Everything you ever wanted to know but never had a chance to ask about meditation and Buddhist spiritual practice, from one of the greatest mindfulness teachers of our time and the author of the bestselling book Mindfulness in Plain English.
How can I fit meditation into my busy life?
How should I understand karma and rebirth?
Is enlightenment even possible for me?
Sound familiar? If you've ever meditated or studied Buddhism, you may have found yourself asking these questions--and many more! Here's the good news: there are answers, and you'll find them all in this book. Imagine that you could sit down with one of Buddhism's most accomplished and plainspoken teachers--and imagine that he patiently agreed to answer any question you had about meditation, living mindfully, and key Buddhist concepts--even the myriad brilliant questions you've never thought to ask! What, Why, How condenses into one volume a half-century of Bhante G.'s wise answers to common questions about the Buddha's core teachings on meditation and spiritual practice. With his kind and clear guidance, you'll gain simple yet powerful insights and practices to end unhealthy patterns and habits so that you can transform your experience of the world--from your own mind to your relationships, your job, and beyond.
What, Why, How: Answers to Your Questions about Buddhism, Meditation, and Living Mindfully, Bhante Gunaratana, Wisdom Publications, Paperback, 328 pp, $18.95
Bhante Henepola Gunaratana was ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of twelve in Malandeniya, Sri Lanka. He is the bestselling author of Mindfulness in Plain English and several other books--including his autobiography, Journey to Mindfulness. He travels and teaches throughout the world, and currently lives at Bhavana Society Forest Monastery in West Virginia.
Editors Preface
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xi
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1. On Meditation
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1
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2. Morality and Discipline
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33
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3. Buddhist Principles and Practices
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41
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4. Buddhism and the Body
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67
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5. Rebirth
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75
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6. Dealing with Daily Life
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83
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7. Enlightenment
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109
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8. Working with Thoughts and Speech
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123
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9. Negative Emotions
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131
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10. Cultivating Metta or Loving-Friendliness
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143
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11. Concentration and the Jhanas
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157
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12. Mindfulness
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167
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13. Understanding Impermanence
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183
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14. Considering Kamma
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197
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15. A Monk's Life
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203
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16. Difficulties and Challenges
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219
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17. Benefits of Practice
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237
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18. Generosity and Dana
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243
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19. On Death and Loss
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253
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20. The Buddha as the Teacher
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261
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Index
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287
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About the Author
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307
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