Overview:
This is a companion volume to the books on Nibbāna and Awakened Beings. From the preface:
‘A perennial debate amongst Buddhist practitioners revolves around the questions of how much formal meditation is required for practice and what form this meditation should take. As described in the book on awakened beings, there is a rough division of Buddhist meditation practice into an emphasis on concentration and an emphasis on reflective analysis. This division is so powerful that it shapes and determines the paths and proficiency of practitioners, some who develop extraordinary psychic powers and others who develop mastery in the domain of wisdom. In the end, however, they merge as one at the fruit of arahantship. The conclusion to the debate is thus not one of judging which path is superior, but rather a recognition of distinct inclinations in practice, along with an acknowledgement of those shared spiritual factors, indispensable for all people who wish to realize the end of suffering.’
Contents:
Preface
Introduction
Introduction (pdf)
Liberation of Mind & Liberation by Wisdom
Important Principles on the Realization of Nibbāna
Important Principles on the Realization of Nibbāna (pdf)
General Aspects of Realization
Outlines for the Practice of Tranquillity
Outlines for Insight Practice
Systematic Outlines of Meditation Practice
Appendix 1: Jhāna
Appendix 2: Is It Possible To Develop Insight or Become Enlightened in Jhāna?
Appendix 3: Is It Possible To Develop Insight While In the Realm of Neither-Perception-Nor-Non-Perception?
Appendix 4: The Mind-Moment at Realization of Path and Fruit
Glossary
Endnotes