There are two types of meditation: analytical meditation and placement meditation.

p. 7) Often, analytical meditation is called "contemplation" and placement meditation is called "meditation."

p. 11) There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but we should resist this and remain focused single-pointedly on the sensation of the breath. If we discover that our mind has wandered and is following our thoughts, we should immediately return it to the breath. We should repeat this as many times as necessary until the mind settles on the breath.

p. 14-16) Six Realms of Samsara:
1 - Gods
2 - Demi-gods
3 - Human
4 - Animals
5 - Hungry Ghosts
6 - Hell

p. 20) We should not allow a gulf to develop between our meditation and our daily life, because they success of our meditation depends upon the purity of our conduct outside the meditation session.

p. 31) I may die today.

p. 41) Suffering is created by our own actions or karma--it is not given to us as a punishment.

p. 42) Buddha said that a human rebirth comes from the practice of moral discipline, wealth comes from giving, a beautiful body comes from patience, the fulfilment of spiritual wishes comes from making effort in our Dharma study and practice, inner peace comes from concentration, and liberation comes from wisdom.

p. 63) Bodhichitta (See also Meditation 18)

p. 67) To enhance our affectionate love for all living beings, we begin by contemplating how they are all our mothers.

p. 81) All the happiness there is in the world/Arises from wishing others to be happy

p. 87) There is not a single living being who is not a suitable object of our compassion.

p. 113) Six perfections: practice of giving, moral discipline, patience, effort, concentration and wisdom.

p. 120) Three Poisons: greed, hatred, delusion

p. 129) Vajra posture for meditation

p. 130) Four Immeasureables:
1 - Immeasureable Love
2 - Immeasureable Compassion
3 - Immeasureable Joy
4 - Immeasureable Equanimity

p. 181) You will have to depart leaving everything behind, so do not be attached to anything.

p. 181) Do not look for faults in others, but look for faults in yourself, and purge them like bad blood.

p. 181) If you talk too much with little meaning, you will make mistakes, therefore speak in moderation, only when necessary.

[Ainoa sin hache · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compré este libro pensando tener un apoyo inicial sobre el que fundar mi meditación, pero no ha sido lo que yo esperaba. Antes de nada, hay que tener en cuenta desde qué rama y movimiento budista está escrito el libro. En este caso, es sobre la Nueva tradición Kadampa, fundada por el propio Gueshe Kelsang Gyatso y responsable de su difusión en occidente (alrededor de los años 90).

Inciso: la diferencia fundamental entre el "Kadampa" y "Nuevo Kadampa" estriba en que, el primero, se basa en el estudio y práctica del sutra (discursos y enseñanzas de Buda), el segundo, en la combinación sutra y tantra (técnicas esotéricas corporales).

Dicho esto, el libro está dividido en dos partes. Los "Fundamentos", donde explica los dos tipos de meditación (analítica y de emplazamiento) y cómo seguir las meditaciones "Lamrin o Etapas del camino". La segunda parte aparecen las 21 meditaciones en cuestión, algunas de las cuales son un tanto extrañas y difíciles de aplicar a la práctica. De ahí los inconvenientes de este libro, puesto que resulta un tanto dogmático y misticista; teniendo en cuenta que el Budismo en sí se fundó libre de mística.
Lo interesante de este libro es que, al final, hay un breve comentario sobre cómo meditar (preparar el altar, consejos para la respiración, etc.), un programa estricto para realizar un retiro espiritual y un glosario con breves oraciones para memorizar y recitar.

En resumen, es un libro relativamente útil para cualquiera que quiera iniciarse en la práctica de la meditación budista. Sin embargo, si buscas inscribirte en el budismo secular (al que soy afín), quizá sería conveniente buscar otras alternativas.

[Justin Mulvaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The New meditation handbook is an overview of 21 meditations meanr to dive deeper into buddhist principles. I picked this up as a primarily secular read, looking for a series of meditations to cultivate more mindfulness and compassion.

Things that are good about the book: Introduces an overview of the different types of meditation (contemplative vs. awareness) and provides examples for all, adding a lot of depth to meditation beyond the now common breath-awareness. For someone looking to spark some life into a meditation practice, I strongly recommend it.

The cons: Lots of modern buddhist mysticism in this, sometimes hard to work around. This bothered me for a couple of reasons: 1. Buddhism was founded free of mysticism (maybe I'm just a buddhism hipster) and the fact that some camps of modern buddhism are preaching mystic beliefs that are 2) just plan old bizzare (The "realm of hungry ghosts"). I skipped a number of meditations that I couldn't adapt to a secular viewpoint.

All in all I recommend for any meditators looking to add a new layer to their practice, but bring a fair warning that some ares will be strange and/or unusable if you approach meditation from a secular standpoint.

[Timothy Biegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to give it 4 stars, but my friend on the cover there keeps telling me; "Give it negative four.. Really stick it to me, all I do is sit around all day." I saw him turn a backflip;; then take flights, or at least bend his head over.

I read all this book, even went alphabetically down the glossary. The meditations are pretty basic; if you know what to expect from a Buddhist; but I read the first bit of meat of it; the 21 meditations; in the slammer; so, I was not in my enlightened; relaxing sanctuary. I get out and the text, now, the end of it seems so much deeper. I'm laughing inside. There's a little section of proverbs. This book's got everything.

I will verse the concern that the names of everything in this book make the whole thing seem highly translated. I could make more exciting sentence structure in my sleep, but, I'm sounding out these words and names in my head and all the sudden I'm right there in the heart of Buddhaland; Asia. Anyways, no real spoilers in this one. Sangha. Bodhichitta. Mahayana.

[Tom Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This human life with all its freedoms,
Extremely rare, with so much meaning;
O Bless me with this understanding
All day and night to seize its essence. (26)

They told me to look for similarities not differences, they told me to take what I like and leave the rest, and if they hadn't I would've stopped reading at the first mention of past lives and cycles of rebirth. But they did tell me that stuff so I did a little word substitution here and thete, I kept on reading, and I learned practical tips on better posture, a simple but effective structure to enhance my sessions (preparation, contemplation, dedication), and a host of Humanist perspectives to try out when my own outlook on things grows gloomy.

3 stars.

[✧ mads ✧]

I wouldn’t have read if I wasn’t gifted it so thanks girls!

My main take away is just how rigid and structured the New Kadampa Tradition is. Every concept is packaged neatly in a numbered list with sub-lists. I can’t decide whether I like this but I don’t think it’s inherently bad. I’ve been to a couple of teachings and understood how they work but after reading this I feel like something has clicked and I understand the tradition a lot better. ‘Meditation’ in Kadampa Buddhism is really just what they teach in the classes.

As always, the idea of emptiness was super interesting to me - the explanation in the Superior Seeing section was more clear than it usually is

[Monica Branco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative and the book itself has some curious things for those that don’t know Buddhism and its meditation practices.

It has some paste and copied information from the other book a read from them, but I understand since not everyone is going to read all of the books.

Good read, just found it a bit jarring sometimes with so many explanations.

[Ana Belén · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lejos de juzgar las distintas creencias, en este libro predomina o se defiende la felicidad partiendo del sufrimiento. así que todos los preceptos giran en torno a la vida como sufrimiento y la meditación como búsqueda de la felicidad. Hya que conocer mucho las teorías budistas para entender esta visión de la meditación.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book I intend to get to know better, but I have read it through once to be able to get a handle on the theme and what I need to do. It is very interesting and I hope it will help me in improving and grasping my meditation practice.

[Aggie Chu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

It's good for a meditation guidelines. I think everyone should start somewhere like here. But this book may not work for everyone. People just have to be open mind and see if this book is calling for them.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well structured guide to meditation from the stance of Tibetan Buddhism. Some of the later meditations are very challenging and it is certainly a book that requires reflection and continued study.

[Simone Puddu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting introduction to Buddhist meditation. Even if you are not Buddhist or interested in Buddhism you’ll find some useful info spread across this mainly-religious book.
Not a fast or easy reading.

[Linseedling]

I've been reading a lot of books on Buddhism and I wasn't a fan of this one. Some points at which I almost stopped reading:
1) People who are ugly have bad karma
2) Animals are stupid
3) If you swat a mosquito you suffer horrible torment in hell

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to use this in my daily practice.

[T Anthony Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

understandable guidance

[Bere Tarará · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una introducción muy simple y pedagógica al conocimiento del Lam Rim. Estos libros son perfectos para personas occidentales que quieren acercarse a la práctica budista sin ninguna experiencia previa

[Tiarnán · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sectarian mystical nonsense.

[Turquoise Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

wish I would have gotten this a year ago but glad I have it now.
has the 21 meditations in it that you need to practice and cycle through

[Alejandra Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sobre el libro:
El Nuevo manual de meditación es una guía práctica para la meditación que nos enseña a ser felices y a hacer felices a los demás cultivando la paz interior, llenando así nuestra vida de significado. Sin paz interior no hay verdadera felicidad. Los problemas, el sufrimiento y la infelicidad no existen fuera de la mente, sino que son sensaciones, por lo que forman parte de ella. Por tanto, la única manera de solucionar nuestros problemas de manera permanente, ser verdaderamente felices y hacer felices a los demás es controlando nuestra mente. Las veintiuna prácticas de meditación budista que se presentan en este libro son verdaderos métodos para controlar la mente y disfrutar de paz interior duradera. Esta guía sumamente práctica es un manual indispensable para aquel que busca la felicidad y dar sentido a su vida.

***********
Review:
Es un libro que puede cambiar completamente nuestra vida y manera de ver las cosas, y es capaz, casi con cada palabra, de atraer hacia el camino que propone. La perspectiva del amor que me brindó, es totalmente una inspiración, y encontré una manera de hacer que mis meditaciones sean más productivas y me hagan conectar más conmigo misma. Definitivamente me siento más cerca de encontrarme, porque he logrado entender y despertar más cosas a través de las palabras de este texto, y si hay alguien en el mismo proceso, el de encontrarse y que quiera hacerlo de una manera casi espiritual, debo decir que tiene el primer libro.
Por otra parte, quiero destacar que la visión que da del budismo es un buen abre bocas, y ha logrado, definitivamente que me sienta más atraída al mismo.
Maneja un lenguaje de fácil comprensión y engancha con pequeñas historias.
El libro acerca a un crecimiento espiritual verdadero.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my beginner meditation book after suffering from panic attacks and depression during my first year of high school. I will admit to having these "high hopes" about enlightenment and becoming one and all that - but I was too young to understand. Trying to meditate for the first time was before I had went to bed one night, calming down from school that day, and I remember feeling rejuvenated and light, welcoming these weird sensations in my arms and forehead. My mind always raced no matter what I did, and sadly I gave up this fad after a couple of weeks. But I enjoyed reading about reincarnation so much that I wrote 10 pages of notes in one of my journals! The different realms, samsara, nirvana, etc. - I loved it all. Being a mythology buff, I found it more entertaining. Again, I was young and needed something to help me responsibly cope with my inner demons. Today, I haven't seen them since. :)

[Randi Taylor-Habib · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one you never put down, brief guides to 21 daily meditations which are the stages of the path in Lamrim the path as outlined by Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa, using 1-2 page prompts for meditation on compassion, bodhichitta, emptiness, tranquil abiding, and love.

[Destiny · Rating 3 out of 5]

It really is a handbook to be used regularly. I haven't technically read it all, but I skimmed through a lot of the meditations. Gyatso has a solid approach to regularly attending to your meditations and moving upward in them. Definitely a reference I will continue to use.

[Estefany Pinzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful and very simple to follow, the author gives very simple instructions with clear examples of the techniques and filosophy around meditation, I been following the teachings and I'm starting to see the benefits.