Realizing Change: Vipassana Meditation in Action

by Ian Hetherington

"Featuring accounts by practitioners living everyday lives, this introduction to Vipassana meditation provides a way for readers to learn more about its benefits. Explained is what takes place before, during, and after a ten-day silent meditation retreat. Each participant follows the same silence, a basic moral code known as the five precepts, a prescribed timetable, a vegetarian diet, and a commitment to practicing only what is taught at the retreat. This first-person account of the retreat reveals the challenges and benefits of facing reality head-on through direct observation and of learning to observe instead of reacting to thoughts, emotions, and sensations. In addition, the ways in which Vipassana meditation techniques are applied to individuals, institutions, children, prisoners, work places, and fields of science and social action are examined. Although based on the teachings of the Buddha, the practice of Vipassana as illustrated in this book has broad appeal to other religious and nonsectarian audiences."

Genres: Meditation, Nonfiction, Spirituality

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Dinesh Malpani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consider reading......At least,.those who are interested in qualitative improvement in the Life .....those who wish to live life peaceful, cool & calm.......those who are interested to know & discover the true self......those who wish to contribute the world by living life as per law of nature.....and very important ......for .those who are interested to achieve the purpose of this life.......


......hope after reading the book, many a few thousands will surely consider to experience this unique scientific Vipassana Meditation technique......will definitely be feel blessed & lucky......! May all being be Happy......be peaceful.....!

[Andrea James]

This book contains lots of testimonials from people who have attended SN Goenka's courses and for whom the experience has been at the very least deemed worthwhile if not transformational for their life. If one is nervous about attending and can be persuaded through testimonials, then it may be worth a browse. It's also worth noting that no amount of theoretical research substitutes for the physical experience of meditation (perhaps especially in vipassana)

However, if one is a meditator and looking for clarity of what vipassana specifically offers/entails, this book is somewhat less useful.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of positive opinions regarding Vipassana meditation gathered from various practitioners and highlights of benefits. Not a meditation knowhow book.

[Ewa Proch · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is worth to read for everybody who wants to know how can change their life for better. A lot of valuable testimonies.

[Ahmed Tayeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book points out benefits of Vipassana meditation in several aspects of life, with ample examples from people's experiences. It can be helpful for people who are considering taking a course, and I find it helpful to remind myself of the benefits of practicing at times when I'm losing my daily practice.