Product Description
Stoicism is often portrayed as a cheerless, stiff-upper-lip philosophy of suffering and doom. Yet as experienced through the thoughtful and penetrating writings of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE), the Stoic approach to life is surprisingly rich, nuanced, clear-eyed and friendly.

With facing-page commentary that explains the texts for you, Russell McNeil, PhD, guides you through key passages from Aurelius's Meditations, comprised of the emperor's collected personal journal entries, to uncover the startlingly modern relevance his words have today. From devotion to family and duty to country, to a near-prophetic view of the natural world that aligns with modern physics, Aurelius's words speak as potently today as they did two millennia ago.

Now you can discover the tenderness, intelligence and honesty of Aurelius's writings with no previous background in philosophy or the classics. This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful and engaging commentary that explains the historical background of Stoicism, as well as the ways this ancient philosophical system can offer psychological and spiritual insight into your contemporary life. You will be encouraged to explore and challenge Aurelius's ideas of what makes a fulfilling life--and in so doing you may discover new ways of perceiving happiness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not just a markup
I've read the Great Books of The Western World version of "Meditations" and found it interesting but challenging, because Aurelius repeats himself, but not exactly. Discussions of and comments on the same topic were scattered throughout the text. I kept thinking, "Wait, didn't he say something similar but differing enough to notice, somewhere in the last 80 pages?" Is he paraphrasing himself or making a subtle distinction?

So, McNeil's sorting Aurelius's words by topic was exactly what I wanted. For each topic in the table of contents, McNeil has gathered up relevant quotes and presented his commentary on the facing page. An excellent plan!

McNeil has a political axe or two to grind, but don't let that bother you.

Marcus Aurelius -- Poster Boy for the Communist Manifesto?
The book is written in contemporary American English, so it's easier to read than George Long's original translation.The annotations helped me understand the passages/verses better and were insightful.

At the end of the book in the Notes section, I beg to differ with McNeil when he writes that Aurelius' would be pro-Karl Marx and sympathetic to the Communist cause if Aurelius were alive today. Moreover, he writes about the evils of Capitalism, and why Aurelius would naturally reject it.The section is heavily slanted in favor of Communism in my opinion. You can read it, and form your own opinion about it. I feel that McNeil's belief that Aurelius would be a Communist if he were alive today, better reflects Russell McNeil's own political proclivities rather than that of Aurelius, and should not have been included in the book.

Timely Meditations
I have already read Russell McNeil's The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius three times.The time was very well spent.McNeil brings Aurelius alive with wisdom, perspective, timeliness.Frankly, I am ordinarily annoyed by annotations and explanations, but in this case they are indispensable to the reading, and do the Aurelius selections full justice.It felt like McNeil was "channeling" Aurelius, that the additional commentary would have been what Aurelius would have added.Want to live a better life?McNeil has brought us Aurelius' still authentic and relevant answers.

An awesomebook!
I have read numerous self-help books over the years, as well as several books on the pursuit of happiness, but none have ever spoken to me the way this book has. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius brings Marcus Aurelius back to life. The annotations are well explained which make the meditations easy to understand. This is a must read for anyone who is in search of a better quality of life. ... Read more

Product Description

A solid sense of self-worth is the single most important factor in determining our happiness in life and our success in work and relationships. With it, virtually all things are possible. Without it, even victories can feel like defeats. That's why raising low self-esteem is an essential part of the healing process for those who are recovering from addictions and dependencies -- and for anyone who still feels the pain of childhood wounds or other hurts.

This enlightening book presents a meditation for every day of the year, complete with an inspirational quote and a thought-for-the-day. It addresses such subjects as: Why self-esteem seems so fragile; how to define ourselves in terms of our own standards and values; why attitude is so important when we make mistakes; the difference between conceit and self-approval; how self-doubt triggers unattractive behaviors; and how self-esteem blooms when we have a sense of purpose in life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Mental/spiritual nourishment
I love my daily meditation book.I always read what I need to, probably because it all applies; but it helps me ready myself for everyday.I purchased one for 4 other people I love.

Love this book....
I am a Member of an Al-Anon Group which turned me on to the Daily Readers... WOW what a Blessing... This book is Small enough I can Toss it in my Purse and in a moment of Lowness, I can pull it out and find many inspiring things that can keep me moving on... I would Suggest this to anyone that just needs to get a Little More out of them selves, and sometimes just dont have the pick me up we all deserve... Love this Book :)

Great Morning Meditation Book
I love this book, I have had it a long time, and I am happy to see that it is still available. When I sit down to read this book, I am honest with myself.Often the thing I think doesn't apply to me or my situation, actually does and my ignorance of it hampers my growth and prevents me from growth. What I dig most about this book is the topic index in the back.If the particular day doesn't speak to me, or inspire me, I find topics I feel relate to my current issues and read until I do find some inspiration.This book has been through a many cups of morning coffee with me and will be for many more to come.

Believing In Myself
I bought this book by accident thinking another author wrote it, however, boo boos are good sometimes because you get things you don't expect. Having said that it has broadened my mind, open it up to new thoughts/considerations.If you like to expand your mind as well as your life, this is a book that will help you do that.Life is such a great gift to get, why not explore every avenue you have of yourself to stay motivated on the journey to joy and self discovery?Best always, another reader.

Feeling good about Yourself
I am a recovering alcoholic and sponsor other women who are struggling with alcohol. These books read every day boost our self-esteem and hope for a sober tomorrow. Some days are harder than others and the illustrations and little prayers remind us that we only have today, One Day at a Time. I give them as much as possible to any one I can because everyone needs a little Time for Joy and love.Time for Joy: Daily AffirmationsBelieving In Myself: Self Esteem Daily Meditations ... Read more

Product Description
With over two million copies in print, this classic women's daily meditation book offers inspiration and guidance for dealing with the callenges of recovery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Each day a new beginning, daily meditation for women
I purchased this book after giving away my first copy.It is a wonderful daily devotional with spirituality based on the recovering alcoholic 12 step program. I am a christian but this can speak from many spiritual points of view.I love the daily readings, one page each in length but loaded with wisdom, encouragement in facing daily life challenges with relationships, other strugglesand self worth.It's gets me out of myself and teaches me how to regard people who enter mylifemoment to moment. Life is not all about me or my struggles which is a recurrent theme. At the same time the daily readings teach, encourage and instruct the reader how to live in a world of relationships and how to learn and grow to be the person you want to be.I highly recommend this book. I believe it is published or endorsed by the Hazelden treatment centers for recovering alcoholics. I am not an alcoholic but love this book and would recommend it for women in general.

Written for 12-Step Programs
When I purchased this book, I was looking for a daily reader with strong, inspirational stories for women. I did not realize the book was specifically a 12-step book. Although I appreciate the 12-step traditions, I find this book actually reinforces some of the things I was trying to get away from, including extreme emphasis on accepting things as they are. Again, I appreciate the 12-step traditions, including the concept of serenity. However, many people seem to accept things that they actually can change because they do not acknowledge their power to make those changes. In my opinion, this book promotes such a perspective. The other criticism I have is that it is somewhat heavy on God, and even though it may not be explicit, it is clear that this is from a traditional religious perspective. If you are looking for a 12-step book that is God-focused, then this should work for you. If not, I would recommend continuing your search.

Each Day a New Beginning
This book was just like brand new for the one I ordered. The other was slightly used, but it was OK.
Glad I ordered both of them.

Thanks!

A daily reader
This is a well written daily reader for women.I have had my copy for years and now I give copies to those closest to me. The book pertains to all 12 step programs.

Daily Meditation
I am so impressed with this book.It is used along with my bible and the 12 step program.It definitely has the woman in mind! ... Read more

Product Description
Kaplan shows that meditation is consistent with traditional Jewish thought and practice. The book presents a variety of meditative techniques to help make the reader a better person, and develop a closer relationship to God. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

useful and practical
This has had a practical and immediate effect on my davening, especially the section on the Amidah.

Jewish Meditation a practical guide
I am very pleased to recomend this book to anyone interested in meditation. It is easy to read and gives you an overview of the meditation process that is very helpful. Basic Knowledge is not needed for reading this book. The process is explained in simple yet elegant language.

Charming but flawed
Aryeh Kaplan's book Jewish Meditation is much beloved, and for some very good reasons.It is accessible and well written, sensitive and attuned to a modern religious sensibility.When a reader puts it down, there is the feeling that he or she has read something profound and moving.

But there are some problems with his approach.Kaplan seems to stretch the importance of meditation in many portions of this book, attributing it to figures in Jewish history who probably did not meditate, at least in our modern sense in the word.In this way, Kaplan tends to take his definition of meditation and impose it on a wide swatch of Jewish history: and this defies historical logic.

There is also the sense that Kaplan is trying to graft a concept onto Judaism that perhaps is an imperfect fit.Meditation as he conceives it is overwhelmingly Eastern/Asian. For instance, he stresses that when one mediates on an object, like a tree or stone, one should not venerate it, since that would be idolatry.Kaplan can feel the disjuncture between the two concepts: normative Judaism and his ideas of mediation, and in passages such as these, he shows their lack of compatibility.

Still, the book is a novel and interesting way to incorporate mediation into Jewish life.Even though it has some deep conceptual and historical problems, it is a book with its own charms and merits.

The First of the Authentic Modern Jewish Meditation Guides
Rabbi Kaplan (z"l) was one of the luminaries of the Jewish world of the mind, until his untimely passing at a young age. With the encouragement and permission of his teachers, he opened previously inaccessible areas of Torah for study by the average Jew. One could, without stretching credibility, attribute the current interest in Kabbalah (both of the serious scholar and Jew, and of the pop-culture dilettantes) to his books.

"Jewish Meditation", published in 1985, was his third book (after "Meditation and the Bible" and "Meditation and Kabbalah").The first two books traced the textual sources of Jewish meditation.He says in the introduction that in trying to translate the information from the original texts into practice, he discovered that too much information was missing - a novice could not get started.This book was intended to be a practical guide to a wide range of basic forms of Jewish meditation practice.It succeeds in that goal.

For many years, this precious little book was the only entrance into Jewish meditation for those Jews who were unable to study the original sources themselves.Today, after almost 25 years, it's still one of the most useful books for that purpose.So many books out there that are purportedly about Jewish meditation are really about meditation techniques from other religions dressed up in a very thin veneer of things Jewish.This book is, without question, all Jewish.

He defines meditation as "directed thinking", and discusses why we meditate.He asserts that on its highest level, meditation can provide a person with experience of God.

He then describes the basic meditation techniques common to all people, not just Jews.And finally, after 40 pages, he discusses specifically Jewish meditation techniques, practices and goals, including repeated phrases (mantras), contemplation, visualization and auralization, the role of nothingness, talking with God, prayer, unifications (yikhudim), mindfulness practices, the four worlds framework, the way of mitzvote (commandments), relationships, and the process of refining ourselves.

Some of the Jewish techniques he describes are also used by non-Jewish meditators.Rabbi Kaplan makes clear that while the techniques may be the same, the goals and results are often very different.And of course, the content of Jewish meditations is often intrinsically Jewish.

What's missing from this book?As my study partner Rabbi Alan Lew (z"l) used to say, Rabbi Kaplan never gave us a complete meditation program -- using only this book, novices will learn some techniques but won't learn where they fit into a living form of Judaism.He didn't explain how to start meditating; how to empty and quiet the mind; whether you should stand or lie down or sit or walk, and when you should use these different postures; if you should sit, how you should sit; how you should breathe; what you should think (or not think) about; how long you should meditate; and most of all, how to connect it to your everyday Jewish life.Instead, what the book provides are disconnected meditation practices that integrate only by their potentially being incorporated into an active Jewish practice.

In addition to this book, for practical instruction I can recommend Rabbi Alan Lew's two books: "Be Still and Get Going", and "This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared".For the more academic minded, I recommend DovBer Pinson's "Meditation and Judaism" and Mark Verman's "The History and Varieties of Jewish Meditation".

Highly recommended!

An amazing read
So few books that you read in life are really life changing.This one will be a life changing book for me.I have tried meditation in the past, but I found it a little difficult becuase I didn't know if my experiences were what I should be having.No one has ever explained meditation so clearly, so concisely, and in such layman terms before for me.

I feel this book is a valid resource if you are looking for more information about meditation, interested in Kabbala, or even trying to express yourself spiritually.I was continually amazed at the clarity of his writting in this book.I can't recommend this enough to anyone that is interested in meditation. ... Read more

Product Description
"Deep Meditation" is a concise step-by-step instruction book for a simple yet powerful method of daily meditation that will systematically unfold inner peace, creativity and energy in daily life. Whether you are seeking an effective tool for reducing stress, improving your relationships, achieving more success in your career, or for revealing the ultimate truth of life within yourself, "Deep Meditation" can be a vital resource for cultivating your personal freedom and enlightenment.

Yogani is the author of two landmark books on the world's most effective spiritual practices: "Advanced Yoga Practices - Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living," a comprehensive user-friendly textbook, and "The Secrets of Wilder," a powerful spiritual novel.

The AYP Enlightenment Series makes these profound practices available for the first time in a series of concise instruction books. "Deep Meditation" is the first in the series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Got What I Wanted...I Suppose
I'm going to state the obvious in saying that a great meditation book is very difficult to find. I was really excited about this book after I read it. It seems insighful and relatively easy to follow.

Finding the right meditation time can vary. I started out with twenty minutes as he recommends, in the morning and at night. For someone who eats a whole-foods, plant-based diet, meditates normally already, and takes a lot of time for self-discovery, the twenty minutes was quite intense. Intense meaning that I felt very aloof and sedated. So addition to lengthening my "resting" time to five-minutes, I have been doing it for ten minutes ever since. It seems a bit light, so I'm sure fifteen minutes will be perfect.

While this is a great implementation of routine meditation for many people, I want more explanation for various other types of deep meditation. Is repeating a mantra the only way to deep meditation? Is it the most efficient? I'm not sure. It doesn't say.

Is the book a pathway to personal freedom? In the least, it is a great start. And I will say, that it has gotten me much more into studying and incorporating meditation into my life. It is definitely worth a read.

Truly Amazing
This book, and all its practices, has been like a finger pointing to the moon. Truly, my life has changed as a result of integrating deep meditation and spinal breathing. Where I once was lost, I now am found. Where I once was blind, I now see.

It is amazing what is inside us. Truly amazing, now that I have begun to touch the inner stillness and feel the esctatic conductivity and divine radiance flowing through me, outward to the world. The "me" is not the ego, but just my little body, my little mind, my little vessel for the outpouring of divine love.

What is perhaps most beautiful about Yogani's elucidations of these ancient practices, is, that he remains anonymous. There is no picture on his website. There is not detailed biography or marketing scheme in his series. IT IS ONLY THE PRACTICE. This is PURE GIFT. He has given us a PURE GIFT by so clearly, so precisely, and so effortlessly trasmitting these methods to those of us who have spiritual yearning. And when I say "those of us", I mean everyone. Everyone is entitled to drink the purest love, which is abounding in the universe. Everyone drinks it uniquely, and expresses it uniquely, but it is available to all of us, as lost or confused or troubled as we may be. Here it is, right now. May you find the path, and dance with the source of all being.

Simply the most elegant guide to this wonderful practice
Yogani follows the great tradition of some of the wonderful Indian gurus including Sri. Ramana of Arunachala and Sri. Sivanandha of Rishikesh inpresenting these practices in an elegant and simple manner. This book in my opinion is a complete manual to the practice of meditation. The grace permeates through the words. I recommend this book to the beginer, an advanced practioner, those in between and those that merely enjoy the practice of meditation for what it is.

Deep Meditation
This book was an excellant introduction and I believe an ongoing handbook that I will read over and over again for the pracitce of Meditation. His writing is so straightforward and simple and his prescence shines through the book. I look forwared to reading more books by the author and have already begun to add to my "Yogani" collection.

The one and only
If you have only one book in your life it should be this one.Without this one all the others mean nothing.This book and the lessons inside are without a doubt essential to each and every person.You will learn all you need to know about mantra meditation in a simple and easy to understand way. ... Read more

Product Description
Mindfulness can transform pain. Over the past threedecades, Jon Kabat-Zinn has clinically proven it.Now, with Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief, the man who brought mindfulness into mainstream medicine presents for the first time on audio his original practices for using conscious awareness to free us from physical and emotional suff ering. This long-awaited two-CD program begins with an overview of how mindfulness changes the way our bodies process pain and stress. Listeners will learn tips and techniques for workingwith the mind and embracing whatever arises in our lives,however challenging. Then Jon Kabat-Zinn leads us in guided meditations drawn from his pioneering Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)methodology to help us work with and find relief from chronic pain, everyday stress, and emotional challenges, as well as to read and act appropriately in the face of acute pain. "Mindfulness can reveal what is deepest and best in ourselves and bring it to life in very practical and imaginative ways--just when we need it the most," explains Jon Kabat-Zinn.Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief gives us a ready tool for overcoming even the most extraordinary difficulties. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Pain can be transformed by mindfulness
Pain can be transformed by being mindful.
For over thirty years, Jon Kabat-Zinn has clinically proven it.

"Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief" presents on audio CDKabat-Zinn's practices for using conscious awareness to free us from physical and emotional suffering. The two disc program begins with an overview of how mindfulness changes the way our bodies process pain and stress. Kabat-Zinn gives tips and techniques for working with the mind and shows us how to encompass whatever distraction from peace that occurs in our lives ,then we're led in a guided meditation drawn from his Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) methodology to help us find relief from chronic pain, stress, and emotional challenges. After the meditation you'll feel relaxed and refreshed. My debilitating chronic migrain headache literally drifted away.

"Mindfulness can reveal what is deepest and best in ourselves and bring it to life in very practical and imaginative ways--just when we need it the most," explains Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief can provide you with an excellent tool for overcoming extraordinaryemotional problems and physical distress.

Best pain management tool on the market today!
I have had four spinal surgeries which have left me with daily back pain.I also have fibromyalgia and advanced arthritis in my knees.I have read many, many books, listened to CD's, watched DVD's and studied holistic pain management for several years now.This is quite simply the best method for managing pain that I know of today!Jon Kabat-Zinn knows of which he speaks!!!It takes discipline and practice, which Jon mentions on the first disc, but the effort is well worth the time spent!I highly recommend this CD set!Ann J. Georgetown, TX

Pretty good.
This tape is interesting and somewhat effective/ Dr. Kabat-Zinn relies heavily on focusing on your breaths. This method is slightly uncomfortable for me but probably works well for others. |

I think his method is pretty effective for pain reduction or at least distraction from your pain.

Ordering fromthe US. to Canada
I was unaware when I ordered that I could order these books from amazon.ca because I had only heardof amazon.com before and this was the first time I had ever ordered anything online. I'm quite unhappy that there was no message saying that these books were available from amazon.ca so not only did I have to pay for shipping from the US. to Canada but I also paid in US. funds. I should have been informed and given the choice. I feel taken advantage of and ripped off.

Good intermediate work
I usually don't go for guided meditations.Often the person talking says things that are distracting or otherwise how I do not think.However this CD set is a good introduction to guided meditation in general and seems to be at least somewhat effective for pain relief.The program here is well done with appropriate voice, topics, and timing.I cannot think of a better place to start with this subject.

If you are adventurous then I would also recommend you consider other mediums such as acupuncture for pain relief.I have tried many modalities of healing and find acupuncture, when performed by a practitioner who also supports your time on the table with Qi Gong and/or aromatherapy to be very effective at many levels ... Read more

Product Description

Proven effective by scientific research and presented here by Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa and Cameron Stauth, the practice of Medical Meditation revolutionizes the healing process. By balancing and regenerating the body's ethereal and physical energies through simple meditations, Medical Meditation unites the mind, body, and spirit into a powerful triad.

Each Medical Meditation here has a specific physiological effect, targeting afflictions from arthritis to ulcers to cancer. Dr. Khalsa details the five unique attributes that endow this type of meditation with far more power than standard meditation. The combination of special postures and movements; exact positioning of the hands and fingers; particular mantras; specific breathing patterns; and a unique focus of concentration can change your entire biochemical profile, easing you into a calm, healing state. Practiced in conjunction with conventional or alternative medical treatments, cutting-edge Medical Meditation activates the healing force within you.Amazon.com Review
Long-term meditators experience 80 percent less heart disease and50 percent less cancer than nonmediators, according to a large body ofstudies. Meditation has been shown to improve sleep and reduce chronic pain. Not all meditation is equally effective, however. Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., has developed a form of advanced meditation he calls "Medical Meditation," which "more fully addresses every element of our physical and ethereal makeup... a full-service approach." Medical Meditation is an adaptation of kundalini yoga combined with meditation, using specific breathing patterns, posture and movements, mantras, and mental focus.

Different Medical Meditation focus on different physiological benefits forspecific conditions, so once you've learned the basics, you can choose aspecific Medical Meditation for high blood pressure, to improvedigestion, or to strengthen the immune system or the heart, for example.Line drawings illustrate the postures, and Khalsa's stories about hispatients are inspiring and involving.

Meditation as Medicine is not a brisk read or a "read-today-do-tomorrow" guide, however. Be prepared to immerse your mind in a study of chakras, mantras, breathing exercises, movement exercises, poses, and meditations--and discipline yourself to practice Khalsa's techniques patiently. Are the benefits worth all the work involved? Khalsa thinks so: "For the ill and injured, Medical Meditation is not a problem. It's a solution."

Khalsa is both a physician and a yogi. He is board certified in anesthesiology, pain management, and antiaging medicine, and president and medical director of the Alzheimer's Prevention Foundation. Cowriter Cameron Stauth, author of 12 books, was named Journalist of the Year by the National Health Foundation. --Joan Price ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Must Read
Meditation as Medicine should be read by all adults.These concepts should be part of the mandatory teaching of school kids.Practices like this would have a significant impact on health care costs bringing them down to afordable levels.Learn how to take care of yourself and avoid major health problem with the information contained in this well written and documented book.

On Time Delivery
One of my major complaints with some of the Amazon vendors is they send things by pony express.This is one who gets things out on time.Book also was in great condition.

Completely unreliable
Try the Kundalini exercises in this book, if you are interested, but please don't believe anything this author says. He just make things up. Really! For instance, he says that the brain is just millimeters away from the upper palate (no, the nasal cavities are above the palate; the brain is higher up, behind the eyes and forehead). He says that "Even in the vacuum of space, sound waves vibrate to the outer recesses of the universe, toward infinity." (Say what?! Sound can't travel without an atmosphere.) He says that neurons divide and "all the cells in the brain are replaced every year." (Complete nonsense--neurons don't divide like other cells.)

If there were just a few errors, and they didn't have anything to do with his main theses, it wouldn't be too bad, though kind of pitiful. But these falsehoods are just a few of the most obvious. And each of them is there in order to support the author's beliefs, to bring the authority of science to his book.

How does he get away with this? Why do publishers, reviewers, and readers support him? I don't know, but, please--people!-- don't be suckers. There may be some merit to the practices he describes, but this book is a farce.

Best Kundalini yoga book I've ever read
As a veteran yoga instructor, I have many many books on yoga styles and philosophies. One of my students gave me this book for Christmas, and it is the BEST book on Kundalini yoga that I've ever read!Dr. Khalsa gives us specific kriyas (movement, mantra, and breath patterns)as prescriptions for healing the mind/body and activating the chakras.He also gives us detailed descriptions on how best to meditate for REAL RESULTS. A great gift for us all!

I tend to highlight important parts of my favorite books; this book has so many highlights that it's just crazy.....a MUST READ!

Meditation as Medicine
This book was ordered for a friend at her request. I don't know her thoughts about the book other than she wanted it. ... Read more

Product Description
The Dalai Lama explains the principles of meditation in a practice-oriented format especially suited for Westerners.Amazon.com Review
Stages of Meditation is a commentary by the Dalai Lama on a raretext by ninth-century Indian Buddhistscholar Kamalashila, written in Tibet to correct some Chinesemisinterpretations of Buddhism that wereinfluential at the time. Kamalashila's short work is not widely knowntoday, but according to the Dalai Lama,it is a most important text, and worthy of study by those new to Buddhism,because "on the basis of thisknowledge you will be able to understand other treatises without greatdifficulty. This text can be like a keythat opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures."

Throughout the book, the Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of logicalanalysis of scriptures, even if theyare in the Buddha's own words; some teachings, he stresses, "should not betaken literally, but needinterpretation." And this is what he does in this clear and readablecommentary, originally given in 1989 and now translated and published for the first time. Its 10short chapters are on such familiarBuddhist themes as Training the Mind, Compassion, Identifying the Nature ofSuffering, and The Practice ofCalm Abiding.

"Through meditation," says the Dalai Lama, "we can train our minds in sucha way that negative qualities areabandoned and positive qualities are generated and enhanced." Those whopractice meditation, whetherBuddhist or not, will find this a thoughtful and practical guide, writtenwith the Dalai Lama's characteristicwarmth and gentleness. --David V Barrett, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A difficult but possible path
This book captures the Dalai Lama in his classical role, explaining an ancient Buddhist text to monks in Northern India. The exposition is simply translated from Tibetan, and it shows us the subtlety of an advanced class for committed practitioners. Where our sound-bite world commonly simplifies religion to some "main point", the Dalai Lama's careful reflections always maintain a balancing act. The terse root text by Kamalashila is expanded on, the way a seasoned mountain guide explains a map through highly variable terrain. The path to unwavering attention and compassion looks hard, but possible. The teacher evokes a desire to make it.

Great Read
This is a great book to read for both beginning and advanced meditators. The Dalai Lama has a very beautiful way of expressing the route to true inner happiness. People that found this book insightful should check out "The Revolution of the Dialectic" for similiar subject matters and practical techniques for meditators.

An Excellent Book, but not for Beginners
The other reviews of this book have done an admirable job of describing the different aspects of this work, but I would like to add a couple of thoughts.First, this is a wonderful book for those with a background in meditative practice, but a beginner could get lost in some unfamiliar territory.Second, although the book is 210 pages, the last 40 are comprised of the original Tibetan text, which will be of limited use to those of us who are not Tibetan scholars.Otherwise, this is a great book with solid, practical advice (which is to be expected of the Dalai Lama).

Useful Guide for Experienced Meditators
I'm a WASP born and raised in the United Statesand a very long term meditator who has mostly practiced inside Hindu and Theravadin traditions. I've seen the Dalai Lama speak twice, read some of his books, and watched a few of his videos, so I'm not entirely unfamiliar with his work, but still I'm not a follower of his branch of Buddhism.

I downloaded this book from Audible several years ago, and listened to it through in bits and pieces several times while commuting. There were passages I wanted to linger over, so I bought the hardback. It sat on my shelf unread for quite some time, until I finally picked it up about a week ago and read it through in a short series of evening sessions.

I find this book to be extremely useful. In it, the Dalai Lama talks about two different types of meditation:

1) Calm Abiding
2) Special Insight

Calm abiding meditation usually involves some form of single pointed concentration, and in my experience can lead to the pleasant or - on rare occasions - the blissful experiences that dominate popular perceptions of meditation. The second type of meditation I think of as Insight meditation. It is often associated with the goal of attaining wisdom.The Diamond Sutra, and many branches of Buddhism, emphasize that wisdom involves compassion, selflessness, and learning to treat this "fleeting world" as "a star at dawn, a bubble in a stream, a flash of lightning in a summer cloud, a flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream." Finding the right words to help westerners understand Buddhist wisdom is one of the books strengths.

Many schools of meditation present you with the option of choosing either special insight or calm abiding. In this book, and in others of his that I have read, the Dalai Lama insists that both techniques are essential for those who want to make spiritual progress. In this book the Dalai Lama gets quite specific about what is involved in each form of meditation, and provides numerous techniques that practitioners of meditation can use to enhance their practice. For instance, I found his discussion of the antidotes to torpor or over-excitement to be particularly useful.

I'll echo what others have said about this book not being a good text for beginners. It is not particularly difficult to understand, but it is unlikely that most practitioners will have the practical background in meditation necessary to understand the significance of some of the points made by the Dalai Lama in this text.

I disagree, however, with those who find the book dry. The Dalai Lama was trained from early childhood in the arcana of Buddhist thought, and his discussions of this topic are often detailed and highly technical. In this text, however, he is less rigid, and delves immediately and continuously into the most telling and important points in Buddhist thought. If this book finds the right audience, as it did with me, it becomes something of a page turner. I found myself thinking about this book often during the day, and looking forward to immersing myself in its beauty when I finally had free time in the evening. It is a little disappointing to know that I have finished reading it.

Insightful and warm.An absolute pleasure to read
Essentially a study of Mahayanan Buddhism, this book is also excellent choice for those interested in refining their mindfulness meditation practice.There are full chapters describing calm abiding and actualizing special insight.Both are discussed in great detail with vivid examples.I would consider it to be a must-have for anyone interested in the practice of mindfulness meditation. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (8)

full of lots of meditations.
i have meditated for years and i looked over this book and saw that it was full of loads of meditations, that is one reason that i bought it. great little book

Very interesting and informative book.
The book was everything I hoped it would be.I have learned a lot about meditation.

A nice survey
I enjoy this book tremendously.It offers a nice survey of meditation practices from around the world without being heavy handed.For the individual beginning a meditation practice, it's a great tool to have.

loads of new age ..., not very useful ;(
I was hoping to make sense of all the meditation techniques in one place, the whys and the hows and got dozens of "meditations for all imaginable purposes", most based on some breathing exercises (without the whys and hows) and visualization.
What a waste of perfectly good paper!
2 stars cause I can imagine there might be people who might actually like this.. for whatever reason that might be.. bah..

Great Overview
I have meditated for years and teach meditation to people new to it.I use it as a text book due to the variety of meditations.I like that it includes many different spiritual approaches to meditation and it is a resource that can be used as one continues to explore meditation. ... Read more

Product Description
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is the founder of Transcendental Meditation, and this one-of-a-kind book remains the definitive introduction to its practice. Since it was first published in 1963, the book has sold more than 1.1 million copies in the U.S. alone. In Science of Being and Art of Living, Maharishi unfolds his vision for bringing life to fulfillment through a simple, effortless technique that anyone can easily learn and enjoy. Currently, there are more than six million practitioners worldwide, with TM centers in more than 108 countries.

More than 600 scientific studies have shown that Transcendental Meditation technique helps to:

* Expand the mind to its unlimited cosmic potential
* Improve health and reverse the aging process
* Lower high blood pressure and risk of stroke
* Increase intelligence and creativity
* Boost memory and learning ability
* Reduce stress, tension, and anxiety
* Increase energy, vitality, and well-being
* Nourish inner contentment, happiness, fulfillment-the state of enlightenment.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

deep
This book is anything but a how to.If you are in to the big picture of life and open to deep discusion on reality and the source of life, you'll enjoy it but you need to know, this book says you need professional assistance to preform transcendental meditation correctly.

Warning: This Is A Cult!
Of course, TM is a cult and it isn't much different than the Scientology organisation. They are both corrupt.

inspiring and profound
I first read this extraordinary book thirty eight years ago. I could not put it down. I immediately read it through again and over the years since, I have read and re-read various chapters and sections, for this is a book of divine realization, written by a profoundly wise and enlightened world teacher. There is nothing else on self realisation on the planet that is expressed in such a clear, scientific, and penetrating way. It is an analysis of life, being, existence, God realisation and world peace for the age in which we live. You will be inspired to learn Transcendental Meditation from a certified TM Teacher and then the magical journey to self realisation truly begins, and you will go on realising how Maharishi in his life and in this book, is raising your own life and life on earth to fulfillment and blissful perfection. Anyone who aspires to live life to the fullest or who wishes to be a leader of society should read this book and learn Transcendental Meditation.

Do not waste your time
As a student of the different philosophical concepts of man, I could not avoid to come across the MT of the Maharishi.
The Transcendental Meditation TM is the invention of M. It is said that 6 Million people used this technique. M. tried to adapt the Indian meditative and philosophic tradition of the Vedanta to the western lifestyle to make it a big seller. TM is praised as a means for more creativity, health, intelligence and efficiency. His followers like to hint at scientific research, that TM reduces stress and has many other positive results. But they are silent about the negative effects that all occult techniques have. For prove of this read other books. You need to see both sides and recognize the risks! This is always the same business with such sort of spiritual advice! Emphasize that which is good for your purse and the immediate success and forget about the rest of it.
TM was becoming even a spiritual exercise for managers to deal with the daily stress. But the costs could be different in the long run. Losing the rational view upon matters of daily life, which is what I observe with people who practised similar meditation tools.
It is suggested in TM that everybody should have to find "himself" to discover his inner godliness. As there is a common trend for more spirituality in our time according to that what must be suitable for the individual taste this idea of God in oneself, which is taught in TM seems to fit perfectly for self-centered people. The similarity to the words of the serpent in the garden of Eden is striking: "Your eyes will open and you will be like God and recognize what is good and bad!" Therefore TM is nothing new as an eye-opener of doubtful origin which has brought the Maharishi many Rolls Royce.
TM does not so much sell a meditation technique. In theory it is an utopia. It is nothing more than wishful thinking to create on this world peace through meditation or any other spiritual means. It is a vain hope. Peace for world nor for oneself cannot be created by thinking alone!

A lot of knowledge in one book...
There are two types of people who will read this book: those who haven't learned Transcendental Meditation yet and those who have.

For those who haven't, the book certainly provides the most in depth understanding and analysis of this unique meditation and its benefits in daily life. This insight can help you understand how TM is different from other meditations and decide for yourself if you want to go ahead and learn the technique from a qualified instructor.

For those who have already learned Transcendental Meditation, this book explains in detail the theory behind TM and acts as a valuable and authoritative resource to help you with questions either you or anyone else may have about the technique.

But in the end, it is just a book - if you want to experience the real thing, there is no substitute for actually learning it the only way you can - from a qualified teacher, one-to-one.

I did, and I've never looked back. ... Read more

Product Description

Meditation helps us relax, sharpens our minds, and increases our creativity. In The Tibetan Book of Meditation, Lama Christie McNally demonstrates that meditation also provides a much greater gift. It awakens our innate potential to shape our reality, to make moments of joy last forever, and to bring us the peace and contentment that we all ultimately seek.

Written in an instructional yet intimate style, the author guides readers through a progression of meditations, from the simple concept of compassion to the transformative concept of emptiness. Teaching technique and content at the same time, this book is unique in its comprehensive approach and will find a special place in the hearts of novice and experienced meditators alike.

Christie McNally, a renowned master teacher and lecturer who has studied with some of the greatest Indian, Tibetan, and western Buddhist masters, explains the central tenets of Buddhism and reveals how they apply to everyday life. Combining ancient wisdom and contemporary teachings, she leads readers along the path to a richer, fuller life through resonant examples and eye-opening insights.

Her engaging tone and fresh approach to the art of meditation will appeal to followers of Pema Chödrön and to readers of Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, and Jon Kabat-Zinn. This down-to-earth guide to meditation brings the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism to a new generation.

Customer Reviews (10)

Great for Beginners
The Tibetan Book of Meditation is a good starter book for those people interested in learning how to meditate.The exercises contained within this book are very insightful and display how meditation is learnt by doing.The Helpful Hints section is particularly helpful for beginners and helps to answer the typical questions posed by beginners.For those of you who have been meditating for a while, this book allows you to review the basics and perhaps provide additional meditations that you haven't considered.Overall, well worth buying.

Kelli Malcolm, Esq.
Author of forthcoming book, "Sidestepping the 12 Steps:Using Metaphysical Principles to Move Beyond Addiction"
[...].

Where have you been all my life?
I picked up a copy of Lama Christie's book during her Two as One tour a few weeks ago.She gave a wonderful lecture on partner yoga, prana, and Tibetan yoga theory.She is so full of happiness and light, you can't help but let your whole body smile when she's around.

Anyway, I picked up her book after a recommendation from one of her assistants - "This is the only book on meditation you'll ever need.She lays it all out, and it's so clear and easy!"

And the book is awesome.I started it last night and couldn't put it down.The book is beautifully laid out and a joy to read.Lama Christie's writing is uplifting, accessible, and understandable.She really does lay it all out for you.

This book reminded me of the Bhagavad Gita.In the Gita, Arjuna struggles to comprehend the path toward enlightenment, and Krishna offers clear, step-by-step instructions with beautiful prose and he uses progressive disclosure to slowly introduce complex concepts as smaller, digestible bits.

Lama Christie is doing the same for helping us understand Tibetan meditation and another path toward happiness & enlightenment.I was never able to meditate before reading this book. I hope it helps you the way it has helped me. :)

The best book!
This is the best book I've read about buddhist meditation.The writing is so easy to understand and apply. I checked this out of the library and after reading it in about 3 days, I bought it.I read the Dalai Lama's "how to practice" which I also loved, but the concepts he explains seemed a little hard for me to reach. This book allowed me to grasp the main buddhist concepts and really apply them.I loved it!

Don't waste your time or money
If interested in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist meditation, I'd really recommend "The Stages of Meditation" by the Dalai Lama, or anything by B. Alan Wallace who's a master at uniting Western and Indo-Tibetan Buddhist perspectives. There's over 2,500 years worth of books covering the stages of meditation according to Buddhism, and life is short. This book isn't worth the time or money when there are so many other resources available. And to be honest, Ms. Mcnally self-ascribes the term "Lama," when most of the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist community doesn't see her filling that role. Being that she's simply the girlfriend of a Western monk kind of detracts from any credibility that she may have. Most of the rave reviews for this text simply come from direct students of her and Michael Roach. I'd recommend checking out what others in the Buddhist world think before spending time with this book.

WOW...
This was the first book I have ever read on meditation and I'm glad it was. The progressive nature of the meditations (starting small then getting into more advanced and deeper meditations later) is a great set up. It's easy to follow, especially for a newcomer (I have done audio guided meditations but they lack the depth that this book has).

There is a lot of good advice that doesn't just pertain to meditation either. If you are intermediate or advanced in Buddhist knowledge or meditation then you may not gain as much from this but if you are a novice or brand new, you have quite a bit to gain.

As a bit of side advice, I combine my meditations with Tibetan Singing Bowls and it really helps, just in case you're looking for a boost.

Mike Saxton, Author of "7 Scorpions: Rebellion" ... Read more

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Enter a Monastery Without Walls

Customer Reviews (21)

As Expected :)
I received the book within the time frame and it was in the condition stated on Amazon. I recommend this seller :)

Perfect Timing
This book came in perfect time for me.I had been searching for a book to get me started in meditative practice.As I began reading, I felt like the author knew each step that I was going through.Pitfalls, trials, successes, etc.This made the book not only great with content but great in application.A good balance of theory and practice is presented.My walk with God is growing more intimate by the day.The church that I lead is benefitting as well.I can't recommend this book more highly than the 5 stars given, but if I could, I would.

Can't Recommend, Though Some Contemplatives May Find This of Value
If you are interested in the contemplative practice of Christian mediation, this book might be for you.In Christian Meditation, James Finley provides a description of both the ends and the means of this Christian practice, along the way giving practical tips and personal accounts of how meditation has deepened his soul.Finley is both a practioner and an instructor in the art of Christian meditation, having spent part of his life in a monastery.He speaks from personal experience, and does well in complementing theory with practice.

Finley's account of Christian meditation does capture various strains of the contemplative tradition well, particularly how and why this practice both broadens and deepens one's overall vision of God.Finley does so both through relaying his personal experiences, telling the stories of others, utilizing clear analogies, and by accompanying his claims with insights from the field of psychology.He is also experienced in inter-religious dialogue, having spent time as an instructor at a meditation center wherein both Christian and Buddhist practicioners worked side by side.For some, these particular types of experiences may prove helpful and insightful.

When I chose this book, I was looking for something a bit different.I was not looking for a methodology and approach to clearing my mind and realizing the oneness of all things, I was looking for a way to more deeply and personally internalize the central doctrinal and biblical truths of the Christian faith.Some might counter that these things are not necessarily mutual exclusive, and I would agree.But oftentimes while reading Finley I wondered if his account of contemplative meditation strayed from tenets of classical Christian orthodoxy, particularly in his presentation of the transcendence and immanence of the Trinitarian God.Also, I had hoped that Finley might draw more on the role meditation has played in soul development throughout the history of the Christian tradition.In other words, I hoped Finley would provide more examples of great souls to follow from the contemplative tradition, but many of his examples were contemporary or personal.To be fair, Finley does provide examples from St. John of the Cross and the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, but many of the examples cited were principles, and were not illuminated through how these principles have been transformative in the lives of saints.I know that it might seem a bit unfair to judge a book in part on the basis of what was not said, rather than simply on what has been said.But nevertheless, the tools I was looking for in understanding and applying the contemplative tradition to my own spiritual life were absent, and thus I was disappointed.

As my title states, some contemplatives may find this book useful, and from a technical standpoint there are some aspects of Finley's book that I may be able to apply.In spite of this, I can't recommend it due to overall practicality and some theological and historical elements that I found lacking.

Not what I was looking for
I couldn't get past the second chapter of this book.It seemed to me the author made the important points on the first page of both chapters, and then spent twenty or thirty pages trying to say the same things in a few different ways, over and over and over.The constant repetition really brought me down.I was looking for a "how-to" book, but this is more of a psycho-philosophical "why-for".I lack the patience.If you're more oriented toward guidancethan analytics, try "Christian Meditation - Your Daily Practice" by Laurence Freeman or "Four Doors to Meeting for Worship" by William Taber.The former is in the Catholic vein of contemplative prayer and the latter is intended as a guide for Quaker meditative practices.Both are much more straightforward than this book.

Christian Meditation : Experiencing the Presence of God
Very thourough but maybe to much so. It is a bit much as far as wording goes. Hard to follow and implement. ... Read more

Product Description

A fully revised and updated edition complete with a new foreword by the author of the best–selling meditation book for women that the New York Times says ನould be put at the top of the stack'.

Customer Reviews (20)

Meditations for Women who Do Too Much
Excellent way to start your day.I read this and Starting Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer each morning to "set me up" for a good day.Takes less than five minutes and is worth more than an hour of yoga!

meditations for woman
Very prompt. It was in the condition I expected. and a great book I recomend it to anyone who is feeling overwhelmed from being superwoman....J

I am almost ready for this book
I am an over-producing, stressed-out Mom and business owner.And I found I was taking out my stress on the people that deserve it least--my family and me.I needed to change for all of us.I received this as a gift a long time ago, and just didn't get around to opening it.Then for the new decade I decided to make time for myself (nearly) everyday to get on my yoga mat, or any quiet spot, and take a few minutes to listen to my mind and body.

On January 1st I opened to the first entry. Almost every entry gives me pause, and I think about what i throughout the day.The meditations bring me into a calm place, and make me be very honest with myself.Sometimes so honest I know I am not ready for it and I hope next year when I re-read it I will be ready to that honest and forward.

Very, very good book.I am learned to talk from my heart space.

disappointed
The book was identified as new but had 1 inch marks from a majic marker. Ugg.

Paperback Book
The book was received very promptly and in excellent condition.Very pleased!Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much - Revised edition ... Read more

Product Description
Now in a fully corrected edition, one of thetrue spiritual classics of the twentieth century.

Published for the first time with an index and Cardinal Hans Urs vonBalthasar's afterword, this new English publication of Meditations on theTarot is the landmark edition of one of the most important works of esotericChrist-ianity. Written anonymously and published posthumously, as was theauthor's wish, the intention of this work is for the reader to find a relationshipwith the author in the spiritual dimensions of existence. The author wanted notto be thought of as a personality who lived from 1900 to 1973, but as a friendwho is communicating with us from beyond the boundaries of ordinary life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Meditations on the Tarot
The book's condition was better than described!!!I feel like I purchased a pristine, unread copy for the price of a used, worn book!!!I can't wait to look for this vendor when I order another book through Amazon.

Like the Cornell West of metaphysics
This book really will have you thinking. It introduces totally new concepts. But I have to warn readers like myself, you know how you have to read Cornell West with a thesaurus? This is kind of the way this book is. This book kind of assumes the reader starts out with a kind of knowledge base and builds on that. Despite that it is a really deep book.

Understanding the mystery of the spiritual journey.
Somewhat difficult read at times, but the rewards are sensational. It was recommended that I learn the Major Arcana of the Tarot for a variety of reasons, but the spiritual journey part was my main motive. I did not come with a manual for understanding spiritual events never mind the entire journey. This book is a treasure chest of insightful, fulfilling information for those with an appetite for looking at life in depth. I love tackling the hard to understand with a special interest in oracles. I once had a Tarot reading offered to me for free, it was my first, having a previous understanding of oracles was helpful because the information given to me was mind blowing. The Tarot reader had absolutely no way of getting the information she told me without having some sort of connection to the metaphysical, a big connection. To acknowledge respect of this art, is a beginning of understanding the mysteries of the universe and the rules of the game we call life. This book is a complete read of the Tarot and one of the most valuable pieces of literature in my library. A book I will not lend it out for sure, this is a keeper.

Too bad he had to stay unknown
It seems that the author was seeking to reconcile catholic esotericism with a form of anthroposophy,but under a veneer of anonymity. Unfortunately, two of my favorite institutions have a propensity to engage in witch hunts.

I hope that individuals like Robert Powell and Judith von Halle will help our Unknown Friend to bridge the gap between his spiritual communities so that the world will be ready should he get another chance to reveal himself during his future life stream.

Hermetic dream
I liked the book but have reservations. The writer includes reincarnation as a part of his belief system which is not in keeping with Catholic teachings. So I would caution Christian readers on this point since it is not part of the teachings of the church. I am amazed that the monks and a Cardinal in the forward did not pick up on that. Other then that I love the book and what the author has to say on the symbols used in Tarot cards and his discussions on grace and works. You can find this in the card the lover. ... Read more

Product Description
Touchstones provides men with a daily spiritual guide grounded in the Twelve Steps.The meditations help men express feelings, reconnect with their souls, and reclaim their deeper masculine qualities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Start the day with Touchstones
I have been reading editions of this book daily for over 20 years, and it is the most gentle yet usable reader I have found to start my day.Aimed at men, its benefits are not confined to the 12-step community, but can be utilized by any man who has the desire to grow up, and become a responsible, happy adult.

A little Touch of Fresh Air
This little book is so refreshing for the much needed bread crumb of inspiration that required so little time on a daily basis. I use it in conjuction with David Ricco books. A must for any person that is learning to keep the Adult Child at bay.

Great book
My husband loves his new book. After many years reading the same book, he needed a "fresh one" and this one is great.

Touchstones
This book of daily meditations for men in recovery is inspiring. I read it every day and it always gives me a lift.

Very Good
After I finished "A Day at a Time", I had a hard time finding another good daily reflection book.This one is excellent. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (23)

Wonderful book
Osho's ideology is one of the hundreds mythical ideologies which exist in our world. In this ideology osho puts each man instead of God and he tries to define the completed and highly spiritual soul as a god. To become a perfect soul, you should love unconditionally and thoroughly. He thinks of mind as a big obstacle for your faith. You should put your mind aside so that you could start meditation.

Osho's Meditations
Wonderful opportunities and options with this incredibly sensitive and knowledgeable book. And I found it so easy to read and comprehend.I expected to "file it away" on the shelf for a later read... I'm so glad I decided to start right away. It is written in a way that gave me confidence to find the meditations that work and do them.

Undeserving library journal review for a life changing book
This book made my life into a celebration from 15 years ago.It for the benefit of future readers, i am addressing the heartless comments of the above review from library journal. Osho attracted some of the greatest western and eastern minds of his generation. Like Buddha, he knew no-thought to be a prerequisite for meditation, and stated meditation is beyond the impotent state of intellectual analysis.After the analysis ends, meditation begins. Scorning unloving dead aspects of religion and society which creates unloving dead or violent individuals, he has honored the greatest number of ancient and modern masters from every tradition and culture and explained finally in clear terms their life changing significance through several dedicated discourses to each individual master. He did this while simultaneously alerting sincere individuals to the pitfalls of many bureaucracies that have cropped up to abuse their name. Unlike the above superficial library employee, his insights have the power of wisdom and has nurtured and revitalized the lives of the hundreds of thousands of individuals and truth seekers who came in contact with him through even just books, like myself. This review is severely inadequate to honor this Great man who has shown me so much joy in living.

Osho
It is very easy to read, has lot of information and instructions on how to start meditating right away, fantastic, exactly what I expected and needed.

True freedom
Osho explains as only Osho can that meditation is the answer to all our problems. Meditate, still the mind and with intent all the answers that you need are there. Osho gives you the key to your own freedom. No need to ask for advice. By meditating the answer will come and it will be the answer that is right for you. Meditation should be taught in schools as an essential for life. We rely on other peoples values, ideas and thoughts and give very little credence to what may be important to ourselves - that takes courage.
Dr Gunta Krumins-Caldwell author of On Silver Wings ... Read more

Product Description
A number one bestseller in France, this is an elegant and inspiring short guide to the art of meditation: another instant classic from the bestselling author of Happiness. Wherever he goes, Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard is asked to explain what meditation is, how it is done and what it can achieve. In this elegant, authoritative and entirely accessible book, he sets out to answer these questions. Although meditation is a life-long process even for the wisest, "The Art of Meditation" demonstrates that by practicing it on a daily basis we can change our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. In this brilliant short book, Matthieu Ricard talks us through the theory, spirituality and practical aspects of meditation. He illustrates each stage of his teaching with examples and pictures, leading the reader deeper into their own practice. Through his experience as a monk, his close reading of sacred texts and his deep knowledge of the Buddhist masters, Matthieu Ricard shows the significant benefits that meditation, based on selfless love and compassion, can bring to each of us. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A layman's guide to meditation
This book has immensely helped me..Ricard gives a step-by-step guide to the why, what and how of meditation. There's nothing religious about this book...i've read some other books on meditation and spoken with friends/colleagues who practice meditation...however never was able to connect with their ways. This book busts several myths about meditation and lists several methods of practising it...one can choose what suits best.

The book is an easy read..it seems as if the author is talking to you (none of the over the top jargons that are typically found in such books). ... Read more

Product Description
When we meditate, our minds often want to do something other than the meditation instructions we've been taught. When that happens repeatedly, we may feel frustrated to the point of abandoning meditation altogether. Jason Siff invites us to approach meditation in a new way, one that honors the part of us that doesn't want to do the instructions. He teaches us how to become more tolerant of intense emotions, sleepiness, compelling thoughts, fantasies—the whole array of inner experiences that are usually considered hindrances to meditation. The meditation practice he presents in Unlearning Meditation is gentle, flexible, permissive, and honest, and it's been wonderfully effective for opening up meditation for people who thought they could never meditate, as well as for injecting a renewed energy for practice into the lives of seasoned practitioners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Important Book with Caveats (4.5 stars)
Jason Siff has written an important book. Why? Because he shows us how we have subtle preferences and expectations surrounding our meditation practice. These subtle--or actually often not so subtle, but more unseen--biases get in the way of a genuine gentle awareness and acceptance of what is. Our tendency to have expectations on the cushion also tends to lead us to disconnect our whole life and our actions to our ongoing and resulting states of mind. In other words, by meditating in the agendaless way Siff recommends, we can more clearly see the karmic effects of our thoughts/actions.

Jason has the experience as both a practitioner and teacher to tease out these subtleties and biases and the originality and confidence in the truth he's learned to pursue and present his vision, even though they may differ (especially on the surface) with Buddhist "orthodoxy." Such teachers, like Stephen Batchelor (who not surprisingly endorses this book on the front cover), are important voices, even if we disagree with some or all of what they say (I'm always surprised by the occasional violent/angry reactions some have to Batchelor because he dismisses some cherished believes such as the idea of rebirth. Disagree with him sure, but can't one see the irony in getting angry for a different assessment of the Buddha's intent. Of course some unorthodox opinions can be whacky or even harmful, but let's hope people read widely and diversely and take the Buddha's advice to evaluate what they hear/read against what they already know to be true.
In that spirit, I do have some issues with Jason's approach to meditation. First, he suggests one meditate however long you like. In a sense one can't argue with this. There is little point to feeling forced to meditate, but then again, anyone who has ever done a long retreat learns the value of sticking with it for long hours day after day. The mind settles down and with it comes greater clarity and insight. While ideally, this happens naturally, I'm not so sure it will for many, even most practitioners. Thus, some goal/agenda around trying to put in more hours on the cushion and especially to go on long retreats seems helpful, if philosophically inelegant. Certainly Jason has developed a great deal of clarity and wisdom the old fashioned way: putting countless long hours in on the cushion.

My second caveat is around the focus on meditation and drifting. Much as I like Jason's idea of letting the drifting be, drifting tends to be drifting. And whole sessions pass with little awareness happening.

Another caveat is around the journaling with meditating. It's not that I don't see value with it--especially for those who have difficulty noticing the emotional and psychological issues around their meditation practice (and just in their life, which of course we could all use help with), but when I tried it I found it just a tad bit tiresome. Or probably more it's accurate to say I just didn't have patience for it, even though I could see the value in it and think it's important to be sensitive to the psychological issues we bring to the cushion (or anywhere).

I actually worked with Jason briefly some months before his book came out and thought he was great (and imagine I might work with him again some time), but found the drifting and journaling parts of his practice problematic. But I still found great value in his work, and am still working to integrate what I've learned from Unlearning Meditation into a practice that has a bit more "structure"/focus while maintaining the openness and gentleness Jason points us to. My sense is Jason would be fine with that as ultimately he is pointing us to an exploring/curious awareness/aliveness. And to that end he is skillfully engaging.

My only other caveat about the book is I tended to gloss over with the journal entries and about 3/4s of the way through skimmed or ignored them. In retrospect I wish I would have done that sooner. I tended to be more interested when Jason was writing in his own voice. Also, the journal entries, even if cleaned up a bit, are written as notes to oneself, not written to be published. So it's not surprising that they don't make good reading.

So overall, good on you Jason for a very valuable work, just when it seems it's hard to read anything fresh about Buddhism, you've written a valuable and original book. And to potential readers, I'd say this is an important book, but please read it in the context of other books about meditation and Buddhism. I suspect that advice is unnecessary as it will be mostly of interest to experienced meditators.
Wishing you the best.

An excellent choice for any new age collection
UNLEARNING MEDITATION: WHAT TO DO WHEN THE INSTRUCTIONS GET IN THE WAY is for any collection strong in Buddhist thought, offering keys to approaching meditation in a new way. From becoming more tolerant of intense emotions and sleepiness to becoming more flexible in experiencing meditation, UNLEARNING MEDITATION is an excellent choice for any new age collection.

Great beginning but then...
This book started out wonderful. The premise of the book is that we are often too rigid in our meditation practice. The author states that we harshly try to follow our breath and then beat ourselves up when our mind's attention strays. So he introduces us to another technique to make meditation more "mind-friendly" by allowing our minds to slide off course and just focusing on our hands being connected in our posture. Maybe im too ingrained with my old way of following the breath but I had difficulty doing this style of meditation. The author then goes on and analyzes his student's meditation journals as to what came up during their sitting. The whole thing seemed counter productive to me. I was always taught that the mind needs some sort of focus point. I also dont agree that what comes up has any more significant meaning than what our minds conjour up in daily thinking. The last half of the book is a description of what he calls various meditation processes that frankly lost me completely. Overall, it wasn't as insightful as I had hoped it would be.

Unlearning Meditation
This is a "must read" for every person who practices meditation written by one of the country's most esteemed and respected meditation teachers, an American who spent several years as a Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka. It gives a new slant on things and will change--and enhance--your meditative experiences. If you are a meditator--or thinking about becoming a meditator--you owe it to yourself to buy this book and contemplate and practice its methods. I am a longtime Vipassana meditator and have read extensively about meditation, in addition to studying under a teacher, going on meditation retreats, etc., and found this book amazingly insightful and well-written. Buy it today and mindfully read it in a calm, serene place; you won't regret it.

Drifting off can wake us up (4.5 stars)
If "nothing arises in isolation" for Buddhists, why not let thoughts, images, and moods filter and float into one's meditative mind? Rather than resisting stories as tied to the ego, a receptive process allows practitioners to integrate narratives and reactions into their sitting. This increases gentleness, and eases pain, as tolerating one's experiences replaces suppressing or overcoming their influence. "Drifting off" can even help us "wake up."

This, Siff proposes, means "unlearning" meditation practices that stress silencing the voices and emotions within us. For a meditator facing inevitable impasses, he shows how "transformative conceptualization" can draw us patiently to examine "mental constructs" as a way towards non-conceptual understanding. This challenges the norm that such a non-conceptual realization comes only when the seeker has attained the goal of a purer sense-experience. This can be a tricky "concept" to comprehend, admittedly.

Siff takes his time in a couple-hundred pages to relate his own evolution from Tibetan and especially Vipassana training into a more fluid, open-ended direction. While grounded in the Theravada traditions, and using a lot of the samatha (calming)-vipassana (discerning) as the foundation for his path, he advises the meditator not to become attached to any one form, if that form becomes too "grounded" so as to discourage the seeker, or ossify the spirit. To me, this seems like a commonsense, slightly but subtly radical, existential attitude I like. He returns, softly, to the Pali texts, as does Batchelor, to revive the force of the earlier Buddha's impact, one concentrating upon ethical action and not dogmatic codification.

After all, he reasons, if we regard the Buddha's dharma doctrines "as concepts," well, "none of the teachings are true." But they remain self-improving narratives. This resembles Stephen Batchelor's "Buddhism without Beliefs" in its agnosticism, and his new study, "Confession of a Buddhist Atheist" (both reviewed by me), which complementing Siff mix reflection with autobiography and textual explication. Siff advances a meditative "Recollective Awareness Training" as a dharma-based response based not on beliefs or theism but "experiential knowledge."

He devotes the second part of his book to impasses and calm states. He looks at "samadhi" (conventionally "bliss," but here applied to being drawn towards tranquility), and how this state might be dipped into as the meditator does not resist "daydreaming" or even drifting off into semi-slumber. He intersperses journals kept by his students that illustrate well a variety of reactions to meditating. Instead of polished assurances of masters that usually provide the sole texts by which students can judge their own progress or shortcomings, reading average meditators record their struggles reveals much more accessible material by which a beginner or advanced student can compare his or her own situation.

This is not a primer on Buddhism, and Siff expects that even if a beginner, one has familarity with basic teachings. He uses a running analogy with being snowed in to show how sometimes we need to be patient, yet alert, for opportunities to succeed. The more meditation can link to the rest of one's life, and not be apart from it, the more its insights can smooth rough edges for ourselves and others. He lacks platitudes, luckily. His presentation shares suggestions, not prescriptions.

It's not technical, and not inspirational in the pat sense. It's suited more for those open to therapy and journal-keeping as compatible methods by which Westerners choose to confront (and make friends within) themselves. A couple of points, in my opinion, rushed by. While the whole book's an elaboration of the concept, I wish more space had been devoted to "dependent origination," simple to sum up if hard to grasp deep down as "When one thing arises, so does another." I was left uncertain about how Siff's approaches might work within Zen, and how "just sitting" might contrast or compare. Also, the half-paragraph distinction between the "connected process" of beliefs as this differs from wisdom as or as not originating in "unified states of mind" compressed this vast, phenomenological topic. I realize that for a short text, this may be recondite, but the discussion stimulated me enough to want more. Although accessible for those from any mindset, Siff tilts far more towards non-theism than theism for those pursuing his "unlearning" model; similar to Batchelor, he leans towards existential rather than faith-based philosophies or mentalities.

Siff touches on hypnagogic states intriguingly. These happen usually as we drift off into sleep. This "drop off" during reverie from awareness to inner peace, he suggests, matches the Buddha's own embrace of lights or images as perceptions not to be fought off but to be encouraged, for those so inclined. Siff favors fragmenting and wondering as positive passages towards a mental focus and deeper connection.

Contrary to the usual interpretations of meditation as an austere avoidance of distraction, Siff allows the aware meditator to "float off" towards a parallel entry way that aligns with our mind's constant movement as its own inescapable experience. Moment by moment, our minds change. As the fundamental Buddhist teaching of impermanence, Siff figures it's a less defensive, more accepting manner that we can take to ease our wayward minds into meditation.

Finally, he urges meditators not to get too attached to any one process. If it works, great; if not, let it go, mix it up, move on, blend, experiment. He compares this inventiveness to adding new ingredients to a favorite dish. He orders into three primary categories-- generative, conflictive, receptive-- and three developed ones (explorative, non-taking-up, connective) the goals of a looser, flexible, and forgivingly humane taxonomy of a meditative quest suited (it seems to me) for reluctant, restless, skeptical, and/or creative folks.

He concludes with the hope that this more accepting, less ascetic stance might loosen up practioners who tire of one approach, who feel guilt over one way not working, or who give up in frustration after not getting the big breakthrough promoted to the striver if forever delayed for many everyday seekers. What this does is empower the individual.

This book might supplement a student working with an innovative teacher, or enrich those meditating on their own. Siff impressed me with his ability to condense decades as a practitioner who does not preach. That is, he reduces thousands of his own "sittings" into advice that convinces you of his own authenticity even as his own story does not call attention to his own recommendations. Somehow, Siff exemplifies his profound advice without promoting himself as a role model or his suggestions as the only way to incorporate his example into one's own practice.

He does show, instead, his own convictions, based on the dharma rather than self-aggrandizement. He wraps it this steady, brisk (but never superficial or pandering) guidebook by boosting the confidence of those often kicking themselves for not meeting the exacting standards of master teachers. "You have developed greater trust and confidence in the meditative process, which is none other than trust in the path of inner awakening, otherwise known as the Dharma." (200) ... Read more

Product Description
Karen Casey, author of the best-seller, Each Day a New Beginning, the original daily meditation book for women , has written another first in the meditaion genre. She has created a valuble series of daily meditations to accompany and enhance personal study of A Course in Miracles, the modern spiritual classic that has touched the lives of millions. Each page of Casey's book offers an aphorism and a reflection on a key concept in the Course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

course in miracles
I read from this book every day this and the Awakenings is how I start each day. I love it.

daily meditations
Great companion to the Course of Miracles.It takes the teachings to a more accessible level and also works well as a stand-alone meditation book for spiritual growth.

Simplicity
I had heard about A Coarse in Miracles & purchased the book. I found it a very hard read; however, after finding the Daily Meditations For Practicing The Coarse, it simplified the Coarse for me. I have since purchased extra copies to pass along to friends so that they can experience the Coarse in an easy to understand fashion.

Open the door to your spirit
As the author of a spiritually-themed novel, [...], I am always on the outlook for books that feed my spirit. This is a wonderful book that will feed your spirit, 365 days of the year.

I have owned this book for five years and it is an integral part of my daily meditation practice. It was so illuminating to me that I have been controlled by the fear of my ego for most of my life. All that I needed to do was to turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Anything that did not speak of love was from my ego, from which I am learning to turn away.

This is a book that will guide you along the process. It also contains affirmations which I believe are essential for people to practice in order to let go of wrong programming. Aside from dysfunctional backgrounds, so much of these wrong messages have been passed down to us through the belief that God is to be feared. That is a lie. God is only about love.

This book will open your eyes to new possibilities of how to lead a life based upon spirit. It will help you within your relationships with others, as well as help you to build a better relationship with yourself and with God.

It is a wonderful companion piece to "The Course in Miracles." The beautiful thing about this meditation book is that, unlike The Course, it is highly readable.

Davis Aujourd'hui, author of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"

inspirational
I love this book . It is simple , direct ,and very inspitational. I would recommend everyone have a copy of this devotional, and read everyday ! ... Read more

Product Description

National bestselling author and teacher Steve Hagen strips away the cultural and religious jargon surrounding meditation and provides an accessible and thorough manual for newcomers and experienced practitioners alike. Inside you will find:

Customer Reviews (5)

nuts and bolts of meditation
"Meditation Now or Never" strips down the misconceptions of meditation and gets down to the "nuts and bolts" of the practice.A wonderful book that stesses what meditation is and not what it does.A must for anyone who wants to understand the here and now.

Zen for Americans
This book is broken down into the most american understanding of meditation of any book I have read so far. My power of "here and now" has advanced by leaps and bounds.

It's never too late
It's never too late to get back to basics and put one's meditation practice on a firmer foundation.This book by Steve Hagen is succinct and an invaluable resource for the beginner meditator and a timely revision for those who have been meditating for some time.

Mediation Plain & Simple
Gentle prying apart of common preconceptions of meditation. Practical explanation of what meditation is and is not, what you can discover there, how to get started and how to keep coming back every day.

MeditationNow or Never
Steve Hagen, the author of Buddhism: Plain and Simple,
is the best introduction to Zen and Buddhism you can find.
Written in language we regular folks can understand,
yet carrying the full meaning and experience
of the more ancient/esoteric writings.
Meditation is the bedrock
of fully experiencing the Zen and Buddhist message.
Meditation Now or Never should be a jewel in your personal tools pack.
I can not overly praise this man's works.
And he is a practicing monk as well.

Gene Reynolds
www,personal-recovery-tools.com ... Read more