Agree, not for the feint of heart! But very nice to hear AB talk on this level. He may be a showman and amateur comedian (not to mention the HUGE contribution of his book royalties to the BSWA and its monasteries), but his knowledge of Theravada Buddhism is quite phenomenal. I've just started reading, on his recommendation, "The (1,420 page) Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya", from Bikkhus Nanamoli and Bodhi. When I surface in 6 or 8 months, I'll let you know how it went. ;-) At this stage, after reading the 42 page introduction and guide, all I can say is WOW -- what an incredible effort to produce this.
This body and its clinging to sensual desire is the main obstacle to meditation or samadhi....letting go of body actually calms the fussiness of the body which helps tranquility of cittapasadi...and letting go of breath
