You're probably right, but, from what I've read, I think Mr. Snyder's book may be able to help me improve on my 4 elements and brahma-vihara contemplations until I'm able to (or choose to) meet up with a teacher again.BlackBird wrote:I haven't read the thread, mettafuture. But I think you'll get much more bang for your buck if you order the Majjhima instead of Jhana advice from Mr. Snyder.
Don't get me started on breath meditation...In truth there's no magic bullet to Samadhi. You watch the breath, you lose focus, you bring attention back to the breath, rinse and repeat until it sticks for a while and voila.
I completely agree, but I'm currently at a point in practice where I need less advice on right livelihood, and more advice on right concentration. I've made a lot of progress with metta meditation, and I'd like to look deeper into some of the other practices.The Majjhima on the other hand, if read thoroughly, will give you a lot of knowledge about what is and is not the Buddha's message. You start applying the message to your day to day life and it's a real joy when a verse from a sutta pops into your head and you suddenly understand it on deeper level. That's priceless stuff.
I don't.retrofuturist wrote:Greetings Mettafuture,
What makes you assume that Stephen Snyder would give better practical advice on the Dhamma than the suttas do?mettafuture wrote:I've already studied a lot of dhamma, and I think it's about time I focus more on practice.
I know the suttas would be better at giving practical advice. Problem is, I'm not sure which Nikaya has the suttas I need to improve my 4 elements and brahma-vihara contemplations.
By "Dhamma" I was referring to the teachings, and by "practice" I was referring to meditation. Minor misstep in wording.On what basis do you differentiate between "Dhamma" and "practice"?
Yes.Perhaps you mean the differentiation between "study" and "cultivation"?
Because Stephen Snyder has a nice little 147 page book that highlights the exact topics I need to improve my meditation practice. However, if someone can tell me which Nikaya has the most advice or instruction on how to contemplate the 4 elements and the brahma-viharas, I'd gladly consider getting that Nikaya.Again, if that's what you meant, why Stephen Snyder over the Majjhima Nikaya?
Of course not.Is Stephen Snyder more adept at mental cultivation than the Buddha?
Agreed. Commentaries can also help decipher the sometimes dense and complex language of the suttas.Vepacitta wrote:Sometimes 'extra curricular' writings are helpful when learning about jhanas - then they should be compared to the suttas. They are an aid (to me).
Thank you. I'll give it a peek.I can't speak to Stephen Snyder. I do know that Nana posted some excellent on-line resources about jhana meditation - look in the suttanta meditation thread - helpful articles by Aj. Thanissaro and others.
I love the wording of the Samyutta Nikaya. But I just can't afford a $60 book set right now.For sutta study, as I already mentioned - something about the Samyutta Nikaya 'clicks' for me.