S. N. Goenka: Emissary of Insight

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This eagerly anticipated biography explores the life of S. N. Goenka, a pivotal figure in the evolution of meditation in the twentieth century. Born in 1924, Goenka transitioned from a devout Hindu to a master of Buddhist insight meditation, significantly contributing to the global spread of mindfulness and meditation practices. He grew up in a family in Burma and returned to India in the 1960s, feeling destined to teach meditation and repay the historical debt of Burmese Buddhists to India. By the 1970s, as he became a key figure in India's Buddhist landscape, a wave of young seekers from the U.S. and Europe arrived in India, drawn to its spiritual offerings. This convergence led to the establishment of a worldwide network of practitioners and meditation centers, which remains his enduring legacy. Drawing on Goenka's autobiographical writings and Dharma talks, this biography provides a comprehensive portrait of his life, incorporating primary documents and newly translated materials. It delves into the challenges he faced while building a movement in India, developing a global meditation network, and navigating relationships with students and religious leaders. Ultimately, it reflects on Goenka's significant role in the revival of Buddhism in postcolonial India and his lasting impact as a meditation master.