Meditation: the Buddhist way of tranquillity and insight

This book is a comprehensive guide to the methods and theory of Buddhist meditation. It provides a complete introduction to the basic techniques for beginners as well as detailed advice and reference material for experienced meditators seeking to deepen their practice.

Kamalashila is a long-standing member of the Western Buddhist Order and has been teaching meditation since 1976. Over two decades he and his colleagues at the Vajraloka Retreat Centre in North Wales have developed approaches to meditation that are firmly grounded in Buddhist tradition yet readily accessible to people with a modern Western background. Their experience - as meditators and as teachers - is distilled in this book.

Written in an informal, accessible style, Kamalashila draws particular inspiration from the writings of the great Theravadin commentator Buddhaghosa as well as from Chih-I, the pre-eminent master of the Chinese T'ien-t'ai School. The result is a practical handbook, complete with trouble-shooting guides and maps of the places our practice might take us. It is also an illuminating exploration of the principles underlying Buddhist meditation, and of its real aims, heightened awareness, true happiness and ultimately - liberating insight into the nature of reality.

Contents
Introduction
Preface

Part One - First Steps
Mindfulness of Breathing
Meditation on Friendliness
Establishing a Meditation Practice

Part Two - Principles
Higher Consciousness
Tranquility and Insight

Part Three - Practice
The Conditions for Meditation
Meditation Posture
Working in Meditation
Reflection
Types of Meditation Practice

Appendix
Methods of Working on the Five Hindrances

Notes and Reference
Index