This is a clear and in-depth presentation of the traditional Theravadin concentration meditation known as jhāna practice, from two authors who have practiced the jhānas in retreat under the guidance of one of the great living meditation masters, Pa Auk Sayadaw. The authors describe the techniques and their results, based on their own experience.

Practicing the Jhanas, Stephen Snyder & Tina Rasmussen, Shambhala Publications, Paperback, 2009, 147 Pages, $18.95

Stephen Snyder, after traveling through Asia as a youth, began practicing Buddhist meditation in 1976 at the age of nineteen. Since then he has had a daily meditation practice in addition to completing numerous retreats. Stephen is the first American male authorized to teach by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw. He also works as a professional coach and lawyer. Tina Rasmussen began meditating in 1976, at the age of thirteen. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw and is the first Western woman he authorized to teach. Tina has also worked s an organizational development consultant for more than twenty-five years and has received a PhD and published numerous business books.

	Contents: Practicing the Jhanas - Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw
	Foreword by Pa Auk Sayadaw	vii
	Preface	ix
	Acknowledgments	xi
1.	History of the Jhanas	1
2.	Samatha Practice: The Purification of Mind	7
3.	Foundational Understandings	37
4.	Skillful Effort from First Sit to First Jhana	51
5.	Material Jhanas One through Four and Related Practices	71
6.	Immaterial Jhanas Five through Eight and Related Practices	99
7.	The Sublime Abidings and Protective Meditations	115
8.	Four Elements Meditation	119
9.	The Buddha as Our Role Model	129
	Epilogue	131
	Progression of Practice Chart	134
	Notes	137
	Bibliography	140
	Index	141
	About the Authors	147