Karma and Chaos: New and Collected Essays on Vipassana Meditation

by Paul R. Fleischman

These eight essays explore the interface between psychiatry, science, and the timeless teachings of the Buddha. Drawn from the personal experiences of a therapist and practitioner of Vipassana meditation, this work explores meditation’s similarities and differences with psychotherapeutic and scientific endeavors. In the title essay, parallels are drawn between the atomic synthesis of free choice and lawful consequence in Chaos Theory and karma, offering contemporary insights into one of Buddhism’s core concepts. The empirical roots of meditation, its relevance to daily life, and the challenges and benefits of daily practice of Vipassana meditation are also addressed. Practical examples for continued observation outside of formal meditation retreats guide readers in incorporating Buddhist practice into daily life.

Genres: Meditation, Religion, Spirituality, Psychology, Nonfiction, Buddhism

158 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

About the author

Paul R.Fleischman’s legacy book, "Wonder: When and Why the World Appears Radiant" expresses Dr. Fleischman’s knowledge as a psychiatrist, scientist, meditator, poet, lover of literature, and world traveler. Each chapter builds on the next and takes the reader deeper and deeper into the understanding of human life’s connection to all life. Readers of the book say that the writing is powerful and the concepts build on themselves like a suspense novel. Wonder makes an impression that commands full attention. The book makes a significant contribution by bridging the two domains of scientific and religious cosmology, and it does so with inspiration and elegance. It connects the dots of biology, physics, and spirituality and helps to crystallize thoughts, and to generate new thoughts and insights. Paul R. Fleischman is also the author of, "Cultivating Inner Peace: Exploring the Psychology,Wisdom and Poetry of Gandhi, Thoreau, the Buddha, and Others," "Karma and Chaos," "You Can Never Speak Up Too Often for the Love of All Things," "The Healing Spirit: Explorations in Religion and Psychotherapy," "Spiritual Aspects of Psychiatric Practice," "Vipassana Meditation: Healing the Healer and the Experience of Impermanence," and "The Buddha Taught Nonviolence, Not Pacifism."

Reviews

[Jessica Zu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book very much. But still I find it surprising that the author put all the emphasis on the individual, and almost ignored the social and cultural influences on individual's well-being. It is true that the individual bare lots of responsibilities on being happy, but one needs to be aware of the social and historical conditions in order to come up with a good coping strategy. Life is very complicated, and individuals are very weak, that's why we need a Dhamma community to support one another as we swim against stream-- the whole society and our own kamma.
Each one of us has to take responsibility, but if we put all the weight on the individual, we as a society are not taking responsibilities for social justice and equality. We are all inter-connected, I could not see how I could liberate myself alone without taking all beings with me together on my path to liberation.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book at the bookstore in Onalaska, Washington after finishing a 10-day Vipassana meditation course. The mind body connection meditation offers is really interesting to me, and I appreciated how the author incorporates the modern practice of psychology with the age old wisdom that are at the roots of this meditation tradition. His writing is also very poetic and a pleasure to read. Again, I read it soon after finishing the course, but would also think that it is suitable as a good prep before the course is taken or as a general interest read.

Good stuff, and will read more of this author.

[Azar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonlinear equations and the laws of kamma describe enormous variability but lawful and coherent processes. Nonlinear equations and the laws of kamma remind us that within the sting of hailstorm world, we can walk the path.
It is because the world is not capricious that true freedom exists. Our life direction is a product of renewed and recurrent momentum. Freedom is the presence, not the absence, of constraints that give ongoing impact and importance our choices.

[Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A psychologist delves into the world of Vipassana Meditation and looks at it from many interesting angles, including relationships, statehood, psychological health, personal development and more. Vipassana is a non-sectarian method of meditation that Buddha taught, and is just making a resurgence globally. The book is far easier to grasp if you've studied Vipassana, but would be fascinating for the uninitiated as well.

[Sashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An clear explanation and guide to Vipassana meditation. As a newbie to meditation and hoping to go to Vipassana some day, this book written in excellent prose makes remarkable reading. Recommend it to anyone wanting to know what to do in a Vipassana mediation. Additionally the book blends scientific theory to Eastern Karmic philosophy very well.

[Kelly]

bought after serving on a couple of one-day courses back at the good old Vipassana Meditation Center in Shelburne, MA the other weekend

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, a few interesting insights about psychotherapy,,chaos theory and vipassana, but a bit convoluted and hippy dippy new age. Its better to do Vipassana than read about it!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good series of seven essays for me to read at this time. I really like the way the essays are introduced and organized from the beginning. I also like that the final essay was co-written by Paul Fleischman and his son, Forrest.

The first essay "Why I Sit" was perfect for me current needs and it reflects the author's intention to sit out of love for self and his partner. A discipline good for himself but also good for his relationship with his life partner. This isn't a new essay - it was written in 1982 - but to have access in writing to this kind of reflection from a Vipassana teacher is nourishing and instructive.

A number of the essays are written to explain the interface between Vipassana meditation and psychiatry and psychotherapy.

Two essays touch on the relevance of meditation to modern life and I found them both enriching and helpful to my practice.

The final essay, which is very scientifically based, (and makes me consider taking courses in quantum physics) explains in more depth for me how the reality of rebirth and multiple lives can work. I really enjoyed this read. It has deepened my knowledge as well as given me a lot to ponder.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having done a life-altering ten day Vipassana sit a few years ago, that style of meditation has slowly left my life. This book did not lead me back to it, but helped me get my personal meditation practice back on track. If the last 30 or so pages were removed, I'd probably give this book five out of five stars. However, not only does he get very scientific and confusing towards the end of the book, he also misuses the word anarchy on half a dozen different occasions. For a person who seemingly thought about every word in this book, how he could make this mistake is beyond me.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written essays that take you right into the depth of Vipassana practice, its moving insights, and its profound impact on one’s perspective and attitude in day-to-day life. A must read for anyone interested in the topic of meditation in general, and especially so for those interested specifically in the deep practice of Vipassana (as taught by Goenka).

[Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul gets us back to the basics of Vipassana meditation, shedding light into what it brings to our lives.

Great for the introduced meditator to reflect on the theory behind the practice. Also perfect for psychologists with an interest in meditation.

[Chirona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful collection of essays from a psychiatrist and Vipassana teacher. I highly recommend for anyone interested in or engaged in Vipassana practice, especially those who work in healing roles in the world, in particular those in mental health work

[Linda Hutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Il miglior libro che ho letto finora sulla vipassana. Prezioso.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valuable inspiration and guidance for the novice Vippasana meditator. I’m totally amazed the last chapter on chaos theory and causation was written by a high school student!

[Vahini · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delicious book!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I preferred the essays that preceded Karma and Chaos, the last essay and namesake of the book. The writing is clear and does bridge the gap between meditation, psychotherapy, and science.