Our book is now available on e-readers! The e-reader version is sold at a reduced cost, on Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and Google.
Our book Practicing the Jhanas (published by Shambhala Publications) is available in major bookstores and most internet booksellers. To order, please see our Books page. Our original book, Jhanas Advice from Two Spiritual Friends, was purchased by people in 31 countries on six continents in a two year period. The Shambhala version contains one additional chapter on “First Sit to First Jhana”, as well as an expanded section on Purification of Mind.
Several wonderful reviews of our book have been released, including Yoga Journal UK, Wisdom Quarterly and Buddhadharma.
Reviews
“With the popularity of the Mahasi Sayadaw method in Burma and abroad, as well as the Ajahn Tong method where I live in Chiangmai, which both use the vipassana-only techniques, Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw’s focus on samatha is refreshing and provides a balance. Stephen and Tina’s presentation of this path of samatha before vipassana is a needed and welcome addition to meditation guidebooks.” – Wandering Dharma
“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
“This is a unique road map to the extraordinary and transforming states of mind known as the jhanas. As a psychologist and as a practicing Buddhist, I recommend this book wholeheartedly.” — Rick Hansen, Ph.D., co-author of Buddha’s Brain: The New Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom
“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 A Heart Full of Peace and One Dharma
“A fascinating look at the inner experience of jhāna meditation as taught by the Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw. Tina and Stephen are among a very few Western students of Sayadaw who can speak authoritatively about these profound levels of concentration. Their work is a most valuable addition to the contemporary literature of Theravadin Buddhism.” — Guy Armstrong, teacher, Spirit Rock Meditation Center
“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