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Mindfulness in Plain English

20th Anniversary Edition

Published by Wisdom Publications
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

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About The Book

“A masterpiece.”
—Jon Kabat-Zinn


Mindfulness in Plain English was first published in 1994, is one of the bestselling — and most influential — books in the field of mindfulness. It’s easy to see why.

Author Bhante Gunaratana, a renowned meditation master, takes us step by step through the myths, realities, and benefits of meditation and the practice of mindfulness. The book showcases Bhante’s trademark clarity and wit as he explores the tool of meditation, what it does, and how to make it work.

This book is:
  • A best-selling introduction to mindfulness
  • Full of practical advice on developing a meditation practice
  • Written in approachable, clear language
  • Containing chapters on loving-kindness and concentration



The reader can gain deeper understanding, inner peace, and clarity through meditation practice with the thoughtful guidance of this classic book. Written for those without any meditation background, but also an essential handbook for established students, Mindfulness in Plain English is a must-have for anyone exploring the benefits of Buddhist meditation.

This expanded edition includes the complete text of its predecessor along with a new chapter on cultivating loving kindness, an especially important topic in today’s world. For anyone who is new to meditation, this is a great resource for learning how to live a more productive and peaceful life.

“The ‘you’ that goes in one side of the meditation experience is not the same ‘you’ that comes out the other side.” —Bhante Gunaratana in Mindfulness in Plain English


About The Author

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana was ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of twelve in Malandeniya, Sri Lanka. He’s the author of Mindfulness in Plain English, Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness, and several more books—including his autobiography, Journey to Mindfulness. He currently lives at Bhavana Society Forest Monastery in West Virginia.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Wisdom Publications (September 6, 2011)
  • Length: 224 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780861719068

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Raves and Reviews

"A masterpiece."

– Jon Kabat-Zinn

"A classic--one of the very best English sources for authoritative explanations of mindfulness."

– Daniel Goleman

"Of great value to newcomers... especially people without access to a teacher."

– Larry Rosenberg, author of Breath by Breath

"This book is the bible of mindfulness."

– Barry Boyce, editor of Mindful magazine and The Mindfulness Revolution

"Wonderfully clear and straightforward."

– Joseph Goldstein, author of A Heart Full of Peace

"Pithy and practical."

– Shambhala Sun

"Jargon-free."

– USA Today

"Among the very best."

– Tricycle

"A classic."

– Inquiring Mind

"Profound...a classic interpretation of Vipassana meditation practice."

– The Middle Way

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