Who Is My Self?: A Guide to Buddhist Meditation

I disagree that this book's title is misleading. True, the focus is on meditation and the jhanas, but the point is that if you practice in this manner you WILL discover who the self is, or rather that it is not.Ayya has a very readable writing style. And Just as a question arises in my mind, she answers it. She starts out with the difficulties we all have when starting meditation by focusing on the need for an ethical lifestyle, then detailing the hindrances we all face from time to time, and then going into details of the stages of the Jhanas.I get much out of all of Ayya's books, and am currently in the process of rereading them. Each time I learn more. I think this is my favorite Ayya book. Her books are well organized, superbly written, and the ideas well articulated, easy to understand, with many wonderful examples. And she sticks to the Buddha's teachings and interjects quotes from various texts of the Cannon. I can't recommend this book enough.

There are many wonderful reviews of this book. So, I'll limit my 'review' to just a few comments. This book is like a meditator's manual and it is superb. It is very clearly written and, most importantly, it works! You'll probably not read this book straight through; it'll probably be dipped into as your practice progresses. This is not a beginner's book: purchase it only if you are very serious about your practice and are looking at establishing a daily practice or at least a very regular practice. And it would also be helpful if you have some background on Buddhism e.g. from  The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching  and  Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness: Walking the Buddha's Path , both of which are excellent resources. Also, please note that this book is written from a Theravada perspective. So, if you are learning Tibetan Buddhism (tonglen, lojong) or Zen Buddhism then this is perhaps not the first book to get, because you may find it confusing.

Ayya Khema is a master of simple and succint explanations, as they relate to the entire buddhist path in general and shamata vipassana approach in particular. A joy to read and wealth of common sense advice here. Btw amazon messed up the pali special characters so they are mangled a bit, somewhat ruining the reading experience.

This book is a gem for all Buddhist meditators and meditators in other traditions. Reading Ayya Khema is like sitting down with her for tea and talk. The delivery is clear and personal. She demystifies meditative states and absorptions (jhanas) and reduces them to basic consciousness events that occur as one progresses in practice. It seemed obvious to me that she writes from her own direct experience. Before this, I had read "Being Nobody, Going Nowhere." These two go together well.

This book was my guide when I explored the jhanas and deepened my practice through the Theravada path for awhile. I always returned to this book, wherever I was in my practice. I don't believe there's anything out there like "Who Is My Self" as far as a guide for the meditative absorptions (jhanas).This may be the only book of its kind within Buddhism, and I found this to be invaluable at the time. It's clear Khema experientially knows of what she speaks.

Who Is My Self?: A Guide to Buddhist Meditation If I could chose only three books to take with me on a long meditation retreat, this would be one of them. A book to be read and re-read many, many times. Ayya has the ability to speak directly to the reader and explain the jhanas and mindfulness & concentration in a clear and concise manner. Highly insightful, a must have for any beginner or long term meditator.

This was my first Ayya Khema book and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. She packs a lot into this text - her knowledge of Theravadan thought is formidable. And yet she delivers it all with the warm and comforting voice of a close friend. Her descriptions of the advanced stages of the Path of Enlightenment are both thought provoking and fun to read. In this book Ayya Khema reminded me that the Buddha's message is a cause for joy. Great stuff.

Sister Khema writes with such clearity that it surely came from someone who truly practiced what she preached.

It took me a while to finish this book it is so replete with information and guidance following on the teachings given by the Buddha to a disciple; I could sometimes only digest a few pages at a time and as I read I knew I would have to read it again, probably several times.For those wishing to improve their meditation practice there is much to be learned that will help, for those seeking "enlightenment" they will find descriptions as far as they can be given of the various stages they can expect to experience if committed sufficiently.It is quite a remarkable book.I am not a Buddhist but am always struck by the similarity of experience with the Christian mystics, or indeed mystics of any persuasion since all paths up the mountain lead to the same peak. Current read "Hymn of the Universe" by Tielhard de Chardin is enhanced by having read Ayya Khema's work.This is one of the most practical books on meditation you will ever find, highly recommended.

This book is perfect for anyone interested in knowing more about Buddhist meditation and the true nature of the self (as anatta - no soul/self).Khema explains the eight jhanas ( meditative absorbtions/levels) in a way that is simple yet fascinating. The book clearly explains what each jhana is, what it feels like and how you should go about practicing to reach it. Hence, it is an excellent "map of the territory"; allowing you to recognise where you are (what jhana you have reached) and what lies ahead. I have found it to be a very useful book wich I refer to often.This book provides a very good description of how meditation on the jhanas fits into insight meditation and other Buddhist practices such as moral development, mindfulness, etc.The focus of this book is on the meditative absorbtions and realizing that the self is an illusive construct of the human mind. I would suggest that it is particularly relevant if, like me, you tend to be overly scientific or rational. This book helps you direct your meditation at realizing the truth of anatta; both by discussing it and by trying to experience it as a meditation subject.Khema's intuitive handling of the meditative absorbtions and the concept of anatta brings clairty and warmth to both.

Inspiring guide to understanding and following the Buddhist path provided by a proven teacher and guide. The best guide is someone who has walked the road before you and knows it well.

excellent book, and quick delivery.

Ven. Ayya Khema offers here a commentary on the Potthapada sutta, which will be useful to those readers who want to deepen their knowledge of buddhist meditation techniques and their purpose on the path. The book follows the sutta along on a gradual training process, beginning with instructions on moral conduct, guarding of the sense doors, mindfulness, then progressing towards jhana practice and insight. The jhana instructions given in this book are very helpful, and among all the jhana methods offered by various teachers I find Ven. Khema's method the most effective. The explanations given on the three ¨selves¨ usually clung to by people (body, mind, consciousness) and the way to relinquish them are very thorough, painting a clear picture of what the anatta (non-self) teaching is all about. As a bonus, four lovely loving-kindness meditations are included at the end of the book.