Buddhist Meditation: An Anthology of Texts from the Pāli Canon

The book is organized into twelve main chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the nature of meditation, the meaning of bhāvanā, the Buddha’s own meditative discovery, the early manuals, the classification of meditation objects, different temperaments, the importance of finding a teacher or good friend, lay meditation, sitting posture, and the relationship between samatha and vipassanā. Chapter 2 presents introductory meditation texts from the Pāli Canon, including passages on enlightenment, seclusion, the beginning of meditation, companionship, the good friend, the mind, skilful mind and body, dispositions, and symbolic examples such as the two elephant kings. Chapter 3 examines the five hindrances, their definitions, their relation to the world of the senses, practical methods for working with them, ways of abandoning them, asking for help, and assessing one’s own mind. Chapter 4 presents the Sāmaññaphala-sutta, focusing on concentration and the fruits of the recluse, including the hindrances and jhānas. Chapter 5 studies the Satipaṭṭhāna-sutta and the four foundations of mindfulness. Chapter 6 introduces the ten kasiṇa practices, including instructions concerning the device and meditation on elements. Chapter 7 covers the ten foulness meditations (asubha). Chapter 8 discusses the first six recollections: the Buddha, Dhamma, Saṅgha, virtue, generosity, and devas. Chapter 9 treats four mindfulness practices: death, body, breathing, and peace. Chapter 10 presents the four divine abidings: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. Chapter 11 explains meditation on the formless attainments and the cessation of perception and feeling. Chapter 12 concludes with the perception of loathsomeness in food and the defining of the four elements.