Buddhist Life, Meditation, Theravada Buddhism, Buddhist Meditation, Tibetan Buddhism, Spirituality

Minding Closely: The Four Applications of Mindfulness

Name: Minding Closely: The Four Applications of Mindfulness
Author: B. Wallace
ISBN: 9781559393690

by B. Wallace

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Overview

Bringing his experience as a monk, scientist, and contemplative, Alan Wallace offers a rich synthesis of Eastern and Western traditions along with a comprehensive range of meditation practices interwoven throughout the text. The guided meditations are systematically presented, beginning with very basic instructions, which are then gradually built upon as one gains increasing familiarity with the practice.

Synopsis

“Draws on wisdom from both Theravada and Vajrayana traditions to offer a systematic and practical approach to liberation through mindfulness.” —Jack Kornfield, author of The Wise Heart

Bringing his experience as a monk, scientist, and contemplative, Alan Wallace offers a rich synthesis of Eastern and Western traditions along with a comprehensive range of mindfulness meditation practices interwoven throughout the text. An ideal reference for both students and teachers, Minding Closely presents the guided meditations systematically, beginning with very basic instructions, which are then gradually built upon as one gains increasing familiarity with the practice.

This edition includes a new preface and three never-before-published translations by B. Alan Wallace from three renowned traditional Buddhist works on mindfulness.

About the Author, B. Wallace

B. Alan Wallace has taught Buddhist meditation and philosophy worldwide since 1976 and has served as interpreter for numerous Tibetan scholars and contemplatives, including the Dalai Lama. He graduated summa cum laude from Amherst College, where he studied physics and the philosophy of science, and earned his Ph.D. in religious studies at Stanford University. Wallace is the founder and president of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies and has edited, translated, authored, and contributed to more than thirty books on Tibetan Buddhism, medicine, language, and culture, and the interface between science and religion.

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly

Wallace (Mind in the Balance) brings more than 30 years of experience as a Buddhist teacher, author, and translator to this exploration of the "four applications of mindfulness"—awareness of body, feelings, mental events, and phenomena. Trained in Tibetan and Theravadin traditions, Wallace focuses on the progression from shamatha (meditation focused on calming the mind) to vipashyana (insight meditation), based on classic Buddhist texts. Using guided meditations, he leads the reader through increasingly complex mental inquiries, drawing on Dzogchen and Madhyamaka concepts, among others. Wallace is particularly fascinated by the intersection of Buddhist theory and practice with physics, psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience. Founder of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies, Wallace communicates his enthusiasm for what he calls "contemplative science." He wears his erudition lightly even in his most broad-ranging discussions, and largely succeeds in writing effectively about very abstract topics. Both a systematic and encouraging practice guide and an inquiry into nature of the mind, this book serves as an introduction to subtle states of awareness. (May)