Rating: 
Summary: The best book on insight meditation...
Review:
This is the book which brought my meditation practice into focus and brought me to Theravadan Buddhism. I first read it just after it was published in the early 90s. I have reread it several times since, each time gaining more insight - literally and figuratively. I cannot make the claim that it will have the same effect on you, but as the Buddha might say, try it and see for yourself.
I like the precision of Bhante G's writing. This work is far more than a transcript of spoken discourses, like many contemporary Buddhist books. It is specifically created to be read, absorbed, reflected upon and practiced.
When I come across a work that effects me so strongly, inevitably I wonder if the writer is as good as his word. I traveled to West Virginia to sit with Bhante G and the other monks and lay people at his monastery. As intellectually stimulating as his book is, sitting with him in the meditation hall was sublime. The man is a true living Buddhist master. He's a great writer too. Read his books.
Rating:
Summary: I want to encourage you...
Review: ...to read this book, whether you are a newcomer to meditation, or an old-timer looking for many grins and a feeling of great warmth for the author. Do your Self the favor.
Rating:
Summary: Meditation for the West
Review: Ever start reading a really cool looking
meditation book only to find that the picture on
the cover is the only thing that makes any sense?
Have you ever wondered why the author or
translator never bothers to tell you what those
weird words mean, "Samahadi...",
"Vipassana...", "Dukka..."
Have you finished a meditation book and
understood about half of what was talked about and
figured that half is better than none? (a very 'enlightened'
but often frustrating outcome
especially when these books aren't cheap)
This little known book seems to have addressed
and solved all those problems and more. It is a book
written for people who have no clue how to
start meditating and for those who have started, but
don't know where to look for the answers to
questions that come up during their practice.
The best thing about this book is in
its title,'plain English'.It seems to gently
lead one by the hand through the mystery and
confusion of meditation with a sense of humor
and patience rarely given to the subject.
I have been meditating for nine years now and
have built up a small library of books on the
subject. When friends ask me about meditation
I dig around in all the books with great
covers and reach for "Mindfullness In Plain
English" every time.
Rating:
Summary: Best quide for beginners and teachers of mindfulness alike
Review: As a dharma teacher of 18 years and a teacher of mindfulness based stress reduction, this is my number one recommendation for those serious about the ins and outs of mindfulness. Bhante Gunaratana is an overlooked gem.
Rating:
Summary: Lucid, enjoyable instruction on insight meditation
Review: As stated on page 1 of this book, this is a "how to" manual. It does not expound on the philosophy and theoretical aspects of Buddhism (as is also stated on the first page), but instead explains how one can start the practice of meditation. The concept of mindfulness as the practice of "living in the moment" is presented in an engaging, conversational manner. The first chapter, "Meditation: Why Bother?" establishes the tone that meditation is an effective means to profoundly change the way one approaches life. I happen to follow a faith other than Buddhism, and the principles put forth in this book have a universal appeal that should alienate no one. Additionally, the writing has a contemporary style and the subject is presented as a practice that anyone can cultivate and apply to their daily lives. This is impressive when one considers the author was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1939 at the age of twelve. Chapters two and three describe what meditation is and what it isn't, giving beginners a clear idea of what they can expect from the rest of the book (and from insight meditation in general). The remainder of the text lays out the specifics of the practice such as how to sit, how to focus on the breath and how to deal with problems and distractions. The final sixty-or-so pages discuss the concept of mindfulness and its application in everyday life, both as a means of self-regard and for the development of relations with others. I highly recommend this book with its clear, engaging instruction and straightforward presentation of mindfulness meditation. It would be a worthy addition to the collection of anyone interested in this topic.
Rating:
Summary: Lucid, enjoyable instruction on insight meditation
Review: As stated on page 1 of this book, this is a "how to" manual. It does not expound on the philosophy and theoretical aspects of Buddhism (as is also stated on the first page), but instead explains how one can start the practice of meditation. The concept of mindfulness as the practice of "living in the moment" is presented in an engaging, conversational manner. The first chapter, "Meditation: Why Bother?" establishes the tone that meditation is an effective means to profoundly change the way one approaches life. I happen to follow a faith other than Buddhism, and the principles put forth in this book have a universal appeal that should alienate no one. Additionally, the writing has a contemporary style and the subject is presented as a practice that anyone can cultivate and apply to their daily lives. This is impressive when one considers the author was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1939 at the age of twelve. Chapters two and three describe what meditation is and what it isn't, giving beginners a clear idea of what they can expect from the rest of the book (and from insight meditation in general). The remainder of the text lays out the specifics of the practice such as how to sit, how to focus on the breath and how to deal with problems and distractions. The final sixty-or-so pages discuss the concept of mindfulness and its application in everyday life, both as a means of self-regard and for the development of relations with others. I highly recommend this book with its clear, engaging instruction and straightforward presentation of mindfulness meditation. It would be a worthy addition to the collection of anyone interested in this topic.
Rating:
Summary: Lucid, enjoyable instruction on insight meditation
Review: As stated on page 1 of this book, this is a "how to" manual. It does not expound on the philosophy and theoretical aspects of Buddhism (as is also stated on the first page), but instead explains how one can start the practice of meditation. The concept of mindfulness as the practice of "living in the moment" is presented in an engaging, conversational manner. The first chapter, "Meditation: Why Bother?" establishes the tone that meditation is an effective means to profoundly change the way one approaches life. I happen to follow a faith other than Buddhism, and the principles put forth in this book have a universal appeal that should alienate no one. Additionally, the writing has a contemporary style and the subject is presented as a practice that anyone can cultivate and apply to their daily lives. This is impressive when one considers the author was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1939 at the age of twelve. Chapters two and three describe what meditation is and what it isn't, giving beginners a clear idea of what they can expect from the rest of the book (and from insight meditation in general). The remainder of the text lays out the specifics of the practice such as how to sit, how to focus on the breath and how to deal with problems and distractions. The final sixty-or-so pages discuss the concept of mindfulness and its application in everyday life, both as a means of self-regard and for the development of relations with others. I highly recommend this book with its clear, engaging instruction and straightforward presentation of mindfulness meditation. It would be a worthy addition to the collection of anyone interested in this topic.
Rating:
Summary: Clarity and Utility
Review: As the other reviewers have noted, this book is clearly written, very practical, and very encouraging. It is a fine nuts-and-bolts manual for meditators, without the baggage of excessive references to Eastern teachings which sometimes bog down other texts. Have no doubt, it is profoundly Buddhist in its approach -- this becomes especially clear at the end. Without question, the best single book on meditation I've found.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Profound nor Particularly Well Written
Review: Based mainly on the strength of the many 5-star reviews at Amazon.com, I purchased this book. While the price was not too bad, the author says he intends to write a simple "how-to" guide to meditation. While it is in many aspects simple, it is over-written. The structure is simple, while his choice of vocabulary is not. He chooses $5 words, when a $.25 word would be fine. The information could have been presented in a more concise manner, and the book could have been written in one-half to one-third as much space without losing any salient content. While the "how-to" content was sufficient, the author's rambling was distracting. After a while, I found myself ultimately having to skim for the morcels of good stuff. To the author: Please, next time, spare the editorialising and overuse of adjectives. I also purchased, but have yet to read, "Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness : Walking the Buddha's Path" (by this author). I hope it does not contain as many words serving only to fill space. I shall review that book after I read it.
Rating:
Summary: if you can't find a teacher ~ here is one
Review: Being a countryman of the author, this is the book I give my friends. Though perhaps not quite impartial, I would say: If you do not have a human teacher, for this 7th aspect of the Eightfold path, this book is one of the best substitutes.
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