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Sit Like a Buddha: A Pocket Guide to Meditation
How to meditate—a concise, pocket-size guide that tells you everything you need to know, from the best-selling author of The Buddha Walks into a Bar...
This is the ultimate go-to guide for learning how to meditate. It contains all the instructions you'll need to get started in a remarkably short space, but it also shows you how to make meditation practice a permanent part of your life, infusing it with wisdom and compassion as you go about your day. And it's instruction in the voice of the meditation teacher the young spiritual-but-not-religious crowd have come to Lodro Rinzler, a young Buddhist teacher who speaks to the twenty- and thirty-something crowd in a way that has made his first book, The Buddha Walks into a Bar. .., a best seller. Lodro begins by challening you to understand why you want to meditate in the first place, then, after the basic instructions, he shows how to prioritize your practice among your other daily activities and make it the center of all of them. He then shows you how to bring the wisdom and insight gained from meditation into all aspects of life.
This is the ultimate go-to guide for learning how to meditate. It contains all the instructions you'll need to get started in a remarkably short space, but it also shows you how to make meditation practice a permanent part of your life, infusing it with wisdom and compassion as you go about your day. And it's instruction in the voice of the meditation teacher the young spiritual-but-not-religious crowd have come to Lodro Rinzler, a young Buddhist teacher who speaks to the twenty- and thirty-something crowd in a way that has made his first book, The Buddha Walks into a Bar. .., a best seller. Lodro begins by challening you to understand why you want to meditate in the first place, then, after the basic instructions, he shows how to prioritize your practice among your other daily activities and make it the center of all of them. He then shows you how to bring the wisdom and insight gained from meditation into all aspects of life.
112 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2014
75 people are currently reading
1206 people want to read
About the author
Lodro Rinzler
27 books196 followersLodro is a practitioner and teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage. He began meditating as a child and sat retreats as a teenager, even going as far as attending a silent month-long retreat during which he shaved his head and took monastic robes and vows.
When he left for college he received two heirlooms from his parents. From his father, a mala which he had used to recite mantras. From his mother, her father’s flask. He utilized both greatly in the four years ahead. During that time Lodro became a Vajrayana student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He also established Buddhist House, an eighteen person dorm at Wesleyan University which hosts a large meditation room. He began teaching meditation at that time.
After leaving college he was recruited to the position of the Executive Director of the Boston Shambhala Center. He began leading numerous workshops at meditation centers and college campuses throughout the United States. Lodro served as the Head of Development for Shambhala internationally before founding the Institute for Compassionate Leadership.
His column, What Would Sid Do, appears regularly on the Huffington Post and the Interdependence Project and his writing has appeared in Shape Magazine, Real Simple Magazine, the Shambhala Sun, Buddhadharma, and the Good Men Project.
When he left for college he received two heirlooms from his parents. From his father, a mala which he had used to recite mantras. From his mother, her father’s flask. He utilized both greatly in the four years ahead. During that time Lodro became a Vajrayana student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He also established Buddhist House, an eighteen person dorm at Wesleyan University which hosts a large meditation room. He began teaching meditation at that time.
After leaving college he was recruited to the position of the Executive Director of the Boston Shambhala Center. He began leading numerous workshops at meditation centers and college campuses throughout the United States. Lodro served as the Head of Development for Shambhala internationally before founding the Institute for Compassionate Leadership.
His column, What Would Sid Do, appears regularly on the Huffington Post and the Interdependence Project and his writing has appeared in Shape Magazine, Real Simple Magazine, the Shambhala Sun, Buddhadharma, and the Good Men Project.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 6, 2022
The perfect quick start guide to meditation. I really want to get into meditating and I am so happy I started with this book. It is small but mighty!
Rinzler has a very natural writing style that is both lighthearted and informative. It is straight to the point, simple and easy to relate to.
I would think if you are already into meditation it may not be as beneficial but if you are like me and just want to start but don't know how or need a little push to get started this is perfect.
I love that he repeatedly says to be self aware and kind. Even his writing made me feel relaxed.
Rinzler has a very natural writing style that is both lighthearted and informative. It is straight to the point, simple and easy to relate to.
I would think if you are already into meditation it may not be as beneficial but if you are like me and just want to start but don't know how or need a little push to get started this is perfect.
I love that he repeatedly says to be self aware and kind. Even his writing made me feel relaxed.
December 12, 2015
Excellent, practical, inspiring book. If you are intellectually aware of the benefits of meditation, but have not quite managed to make it a daily, useful practice (like myself) this book is probably the right medicine to nudge you to get going. 90 page, easy read.
Finished the book, now I plan to give it a serious try:
1. Just 10 minutes per day
2. In the morning
3. In my house before leaving for the day
4. First do 11 days in a row, then try for everyday habit
Just focus on your breath..your mind will wander...it's ok..bring your focus back to your breath. Calm. Gentle. 10 minutes.
Have a goal with your meditation practice - like trying to avoid snap amygdala hijacks and going nuts over misbehaving children, or getting angry and emotional over other daily obstacles which life does and always will throw at you.
The idea, the hope...is that at some point this sense of calm and control over your tireless mind activity while on the meditation mat, can and will transfer over from the mat to your daily activities - making you a kinder, calmer, more compassionate person.
Finished the book, now I plan to give it a serious try:
1. Just 10 minutes per day
2. In the morning
3. In my house before leaving for the day
4. First do 11 days in a row, then try for everyday habit
Just focus on your breath..your mind will wander...it's ok..bring your focus back to your breath. Calm. Gentle. 10 minutes.
Have a goal with your meditation practice - like trying to avoid snap amygdala hijacks and going nuts over misbehaving children, or getting angry and emotional over other daily obstacles which life does and always will throw at you.
The idea, the hope...is that at some point this sense of calm and control over your tireless mind activity while on the meditation mat, can and will transfer over from the mat to your daily activities - making you a kinder, calmer, more compassionate person.
June 18, 2015
I'm giving away a copy of Sit Like a Buddha on my blog, enter here: http://www.booksuniverseeverything.co...
This little book is under 100 pages: simple and concise. Meditation is not a complex idea or practice, it’s exactly the opposite, so it’s appropriate that a guide to it not be a giant tome. His approach is simple and helpful: he starts by having us think about why we want to start a meditation practice, then he shares the basics of meditation technique, discusses the common obstacles that come up when we start sitting and how to overcome them, and then (most importantly in my opinion) shares his views about how meditation helps us off the meditation cushion – in our every day lives.
This little book is under 100 pages: simple and concise. Meditation is not a complex idea or practice, it’s exactly the opposite, so it’s appropriate that a guide to it not be a giant tome. His approach is simple and helpful: he starts by having us think about why we want to start a meditation practice, then he shares the basics of meditation technique, discusses the common obstacles that come up when we start sitting and how to overcome them, and then (most importantly in my opinion) shares his views about how meditation helps us off the meditation cushion – in our every day lives.
July 21, 2015
I really loved this book. The ideas were so simple to follow and the author did a phenomenal job in explaining the ins and outs of meditation.
September 23, 2015
Short and comprehensive guide, although with a lot of clichés. It was recommended to me in order to help me start meditating, but honestly, I don't feel the drive just yet.
August 14, 2019
"Thiền định chỉ là một công cụ để bạn là chính bạn: nó đưa tới nhận thức là bạn đã đủ tốt, đủ xứng đáng, đủ nhân hậu, mạnh mẽ và thông minh"
August 20, 2015
Even with all its shortness, this book packs a powerful punch. I've always been intrigued by the art of meditation, but I sometimes feel it's beyond me. I'm a laid-back person to begin with, but I'm not always mindful of the present, the here and now. I often allow life to get in the way of life.
With this introductory guide to a calm-abiding meditation called shamatha, Rinzler presents simple, easy-to-understand, and easy-to-do instructions to get you started on this meditation journey. I'm in!
With this book as a starting point, I want to develop the daily meditation habit of becoming mindful of my breathing, grounding me in the present and spilling over into my everyday life. I believe this daily habit will guide me to use my time more wisely and more productively.
This guide gives me hope that I can accomplish this goal because Rinzler's writing and presentation isn't lofty or ridiculously complex. Rinzler instructs and encourages and gives some resources to continue the journey.
One paradox I can't help but ponder after reading this little book is reading. I love to read; however, by the very act of reading, I'm transported out of my present into other lives, other times, other worlds. Can I appreciate this out-of-present experience and still be mindful of the present? I'm pretty sure I can.
***
"We have the Internet and with it infinite possibilities of what we could be doing instead of what we're doing now."
With this introductory guide to a calm-abiding meditation called shamatha, Rinzler presents simple, easy-to-understand, and easy-to-do instructions to get you started on this meditation journey. I'm in!
With this book as a starting point, I want to develop the daily meditation habit of becoming mindful of my breathing, grounding me in the present and spilling over into my everyday life. I believe this daily habit will guide me to use my time more wisely and more productively.
This guide gives me hope that I can accomplish this goal because Rinzler's writing and presentation isn't lofty or ridiculously complex. Rinzler instructs and encourages and gives some resources to continue the journey.
One paradox I can't help but ponder after reading this little book is reading. I love to read; however, by the very act of reading, I'm transported out of my present into other lives, other times, other worlds. Can I appreciate this out-of-present experience and still be mindful of the present? I'm pretty sure I can.
***
"We have the Internet and with it infinite possibilities of what we could be doing instead of what we're doing now."
November 8, 2014
I've been interested in yoga and meditation for a long time, although I wasn't sure I could rein in my thoughts long enough to do it. I've been stressed out in the last few years by my husband's health problems and thought meditation might help me cope. But I didn't want to undertake some heavy and involved studying.
This little guide contains all the information needed to get started and it is written simply and encouragingly. It is not demanding and rigid.....you can sit on a cushion or on the floor, or even on a chair. You can choose how to set up a meditation area and you can opt for keeping your eyes open or closed.
The author, Lodro Rinzler, has a personal website with additional resources and I have bookmarked that. I'm interested in reading his other books too. "Sit Like A Buddha" was received by me through Goodreads First Reads at no charge.
This little guide contains all the information needed to get started and it is written simply and encouragingly. It is not demanding and rigid.....you can sit on a cushion or on the floor, or even on a chair. You can choose how to set up a meditation area and you can opt for keeping your eyes open or closed.
The author, Lodro Rinzler, has a personal website with additional resources and I have bookmarked that. I'm interested in reading his other books too. "Sit Like A Buddha" was received by me through Goodreads First Reads at no charge.
September 8, 2019
this is a perfect book to wet your tongue and dip your toes in meditation. It is for absolute starters or people that want to get startet or learn some more about meditation before exposing themselves to it. For this it deserves more start - absolutely. It was an interesting and good read and although there were new and exciting things to read about I was expecting something more. Maybe a brosder overview about meditation in general? different lineages or styles of meditationg would have been very interesting. Either way, a lovely litte book that is quick to read and can potentially have a big impact on your life and your sens of self. (3,5 * - 4 because at the moment I like meditation and I am biased)
January 11, 2015
I've read several books on Meditation and I found this to be one of the simplest, most to the point and basic (in a good way). And Lodro's voice is really relatable to modern, young meditators but doesn't try too hard to be "hip" or "edgy." It makes the benefits of meditation clear, without trying to define for you why you should meditate. And it is quick about getting you on the mat. I really can't recommend it enough for new meditators or for people like me who have some experience, but are looking for a refresher and a reminder.
Read
September 6, 2015Unadorned and conversational, "Sit Like a Buddha" is a great meditation guide for folks who would like to learn some Buddhist discipline without having to buy into Buddhist spirituality.
April 1, 2018
Loved it even more the second time!
January 15, 2019
Ich bin mir zwar immer noch nicht sicher, ob Meditation wirklich der Weisheit letzter Schluss ist, aber das Buch war so alltagsnah geschrieben, dass ich es jetzt mal versuchen werde, mir 11 Tage lang abends fünf Minuten zum Meditieren zu nehmen. Grundsätzlich finde ich auch die Idee, nicht ständig mit den Gedanken überall zu sein, und natürlich die Tipps, wie das erreicht werden kann, hilfreich.
Der hintere Teil des Buches hat mich dann nicht so überzeugt, wenn auch zum Nachdenken angeregt. Irgendwie mag ich den Gedanken, als ständig bewusster, tiefenentspannter und anderen gegenüber total gerechter Emotionskontrollfreak durch die Gegend zu laufen, nicht. Und die Menschen, die ich so kennengelernt habe, die sich zu viel mit Achtsamkeit befasst haben, waren auch einfach nur nervtötend und total auf Emotionen und Wohlergehen fixiert. Ich denke, sich allzusehr auf die eigenen Emotionen zu konzentrieren, ist ein toller Weg, sich sehr unglücklich zu machen. Das ist für mich, als würde ich mich pausenlos auf meine Haut konzentrieren und mich dann wundern, wenns anfängt zu jucken.
Alles in allem werde ich einige der Ratschläge aufnehmen und den Meditationstipps eine Chance geben. Insbesondere die Hinweise zum Umgang mit (starken) Emotionen im Alltag fand ich auch sehr nützlich, wenn auch nicht bahnbrechend neu. So oder so ein schön zu lesender und nicht so abgehobener Ratgeber, der einen größtenteils mit esoterischem Gewäsch in Ruhe lässt und den Alltagsbezug aufrechterhält.
Der hintere Teil des Buches hat mich dann nicht so überzeugt, wenn auch zum Nachdenken angeregt. Irgendwie mag ich den Gedanken, als ständig bewusster, tiefenentspannter und anderen gegenüber total gerechter Emotionskontrollfreak durch die Gegend zu laufen, nicht. Und die Menschen, die ich so kennengelernt habe, die sich zu viel mit Achtsamkeit befasst haben, waren auch einfach nur nervtötend und total auf Emotionen und Wohlergehen fixiert. Ich denke, sich allzusehr auf die eigenen Emotionen zu konzentrieren, ist ein toller Weg, sich sehr unglücklich zu machen. Das ist für mich, als würde ich mich pausenlos auf meine Haut konzentrieren und mich dann wundern, wenns anfängt zu jucken.
Alles in allem werde ich einige der Ratschläge aufnehmen und den Meditationstipps eine Chance geben. Insbesondere die Hinweise zum Umgang mit (starken) Emotionen im Alltag fand ich auch sehr nützlich, wenn auch nicht bahnbrechend neu. So oder so ein schön zu lesender und nicht so abgehobener Ratgeber, der einen größtenteils mit esoterischem Gewäsch in Ruhe lässt und den Alltagsbezug aufrechterhält.
August 27, 2024
Resulta una guía realmente eficaz y honesta para la persona meditadora principiante, escrita por un experto budista que consigue alejarse del habitual lenguaje oriental (o, lo que es lo mismo, que está próximo al occidental para que el libro sea menos hermético para los que no estamos suficientemente familiarizados o no hemos sido criados en esa tradición).
May 20, 2020
Um livro bastante aquém do que estava à espera.
Bem escrito mas bastante repetitivo e de nível iniciante.
Bem escrito mas bastante repetitivo e de nível iniciante.
October 2, 2019
I came across the book at a meditation center (where Lodro Rinzler is a co-founder), where a number of books are available for patrons to enjoy at their leisure in a lounge. I had just read a bit about Rinzler in another collection of essays, and thought to give it a read. It was so easy and accessible, short but packed with good information, that I finished the 90 or so pages in one sitting.
The writing is easy to digest and the author really gives you hope that yes, you too can develop a genuine meditation practice that will help you.
I had a practice here and there, but never stuck to it. I even saw amazing results - the most important being that I was not constantly reacting, and able to digest what was ahead of me, pause, and then fully and wholly respond to things. That's what the world needs more of now.
I would consider this a must-read for your typical beginner and a great gift. If we can give everyone a real shot at mindfulness and an understanding of our own innate goodness, then what more would any of us need?
The writing is easy to digest and the author really gives you hope that yes, you too can develop a genuine meditation practice that will help you.
I had a practice here and there, but never stuck to it. I even saw amazing results - the most important being that I was not constantly reacting, and able to digest what was ahead of me, pause, and then fully and wholly respond to things. That's what the world needs more of now.
I would consider this a must-read for your typical beginner and a great gift. If we can give everyone a real shot at mindfulness and an understanding of our own innate goodness, then what more would any of us need?
September 14, 2017
A quick read about meditation, I like Rinzler's funny, entertaining, simple approach to the subject.
Of the ten super short chapters, 1-8 were great and are highly recommended. Chapter 9 however then suddenly switched from a neutral, meditation-is-for-everyone approach to a super heavy handed 'why you need to be a buddhist, how to be a buddhist, and why you need to find your spiritual guru' reading, which was hard to swallow. I always want to believe that meditation can be of value regardless of your religious affiliation or lack thereof, but clearly, in the end, this book was a how-to-meditate-to-become-a-buddhist book. Bummer.
But if you pretend only chapters 1-8 exist, it is great. Or I suppose if you actually want to become a buddhist, then the whole book is for you.
Of the ten super short chapters, 1-8 were great and are highly recommended. Chapter 9 however then suddenly switched from a neutral, meditation-is-for-everyone approach to a super heavy handed 'why you need to be a buddhist, how to be a buddhist, and why you need to find your spiritual guru' reading, which was hard to swallow. I always want to believe that meditation can be of value regardless of your religious affiliation or lack thereof, but clearly, in the end, this book was a how-to-meditate-to-become-a-buddhist book. Bummer.
But if you pretend only chapters 1-8 exist, it is great. Or I suppose if you actually want to become a buddhist, then the whole book is for you.
October 11, 2020
The book is a guide to meditation (as it says) using the Shamatha Meditaion practice, and strategies/tips to be effective at it. Author starts with the importance of knowing the purpose one seeks from meditation, to actually decribing the meditaton technique, the essential tools (be mindful, be aware, be gentle, be consistent, be peaceful, relax) to do it well, strategies to deal with likely challenges and behavior of a meditating person. Author elaborates them well and backs with reasons. As a beginner at meditation, I had many takeaways to improve my practice.
Would recommend this book to novice mediators who are serious about improving at it.
Would recommend this book to novice mediators who are serious about improving at it.
June 7, 2020
It is a practical book that can be targeted for those who are absolute beginners in meditation and for those who have a little more experience as well. The author provides methods and tips to improve the meditation practice that can produce benefits to be transferred in everyday life. Furthermore, this book has great human content in a way that can make you a better person regardless of whether you meditate or not. The author conveys kindness and compassion in his writing as the core values of the book and mediation.
April 23, 2020
It is one of the most practical meditation pocket guide. The writer has struck fine balance between prescribing technique and addressing practical challenges such as laziness, procrastination, or distracted mind. The book consists of 9 chapters and each illustrates a step in meditation (and not all of them are on technique). Reading this book will definitely encourage you to adopt the Shamatha meditation practice and it will transform you into a kind and self aware human being.
December 7, 2014
I have read 3 out of lodro's 4 books so far but this is the one that has changed my life the most! I am on day 20 of my journey but the past 20 days I have learned more about myself and my mind, and learned to like who I am when I am just myself. If you want to take that journey this is the guide book that gives you the path but not the whole map!
July 5, 2015
A primer on the meditation practice.I'd recommend this to anyone interested in taking up the practice, or, are curious about it. Mr.Rinzler does a great job in explaining the posture, the breath, and a little bit of the life style. He writes well, and doesn't come off as someone who is preaching. It's a short read, and definitely recommended.
September 5, 2015
Book for overall good and short read, I think subtitle is misguiding one because the only one-tenth of the book is really about meditation, and the rest is about spiritual qualities (i.e How to be a Dharmic Person).
If someone is seriously interested in Meditation and Contemplative Practices, then I recommended to choose another book other than it.
If someone is seriously interested in Meditation and Contemplative Practices, then I recommended to choose another book other than it.
January 9, 2025
A very easy-to-read book. No abstract terms, no mystical chinese techniques.
Why do we try to complicate simple things? Meditation is just to be sit and focused on your breaths. Zillions of thoughts will come through your mind, for sure...just keep sit and come back to your breath.
Simple advices, easy to follow, and easy to implement. The difficult part comes with the practice. Just keep sit!
Why do we try to complicate simple things? Meditation is just to be sit and focused on your breaths. Zillions of thoughts will come through your mind, for sure...just keep sit and come back to your breath.
Simple advices, easy to follow, and easy to implement. The difficult part comes with the practice. Just keep sit!
December 20, 2018
I finished this book, but I really probably started it back in October, and I’ve read it a few other times in between. It’s a great, easy, accessible guide to those starting meditation. I myself am at sort of a strange place in my practice, so I’m gonna pick it up again to set myself on a more gentle path.
November 30, 2014
A pure delight of a read! Lodro Rinzler tells a straight forward discussion on how to meditate and does so with humour and compassion. An absolute must for anyone wanting to start their meditation practice!
P.S. If you can read any of his books on Buddhism, you will not be disappointed.
P.S. If you can read any of his books on Buddhism, you will not be disappointed.
February 18, 2015
This wasn't exactly what I was expecting and I'm glad for it. The most approachable and enjoyable book I've ever read on meditation. If you're just curious and wan a quick, easy, friendly start to mediation this is your guide.
May 28, 2015
Five stars for a clear, concise, and basic introduction to meditation. The book is what it says, and that's all you can ask from it. Rinzler was funny at times, too. He knows how to make a reader smile and relax.
August 14, 2015
Great book for beginners looking to understand more about mediation. Author gives great examples overcoming obstacles during mediation sessions. Bottom line is to continue and trust the process. You will reap the benefits.
September 28, 2015
Makes meditation accessible and fun
I've read a few books on meditation and this one was the least formal and most accessible treatment on the topic. Looking forward to starting my practice with the actionable advice in this book.
I've read a few books on meditation and this one was the least formal and most accessible treatment on the topic. Looking forward to starting my practice with the actionable advice in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews