Meditation: Advice to Beginners

by Bokar Rinpoche, Jennifer Pessereau (Editor)

Meditation is currently a fashionable practice and there are already books published on this subject. Why this new book? What will you find in this volume? You will find teachings given by an authentic Tibetan teacher, Bokar Rinpoche. Not only does Bokar Rinpoche know meditation, but years of skillful practice allow him to guide students on this path. For him, Buddhism constitutes the essence of the spiritual domain and his teachings transmit the teachings given by the Buddha. Furthermore, they are perfectly adapted to our time and cultural environment. Bokar Rinpoche knows how to make clear that which, at first approach, seems obscure and complex. He really embodies the essence of these teachings. When one meets with Bokar Rinpoche, one is bathed in a radiant peace which he extends to all beings through his immense love and compassion. In his presence, one may experience a taste of the true nature of the mind. It is my hope that this book will convey to the reader Bokar Rinpoche's wisdom and compassion. Since the series of teachings translated here come from public and private teachings given in France between 1985 and 1987, they sometimes address the people of a particular city. Their contents, however, are directed toward each of us, regardless of where we reside. You may sometimes find a repetition of themes from one chapter to another. We did not edit the teachings. As repetition may increase understanding, you will encounter the same view presented in a different context in some instances. They are true teachings that one can read, put directly into practice, reread and practice again and again. For the person who wants to practice with others, there are many meditation centers throughout the world where one may receive instruction from a qualified teacher. This book is not a substitute for a living teacher but a guide to the path, a friendly companion on the journey sharing wisdom and experience. Many familiar words, such as suffering, love and compassion, have a more specific meaning in the context of this book. To clarify their meaning, we have added a selective glossary of Buddhist terms in order to help the beginner more easily understand the text. This glossary is not exhaustive. Advanced students of Buddhism may refer to more scholarly publications for comprehensive definitions of these terms.

Genres: Buddhism, Meditation, Religion

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Bokar Tulku Rinpoche, Karma Shedrup Yongdu Pel Zangpo, was heart-son of the Kalu Rinpoche and a holder of the Karma Kagyü and Shangpa Kagyü lineages. He was later one of the principle teachers of the Kalu Yangzi, held to be the reincarnation of H.E. Kalu Rinpoche, and served as director of the Kalu Rinpoche Translation Group.

Reviews

[Kitap · Rating 3 out of 5]

This slim volume, a collection of talks given by Bokar Rinpoche to his students in France, is a wonderful resource for beginning (and not so beginning) Vajrayana Buddhist meditators. As another reviewer has noted, the book abounds with contemporary analogies, yet the material is firmly grounded in the traditional Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The book includes a brief section on the preliminary practices (i.e., the Four Reminders and ngondro), and it also provides detailed descriptions of proper meditation posture. As well, Rinpoche gives lengthy explanations of the two basic forms of meditation in the Kagyu tradition---shinay (shamatha, "calm abiding") and lhatong (vipashyana, "superior vision")---and also describes different methods of each for the reader/student to put into practice. Finally, and most importantly to this reviewer, Rinpoche continually stresses that diligence in practice is far more important than "good" or "successful" meditation; for me, it is so easy to become discouraged in meditation because of my goal-oriented, perfectionist nature, so these reminders to "just do it" are simply indispensible.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best book I've read on begining meditation. The focus is specifically on the Tibetan pracitces of shinay lhatong, but the advice is good for anyone seeking to meditate. This is the second book by Bokar Rinpoche that I've read, and he is always excellent -- simple yet profound, to the point, both reassuring when it comes to the struggle of beginners and yet constantly reminding you how complex and difficult a true practice really is.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for beginners in Buddhist meditation. It brings out the core techniques on meditation as well as basic Buddhist principles in plain language without sacrifice of depth. A 14-year Buddhist, I can still benefit a lot from reading it recently.

[Ellen Brenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good for learning the particular terminology of Tibetan Buddhist meditation but it did not produce much inspiration.