Amazon.co.uk Review
Stages of Meditation is a commentary by the Dalai Lama on a rare text by the 9th-century Indian Buddhist scholar Kamalashila, written in Tibet to correct some Chinese misinterpretations of Buddhism which were influential at the time. Kamalashila's short work is not widely known today, but according to the Dalai Lama it is a most important text and worthy of study by those new to Buddhism; as he says, "on the basis of this knowledge you will be able to understand other treatises without great difficulty. This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures."
Throughout the book the Dalai Lama emphasises the importance of logical analysis of scriptures, even if they are in the Buddha's own words; some teachings, he stresses, "should not be taken literally, but need interpretation". And this is what he does in this clear and readable commentary, originally given in 1989, and only now transcribed, translated and published. Its 10 short chapters are on such familiar Buddhist themes as Training the Mind, Compassion, Identifying the Nature of Suffering, and the Practice of Calm Abiding.
"Through meditation," says the Dalai Lama, "we can train our minds in such a way that negative qualities are abandoned and positive qualities are generated and enhanced." Those who practice meditation, whether Buddhist or not, will find this a thoughtful and practical guide, written with the Dalai Lama's characteristic warmth and gentleness. --David V Barrett
Product Description
His Holiness, The Dalai Lama, offers practical views on meditation: how to do it; the different procedures; and what we can gain from it. He explains how we can develop a spiritual path in a sequence rather than a scattered pattern, and shows the importance of building up method and wisdom.