Buddhist Meditation

Meditate: Happiness Lies Within You

by Swami Muktananda

Average Rating:

"Swami Muktananda was one of the greatest meditation teachers of the century. He came to the West in 70's and became very popular. In this book, Muktananda focuses on the essential aspect of his Yoga, known as Siddha Yoga, that is: Meditation. He said meditation was the most efficient way for all of us - his Yoga is open to all, he says - to re-connect with the divinity that lies in each of us. This path is the path of living an awakened life while living in the world. This little book is a perfect introduction to one of the most simple and yet most mysterious practices of Yoga. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"

Publisher: Siddha Yoga Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

Penetrating Wisdom: The Aspiration of Samantabhadra

by Ponlop

Average Rating:

"The Dozogchen Ponlop Rinpoche's Penetrating Wisdom: The Aspiration of Samantabhadra should be required reading for any student of Buddhist belief and Eastern religions: it blends observation, metaphor and a sharp analysis of faith to present 'The Aspiration of Samantabhadra' for new and experienced Buddhists alike, offering up a prayer which explores spiritual awareness in daily living and pairing this understanding with a set of instructions for refining beliefs. It's an eye-opening survey for any already practicing Buddhism.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch"

Publisher: Snow Lion Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

The Inner Art of Mediation

by Jack Kornfield

Average Rating:

"The title of this review tells it all. Jack Kornfield explains and exhibits the essence of the purpose of meditation. His stories and explanations make things "click". I feel like this is the starting point of a major...maybe the major progression...in my ability to manifest the power inherent in meditative exercises. It's a lot to say about a video, I know. I'm sure glad I came across this video. I checked it out at the local library. Now I'm going to buy it and use it everyday and share it with others."

Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated | More reviews: amazon.com

Meditation Techniques of the Buddhist and Taoist Masters

by Daniel Odier

Average Rating:

"Bearing in mind that there are many concepts translated from Tibetan into French, and then into English, the slight awkwardness in language can sound a little "preachy", but it does not diminish the value of the book.

What makes the book really worth reading, is the fact that it is based on first-hand knowledge and experience. The author understands both theory and practice. There are a multitude of books out there by Orientalists & New-Agers that describe techniques from a very superficial perspective. Odier is clear about the real psychological dangers of such an aproach, and the need for long gradual practice and guidance.

I would recommend this book to anyone serious about meditation practice, and spiritual development."

Publisher: Inner Traditions | More reviews: amazon.com

Pure and Simple: The Buddhist Teachings of a Thai Laywoman

by Upasika Nanayon

Average Rating:

"I have had the pleasure and good fortune of having read a number of works associated with various accomplished Buddhists - particularly those within the Theravada tradition. It is extraordinarily encouraging to know that a "lay person", like Upasika Nanayon, appears to have been able to both devote such time to and achieve such depth in the pursuit and development of concentration and insight while following the Buddha's Dharma. Her life and instructions are an inspiration for those of us aspiring to achieve some measure of clarity and understanding along the Path. Even though she was a lay person, she strikes me as having been on par with other monastic Buddhist notables (e.g., Ajahn Chah) in her ability to comprehend, convey and apply the essence of the teachings. It is my modest opinion that practitioners will be exceptionally enriched by becoming acquainted with her written work(s)."

Publisher: Wisdom Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

MindScience: An East-West Dialogue

by Dalai Lama

Exploration of mind/body concepts based on a Harvard Medical School symposium.

Publisher: Wisdom Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

Being a Buddha on Broadway

by Bertram Salzman

Average Rating:

"The Universal Source has blessed the author of this engagingly written and benevolent book. In the first chapter, Bert Salzman describes how, ever since his epiphany as an eight-year old in a Jewish orphanage, he has been given access to an ineffable golden light. I experienced something similar during a traumatic infancy, and also can identify with how he zeroed in on Zen Buddhism as an art student (we must have bumped elbows browsing the same bookshelves in Manhattan). A successful twenty-two-year career in film production resulted in an Oscar - and in enough wisdom to retire early to a French village. There, with his partner Jeannie, he devoted ten years to developing the attention exercises that he shares in the second half of this book.
Salzman has no axes to sharpen other than the reader's nose, which he holds firmly to that grindstone phrase, "Who Am I," but with the warning that you should not allow your mind to attempt to answer, but remain still in an expectant silence for whatever may come. The "Locate - Be Still Procedure" teaches the reader to widen their gaze to something the author calls "Open Attention." Other exercises allow you to hone your practice to 'Watching the Watcher.' 'Slowing Down' and 'Silent Listening, Silent Speech.'
As an inveterate underliner, I marked the following passages:
"I could never look at those trees again and think of them as just trees. In "unnaming" them and myself, I had been freed! They rushed fully alive into my void-like consciousness."
"The human mind, I suddenly realized, is the mirror in which life can reflect upon itself. At that moment I saw that the entire purpose of human existence is to facilitate the awakening of life to itself as eternal consciousness."
"When the inquiry 'Who am I?' takes place, and the mind is asked not to provide an answer - yet attention is held on the question - the source of this attention responds by removing the limited boundary of thought and reveals our unlimited and boundless nature."
"The journey is never really complete, for our lives represent only tiny movements in the ever-expanding flow of consciousness."' Anyone who has ever expanded their consciousness via traditional methods will find the regimen that this book offers rewarding. For those just beginning the journey to their deeper selves, Salzman offers smooth traveling and easy access. Try his exercises! You'll like them!"

Publisher: Inner Directions | More reviews: amazon.com

Living the Mindful Life

by Charles T. Tart

Average Rating:

Being awake. Why is something that sounds so simple the primary goal of so many of the world's great wisdom traditions? In this workshop-in-a-book, Charles T. Tart shows why: the seeming simplicity of the awakened state belies its transformative effect on the lives of those who strive for it. His easy-to-use exercises put within everyone's reach the elusive art of "waking up" to life in the glorious present moment.

Publisher: Shambhala | More reviews: amazon.com

Pure Meditation

by Pema Chodron

Average Rating:

"Pema Chodron is a ONE-OF-A-KIND meditation master. Her lucid presentation of buddhist meditation is a real treasure. She is sincere and has a great sense of humor. In addition to discussing meditation, she also teaches on some Lojong slogans as they relate to formal/informal practice of meditation.WATCH OUT!! Pema Chodron is a Vajra Master and listening to her will transform your mind and open your heart!"

Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated | More reviews: amazon.com

Touching the Earth: The Five Prostrations and Deep Relaxation

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Buddhist masters Thich Nhat Hahn and Sister Chan Khong update the ancient teaching of "The Five Prostrations"--a time-honored Buddhist meditation practice that joins the mind and body in a graceful prayer to divine creation. They cover each phase of this practice, which will help empty the body of all resentment while opening it to compassion for all life.

Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated | More reviews: amazon.com