Satipatthana: The Direct Path to Realization

This is, along with Bhikkhu Bodhis book on the Noble Eightfold Path, one of my favourite Dharma books. I find it very useful fir dipping back into and it is a goldmine of information on mindfulness; how to develop it, and how to use it in the investigation of our experience in order to ultimately free ourselves. It includes many crucial Buddhist teachings as they apply to munsfulness, such as five aggregates as they make up our subjective experience, the hindrances that sour our individual experiences of happiness and the five awakening factors that when present will promote happiness and freedom. The author is a brilliant academic (this was his doctoral thesis) and his work is very thoughtful, thorough and methodical. Everything is referenced wonderfully and everything is clear, logical and to the point. The author is also obviously also a passionate dharma practitioner sharing a highly practical and practisable labor of love with others interested in practising classical Buddhist mindfulness. I have purchased his other book as I rate the quality of the authors work so highly.

Have only just received, so haven’t read yet, but book is beautifully produced, with a free book mark thrown in! Have not seen a book published in such a state that I would happily keep as a collectors item, and purchase another to read.

I have given this book four stars because I believe it achieves what it sets out to do. It is very well written albeit in a somewhat scholarly fashion; which, is understandable as it was written for a dissertation. I would therefore recommend this book for those who are looking to explore Buddhism in more than a cursory way.

After first skimming looks very academic, but when you really start reading it you will find out that it is a very clear and enjoyable reading experience. Analayo is one of my favorite scholars in Buddhism, I really enjoy his writing style. Bhikkhu Bodhi is another favorite of mine, and surely many others' as well!

Personally found that it was too dense for my level of understanding, but for an academic this would be a fantastic book. I read other reviews saying the same but ignored it. It is heavy going.

Solid discourse by a non-Asian scholar. Not a popular introduction that often strives to inspire, but very helpful nevertheless.

Such an amazing book- so clearly set out and easy to follow/understand. Guides one through the Satipatthana sutta leaving no stone unturned. Humble thanks to Ven. Analayo.

Very well researched and informed book - a deep treatise for those who want it.