The Power of Small Changes: Vipassana Meditation Through the Lens of Biology, Psychology, and Culture

Dr. Paul R. Fleischman

Sep 2024 · Pariyatti

About this ebook

What do modern disciplines like biology, psychology, and the study of culture contribute to the understanding and practice of a classical meditation like Vipassana? Following the encouragement given to him by the Vipassana teacher, S.N. Goenka, to explain this ancient tradition to contemporary audiences, Dr. Paul R. Fleischman unites science and spirituality, technical language and poetry, logic and intuition in a manner that is as virtuosic as it is understandable. 

The Power of Small Changes is a collection of decades of public talks and university lectures that speak to readers who have no previous knowledge of Vipassana, as well as to experienced practitioners, using down to earth explanations reinforced by academic knowledge and rigor.

While many of the chapters in this book have previously been shared online in various formats, the present collection features newly revised and expanded content, focusing on practical issues like how to maintain daily meditation practice, coming to grips with the monkey mind, understanding the evolutionary biology that meditation utilizes, appreciating the role of teachers, community, and tradition; and preserving its nonsectarianism. The importance of a spiritual, rather than a financial basis for Vipassana, as well as the historical role of the Buddha are also clarified. A uniquely valuable chapter discusses the safety of Vipassana, explaining its contributions and limitations.

About the author

Other titles by Paul R. and Susan K. Fleischman

Books, eBooks, and Audiobooks

In the Spirit of the Buddha (2021)

Vipassana Meditation and the Scientific Worldview – 2nd Edition (2020)

Our Best and Most Lasting Gift (2016)

A Practical and Spiritual Path (2015)

Wonder: When and Why the World Appears Radiant (2013)

An Ancient Path (2009)

Masala Mala (2007)

Cultivating Inner Peace (2004)

You Can Never Speak Up Too Often for the Love of All Things (2004)

The Buddha Taught Nonviolence, Not Pacifism (2002)

Karma & Chaos (1999)

The Healing Spirit: Explorations in Religion and Psychotherapy (1994)

Spiritual Aspects of Psychiatric Practice (1993)

Audio and Video Presentations

A Conversation with Paul R. Fleischman about Vipassana Meditation

and the Scientific Worldview – 2nd Edition (2021)

The Power of Small Changes: Establishing a Daily

Vipassana Practice (2021)

Meditating in Troubled Times (2020)

An Introduction to Vipassana Meditation (2020)

Meditation for Adaptive Resilience (2019)

Who We Are and Why We Are the Way We Are (2019)

Meditation for Health Care Professionals (2016)

Don’t Use Your Meditation Practice to Harm Yourself (2015)

Spiritual Emotions (2000)

Timeless Mountains, Ceaseless Change (1998)

For many of these titles, visit Pariyatti.

store.pariyatti.org/paul_fleischman