Stages of Meditation

Stages of Meditation is a commentary by the Dalai Lama on a rare text by the 9th-century Indian Buddhist scholar Kamalashila, written in Tibet to correct some Chinese misinterpretations of Buddhism which were influential at the time. Kamalashila's short work is not widely known today, but according to the Dalai Lama it is a most important text and worthy of study by those new to Buddhism; as he says, "on the basis of this knowledge you will be able to understand other treatises without great difficulty. This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures."

Throughout the book the Dalai Lama emphasises the importance of logical analysis of scriptures, even if they are in the Buddha's own words; some teachings, he stresses, "should not be taken literally, but need interpretation". And this is what he does in this clear and readable commentary, originally given in 1989, and only now transcribed, translated and published. Its 10 short chapters are on such familiar Buddhist themes as Training the Mind, Compassion, Identifying the Nature of Suffering, and the Practice of Calm Abiding.

"Through meditation," says the Dalai Lama, "we can train our minds in such a way that negative qualities are abandoned and positive qualities are generated and enhanced." Those who practice meditation, whether Buddhist or not, will find this a thoughtful and practical guide, written with the Dalai Lama's characteristic warmth and gentleness. --David V Barrett

View other editions of Stages of Meditation.
View books by Dalai Lama XIV Bstan-'dzin-rgya-mtsho.

Complex but very useful - Rated
I found this book complex and I must confess I struggled with it at times. I'm a little bit worried that someone might pick this book up before reading anything else by the Dalai Lama and decide that his writing isn't for them.
However, if you are familiar with his writing, or familar with Buddhist meditation in general then this book can be really helpful.
It should be pointed out that it is a commentary on Kamalashila's intermediate stages of meditation, the second text of three.
If like me, you are new to Buddhism I think you'd benefit from reading the Dalai Lama's How to Practice: the Way to a Meaningful Life first.

Thought provoking,complex, enlightening, - Rated
I started reading the book with much anticipation,but by the second chapter I wondered if I had taken on too much, it confused the hell out of me. I did benifit from some chapters and do not regret buying the book. A book I will have to visit time and time again to fully understand the text.

A complex but thought provoking book - Rated
I started reading this book with enthusiasm, however towards the end my enthusiasm was flagging. This book is definitely not for the fainthearted as it is quite a complex text but enlightening in parts.