Publication Date:April 28, 2008 Shipping:Eligible for Super Saver Shipping Promotion:Save $5.00 when you spend $25.00 or more on Qualifying Items offered by Amazon.com. Enter code BMLSAVES at checkout.Terms and Conditions Availability:Usually ships in 24 hours
Jhana is a powerful meditative technique that opens the way to unfettered joy, radiant calm, and abiding happiness. Focused and Fearless presents this ancient meditative tradition as interpreted through the practice of a contemporary American teacher, and as such, it represents a landmark shift in Theravadan Buddhism by bringing jhana into the reach of busy practitioners. The book speaks to both non-meditators and meditators from any tradition, helping those who simply want to understand how to attain extraordinary states with ease while offering a creative, contemporary slant on this ancient path of happiness and wisdom. An engaging mix of contemporary examples, practical exercises, and how-to instructions that anyone can try, Focused and Fearless is an accessible, friendly, and wise guide that is ideal for both novices and the more seasoned practitioner who wishes to explore advanced meditative states.
Customer Reviews:
Illuminating and very helpfulJune 18, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Meditating is not easy, at least it hasn't been for me. It's essential to understand the importance of meditation to our lives, and to see how far we can go in the meditation process. Focused and Fearless not only detailed the meditation process thoroughly, but also described in great detail the deeper stages of pre-jhana, and the jhanas themselves. It became obvious to me right away that the author has first hand experience with the deeper levels of meditation and throughly understands the topic and difficulties people have. Reading this book invigorated my practice, helped me see where I can eventually go, and helped me deepen my own personal practice. It's a must read book for anyone on the path.
Both detailed and accessibleJune 6, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I found the book to be clear, deep, joyful, and also to have a certain streak of humor. Overall, Shaila Catherine makes it very clear how the mind in jhana is used as a tool, not as an end in itself. There is something poignant about the "purpose" of these beautiful states being their very destruction. We create in order to let things fall apart? There is much depth here-- worth pondering, experiencing, and understanding fully.
I gained the most from observing the type of reflection questions that were posed regarding each jhana state. For example, the first jhana is most appropriately used for insight regarding the body, whereas by the 4th jhana, the questions concern breaking the link between feeling and craving in the cycle of dependent origination - this makes sense as the 4th jhana is considered quite well-suited for liberating insight.
I know I will be able to use this book for many years, coming back to hear it differently as my own mind changes.
Its a revelation!June 4, 2008 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
This is the first time I have ever taken the pain to write a review about anything. This book is simply amazing for various reasons: - I havent found another book on meditation which actually breaks down the various stages of meditation practise in such depth. - Its very difficult to describe "thoughts" and mental states. Its amazing how simply and effectively Shaila describes all the concepts. Its a delightful and easy read. - The practices and principles described are actually very simple. - There many authors these days who write self-help/religious/business books without having much depth of experience. Having met Shaila in person, it becomes quite clear that she has actually practised and mastered what she preaches. Her writing comes from a deep understanding developed over years.
A Highly Recommended Practice GuideMay 7, 2008 9 out of 9 found this review helpful
Focused and Fearless is a reliable and pragmatic guide to the practices of absorption concentration, or jhana. It presents them within the broader context of the path of liberating the mind from suffering and dissatisfaction through non-clinging. The descriptions of these practices are clearly based in Shaila Catherine's own intensive and systematic exploration of them while also being solidly based in the Buddha's discourses and the commentarial tradition. Her writing is very clear and a joy to read. Whether you are simply curious about the jhanas or are interested in practicing with them, Focused and Fearless is a highly recommended practice guide.
