Start Here, Start Now: A Short Guide to Mindfulness Meditation

by Bhante Gunaratana

 A new book distilling Wisdom’s definitive masterpiece on mindfulness and all-time bestseller, Mindfulness in Plain English, down to a pocket-sized guide with everything you need to get started practicing mindfulness right now.

In a clear, friendly voice, this concise collection of beloved and renowned meditation master Bhante G’s bestselling instructions will teach you everything you need to know to start—and maintain!—your mindfulness meditation practice. The book includes practical advice on
What to do with the body and mind in meditation; What to do when the mind wanders and how to work with distraction; How to deal with physical discomfort in meditation; How to overcome drowsiness, boredom, and inability to concentrate; How to work with fear and agitation, judgments, and self-criticism; How to avoid trying too hard, expecting too much, or getting discouraged; 11 common misconceptions about meditation; 10 tips for effective practice; and how to get the most out of your practice.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Meditation, Buddhism

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2019

Reviews

[Billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If i was ask what book to keep. This is one book for keeps. Short is an understatement. I can change that into the word "Essential". Every time i do my meditation practice this will be the best manual for me to bring any where at any time.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skimmed. In defense, this book was stacked with another 30 books awaiting my attention during the Covid-19 quarantine. It was time I went through them all & had my peace with them, including this book.

Highly recommended. Small, packable & highly transportable book for reading on a trip.
Great, practical & clear advice for meditation enthusiasts, leaning towards novices.

[Sandra H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginners guide to meditation! Easy to read, great pointers and easy to follow.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect "how to" book. Simple and straight forward. Just the right amount of information. I recommend it to anyone who wants to practice mindfulness meditation.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good review of all the basics of meditation. Good reminders!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know, this is a 50 page book and so I have no excuse for not finishing it. I tried. But I somehow lacked the focus. Which, I know, is the height of irony given this is a book about mindfulness...... Pathetic.....

[Marie Schröder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book you should read once but one you can always come back too. I perceive it to be a good guide for everyone who wants to start practicing meditation and is searching for honest answers to questions arising in the beginning.

[Kirk Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very brief guide to mindfulness meditation. It was an easy and quick read, but there was not much depth. You could probably get the same information in an internet search. Also, there were a few editing mistakes. But if you just want a quick and dirty introduction to a daily practice, it might be a good starting point.

[Nichita Utiu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is pretty much an abridged version of "Mindfulness in Plain English". I find it very useful as a quick reference material on the basics of Vipassana, meditation, but pretty light on the broader context of the practice of meditation. I do like MiPE as a secular introduction to the practice, and this book is even more pragmatic, something which may not be in its favor.

My concern is that the lack of connection to the original Buddhist canons in "Start here, start now" may make it too confusing or too shallow as a first-time introduction to meditation.
I would recommend it as refresher, but only after you've read the longer, original book.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Start Here Start Now" is the most comprehensive overview of Vipassana Meditation that really connects with the reader. Bhante Gunaratana is a best selling author who offers practical solutions in terms of starting and maintaining a meditation practice. Included, among other things, is how to overcome drowsiness, boredom, fear, anxiety and other distractions. I would highly recommend this book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good if you're looking for a super short introduction to the basics.

[William Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a nice introduction to the practice of meditation.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear. Simple. Direct. Everything you need to know to get started and support your meditation practice.

[tomas p · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book title says it all. Compresses all the knowledge I needed to start in an easy and understandable way. Definetely worth reading if you want to start meditating.

[Mayte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book to end the year with.

[Rachel Ram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in one day while at Bhante G.’s monastery in West Virginia. It really helped my practice!

[Sarah Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice quick intro to meditation for beginners