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A Gradual Awakening
In this intelligent, accessible work, acclaimed poet and meditation teacher Stephen Levine introduces readers to meditation. Filled with practical guidance and advice—as well as extensive personal recollections� A Gradual Awakening explains the value of meditation as a means of attaining awareness, and provides readers with extensive advice on how establish a practice. Drawing on his own personal experiences with and insights into vipassana meditation, Levine has crafted an inspiring book for anyone interested in deep personal growth.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
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1,540 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Levine
102books157followersStephen Levine was an American poet, author, and spiritual teacher best known for his groundbreaking work on death, dying, and grief. A central figure in the conscious dying movement, he helped bring Theravāda Buddhist teachings to Western audiences, alongside contemporaries like Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg. His work, however, was uniquely shaped by devotional practices drawn from Bhakti Yoga and his spiritual connection to Neem Karoli Baba, blending Buddhist insight with heart-centered mysticism.
With his wife Ondrea, Stephen spent over three decades offering workshops, counseling, and writings that supported the terminally ill, trauma survivors, and caregivers. Their book Who Dies? remains a foundational text in end-of-life care. Levine’s teachings also explored “everyday grief”—the quiet accumulation of life’s disappointments—and emphasized the healing power of mindfulness and compassion.
A former heroin addict who transformed his life through spiritual practice, Stephen lived his final years in quiet seclusion in New Mexico. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of deep insight and loving presence that continues to influence seekers, caregivers, and teachers around the world.
With his wife Ondrea, Stephen spent over three decades offering workshops, counseling, and writings that supported the terminally ill, trauma survivors, and caregivers. Their book Who Dies? remains a foundational text in end-of-life care. Levine’s teachings also explored “everyday grief”—the quiet accumulation of life’s disappointments—and emphasized the healing power of mindfulness and compassion.
A former heroin addict who transformed his life through spiritual practice, Stephen lived his final years in quiet seclusion in New Mexico. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of deep insight and loving presence that continues to influence seekers, caregivers, and teachers around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 3, 2014
Every once in a while you come across a book that strikes you as a fount of real wisdom. This is such a book
Stephen Levine writes about mindfulness meditation and the practical application of Buddhism in a more inviting and compelling manner than perhaps any other book that I've encountered. Levine bases his practice in the Theravada tradition, but he draws in other sources as well. But it's not his sources that make this book extraordinary, it's his wisdom. As I read these pages, I feel that I'm soaking up the words of a genuine sage. And this perception of his wisdom comes from the fact that his personality never gets in the way of his message, which, I suspect, is perhaps as good a measure of true sage as I can think of.
This isn't the first time that I've read this book. I read it many years ago. But good fortune allowed me to find a copy on the shelves of Prairie Lights this summer, although it's been out since 1979. (My original copy is stashed in a box somewhere in our storage locker.) It was like finding an old friend to sit down and read it again. Indeed, after my meditation retreat, I have an even better appreciation of its gentle wisdom.
I won't go on. I feel inadequate to the task. But if you want a book of genuine wisdom and insight, then I highly recommend this book.
Stephen Levine writes about mindfulness meditation and the practical application of Buddhism in a more inviting and compelling manner than perhaps any other book that I've encountered. Levine bases his practice in the Theravada tradition, but he draws in other sources as well. But it's not his sources that make this book extraordinary, it's his wisdom. As I read these pages, I feel that I'm soaking up the words of a genuine sage. And this perception of his wisdom comes from the fact that his personality never gets in the way of his message, which, I suspect, is perhaps as good a measure of true sage as I can think of.
This isn't the first time that I've read this book. I read it many years ago. But good fortune allowed me to find a copy on the shelves of Prairie Lights this summer, although it's been out since 1979. (My original copy is stashed in a box somewhere in our storage locker.) It was like finding an old friend to sit down and read it again. Indeed, after my meditation retreat, I have an even better appreciation of its gentle wisdom.
I won't go on. I feel inadequate to the task. But if you want a book of genuine wisdom and insight, then I highly recommend this book.
November 1, 2008
this book is changing my life.
it's for anyone interested in starting on the buddhist path, or starting a vipassana practice.
it is so clear, so simple, and so full of truths that just set my head ringing like a bell.
i got it from the library and am now really needing to buy my own copy so i can fill it with notes and exclamation points.
it's for anyone interested in starting on the buddhist path, or starting a vipassana practice.
it is so clear, so simple, and so full of truths that just set my head ringing like a bell.
i got it from the library and am now really needing to buy my own copy so i can fill it with notes and exclamation points.
February 28, 2009
This book and "A Path with Heart" are my two all-time favorites for meditation and contemplative practices. This book is a great companion for any spiritual practice. The author pours himself into the pages in such a honest and matter-of-fact way. He has journeyed through many of his inner mazes and is guiding us with his words...
August 10, 2010
I thought it was a really thoughtful book, and a good introduction to vipassana meditation, or insight meditation. i really appreciated the guided meditations on metta [loving-kindess:]. it would be a neat book to read with a group of people to nurture their sitting meditation practice.
August 13, 2007
this book is amazing. totally inspired me to bring meditation into my life.
November 18, 2010
This book took me out of a state of depression...you take only what you will.
August 6, 2015
not mindblowing, but a nice overview of how mainstream western psychology might see the value of meditation practice.
June 14, 2024
if you like this review, i now have website:
230103: excellent, easy to read, expansive text. this possibly where to start buddhism. this explains many ideas woven together in philosophical arguments and psychological practices, without many specialised terms and logic. this is more written to be read than studied. this does not mean it is simplified but condensed. if you want other introductory texts, try and ...
this book clarifies awareness, power of wisdom, the wanting mind, uncovering mind, meditation one-guided meditation on mindfulness, self image and imagined self, judging mind, sense of unworthiness, self accepting mindfulness, hindrances, giving, watching from the heart, a gradual awakening, snaring enlightenment, mindstuff, meditation two- guided meditation on loving-kindness, loving-kindness, letting go of hell, pleasure/pain and happiness, karma, sense of the absurd, meditation three- guided meditation on energy in the body, opening the body, daily practice, the flower, meditation four- guided meditation on dying, death of the body, death of the self, spirit in the world, practice at work, the circle...
the writing is fluid and ideas presented well. perhaps because I have read so much buddhism.etc, I find this insightful, friendly, and in describing pleasure/pain and happiness/suffering is particularly enlightening. the 'guided meditations' are the only reason this is less than five...
230103: excellent, easy to read, expansive text. this possibly where to start buddhism. this explains many ideas woven together in philosophical arguments and psychological practices, without many specialised terms and logic. this is more written to be read than studied. this does not mean it is simplified but condensed. if you want other introductory texts, try and ...
this book clarifies awareness, power of wisdom, the wanting mind, uncovering mind, meditation one-guided meditation on mindfulness, self image and imagined self, judging mind, sense of unworthiness, self accepting mindfulness, hindrances, giving, watching from the heart, a gradual awakening, snaring enlightenment, mindstuff, meditation two- guided meditation on loving-kindness, loving-kindness, letting go of hell, pleasure/pain and happiness, karma, sense of the absurd, meditation three- guided meditation on energy in the body, opening the body, daily practice, the flower, meditation four- guided meditation on dying, death of the body, death of the self, spirit in the world, practice at work, the circle...
the writing is fluid and ideas presented well. perhaps because I have read so much buddhism.etc, I find this insightful, friendly, and in describing pleasure/pain and happiness/suffering is particularly enlightening. the 'guided meditations' are the only reason this is less than five...
June 28, 2012
This is a great next step from "Mindfulness in Plain English." It presents many useful tools without imposing a metaphysical framework as to how they work. Each section is exactly as detailed as it needs to be.
I hesitated in giving this 5 stars as I try to reserve that rating for what I consider "desert island" books, but then I realized that this is such a book. It's more complete at 175 pages than 300+ page books I've read on the same topic that beat you over the head and never get the point across. It's just as provocative as the Tao Te Ching without being as ironic.
I hesitated in giving this 5 stars as I try to reserve that rating for what I consider "desert island" books, but then I realized that this is such a book. It's more complete at 175 pages than 300+ page books I've read on the same topic that beat you over the head and never get the point across. It's just as provocative as the Tao Te Ching without being as ironic.
November 3, 2013
I find Stephen Levine to have a style of writing that is kind of dry and a bit difficult to read even though the subject matter is interesting. I spend a bunch of time going over what I just read to get the full impact of what he is saying. I like him and his ideas but I wish he could write in a way that was easier to read.
June 1, 2011
Another beautiful, wise and poignant book by Stephen Levine with practices to support opening.
November 1, 2023
A book that is as succinct as it is whole in its teachings. One I’d like to keep coming back to over the years.
August 27, 2024
Such simple explanation of profound truths, this small book has great rewards
June 8, 2020
It is an awesome book for the ones who have already started some meditation practice and are on the beginning of the process like me, once it gives some insights of extreme wisdom to understand more about meditation.
August 24, 2024
I read this book 35 years ago in college and it changed my life. I just picked it back up and i'm glad I did. There's something soothing about it as you read it and it's full of Buddhist and depth psychology wisdom.
April 8, 2024
This is one of my favorite books of all time, mostly because the author is adept at imparting profound knowledge in a way that is easily understood. It is beautiful in it's simplicity, and it's applicability to everyday life. For these reasons I know you will find yourself thinking about it long after you have read a chapter.
This is essentially a book about meditation, and addresses some basic concepts such as posture, breathing, and how to deal with restlessness in practice. There are a number of sample meditations that you could record for yourself or have someone else read to you. But more importantly, the author provides in-depth explanations of spiritual concepts that sometimes seem elusive to us. Sure, we intellectually understand the meanings of the words, but sometimes we find our minds wandering as we contemplate them and often we end up confused. Here are some quotes to illustrate what I mean.
Awareness- "By not being addicted to thinking, we discover that we usually notice only a bit of the extraordinary activity of consciousness; attachment to thinking has blocked the rest."
Desire- "But seeing the scope of my wanting showed me how deeply and subtly dissatisfaction created my personal world, and that seeing freed me from much grasping, from thinking that all my wants had to be satisfied, that I had to compulsively respond to everything that arose in my mind."
Seeing-"When we open our minds and our hearts, not trying to understand, but simply allowing understanding to occur, we find more than was expected. When we let go of our ignorance and confusion, we allow our knowing mind to arise."
Levine also explores such topics as self-image, judging mind, self-acceptance, mindfulness, and karma with the same clarity and sensitivity. One of my favorite parts of this book is his explanation of his own realization that enlightenment is not a destination, but a journey. The journey is an enlightening experience in itself.
If you are looking for something to jumpstart your spiritual journey, or a companion for those inevitable rocky spots on your path, give this book a try. Let it sit on your nightstand. Take it in the car with you to read while you wait at the doctor's office, dipping in a little at a time.
This is essentially a book about meditation, and addresses some basic concepts such as posture, breathing, and how to deal with restlessness in practice. There are a number of sample meditations that you could record for yourself or have someone else read to you. But more importantly, the author provides in-depth explanations of spiritual concepts that sometimes seem elusive to us. Sure, we intellectually understand the meanings of the words, but sometimes we find our minds wandering as we contemplate them and often we end up confused. Here are some quotes to illustrate what I mean.
Awareness- "By not being addicted to thinking, we discover that we usually notice only a bit of the extraordinary activity of consciousness; attachment to thinking has blocked the rest."
Desire- "But seeing the scope of my wanting showed me how deeply and subtly dissatisfaction created my personal world, and that seeing freed me from much grasping, from thinking that all my wants had to be satisfied, that I had to compulsively respond to everything that arose in my mind."
Seeing-"When we open our minds and our hearts, not trying to understand, but simply allowing understanding to occur, we find more than was expected. When we let go of our ignorance and confusion, we allow our knowing mind to arise."
Levine also explores such topics as self-image, judging mind, self-acceptance, mindfulness, and karma with the same clarity and sensitivity. One of my favorite parts of this book is his explanation of his own realization that enlightenment is not a destination, but a journey. The journey is an enlightening experience in itself.
If you are looking for something to jumpstart your spiritual journey, or a companion for those inevitable rocky spots on your path, give this book a try. Let it sit on your nightstand. Take it in the car with you to read while you wait at the doctor's office, dipping in a little at a time.
March 8, 2012
I have read so many books dealing with the Buddha's path to spiritual freedom. I always completely floors me when I find someone who can treat the same material in such a way that I read in awe of both the power that the message still holds for me and the great depth of understanding that a writer can bring to its expression. This is one of those occasions. This is a beautiful piece of writing, so clear so concise and so gentle while remaining as uncompromising as the Buddha himself may have been. It is probably best suited to a reader who already has a grasp of the basics, though it is not at all weighted with jargon, read without background much of the message might just slide by and that would be a pity.
December 24, 2015
Every chapter is like a little pearl I want to hold onto forever. A fantastic book.
June 3, 2014
A constant source of spiritual guidance. Not a book to be read and finished.
August 30, 2023
Simple and profound. I felt it was a bit repetitive at some points, and there's a murkiness to the language that made me reread some passages a couple times. It's like the literary equivalent of a fuzzy Instagram filter. But it's mellifluent, and there's a nice rhythm to it. It dips into very beautiful, clear language a lot of the time. The sections on death and dying - which was Levine's specialty - are particularly moving.
There's some particularly helpful and precise formulations of meditation practice. I liked the description of meditation as a balancing act between concentration, awareness, and energy. I've never heard it put that way before, and I think it's a good tool.
I think this book would be most interesting to beginning meditators, but it's also refreshing for the more experienced.
There's some particularly helpful and precise formulations of meditation practice. I liked the description of meditation as a balancing act between concentration, awareness, and energy. I've never heard it put that way before, and I think it's a good tool.
I think this book would be most interesting to beginning meditators, but it's also refreshing for the more experienced.
September 15, 2024
This is my first read of a Stephen Levine book. This book made me smile all the way though its short 160 pages. When I got to Stephen Levine's first quote of Don Juan's, the character written about (created) by Carlos Castenada, my smile was from ear to ear. I am 70 years old now, and I too read Castenada's first four books as they came hot off the press: 1968, 1971, 1972, 1974. By 1974 the cat was pretty much outta' the bag, but Truth is Truth no matter where you find it. And I loved those book back then. "A Gradual Awakening" was a pure joy to read. I will read it again. In fact, I am now reading his "Who Dies" and again a quote from Don Juan showed up: our old Teacher. Reading Stephen Levine is like having tea with an old friend. Peace!
April 15, 2022
This book is like a glass of a fine, aged wine. It contains timeless wisdom and needs to be savoured, one chapter at a time to let the author’s insights sink in and take root in your psyche.
A hidden gem that was collecting dust on my shelf, until something within me told me to read it. It’s very rare to come across a Western author who can so eloquently talk about meditation and can establish a connection with the western audience.
The book felt like a breath of fresh air and has reignited my meditation practice.
A hidden gem that was collecting dust on my shelf, until something within me told me to read it. It’s very rare to come across a Western author who can so eloquently talk about meditation and can establish a connection with the western audience.
The book felt like a breath of fresh air and has reignited my meditation practice.
November 20, 2019
Nice introduction to mindfulness
Very clear and compassionate observations on the benefits and struggles experienced while growing in mindful awareness. Author has taught in many settings, including prisons and with those struggling with terminal illnesses.
Very clear and compassionate observations on the benefits and struggles experienced while growing in mindful awareness. Author has taught in many settings, including prisons and with those struggling with terminal illnesses.
October 5, 2022
Transformational
i frnds myself returning to this book, reading and re-eading it. It contains wisdom that brings comfort, calm, clarity, compassion and peace.
I'm forever grateful for this book.
i frnds myself returning to this book, reading and re-eading it. It contains wisdom that brings comfort, calm, clarity, compassion and peace.
I'm forever grateful for this book.
December 30, 2022
This was a wonderful book for people wanting to move forward with their meditation. Levine puts a slightly different perspective on meditation that I found made me think. I found the book very helpful.
October 28, 2024
Solid read, with real insights and helpful practices. I took this book from my Uncle Joe’s book collection at his celebration of life after his passing earlier this year. He found Buddhism and meditation later in his life and I’m sure this book brought him some peace.
October 3, 2018
Beautiful, beautiful book. Most chapters bookmarked for future sharing
July 27, 2019
I got a lot from my daily readings. It was fantastic to try and integrate the teachings in to my day.
August 1, 2019
Very enlightening
June 16, 2020
A beautifully written book, Stephen Levine is so filled with compassion and light you can feel it resonating through the pages. A lovely walk through the experience of meditation, healing and death.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
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