I understand that we are advised to learn meditation
from the monks and not from books or internet, is that so ? Or it
is ok to learn from books and internet. I am not too sure. Please
advise.
Having a living teacher is of course very helpful. However I
would say that there is not a problem to learn from the internet or
books as long as the books or the internet sources come from
reliable, experienced meditators who actually help deliver the
correct understanding and practice of Buddhism.
As for Dharma Dan, I strongly believe as he has indicated that
he has attained enlightenment and full liberation (Arhatship). That
is quite an open, honest, but somewhat unbelievable claim (because
teachers usually aren't so open about these things even if they do
become enlightened). At first when I saw his book several years
ago, I didn't believed it, but when I showed Thusness a year later
(I think 2006 or 07) he said he was very impressed with the
insights of the author. Because of this, I read through the book,
and became convinced. As Thusness said, the insights of Daniel is
beyond many other teachers and authors around nowadays... it is
good to take this book as a serious guide to practice.
It should be noted however that this is a 'hardcore practice
book', if you are still starting on meditation there are simpler
guides like
Mindfulness In Plain English
Which is also a good guide and contains detailed instruction of
breathing meditation and mindfulness practice. Very good.
I highly recommend reading these two books.