The Art of Living
Vipassana Meditation as taught by Shri S. N. Goenka
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Vipassana is one of India's most techniques of meditation. 2500 Years ago it was re-discovered by the Gotama the Buddha and taught by him as a universal remedy for universal ills. At first, the technique flourished in India but gradually it became corrupted, lost its efficacy, and disappeared from the land of its origin. Fortunately, the neighbouring country of Burma preserved the original form of vipassana through the millennia. Since 1969, it has been re- introduced into India, where it is now striking deep roots. Vipassana is a Pali word meaning insight, seeing things as they really are. It is not a blind faith or philosophy, and has nothing to do with sectarian religion. Instead, Vipassana is a practical method that can be applied by anyone of average intelligence. Its goal is to purify the mind to eliminate the tensions and negativities that make us miserable Vipassana meditation is taught by Shri Satya Narayan Goenka and his assistant teachers. Courses are held regularly in different parts of India and abroad. The Art of Living is the first book to appear in English that accurately describes at length, for the general reader, Vipassana meditation as taught by Shri S.N.Goenka.
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“The Art of Living” by William Hart is a profound and thoughtful exploration of the teachings surrounding Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka. I was initially surprised by how much of the book focuses on the Buddhist way of living, particularly the Noble Eightfold Path, rather than solely on meditation techniques. However, this perspective enriched my understanding by framing meditation within the broader context of a balanced life and ethical living. What I particularly enjoyed was how the book revisited core ideas I've encountered in other excellent works on Buddhism but presented them with clarity and depth. The concise, well-structured chapters, complemented by illustrative short stories and the engaging Q&A sections at the end of each chapter, made the reading experience both enlightening and engaging. Overall, this book served as an eloquent and accessible reminder of the wisdom inherent in Buddhist philosophy, making it both a refreshing read and a valuable companion for deeper contemplation.
