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The Art of Disappearing

The Art of Disappearing

Buddha's Path to Lasting Joy
by Ajahn Brahm 2011 160 pages
4.30
510 ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Embrace the Present Moment and Let Go of Expectations

"This is good enough; I want to be here in this moment, right now."

Be content with the present. The key to deep meditation and spiritual progress is learning to be fully present and content with whatever arises in the moment. This attitude of acceptance and non-striving allows the mind to settle naturally into states of profound peace and insight.

Let go of expectations. Many meditators struggle because they have specific goals or expectations for their practice. By releasing these and simply being with what is, without trying to change or control it, we create the conditions for genuine progress on the path.

  • Practice saying "This is good enough" to whatever you experience
  • Cultivate an attitude of openness and curiosity toward the present moment
  • Notice when you're resisting or trying to change your experience, and gently let that go

2. Understand Suffering to Find True Happiness

"Suffering is the thing that keeps you going from place to place, from birth to birth, trying to find a solution."

Contemplate the nature of suffering. The Buddha taught that a deep understanding of suffering is essential for spiritual awakening. By honestly examining the unsatisfactory nature of conditioned existence, we develop the motivation to seek genuine freedom and happiness.

See through false sources of happiness. Much of our suffering comes from pursuing temporary pleasures or trying to arrange external conditions to our liking. True happiness arises from letting go of attachments and finding peace within.

  • Reflect regularly on the inevitability of aging, sickness, and death
  • Notice how chasing sensual pleasures often leads to disappointment or pain
  • Cultivate contentment and peace through meditation and simplifying your life

3. Cultivate Mindfulness to Deepen Meditation

"Mindfulness is what the Buddha called a controlling faculty."

Develop sharp awareness. Mindfulness is the ability to clearly know what's happening in the present moment without getting lost in thought or reaction. It's an essential skill for meditation and daily life that allows us to see clearly and make wise choices.

Use mindfulness to recognize and let go of hindrances. As we develop stronger mindfulness, we become more adept at noticing thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise. This allows us to respond skillfully rather than reacting habitually.

  • Practice bringing full attention to simple daily activities like walking or eating
  • In meditation, gently note thoughts or distractions and return to your chosen object
  • Cultivate an attitude of caring attention toward your experience

4. Use Wisdom to Overcome Obstacles in Practice

"Wisdom can be a powerful tool to help us find the peace, calm, and stillness that take the mind to deeper and deeper levels."

Apply insight to difficulties. When we encounter challenges in meditation or daily life, wisdom allows us to see their true nature and respond skillfully. Rather than struggling or giving up, we can use difficulties as opportunities for deeper understanding.

Understand cause and effect. A key aspect of wisdom is seeing clearly how our actions and mental states lead to particular results. This allows us to make choices that lead to greater peace and happiness.

  • When struggling, investigate the causes of difficulty rather than trying to force change
  • Notice patterns in your practice and life, seeing what leads to peace or agitation
  • Study Buddhist teachings to gain a framework for understanding experience

5. Experience the Bliss of Letting Things Disappear

"Happiness comes from disappearing."

Find joy in letting go. As we progress in meditation, we begin to experience the profound happiness that comes from releasing our attachments and allowing things to fade away. This can include physical sensations, thoughts, and even our sense of self.

Understand emptiness experientially. Through deep meditation, we can directly experience the insubstantial, impermanent nature of all phenomena. This leads to a profound shift in how we relate to ourselves and the world.

  • In meditation, notice the pleasure that arises as the body and thoughts fade away
  • Cultivate an attitude of non-clinging, allowing experiences to come and go freely
  • Reflect on how attachment to a solid sense of self creates suffering

6. Recognize True Wisdom Through Its Effects

"Wisdom by definition must lead to a general sense of ease."

Gauge wisdom by its fruits. True wisdom isn't just intellectual knowledge, but a deep understanding that transforms how we live. We can recognize genuine wisdom by the peace, happiness, and freedom it brings to our lives.

Cultivate qualities that support wisdom. Wisdom develops hand-in-hand with other positive qualities like compassion, equanimity, and ethical conduct. By nurturing these, we create the conditions for deeper insight to arise.

  • Notice how your understanding affects your daily life and relationships
  • Cultivate virtues like kindness and honesty alongside your meditation practice
  • Be wary of knowledge that doesn't lead to greater peace and freedom

7. Reflect on Impermanence to Motivate Practice

"A lifetime passes very quickly indeed."

Use reflection to inspire urgency. Contemplating the reality of aging, sickness, and death can shake us out of complacency and inspire us to practice diligently. This reflection isn't meant to be morbid, but to motivate us to use our precious human life wisely.

See the limitations of worldly pursuits. By deeply considering impermanence, we begin to see the futility of chasing after temporary pleasures or status. This naturally inclines the mind toward spiritual practice and the search for lasting happiness.

  • Regularly contemplate the certainty of your own death
  • Notice the changing nature of your body, relationships, and circumstances
  • Reflect on how you want to use the time you have remaining in this life

8. Develop Virtue and Restraint for Greater Freedom

"The less you have and the less you need, the freer you are."

Find happiness in ethical living. Living ethically and restraining harmful impulses leads to a deep sense of well-being and freedom from remorse. This creates a firm foundation for meditation and spiritual progress.

Master your desires. By learning to say no to craving and compulsion, we gain true mastery over our lives. This leads to greater contentment and the ability to direct our energy toward what truly matters.

  • Commit to basic ethical precepts and notice the peace that comes from living by them
  • Practice voluntary simplicity, reducing unnecessary possessions and activities
  • Experiment with giving up small indulgences to strengthen your willpower

9. Climb the Pyramid of Samādhi for Clear Perspective

"When you get into a proper state of samādhi, your mind becomes so clear that, for the very first time, you can look down with a clear perspective upon the world in which you've been struggling."

Develop deep concentration. Samādhi, or meditative absorption, allows us to see reality with exceptional clarity. By cultivating the ability to focus the mind single-pointedly, we gain insights that transform our understanding of ourselves and the world.

Use insights to navigate life skillfully. The perspective gained through deep meditation helps us make wise choices in daily life. We see more clearly what leads to suffering or happiness, and can align our actions accordingly.

  • Prioritize developing concentration in your meditation practice
  • After emerging from deep states, reflect on how your perspective has shifted
  • Apply the clarity and wisdom gained in meditation to your everyday decisions and relationships

Last updated:

FAQ

What is "The Art of Disappearing: Buddha’s Path to Lasting Joy" by Ajahn Brahm about?

  • Core Theme: The book explores the Buddhist path to lasting joy by learning the "art of disappearing," which means letting go of attachments to self, past, future, and sensory experiences.
  • Practical Approach: Ajahn Brahm presents meditation and mindfulness techniques that help practitioners disengage from suffering and experience deep inner peace.
  • Philosophical Foundation: The teachings are rooted in core Buddhist concepts such as nonself (anattā), suffering (dukkha), and the cessation of suffering through wisdom and stillness.
  • Accessible Wisdom: The book is based on transcribed talks, making profound Buddhist insights accessible and practical for both beginners and experienced meditators.

Why should I read "The Art of Disappearing" by Ajahn Brahm?

  • Unique Perspective: Ajahn Brahm offers a refreshing, humorous, and down-to-earth approach to Buddhist meditation and philosophy.
  • Practical Guidance: The book provides clear, actionable advice for overcoming common obstacles in meditation and daily life, such as boredom, restlessness, and negativity.
  • Deep Insights: Readers gain a deeper understanding of suffering, the nature of the self, and the process of letting go, which are central to Buddhist practice.
  • Lasting Joy: The teachings aim to help readers find true happiness and freedom by learning to let go of the causes of suffering.

What are the key takeaways from "The Art of Disappearing" by Ajahn Brahm?

  • Letting Go is Central: True freedom and joy come from letting go of attachments, expectations, and the sense of self.
  • Disengagement, Not Escape: The path is not about escaping or suppressing suffering, but understanding and disengaging from it through wisdom.
  • Stillness Leads to Insight: Deep meditation and stillness are essential for seeing the true nature of reality and experiencing lasting peace.
  • Practical Mindfulness: Mindfulness, kindness, and wisdom are practical tools for transforming suffering and cultivating happiness in everyday life.

How does Ajahn Brahm define "disappearing" in the context of Buddhist practice?

  • Disappearing the Self: "Disappearing" means letting go of the sense of self or ego, allowing the illusion of "I" to fade away.
  • Letting Go of Attachments: It involves releasing attachments to thoughts, memories, desires, and sensory experiences.
  • Natural Process: Disappearing is not forced; it happens naturally as a result of understanding suffering and practicing disengagement (nibbidā).
  • Path to Bliss: As more of the self disappears, practitioners experience increasing peace, freedom, and joy.

What is the role of suffering (dukkha) in "The Art of Disappearing" by Ajahn Brahm?

  • Motivation for Practice: Understanding suffering is the starting point and motivation for Buddhist practice.
  • Not to be Controlled: Suffering should not be fought or escaped, but thoroughly understood and investigated.
  • Disengagement Response: The appropriate response to suffering is disengagement (nibbidā), not acceptance or resistance.
  • Path to Freedom: By seeing suffering as inherent in existence, practitioners are inspired to let go and move toward true liberation.

How does Ajahn Brahm suggest we deal with obstacles like boredom, restlessness, and negativity in meditation?

  • Patience and Kindness: Approach obstacles with patience, caring attention, and gentleness rather than force or frustration.
  • Investigate, Don’t Escape: Use obstacles as opportunities for investigation and understanding, rather than trying to escape or suppress them.
  • Disengage, Don’t Indulge: Disengage from restlessness and negativity by observing them without involvement, like watching a movie.
  • Contentment Practice: Cultivate the attitude of "good enough," accepting each moment as it is to reduce desire and ill will.

What is the importance of mindfulness and stillness in Ajahn Brahm’s method?

  • Foundation of Practice: Mindfulness is essential for developing stillness, which is the gateway to deep meditation and insight.
  • Present-Moment Awareness: Mindfulness means being fully present and attentive, without labeling or inner commentary.
  • Stillness Fuels Wisdom: The more still the mind becomes, the sharper and more powerful mindfulness and wisdom grow.
  • Natural Joy: Stillness brings natural joy and energy, making meditation enjoyable and sustainable.

How does Ajahn Brahm explain the process of letting go and disengagement (nibbidā)?

  • Understanding Suffering: Letting go begins with a deep understanding of the unsatisfactory nature of all experiences.
  • Disengagement, Not Suppression: Disengagement means not getting involved with thoughts, sensations, or emotions, allowing them to fade naturally.
  • Automatic Reaction: When suffering is fully understood, disengagement happens automatically, leading to peace.
  • Fading Away: As practitioners disengage, sensory experiences, thoughts, and even the sense of self begin to fade, leading to deeper meditation.

What are the key Buddhist concepts explained in "The Art of Disappearing" by Ajahn Brahm?

  • Nonself (Anattā): The illusion of a permanent self is a root cause of suffering; realizing nonself is central to liberation.
  • Suffering (Dukkha): Suffering is inherent in existence and must be fully understood, not avoided.
  • Disengagement (Nibbidā): Turning away from involvement with the world and the self is the path to freedom.
  • Cessation (Nirodha): The ultimate goal is the cessation of suffering, achieved through the calming of all mental formations (saṅkhāras).
  • Stillness (Samādhi): Deep meditative stillness is both the means and the result of the path.

How does Ajahn Brahm describe the relationship between wisdom, virtue, and meditation in "The Art of Disappearing"?

  • Mutual Support: Virtue, stillness (samādhi), and wisdom support and strengthen each other throughout the path.
  • Wisdom Guides Practice: Wisdom is used not just as a result of meditation, but as a tool to skillfully navigate obstacles and deepen practice.
  • Virtue Fuels Stillness: Ethical conduct and restraint create the conditions for deep meditation and inner peace.
  • Integrated Path: The path is not linear but cyclical, with each factor reinforcing the others for holistic development.

What are the best quotes from "The Art of Disappearing" by Ajahn Brahm and what do they mean?

  • "All successful meditators are losers. They lose their attachments." – True progress in meditation is measured by how much you let go, not by what you gain.
  • "Suffering is asking the world for something it can never give you." – Much of our pain comes from unrealistic expectations; freedom comes from accepting the world as it is.
  • "When you have nibbidā you’re really 'un-creating' your world." – Disengagement leads to the dissolution of the constructed sense of reality and self.
  • "The more you disappear, the happier you are; the more you vanish, the more joy you experience." – Happiness increases as the sense of self and attachment diminishes.

How can I apply the teachings of "The Art of Disappearing" by Ajahn Brahm in daily life?

  • Practice Letting Go: Regularly reflect on what you can let go of—past regrets, future worries, or self-centered thoughts.
  • Mindful Disengagement: When facing difficulties, observe them with mindfulness and kindness, without getting entangled.
  • Cultivate Contentment: Embrace the "good enough" attitude, finding satisfaction in the present moment rather than seeking constant improvement.
  • Prioritize Stillness: Set aside time for meditation and stillness, allowing the mind to settle and experience the joy of disappearing.

Review Summary

4.30 out of 5
Average of 510 ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Art of Disappearing receives mostly positive reviews, praised for its insights on meditation and Buddhist philosophy. Readers appreciate Ajahn Brahm's accessible writing style and practical advice. Some find the book challenging, as it promotes a monastic lifestyle and deep renunciation. Critics note it may not be suitable for beginners or those seeking a more moderate approach to mindfulness. Overall, readers value the book's wisdom on letting go, mindfulness, and finding peace through meditation, though some struggle with its more radical teachings.

Your rating:
4.57
37 ratings

About the Author

Ajahn Brahmavamso Mahathera, known as Ajahn Brahm, was born Peter Betts in London in 1951. He studied Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University before becoming a monk in Thailand under Ajahn Chah. As a junior monk, he compiled an English guide to the Buddhist monastic code, which became influential in Western Theravadan monasteries. Ajahn Brahm is renowned for his teachings on meditation and Buddhist philosophy, combining his scientific background with spiritual wisdom. He is known for his accessible and often humorous approach to teaching, making complex Buddhist concepts understandable to a wide audience. His work has significantly contributed to the spread of Buddhism in the West.

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