Richard Shankman - The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation: Mindfulness, Concentration, and Insight

Richard Shankman has been a meditator since 1970, and teaches at Dharma centers and groups internationally. He is guiding teacher of the Metta Dharma Foundation, and cofounder of the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies and of Mindful Schools. Shankman is author of The Experience of Samadhi.

What a joy to read The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation. This book is filled with the authors warmth, wisdom, and compassion. Richard Shankman has offered a very clear and user-friendly companion for anyone wanting to learn meditation. A great gift.

Bob Stahl, PhD, coauthor of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook, Living with Your Heart Wide Open, Calming the Rush of Panic, A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook for Anxiety, and MBSR Every Day

A wonderfully clear, simple yet thorough book on how to practice Buddhist meditation! Richard Shankman does a masterful job at guiding us through the natural and powerful interplay of mindfulness, concentration, and insight. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, this is a book to keep close at hand.

Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge

In simple, clear language, [Shankman] shares how mindfulness, concentration, and insight form one complete path. A wonderful guide for practice! While valuable for anyone, people who cant easily access a meditation teacher or supportive community will especially appreciate this book.

Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness

A brilliant introduction to meditation practice. Infused with Richard Shankmans compassion, this practical and wise book provides the tools needed for individuals to deepen their practice and find their own way on the path of meditation.

Gil Fronsdal, teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and Insight Meditation Center, and author of The Issue at Hand, A Monastery Within, and a translation of The Dhammapada

Richard Shankmans new book, The Art and Skill of Buddhist Meditation, is a wonderfully clear and straightforward guide for deepening our understanding of the meditative process. Based on his many years of practice and study, he offers a unified vision of the path, with many helpful and practical suggestions all along the way. An important contribution for navigating the inner journey.

Joseph Goldstein, author of Mindfulness

Here is a book that you will turn to again and again over the years of your practice because it speaks to both the possibilities and the challenges of meditation. Richard Shankman offers clear instructions on how to establish a meditation practice as well as specific guidance through some of the deepest practices of concentration and insight.

Phillip Moffitt, author of Dancing with Life and Emotional Chaos to Clarity

This book is like having a skilled meditation coach by your side. Richard will teach you the basics of meditation, and then keep refining your approach, anticipating the highs and lows youll meet over years of practice. He combines ease of understanding with a real depth in both concentration and insight. This book offers valuable tips for both new and experienced meditators.

Guy Armstrong, senior teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and the Insight Meditation Society

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Translations in Chapter 8 of the jhana definitions are by the author.

Translations of the jhana similes are reprinted with permission:

Excerpts from The Middle Length Discourses of The Buddha: A New Translation of the Majjhima Nikya, translated by Bhikkhu namoli, edited and revised by Bhikkhu Bodhi. Copyright 1995 by Bhikkhu Bodhi. Reprinted with the permission of The Permissions Company, Inc., on behalf of Wisdom Publications, http://www.wisdompubs.org.

Copyright 2015 by Richard Shankman New Harbinger Publications, Inc. 5674 Shattuck Avenue Oakland, CA 94609 www.newharbinger.com

Cover design by Amy Shoup; Interior design by Michele Waters-Kermes; Acquired by Jess OBrien; Edited by Ken Knabb

All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Shankman, Richard.

The art and skill of Buddhist meditation : mindfulness, concentration, and insight / Richard Shankman.

pages cm

ISBN 978-1-62625-293-6 (paperback) -- ISBN 978-1-62625-294-3 (pdf e-book) -- ISBN 978-1-62625-295-0 (epub) 1. Meditation--Buddhism. 2. Theravada Buddhism. I. Title.

BQ5612.S525 2015

294.34435--dc23

2015014898