Product Description

In Stages of Meditation, His Holiness offers his highly practical views on the subject of meditation: how to do it, the various different procedures and approaches we can take, what we and others may gain from it. He explains how we can develop a spiritual path in a proper sequence rather than in a scattered, piecemeal fashion. He also shows the importance of building up both method and wisdom, as well as cultivating compassion and 'special insight' as we train our minds. This impressive and stimulating book will not only bring the Dalai Lama - one of the world's most popular and pragmatic spiritual leaders - to a huge new audience but, because so many people round the globe are now practising meditation, from a basis of religious faith or none, this is a work which will doubtless be in print for many years to come.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #63081 in Books
• Published on: 2003-05-01
• Original language: Tibetan
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Stages of Meditation is a commentary by the Dalai Lama on a rare text by the 9th-century Indian Buddhist scholar Kamalashila, written in Tibet to correct some Chinese misinterpretations of Buddhism which were influential at the time. Kamalashila's short work is not widely known today, but according to the Dalai Lama it is a most important text and worthy of study by those new to Buddhism; as he says, "on the basis of this knowledge you will be able to understand other treatises without great difficulty. This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures."

Throughout the book the Dalai Lama emphasises the importance of logical analysis of scriptures, even if they are in the Buddha's own words; some teachings, he stresses, "should not be taken literally, but need interpretation". And this is what he does in this clear and readable commentary, originally given in 1989, and only now transcribed, translated and published. Its 10 short chapters are on such familiar Buddhist themes as Training the Mind, Compassion, Identifying the Nature of Suffering, and the Practice of Calm Abiding.

"Through meditation," says the Dalai Lama, "we can train our minds in such a way that negative qualities are abandoned and positive qualities are generated and enhanced." Those who practice meditation, whether Buddhist or not, will find this a thoughtful and practical guide, written with the Dalai Lama's characteristic warmth and gentleness. --David V Barrett

About the Author
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. Today, he lives in exile in Northern India and works tirelessly on behalf of the Tibetan people, as well as travelling the world to give spiritual teachings to sell-out audiences. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Customer Reviews

Complex but very useful
I found this book complex and I must confess I struggled with it at times. I'm a little bit worried that someone might pick this book up before reading anything else by the Dalai Lama and decide that his writing isn't for them.
However, if you are familiar with his writing, or familar with Buddhist meditation in general then this book can be really helpful.
It should be pointed out that it is a commentary on Kamalashila's intermediate stages of meditation, the second text of three.
If like me, you are new to Buddhism I think you'd benefit from reading the Dalai Lama's How to Practice: the Way to a Meaningful Life first.

Thought provoking,complex, enlightening,
I started reading the book with much anticipation,but by the second chapter I wondered if I had taken on too much, it confused the hell out of me. I did benifit from some chapters and do not regret buying the book. A book I will have to visit time and time again to fully understand the text.

A complex but thought provoking book
I started reading this book with enthusiasm, however towards the end my enthusiasm was flagging. This book is definitely not for the fainthearted as it is quite a complex text but enlightening in parts.