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  • Published: 3 November 2014
  • ISBN: 9781611800432
  • Imprint: Shambhala
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $32.99

Thoughts Are Not the Enemy

An Innovative Approach to Meditation Practice



In most forms of meditation, the meditator is instructed to let go of thoughts as they arise. As a result, thinking is often taken, unnecessarily, to be something misguided or evil. This approach is misguided, says Jason Siff. In fact, if we allow thoughts to arise and become mindful of the thoughts themselves, we gain tranquillity and insight just as in other methods without having to reject our natural mental processes. And by observing the thoughts themselves with mindfulness and curiosity, we can learn a good deal about ourselves in the process.

A revolutionary new approach to meditation: a mindfulness of thinking that accepts and investigates the thoughts that arise as you meditate--from the author of Unlearning Meditation.

     In most forms of meditation, the meditator is instructed to let go of thoughts as they arise. As a result, thinking is often taken, unnecessarily, to be something misguided or evil. This approach is misguided, says Jason Siff. In fact, if we allow thoughts to arise and become mindful of the thoughts themselves, we gain tranquillity and insight just as in other methods without having to reject our natural mental processes. And by observing the thoughts themselves with mindfulness and curiosity, we can learn a good deal about ourselves in the process.

  • Published: 3 November 2014
  • ISBN: 9781611800432
  • Imprint: Shambhala
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $32.99

About the author

Jason Siff

Jason Siff is cofounder of the Skillful Meditation Project, based in the Los Angeles area. He was a Theravadin monk in Sri Lanka in the 1980s but returned to the U.S. in 1990 to study counseling psychology. He teaches regularly at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, Cloud Mountain, and the Esalen Institute. He leads retreats widely, including in the Los Angeles area, Vermont, Washington, New Mexico, and Australia.

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Praise for Thoughts Are Not the Enemy

Praise for Jason Siff's previous book, Unlearning Meditation:

"Siff's 'skillful meditation' empowers the individual. His book may benefit Buddhists most, but its guidance will inform anybody wishing to begin or refresh meditation."--New York Journal of Books

"Siff presents a way to practice meditation that is radical in its gentleness and openness."--Tricycle

"[A] refreshing approach to meditation practice. Unlearning Meditation is an extremely valuable contribution to our emerging Western Dharma."--Inquiring Mind