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Rating: 
Summary: Should Read From Other Books Too
Review: Do not confuse anymore about mindfulness breathing.I would like readers to read from
Mindfulness of Breathing by Bhikkhu by Nanamoli
and
Manual of Mindfulness of Breathing by Mahathera Ledi Sayadaw
Rating:
Summary: Should Read From Other Books Too
Review: Sorry, Guys. This book is a bust. I am a big respecter of Buddhadasa (the author's teacher), and I have read most everything he wrote. However, Buddhadasa's description of the 16 step method is inadequate to learn to practice by. (I have been practicing for 30 years, and the Pali does not trouble me at all.) I bought this book by Buddhadasa's student with great expectations, but it did not fill the bill for the 16 steps. Instead, I suggest you get "Breath by Breath" by Larry Rosenberg (who personally learned the method from Buddadasa). Alternately, and just as good, get "Breathe - You Are Alive" by Thich Naht Hanh.
Rating: 
Summary: A bust
Review: Sorry, Guys. This book is a bust. I am a big respecter of Buddhadasa (the author's teacher), and I have read most everything he wrote. However, Buddhadasa's description of the 16 step method is inadequate to learn to practice by. (I have been practicing for 30 years, and the Pali does not trouble me at all.) I bought this book by Buddhadasa's student with great expectations, but it did not fill the bill for the 16 steps. Instead, I suggest you get "Breath by Breath" by Larry Rosenberg (who personally learned the method from Buddadasa). Alternately, and just as good, get "Breathe - You Are Alive" by Thich Naht Hanh.
Rating: 
Summary: A Model Textbook!
Review: The Anapanasati Sutta is a system of exercises and experiments in breathing and awareness applied to the body, feelings, mind, and spirit. It is presumed that by employing this method, the Buddha achieved enlightenment. It is difficult to imagine a more powerful exposition of these steps than that given by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (Ajan Buddhadasa). Buddhadasa Bhikkhu was perhaps the most influential teacher of Buddhism in the history of Thailand. Although he did not have much formal education, he was honored by many doctoral degrees. The translator, Santikaro Bhikkhu, after serving in the Peace Corps in Thailand, returned in l985 to become the translator for Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and today is the abbot of a monostery. From the translator's faithfulness to his task, the personality of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu emerges: clear, practical and posssessing gentle,good humor. Both Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Santikaro Bhikkhu felt that many Pali terms did not translate easily into English. Consequently their inclusion was necessary. The reader is given three ways to grasp these terms; 1). A glossary, 2). In-text definitions and, 3). Grasping the terms in context through reading and study of the text. Through the Pali terms and the clear presentation of the core ideas of Buddhism, the reader if not enlightened, will at least be well-educated. The reader is taken gently and closely through every step of the way, starting with suggestions for reading the text. Always the reader is encouraged to do his/her best with what is available, which is exactly how Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Santikaro Bhikkhu prepared this model of what a text book should be. The lectures this book were based on, were originally given to Westerners, consequently the reasoning behind ideas is emphasized. For instance, it is pointed out that any body process, not only breathing, can be used for this type of study. Should the reader not be prepared to undertake the path of "serious beginner" at this time, other less rigorous methods are described.
Rating:
Summary: A Model Textbook!
Review: The Anapanasati Sutta is a system of exercises and experiments in breathing and awareness applied to the body, feelings, mind, and spirit. It is presumed that by employing this method, the Buddha achieved enlightenment. It is difficult to imagine a more powerful exposition of these steps than that given by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (Ajan Buddhadasa). Buddhadasa Bhikkhu was perhaps the most influential teacher of Buddhism in the history of Thailand. Although he did not have much formal education, he was honored by many doctoral degrees. The translator, Santikaro Bhikkhu, after serving in the Peace Corps in Thailand, returned in l985 to become the translator for Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and today is the abbot of a monostery. From the translator's faithfulness to his task, the personality of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu emerges: clear, practical and posssessing gentle,good humor. Both Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Santikaro Bhikkhu felt that many Pali terms did not translate easily into English. Consequently their inclusion was necessary. The reader is given three ways to grasp these terms; 1). A glossary, 2). In-text definitions and, 3). Grasping the terms in context through reading and study of the text. Through the Pali terms and the clear presentation of the core ideas of Buddhism, the reader if not enlightened, will at least be well-educated. The reader is taken gently and closely through every step of the way, starting with suggestions for reading the text. Always the reader is encouraged to do his/her best with what is available, which is exactly how Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Santikaro Bhikkhu prepared this model of what a text book should be. The lectures this book were based on, were originally given to Westerners, consequently the reasoning behind ideas is emphasized. For instance, it is pointed out that any body process, not only breathing, can be used for this type of study. Should the reader not be prepared to undertake the path of "serious beginner" at this time, other less rigorous methods are described.
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