Larry Rosenberg (1) (1932–)

This is mostly an analysis of the Anapanasati Sutra by a local teacher from the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center. It's clear, readable and interesting. He does pepper it a bit with personal stories - I had to laugh at the one about a 3 month meditation retreat in Thailand that culminated in a week without sleeping. It made me think that some people will turn just about anything into an extreme sport. His chapter on daily practice for laypeople was more useful and I did like the book. show more (April 29, 2007) show less

This book is a summary of the authors lifelong practice of meditation using the core of the anapanasati sutta as a framework. It is eclectic in the sense that it gives room to the views of a variety of different traditions. Sometimes these traditions are somewhat at odds in which case pros and cons for each view are given impartially. Often interesting (and occasionally funny) stories and experiences of the author are included that loosen up the exposition.

While I had the feeling that an show more honest effort is made to share as much knowledge as possible there were also a lot of things that are only vaguely understandable or outright obscure. For example p. 88 talks about "[...] allow[ing] each breath to follow its own nature". I do not get how this is supposed to help me. Some will certainly argue that this vagueness/obscurity is due to the nature of the subject but I have doubts. Many buddhistic platitudes (that I also find vague/obscure) are repeated over and over, e.g., "be in the moment, here, now" or "don't breath, be the breath".

Finally, the author seems to share a certain despise for western technology/science that seems to be commonplace in buddhism. For example, on p. 186 it is asked if knowing that the world is round has made us any happier; that question is then answered "It hasn't, as a matter of fact." Personally, I could not agree less. show less

Covers most of the bases as far as the practice's sanction by the teachings, viewpoints with which the westerner of varying degrees of familiarity with eastern philosophy and buddhism in particular can find values in the practice, and how the western view can impede success (see, I just did it).

Practical guide on how to use death, aging and illness as spiritual teachers in Buddhist meditation.

Rosenberg is a teacher in the Vipassana tradition, and has studied and taught on death and aging. The Buddhist view on death is quite different from any other I've encountered, and a valuable orientation. Fascinating food for thought, and practical exercises for those ready to face their own mortality.