In This Very Life: Liberation Teachings of the Buddha

by Sayadaw U. Pandita, Kate Wheeler

Burmese meditation master Sayadaw U Pandita shows us that freedom is as immediate as breathing, as fundamental as a footstep. In this book he describes the path of the Buddha and calls all of us to that heroic journey of liberation. Enlivened by numerous case histories and anecdotes, In This Very Life is a matchless guide to the inner territory of meditation - as described by the Buddha.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Meditation, Religion, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Zen

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 1992

Reviews

[Rosie Nguyễn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Một quyển sách rất thiết thực, hữu dụng, và rõ ràng dành cho người quan tâm tới thiền vipassana (thiền minh sát), đặc biệt là vipassana theo phương pháp Mahasi. Thầy U Pandita là học trò chính thức của thiền sư Mahasi, một trong hai người có công đưa thiền vipassana rộng rãi ra thế giới. Trong quyển sách này, thầy U Pandita hướng dẫn cách hành thiền vipassana một cách cặn kẽ, các yếu tố giúp phát triển việc hành thiền, các phương pháp giúp hỗ trợ cho việc chánh niệm, tập trung, diệt trừ các triền cái vv. Sách còn đề cập ngắn tới Dharma therapy, và giải thích tại sao việc thanh lọc tâm trí có thể hỗ trợ làm giảm nhẹ hoặc giải quyết các vấn đề của cơ thể. Nội dung sách có hơi lặp lại, và trong sách có đề cập tới một số đặc điểm của Phật giáo Nam tông vốn vẫn bị phê phán bởi bên ngoài hoặc cả những người theo Nam tông. Nhưng nói chung, vẫn là một quyển sách rất đáng đọc cho người thực hành thiền vipassana.

[Juergen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of talks by Sayadaw U Pandita from a retreat early in the 2000's. Initially it reads like pretty standard Mahasi based teachings, but there is a depth here that soon makes itself known. The sections on the Vipassana Jhanas are a pretty unique take on absorption solely through Vipassana (and khanika samadhi). The chapter on Nibbana is also pretty brilliant. One might argue that it is somewhat fanciful, but let us not forget that Buddhism as a practice encompasses the devotional as well as the secular.

We might tend to focus too much on "Buddhism as a philosophy," in western Dharma practice, but there is 2500+ years of practice in all manner of faith and devotion that should be recognized.

I would recommend this book to serious practitioners who would like a deeper look at practice in the Burmese tradition, in particular that which issued forth from Mahasi Sayadaw.

[Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. It gives the perspective of a Burmese meditation master. I liked his description of mindfulness, which he said has been watered down in the West. Mindfulness should "leap forward on to the object [for example, breath], covering it completely, penetrating into it, not missing any part of it." He prefers the word "observing power." One must meet the object head on, face to face, with courage.

I also was fascinated by his thoughts on the pains that come from sitting still for long meditations: "when pain arises the first strategy is to send your attention straight toward it, right to the center of it. You try to penetrate its core. Seeing pain as pain, note it persistently, trying to get under its surface so that you do not react." You can also "play with it" and "ignore it." He recommends using these strategies before shifting your position to gain comfort. Over time you will not need to shift the body nearly so much, and so you can sit with more tranquility and ease.

I skimmed over the many sections about re-birth because I don't believe in that.

[Meera Neupane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend to meditators! Very insightful and definitely, reading it again.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quyển sách viết bài bản lớp lan, đốt đuốc soi đường cho thiền sinh hành thiền minh sát. Việc thiền tập được hướng dẫn chi tiết, bóc tách lớp lan với khó khăn và phương pháp đối trị. Đây là quyển sách để pháp hành và sách tấn, thích hợp cho người hành thiền Tứ Niệm Xứ để trải nghiệp trực tiếp đặc tính vô thường, khổ và vô ngã. Hãy đọc sách và đăng ký ít nhất 10 ngày thiền tập tích cực ở Panditarama Forest Retreat để nhìn thấy chính mình. Khóa thiền hoàn toàn miễn phí và cúng dường tùy tâm.

[craige]

I was drawn to this book because I want to learn more about vipassana meditation and about Buddhism in general. It seemed like it would be an accessible read since it is taken from some talks that were given by a Buddhist teacher.

[Chris Merck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful if you are going to a retreat at Panditarama, the late author’s retreat center.

Neither a comprehensive meditation manual nor intro to Buddhist thought.

There were a few gems in there though.

[Aravinth Raj Muthukrishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very genuine insight into the methodologies of meditating discourses. Author has well documented.

The book is inclined slightly towards academics. However, I could feel the sprinkles of inner wisdom throughout the book where one could grasp the author’s pitch. Definitely a good read.

[Tetrijeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best meditation manuals for mahasi vipassana, in depth, but simple, clear and to the point. this books deservs multiple readings, and serious practice afterwards. the results are well worth it!

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Best book on Buddhism I've read yet. I look forward to reading it again.

[Sheldon Frith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good meditation book but I feel like it does not offer any teachings which are not covered better by books such as The Mind Illuminated or Mastering The Core Teachings Of The Buddha...

[Inna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on meditations ever! Not only the language is very accessible but also the concepts are explained in an easy for a Western mind way.

[Shivam Patil · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book ...clear things about spirituality ..loved it!

[Monisha Rao · Rating 1 out of 5]

Driest book I’ve ever read

Sorry if you’re seeing this davyd