Practicing the Jhānas

Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw

Two experienced American meditators explain the stages and techniques of concentration meditation, as taught by the Buddhist master Pa Auk Sayadaw

47 pages, December 2009
$22.95 US paperback ~ $17.99 US ebook
978-1590307335 ~ 978-0-8348-2282-5
Co-authored by Tina Rasmussen
Published by Shambhala Publications

Also available at Shambhala Publications

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This is a clear and in-depth presentation of the traditional Theravada concentration meditation known as jhāna practice, from two authors who have practiced the jhānas in retreat under the guidance of one of the great living meditation masters, Pa Auk Sayadaw. The authors describe the techniques and their results, based on their own experience.

Italian and Korean book covers

The original book, Jhanas Advice from Two Spiritual Friends, was purchased by people in 31 countries on six continents. The Shambhala version contains one additional chapter on “First Sit to First Jhana,” as well as an expanded section on Purification of Mind.

Reviews

“Stephen Snyder and Tina Rasmussen know what they write about in this book through their own direct experience as dedicated yogis. This book serves as a bridge for Westerners, as a conduit to the traditional teachings of the Buddha.”
—Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw

“Practicing the Jhānas is a wonderful addition to our understanding of concentration practice. Tina Rasmussen and Stephen Snyder draw on a wealth of personal experience to clearly elucidate and fine-tune this profound meditative path. Highly recommended.”
–Joseph Goldstein, author of One Dharma and A Heart Full Of Peace

“Finely constructed meditation manual.”
—Buddhadharma Magazine

“Clear and in-depth. Practicing the Jhānas explains difficult concepts and ideas in an accessible format and enriches the reader’s understanding of meditation.”
—Yoga Magazine (UK)

“This is a unique road map to the extraordinary and transforming states of mind known as the jhānas. As a psychologist and as a practicing Buddhist, I recommend this book wholeheartedly.”
—Rick Hansen, PhD, co-author of Buddha’s Brain

“This book will be of interest to any dedicated meditator, regardless of their style of practice. It provides a valuable contribution to the growing understanding of jhāna and its important place in Buddhist meditation.”
—Richard Shankman, author of The Experience of Samadhi