This book explores contemporary practices within the new institution of international meditation centres in Thailand. It discusses the development of Thai Buddhism, and the evolution of western views about Thai Buddhism, and relates Thai Buddhism to contemporary processes of commodification and globalisation. "This is a valuable study for a number of reasons. For example, Chapter 2, ''Theravada Buddhism and the History of Modern Vipassana,'' is simply one of the most elucidating treatments of this subject that I know of. Other chapters offer enlightening ''thick descriptions'' of how these centers function for spreading the sasana internationally. But most specifically, this book reveals how meditation, as it spreads beyond Thailand, is transforming itself into a new global spiritual movement." Mark MacWilliams, St. Lawrence University