Mindfulness The Path To The Deathless. The Meditation Teachings of Ajahn Sumedho

by Ajahn Sumedho

Buddhist book on the Meditation Teachings of Ajahn Sumedho.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Meditation, Nonfiction, Philosophy

Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Ajahn Sumedho was born Robert Jackamn in Seattle, Washington in 1934. He was raised as Anglican and from 1951 to 1953 studied Chinese and history at the University of Washington. He served as a medic for the US Navy until returning to the University to ccomplete a BA in Far Eastern Studies in 1959. In 1966 he went to Thailand and was ordained as a novice Buddhist; in 1967 he received a full ordination.

Reviews

[Vanja Uremović · Rating 5 out of 5]

I carry this book everywhere I go, it is one of my favorites. It contains techniques and practical advice on meditation, mindfulness and kindness that we/I often tend to forget. It is very well written, easy to follow, understand and take in. A true gem, that helps me through difficult times regularly.

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A settling writing about mindfulness as it relates to many aspects of the human condition: habits, talents, creativity, sports, relationships... Allowing all sorts of obstructions and pulls to cease and relax. An exploration into where a mind without reflection takes us.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Instructive.

[Jared Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best book outlining buddhist philosophy and practice I have read. Buddhist texts appeal to different people and become clear in their own way. This piece spoke to me.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the basics of Theravadan Buddhist meditation-- breath, concentration, walking, kindness. It's short. Easy to read--very clear. Good basic introduction.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The teachings and instructions are from one of the most revealed teachers of our time. Ajahn Sumedho is the most senior Western monk trained who under Ajahn Chah, and who was tasked by Ajahn Chah to set up a monastery in UK.

I have attended a talk by Ajahn Sumedho in Singapore a few years back, and have been listening to his teachings on youtube. I have also attended a 5-day retreat by Ajahn Viradhammo who had worked very closely with a Ajahn Sumedho in building up the monasteries in UK. So I am familiar with the direct style using simple language, free of complicated stuff conceptual language and terms.

I really appreciate this little booklet, which again reiterates the importance of simply watching one breath at a time, and recognizing this as a phenomenon that rises and ceases. Like all other phenomena within our body and our experiences.

Not to be attached to wanting to achieve a state, or be critical of ourselves. But just watch how things are as they are, including our thoughts and feelings, and be very very patient to watch them cease, and let them cease. Allowing things to cease and not cling. Because the nature of things is that they cease.

And not to waste our time. Because it is very easy to be distracted by external attractions and we end up pursuing pleasures and excitement from the outside and feel to notice our breath or do walking meditation because we seem very boring.

Simple yet profound. A book to read again.

[Khoa Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great handbook for those who just start learning how to meditate. Sumedho covers some of the most fundamental practices, most prominently anapanasati (meditation on be breath), as well as insightfully explains how samadhi and vipassana meditation lead to mindfulness. One does not necessarily have a buddhist background to learn meditation, yet this books embodies some of the most beautiful pieces of the Buddha's teachings, which along with the practice of meditation, leads to a much peaceful mind,a deep awareness and genuine compassion towards sufferings of others.

[N T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read - well written, good off the back of other more technical mindfulness books ~ dhamma talks on mindfulness so not good for beginners if you want to learn mindfulness step by step

A nice read off the back of ‘mindfulness in plain English’

Inspired me to read more of his work

[John Chancey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read on what mindfulness is, different ways to practice meditation, and Buddhism. I read this because I want to become more involved with the Buddhist temple here. This book has given me ideas to reinvigorate my practice of meditation and Buddhism.

[Yara Cardozo Polo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looved this book, it is full of teaching and love for life

[Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing, helpful, portable, accidental find. As a first foray into meditation & Buddhist ideas or as a supplement to other readings and practice, this is wonderful.

[Denise Tyson A. Mensah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book that can be used to refresh rhe mind about, or introduce the mind to the basics of meditation, why we do it and why it can help us be more peaceful. One of my little favourites. :)

[Dr. Sidha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and simple reading. Full of useful nuggets. Met him!

[Jmp · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully written.