Sitting: A Guide to Buddhist Meditation (Compass)

By Diana St. Ruth

A Tricycle BookBuddhist meditation originated when the Buddha "sat alone, accompanied merely by his own deep honesty and awareness, and refused to move until the barriers to truth were shattered." Only by focusing his attention inward, being unmoved by the stimuli of the outside world, was he able to achieve enlightenment. In this simple guide to meditation, Diana St. Ruth gives an overview of this ancient practice, likening it to "waking up as if from a dream." She explains specific techniques, such as counting breaths and walking meditation, in addition to providing helpful illustrations of postures and sitting styles. Throughout she reinforces the belief that with the regular practice of Buddhist meditation a person can come to know "the way of liberation from suffering and the realization of genuine happiness."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140195688
• ISBN13: 9780140195682
• Release Date: May 1998
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.1" x 0.3" x 5.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

The best I've read

This is by far the best book on Buddhism and Buddist meditation that I've read (and that's quite a few). It stands as testament to clear and concise explanation. It's almost as if each sentence is worth an entire chapter in the other books I've read, even the good ones. I think Buddhism is a particularly good example of a topic that should be described in this manner. This book is the one you should read over and over again throughout your meditation career. After, all it doesn't take long.

Clear direction without dogma

This is perhaps the best introduction to Buddhist meditation in print. In this perfectly concise volume, Diana St. Ruth cuts right to the heart of practice, leaving behind meaningless ritual and religious dogma. Free from the dictates of a single teacher or branch of Buddhism, Diana St. Ruth offers us just what the Buddha taught -- the freedom to practice and awaken. Every aspiring Buddha should own a copy of this wonderful little book.

A clear and simple guide to the art of being here.

Diana St Ruth does not waste time or space trying to be clever; she comes straight to the point: What is meditation and how can it become an integral part of one's (sitting/moving) life. An excellent book for beginners and, because of this, an essential book for those who consider themselves advanced. This little book has obviously been written out of experience, thank goodness, and not regurgitation. Practical wisdom and compassion. "Recognize the true self and the nature of this moment, and realize there is nothing to crush."