Rethinking Meditation: Buddhist Practice in the Ancient and Modern Worlds

The cultural baggage surrounding the practices has changed,but the essence is intact,and what it does for people,whether you re a Buddhist monk or a corporate executive,remains the same. Rethinking Meditation argues that the relationship between meditative practices and cultural context is much more crucial than is suggested in typical contemporary articulations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Buddhism's rich and varied history has given rise to a bewildering array of meditation practices. However, if you seek meditation in North America, Europe, or increasingly, the rest of the world today, you are most likely to encounter a particular type often labeled as mindfulness. This practice is widely taught in Zen monasteries, Insight Meditation centers, health clubs, colleges, psychologists' offices, corporations, liberal Christian churches, prisons, and even the US military. Countless articles in popular magazines promote its benefits, often portraying it as a cure-all for a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, heart disease, eating disorders, and psoriasis. Books on mindfulness and meditation have been written by Buddhist monks, medical doctors, psychologists, computer engineers, business consultants, and even a US congressman. Meditation teachers sometimes claim that this is the same meditative practice that the Buddha taught over 2500 years ago, and which has been passed down virtually unchanged to us today. While the cultural context surrounding these practices has evolved, the essence remains the same, benefiting individuals regardless of their religious affiliation or professional background.

Rethinking Meditation, a groundbreaking book by David McMahan, challenges the conventional understanding of mindfulness and reveals its complex origins. McMahan argues that the standard articulation of mindfulness did not emerge directly from the time of the Buddha but rather is a distillation of various strands of Buddhist thought that have intertwined with Western ideas to shape a unique practice suited to modern life. The book emphasizes the crucial relationship between meditative practices and cultural context, suggesting that it is much more significant than is commonly acknowledged in contemporary discussions.

Through meticulous research and analysis, McMahan demonstrates that most of the vast array of meditation practices we encounter today have their roots in the teachings of the Buddha. However, he also shows how these practices have been adapted and modified over time to suit different cultural contexts and philosophical frameworks. For example, mindfulness meditation has been influenced by Zen Buddhism, Vipassanā Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism, among others. It has also been influenced by Western philosophical ideas such as rationalism, empiricism, and existentialism.

McMahan's book offers a fresh perspective on mindfulness and meditation, challenging the notion that they are purely Eastern practices that are irrelevant to the modern world. He argues that mindfulness can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their religious or cultural background, and can be beneficial in various aspects of life, including personal well-being, professional performance, and social interactions. The book provides practical guidance on how to practice mindfulness, including techniques such as focused attention, open-monitoring meditation, and loving-kindness meditation.

In conclusion, Rethinking Meditation is a thought-provoking and insightful book that sheds light on the origins and evolution of mindfulness and meditation practices. It challenges the conventional understanding of these practices and emphasizes their significance in the modern world. By exploring the relationship between meditative practices and cultural context, McMahan offers practical guidance on how to practice mindfulness and reap its benefits. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of meditation and mindfulness.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 243 x 164 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197661741