Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation (Shambhala Classics) Paperback – November 9, 2004

This is an excellent book for beginner or advanced practitioners of meditation. It is both an informative and inspiring presentation of one of the major Buddhist sutras. (One does not have to be Buddhist -- I am not -- to benefit from the concepts presented in this work.) The chapters advance us through the "Anapanasati Sutra" explaining each part, while reminding us all along the way that meditation is not an academic exercise. Readers are encouraged to begin meditation practice from the very outset and this book is about helping us do it.The authors write in a highly engaging style. The writing is interesting, honest, often humorous, and full of examples to bring clarity and meaning to the concepts. I have read this book twice, cover to cover, and I'm continually dipping into it for inspiration. On days when I have trouble settling myself into meditation, I begin by picking up this book until I am able to sit with my breath. The authors' words are a great encouragement. Larry Rosenberg is an experienced Buddhist who has been trained by some of the world's renowned teachers; yet he is able to skillfully write for the lay person.Roxie Smith

Insight (Mindfulness) Meditation - the Vipassana Meditation of Theravada Buddhism - can change your life whether you are Buddhist or not, and this is one of three books that can take you there. To get acquainted with this excellent meditation method and for lots of inspiration to try it, start with "Wherever You Go, There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Then, to learn more about just how to do it, move on to "Mindfulness in Plain English" by Henepola Gunaratana. Now you're ready for the Big Leagues of Mindfulness - Larry Rosenberg's outstanding book, "Breath by Breath: the Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation". He takes the potentially complex topic of how to do this meditation just as the Buddha taught it, and explains the entire Anapanasati (Mindfulness with Breathing) method in a way that Westerners can understand and relate to.I've practiced Insight Meditation for more than a decade, and have accumulated a pretty good library of books on Buddhism and on Meditation. Larry Rosenberg's book - which I've read and re-appreciated several times - is one of the last ones I'd be willing to part with.

The Anapanasati Sutra is the simplest of the several teachings of the Buddha on mindfulness and meditation. In many ways it is the very basis of the Vapassana tradition and the core of Insight Meditation. Mr. Rosenberg does not get carried away with this teaching, but approaches the sutra in a traditional manner. Of the many meditation books I have read, including better known Insight Meditation books, this is the easiest to understand and follow. Mr. Rosenberg is a very experienced teacher of this approach to meditation and the book shows it.This was the only Dharma book I took on a self-guided meditation retreat last winter. I am now on my third reading of it and I am finding it as helpful now as the first time. If you are interested in a basic approach to Insight Meditation and a clear description of the Buddha's most elementary teaching on meditation, this is for you. I give this my highest recommendation.

I really enjoyed reading this book. He sets up the contemplations with easy to follow examples. Although I am still new to meditation I do have some experience with it, and the book addressed all of my early concerns when I was starting out. So no matter what level you are this is still a great book to fortify your foundation in meditation.

Simply the best book I’ve come across on breath meditation. It really gets into the nitty-gritty questions that Westerners have with “just” sitting there. He sprinkles in anecdotes from his experiences that keep the narrative moving; these are generally enlightening and often funny, as when he’s bitten by a mosquito during a meditation session where the participants aren’t allowed to move lest a monk beat them with the “stick of compassion.” And then there’s a chapter about how to incorporate everything you’ve just learned into a typically hectic life. Grade: AP.S. I love Thich Nhat Hanh and have read a huge number of his books. I cherish them, but this one really sunk in so maybe it's Rosenberg's American perspective that was so useful.

This isn't just a Buddhist scholar spinning romantic tales of mystical meditative states or outlining a fast track to enlightenment. This is a seasoned practitioner and gifted teacher who has done the work from the ground and writes from direct experience. In this book, the authority of the writer's voice is clearly derived from his own exemplary effort, an intense interest in the Buddhist path to freedom, and a commitment to light the way for others. Mr. Rosenberg's wisdom and humor makes for engaging reading and the student of vipassana (insight meditation), as well as the novice, can follow the format given, taken from ancient teachings, and apply them to daily life in the here and now.

This book is immensely helpful for anyone attempting to learn shamatha meditation. The seller sent the book so promptly that I received it even before it was scheduled to be delivered.

I just got the book yesterday, and after reading only 15 pages I feel like It's had more impact on my meditation than any book I've read. The author's writing style is very easy to understand and applicable. I would be cautious, however, if you do not like terms used to describe Buddhism as I can imagine the reader not caring and/or being skeptical.It's actually quite remarkable how something so simple can be so life changing, yet results can drastically differ from author to author. I'm a firm believer in giving many things a try, and I definitely think this is one of those things.