Title: Mindfulness in Plain English

Author(s): Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

Publisher: Wisdom Publications (2002)

Tradition/Influence(s): Theraveda

Overview of Content: Bhante Gunaratana provides a beginning manual in anapanasati, following the canonical method, and stressing the initial development of concentration as a basis for mindfulness. He also provides a short guide to metta in the most recent edition.

Strengths: The book is strongly practical in orientation, and stresses mindfulness both as a training and as something accessibly beyond just formal practice. There is ample discussion of prepatory exercises and particular techniques to employ to overcome common problems.

Weaknesses: The book does not describe of the stages of insight, and makes little mention of the concentration states, besides providing the usual warnings.

Overall, is it practical, open, straightforward and usable? Yes.

Link (if on-line): The Bhavana Society, the center where Gunaratana is abbot