Advancing from Mindfulness to Deep Meditation

"A rare and masterful contribution to the landscape of contemporary meditation literature. Refreshingly practical and accessible." David R. Vago, PhD; President, International Society for Contemplative Research

"The book contains complete instructions for one way of entry into nirvana—I can recommend it with the greatest confidence." Terje Sparby, PhD; Professor of Philosophy and Meditation Researcher, Norway

This manual provides comprehensive practical guidance for developing the jhanas (profoundly serene and blissful states of meditative concentration), potentially all the way to the cessation of perception and feeling (nirodha samapatti)—the highest meditative attainment possible according to the early Buddhist scriptures.

The manual is designed for mind training in meditation retreat settings and includes on- and off-the-cushion practical advice for the following practices:

• Mindfulness


• Four jhanas


• Four formless attainments


• Cessation of perception and feeling (nirodha samapatti)

It is suitable for anyone aspiring to go beyond basic mindfulness on a meditation retreat.

The author has 20 years of experience with meditation, including five years of Buddhist monkhood and personal experience with all the practices and attainments described in the manual. His rational, structured, and analytical approach to the training reflects his professional background (e.g., McKinsey), making the manual a unique blend of the deepest meditation practice and clear, methodical advice.

Length: 156 pages