Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond: A Meditator’s Handbook

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Meditation: it’s not just a way to relax, or to deal with life’s problems. Done correctly, it can be a way to radically encounter bliss and to begin—and sustain—real transformation in ourselves. In Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond, self-described meditation junkie Ajahn Brahm shares his knowledge and experience of the jhanas—a core part of the Buddha’s original meditation teaching. Never before has this material been approached in such an empowering way, by a teacher of such authority and popularity. Full of surprises, delightfully goofy humor, and entertaining stories that inspire, instruct, and illuminate, Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond will encourage those new to meditation, and give a shot in the arm to more experienced practitioners as well. Foreword Abbreviations Introduction: The Big Picture Meditation and its goal. How to use this book Part 1: The Happiness of Meditation 1. The Basic Method of Meditation I A solid foundation using the first four stages of meditation 2. The Basic Method of Meditation II Three advanced stages of meditation, in which the breath becomes beautiful 3. The Hindrances to Meditation I The first two of the five hindrances standing between us and deeper states of meditation—sensory desire and ill will 4. The Hindrances to Meditation II The remaining three hindrances—sloth and torpor, restlessness and remorse, and doubt 5. The Quality of Mindfulness Mindfulness, the gatekeeper, and how we can succeed in meditation. 6. Using Variety to Freshen Up Our Meditation Meditations that entertain the mind, relieve boredom, and create joy 7. The Beautiful Breath Gaining deep states of meditation—the jhanas—and the insights of enlightenment 8. The Four Focuses of Mindfulness Using the focuses of mindfulness to arrive at the jewel in the heart of the lotus Part 2: To Bliss and Beyond 9. The Jhanas I: Bliss The “beautiful breath” that begins the journey 10. The Jhanas II: Bliss upon Bliss Nimittas, the doorway to the jhanas 11. The Jhanas III: Bliss upon Bliss upon Bliss How to enter a jhana, and what it is like inside 12. The Nature of Deep Insight What keeps us from seeing things as they truly are. How a mind empowered by deep meditation discovers truth 13. The Deep Insight That Liberates Deep insights that change everything and lead us to the experience of enlightenment 14. Enlightenment: Entering the Stream What nibbana (enlightenment) is, and the first experience of nibbana—stream winning 15. Onward to Full Enlightenment The four stages of enlightenment, and how to tell if someone is enlightened Conclusion: Letting Go to the End The importance of letting go, the attachments or hurdles we may encounter, and how to develop peace and happiness in our busy lives Notes Bibliography Index