The Brightened Mind: A Simple Guide to Buddhist Meditation - Softcover

Ajahn Sumano Bhikkhu

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0835608999 ISBN 13: 9780835608992

Publisher: Quest Books,U.S., 2011

Synopsis

The brightened mind is one that is able to make better choices," says Sumano Bhikkhu. Having left the hectic world of Chicago real estate decades ago to become a Thai Buddhist monk, he knows what he's talking about. This simple, short introduction to meditation, particularly well suited to young people, can help anyone rattled with the stresses of living in today's society rife with financial uncertainty, war, crime, and the psychological assaults of bosses, teachers, and the media. His methods increase awareness, strengthen positive mental states, and develop insight. Eventually, the feeling of being overwhelmed becomes replaced with a sense of innate brilliance and trust in one's natural abilities. Moreover, the meditation Sumano teaches opens access to the infinite wisdom of the Universal Mind. An appendix on lovingkindness is an added benefit, providing the tools needed to face all challenges with a poised, cool, and compassionate heart.

About this title

Product Description:

The Brightened Mind "The brightened mind is one that is able to make better choices," says Sumano Bhikkhu- choices appropriate to our true being that will lead to meaningful happiness and a fulfilled life. Having left the hectic world of Chicago real estate decades ago to become a Thai Buddhist monk, he knows what he's talking about. This simple, short introduction to meditation, particularly well suited to young peo Full description

Review:

Sumano Bikkhu's The Brightened Mind is a most precious little jewel, introducing the spiritual armchair traveler to the wonders of the Universal Mind as taught in the Buddhist meditative tradition. It is at once simple yet profound, pleasurable yet transformative, and practical yet mystical. It forces us to ask the most important of questions, and also points in the direction of the answers. I can only recommend it to anyone interested in inner freedom and enlightenment. It is a wonderful little book.
--Glenn H. Mullin author of a dozen books on Tibetan Buddhism including "Death and Dying: The Tibetan Tradition" and seven titles on the lives and works of the early Dalai Lamas
Drawing on decades of experience, Sumanu Bikkhu has written a profound yet accessible guide to meditation practice. Sumano Bikkhu expertly shows us the qualities "brightened mind" from the inside, with a depth and insight emerging from years in meditation retreat. He shows us that anyone, with practice, can brighten awareness and lay the foundation for a life of freedom.
--Lama Willa Miller, teacher at the National Dharma Fellowship and author of "Everyday Dharma: Seven Weeks to Finding the Buddha in You"
The Brightened Mind, by Ajhan Sumano Bhikkhu, offers inspiring, multidimensional insights into the essence of meditation, not just in the quiet of your own room but also in the midst of all the forces of modern life vying to capture your attention. In working with this splendid little book, you will learn simple, powerful breath-related and other techniques to escape the narrow confines of your 'I-ego' dominated mind and touch the transformative and ever-present reality of Universal Mind. Highly recommended for all readers!
--Dennis Lewis, author of "The Tao of Natural Breathing, Free Your Breath, Free Your Life, " and "Breathe into Being: Awakening to Who You Really Are"


"The American Buddhist monk Ajahn Sumano Bhikkhu (Questions from the City), one of the early Western students of Ajahn Chah and founder of ten Theravada Buddhist centers across Europe, is an experienced author. This most recent, brief, accessible book focuses on a simple aspect of Buddhist practice: meditation, keyed to bring about focused awareness, which ultimately will bring readers closer to the Universal Mind. VERDICT Not for beginners in Buddhism, Ajahn Sumano's cheerful and direct text will be a true eye-opener for practicing Buddhists.
" --"LibraryJournal.com
"

"In recent years, meditation has earned a special place in the current pantheon of spiritual and self-help treatments as a universal remedy for many of our current personal ills. At just over 100 pages, this small volume begins with a short discussion on the uses for meditation and quickly launches into a succession of short, pithy chapters on the nature of mind, the need for spiritual education, and step-by-step instructions on preparing for and engaging in a meditation session. Bhikkhu, an ordained monk and follower of famed Thai Buddhist master Ajahn Chah, provides the reader with a clear, basic understanding of samatha, or calm-abiding, meditation without an overwhelming amount of terminology or dogma." --Taina Lagodzinski, "Booklist
"

"This is beautifully put, and a valuable reminder that meditation can be something we let happen rather than make happen. Sumano's strength is in emphasizing the "naturalness" of meditation. We don't try to "do something," then Ajahn reminds us, but rather meditation is ultimately "a way of undoing and letting go into the smile."
The extraordinary thing is the very compact way in which he's done this, by simplifying his presentation of the spiritual path down to those three key activities of letting meditation happen, paying total attention, and committing ourselves to excellence. I'd highly recommend Sumano's spiritual manual.
" --Wildmind LLC

"This simple, short introduction to meditation, particularly well suited to young people, can help anyone rattled with the stresses of living in today's society rife with financial uncertainty, war, crime, and the psychological assaults of bosses, teachers, and the media."
--Maryann Yin, GalleyCat

About this edition

• Publisher: Quest Books,U.S.
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0835608999
• ISBN 13: 9780835608992
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 115