Stages of Meditation: The Buddhist Classic on Training the Mind

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A translation of the ancient classic Stages of Meditation, by Kamalashila, with commentary from everyone's favorite Buddhist teacher, the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama explains the principles of meditation in a practice-oriented format especially suited to Westerners. Based upon the middle section of the Bhavanakrama by Kamalashila--a translation of which is included--this is the most extensive commentary given by the Dalai Lama on this concise but important meditation handbook. It is a favorite text of the Dalai Lama, and he often takes the opportunity to give teachings on it to audiences throughout the world. In his words, "This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures." Topics include the nature of mind, how to develop compassion and loving-kindness, calm abiding wisdom, and how to establish a union of calm abiding and special insight.

Reviews

A feast of a book and as comprehensive and readable an introduction to the nature and scope of Buddhisms living wisdom as can be found.
Bloomsbury Review

With characteristic warmth and lucidity, the Dalai Lamas reflections bring alive this classic synopsis of Mahayana Buddhism in a way that will inspire and inform anyone who seeks to practice the Dharma today.
Stephen Batchelor, author of Verses from the Center

A wise, wonderful, and profound book.
Ken Wilber, author of Integral Psychology

A rigorous treatment of a single pithy source text, this faithful rendering from Tibetan was more than ten years in the making.
Lion's Roar

A must read for followers of the Dalai Lama and an unquestionably worthy addition to Buddhist studies reading lists and reference collections.
Midwest Book Review

As always the Dalai Lama's warmth and his ability to adjust the level of his commentary to his audience are in evidence.
Journal of Asian Studies

Author Bio

His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama is considered the foremost Buddhist leader of our time. The exiled spiritual head of the Tibetan people, he is a Nobel Peace Laureate, a Congressional Gold Medal recipient, and a remarkable teacher and scholar who has authored over one hundred books.