Living Dharma

Rating:
Summary: A very inspiring book!
Review: This book is one of those 'classics' - it will always bring inspiration. The twelve different teachers/teachings which comprise the core of the text - come over as very real, very concrete - and, for all the exotic surfaces (they are, after all, S.E. Asian people) - what they have to say, to teach, is very much here and now.

Jack Kornfield writes about these people and teachings with years of experience behind him. Still, he isn't (thank goodness!) trying to sell you an institution.This book has been presented to help you practice, wherever you may be. Of course, on one level - the teachers/teachings in this book are interesting, because they reflect a certain culture and out-look. This is Theravada Buddhism. Sometimes, the Theravada can come over as rather dry. But in 'Living Dharma' - the Theravada teachings seem very fresh and engaging.

The reviewer confesses that - in fact, he practices Northern Buddhist meditation techniques. Jack Kornfield observes that - in America, Theravada is a relatively late arrival - against Zen or Tibetan Buddhism. But - in Europe, the Theravada has roots going back decades. My first bona fide Buddhist teacher was a Theravadin, and the Theravada has much to teach - even if you happen to practice Mahayana Buddhism. Far from feeling invidious - I really hope that Buddhists from all backgrounds will look at this book. The teachers are impressive. Their practical advice/instruction - priceless. @

Rating:
Summary: This is an incredible book.
Review: I loved this book. It gave the paths and teachings of different Buddhist teachers. It was interesting to see how they all used different methods to acheive similiar results. It's a must read for anyone interested in Buddhism.

Rating:
Summary: Theravada in one book
Review: This book although now a little dated, is still brilliant.Here in one book are the many diverse strands of Theravada Meditation, the Thai Forest Ajahns & the Burmese Vipassana Sayadaws are present. The material covers a very broad spectrum of Teachings & approaches. I am loving reading this book.

Rating:
Summary: Theravada in one book
Review: This book although now a little dated, is still brilliant.Here in one book are the many diverse strands of Theravada Meditation, the Thai Forest Ajahns & the Burmese Vipassana Sayadaws are present. The material covers a very broad spectrum of Teachings & approaches. I am loving reading this book.

Rating:
Summary: almost the very best source on Theravada Buddhism
Review: This book records the teachings of 12 Theravada Buddhists, mostly famous ones in their own societies: Achaan Chaa, Mahasi Sayadaw, Sunlun Sayadaw (via a disciple), Achaan Buddhadasa, Achaan Naeb, Achaan Maha Boowa, Taungpulu Sayadaw, Mohnyin Sayadaw, Mogok Sayadaw (via a disciple), U Ba Khin, Achaan Dhammadaro, and Achaan Jumnien. These are basically the most famous meditation instructors in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand and Laos. If you want to learn about Theravada meditation, either for scholarly reasons or to practice, you can't do better than this book without learning their languages.

However, I think it represents a sort of elite perspective on Theravada Buddhism. Many practitioners don't share exactly the spiritualities expressed by these teachers, and I think their practices and beliefs (some would say superstitions) are an important and valuable part of Theravada Buddhism, not to be neglected by either scholars or practioners.