Secrets of the Lotus: Studies in Buddhist Meditation

Of all the forms of Buddhist practice none offers a better insight into the nature of Buddhism than meditation.

In January 1969 an unusual workshop was held at Oberlin College in Ohio-an experimental project in Buddhist meditation. It brought together a Thai Buddhist meditation teacher, the Venerable Chao Khun Sobhana Dhammasudhi, and a Zen priest, the Reverend Eshin Nishimura, to share with Professor Donald K. Swearer in instructing a group of students in the theory and practice of satipatthana and zazen, two forms of Buddhist meditation.

Secrets of the Lotus prepared by Professor Swearer, the Venerable Dhammasudhi, and the Reverend Nishimuragrew out of this successful venture, and is designed to meet a special need. While recent books dealing with Buddhist meditation have focused on either the Zen or the Theravada tradition, this volume discusses meditation within both traditions, employing classical texts with explanatory commentary and contemporary exposition. The reader also learns exactly what happened at the experimental workshop and how the participants responded.