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1: Good handbook to have around
This isn't the type of book you blow through once and take away from it the main points or general feel. It is more detailed and in depth then other books I have encountered and an excellent reference manual. You can easily read and reread each chapter for more clarity on your current level of practice and move to the next when you feel comfortable enough. Highly recommended for the serious beginner.
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2: The Original Bhuddism
I study Taoism, which involves Taoist breathing, so what I am involved with is not exactly the same as the Bhuddist Pranayama presented here. I mention this only to state my objectivity in surveying the techniques of another tradition.
Bhuddism in the West is steeped in cultural misunderstandings, and often a result of this is that people associate Bhuddism with something it is not. This book is invaluable for presenting the practical aspects of Bhuddism that anyone from any culture or religious background can benefit from, while at the same time clarifying what Bhuddism is really about.
This text presents for Western readers the classic approach to Bhuddism, the Pranayama passed down by Gautama Bhudda. It is urgent you grasp the importance of "classical." In the West much of the information we receive is diluted in order to be digestable. This book reveals the complete way the information was intended to be passed on. The inclusion of Pali terms is purposeful; they have no translation in English and are essential to the practice. Serious students should by all means make the effort to grasp these concepts.
Bhuddism was the evolution of balance from Hinduism which is often extreme. In that light, people who practice Indian Yoga forms of Pranayama(breathing) will find this information to be evolutionary. Indian Pranayama often is practiced holding the breath, or while breathing rapidly, or forced breathing. This book emphasizes smooth, long, natural breathing, and shortly thereafter progresses to breathing with deeper and deeper aspects of ones "being" rather than emphasizing the physical breath.
Note that the entire book is a commentary on Gautama Bhudda's "Anapanasati Sutra." It is akin to a work by the Bhudda himself. Don't expect it to be a one time read. Expect to read it ten times, and then twenty times more. At the end of the day, the best way to learn the material is from a qualified instructor or by devoting time to practice in a monastery with qualified monks. Understanding the material in this book will give you the background for such training.
I sincerely hope this review is useful in helping at least one person come closer to finding inner peace.
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3: Excellent book for serious beginners or more advanced students
This book is a deep exploration of Insight Meditation based on the Anapanasati Sutra. It is very detailed and contains quite a few Pali terms, but it goes beyond most popular books in depth. It was translated from Thai and is not the smoothest book in the world to read. However, it covers lots of ground in a short space and is a good supplment to other texts such as Breath by Breath by Larry Rosenberg.
Larry Rosenberg's book covers a lot of the same material, but is geared more toward a Western audience and doesn't get as deeply into the Pali terminology, the underlying philosophy, etc. I see the two books as useful and complimentary. Together they constitute a good comprehensive introduction to Insight Meditation.
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4: Should Read From Other Books Too
Do not confuse anymore about mindfulness breathing.I would like readers to read from
Mindfulness of Breathing by Bhikkhu by Nanamoli
and
Manual of Mindfulness of Breathing by Mahathera Ledi Sayadaw
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5: A Model Textbook!
The Anapanasati Sutta is a system of exercises and experiments in breathing and awareness applied to the body, feelings, mind, and spirit. It is presumed that by employing this method, the Buddha achieved enlightenment. It is difficult to imagine a more powerful exposition of these steps than that given by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (Ajan Buddhadasa). Buddhadasa Bhikkhu was perhaps the most influential teacher of Buddhism in the history of Thailand. Although he did not have much formal education, he was honored by many doctoral degrees. The translator, Santikaro Bhikkhu, after serving in the Peace Corps in Thailand, returned in l985 to become the translator for Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and today is the abbot of a monostery. From the translator's faithfulness to his task, the personality of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu emerges: clear, practical and posssessing gentle,good humor. Both Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Santikaro Bhikkhu felt that many Pali terms did not translate easily into English. Consequently their inclusion was necessary. The reader is given three ways to grasp these terms; 1). A glossary, 2). In-text definitions and, 3). Grasping the terms in context through reading and study of the text. Through the Pali terms and the clear presentation of the core ideas of Buddhism, the reader if not enlightened, will at least be well-educated. The reader is taken gently and closely through every step of the way, starting with suggestions for reading the text. Always the reader is encouraged to do his/her best with what is available, which is exactly how Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Santikaro Bhikkhu prepared this model of what a text book should be. The lectures this book were based on, were originally given to Westerners, consequently the reasoning behind ideas is emphasized. For instance, it is pointed out that any body process, not only breathing, can be used for this type of study. Should the reader not be prepared to undertake the path of "serious beginner" at this time, other less rigorous methods are described.
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