Buddhist Meditation

Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings

by Pema Chodron

Average Rating:

"Pema Chodron is a Buddhist teacher in the lineage of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, her teacher. In her previous book, THE PLACES THAT SCARE YOU (2001), she wrote that compassionate "warriors-in-training need someone to guide them, a master warrior, a teacher, a spiritual friend, someone who knows the territory well and can help them find their way" (p. 113). For many of us, Chodron is that "someone."COMFORTABLE WITH UNCERTAINTY is a compilation of 108 excerpts from Chodron's previous books that may be read as a collection of short, daily meditations for compassionate warriors-in-training. These teachings will stick with you, and they will resonate throughout the day. Readers expecting to find something new here may be disappointed. But for others, this book will offer an excellent introduction to Pema Chodron.G. Merritt"

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

Path to Bliss: A Practical Guide to Stages of Meditation

by Dalai Lama XIV

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"I am new to meditation (though somewhat versed in Buddhism), and wanted a clear, understandable, and practical way to get introduced to the subject. I tried some other "intro" and "basics of" books, but they were full of philosophy and/or new age dribble (I wanted technique and fundamental concepts). I'd read some of the Dalai Lama's books on buddhism and appreciated his clarity and style, as well as his ability to bring his topics down to earth. So I thought hey, what better than a lecture by the Dalai Lama to teach me how to meditate. And the endless 5-star recommendations on this site made me even more enthusiastic. Boy was I wrong! This book is a prescribed description of the Lamrim practice. It is full of lenthy prayers and incantations to memorize and recite, various figures from the Tibetan pantheon to exort and pray to, and a litany of rites and rituals to follow. This is great for people wanting to understand specific aspects of Tibetan culture and Tibetan buddhism, but not a useful tool for learning meditation, especially if you are new to the subject or somewhat scientifically (rather than philosophically or religiously) inclined. Further research has led me to "Mindfulness in Plain English" by Gunaratana, and to the Insight Meditation books by Goldstein. Hope these work better."

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

365 Dalai Lama: Daily Advice from the Heart

by Dalai Lama XIV

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"This book is a compilation of quotations from the Dalai Lama (spiritual leader of Tibet). It is not an essay or story, though the quotes are loosely grouped by category. The quotations are written simply and directly, and contain a great degree of insight into the human emotions and the human spirit.It serves as an excellent daily inspiration for living or meditation."

Publisher: ThorsonsElement | More reviews: amazon.com

Openness Mind: Self-knowledge and Inner Peace through Meditation (Nyingma Psychology Series)

by Tarthang Tulku

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Publisher: Dharma Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

China Falun Gong, Revised Edition

by Li Hongzhi

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"As a long-time student of Chinese culture and internal alchemy, I have to say this is an exceptional book. It offers a range of insights into the phenonmenon of qigong and is written in an accessible, down-to-earth manner. The contents of the book far exceed those of the several dozen other qigong and tai-chi books I have read. It is the best place to learn what Falun Gong is about or to learn about Chinese qigong more broadly.

The books offerings, I would say, are twofold. First, it gives something of a succinct tour de force of the world of qigong, illuminating many of its not-so-well understood aspects and intricacies. It makes sense of a range of phenomena not well understood, including supernormal functions, the mind-body connection, the deeper origins of sickness, the multiple levels of healing, and the historical relationship between China's spiritual traditions (namely Buddhism and Taoism) and qigong. Most any scholar of qigong will confer that these aren't things typically discussed with the general public; the author has done something bold in disclosing the heart of his decades of qigong training and self-cultivation.

Second, the book is a practical guide, complete with photo illustrations and technical specifics, as to how a person "practices" or does Falun Gong. Most any question a beginner could think of is answered, while veterans of the practice with whom I have spoken share that they still get a lot out of reading the text. It discusses the practice in rather concrete terms and goes through the basics of both the exercises/meditation and self-cultivation component. As such I would recommend it for people new to qigong over Falun Gong's other core text, Zhuan Falun.

The test of a theory is of course its results, and it is results that compelled me to write this review. Since reading the book and taking up the practice I have been delighted -- and pleasantly surprised -- by its effects. I found my years of chronic food allergies, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Wilson's Syndrome (a thyroid system disorder) at last resolved. I sleep better, am far more relaxed, have a better temper, find myself consistently upbeat, have lots of energy, and best of all am not constantly dwelling on my health problems. In this vein the feeling is one of freedom, and for this I'm grateful. While I have a long way to go in the practice, admittedly, I would definitely say it has already effected something of a shift in consciousness -- one away from self-defeating negativity, judgemental thinking, and self-absorption towards a form of more compassionate, joyful, balanced living. The sense of well-being you get from doing Falun Gong is downright visceral. The others I 've met who do Falun Gong in my city report similar benefits, and I would have to say they are the nicest, most giving people I've ever met.

I think the trick, of course, is to approach the practice with an open mind and a healthy dose of patience. This isn't ESPN'ized yoga -- tailor made for consumers and re-engineered to suit modern sensibilities and market demand. It's the real thing, and probably not what you have read before. It takes some effort. The rewards, however, as suggested by Falun Gong's explosive popularity (70 million people in China took it up within just seven years of its introduction to the public), make that effort well worth it, I would say."

Publisher: The Universe Publishing Company | More reviews: amazon.com

Meditation (A Little Book of Wisdom)

by Sogyal Rinpoche

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"As a great admirer of Sogyal Rinpoche, I purchased this little book sight-unseen, hoping that it might expand upon the thoughts he introduces in "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" (a masterpiece). Turns out this is nothing more than a verbatim transcription of Chapter 5, published in a cute little format. I don't doubt that this is a great way to give newcomers a peek under the tent of the author's masterwork, but the buyer should nonetheless beware..."

Publisher: HarperOne | More reviews: amazon.com

Breath by Breath

by Larry Rosenberg

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"I am one of those people who wish it was easier to sit for an hour a day. I am one of those who is struggling to motivate myself to pursue what I have come to believe is an essential part of my life. This book is one that constantly makes my efforts and my struggles easier and keeps me motivated. I just wish I could do justice to this author's efforts in sharing what he has had the good furtune to have gained. I have given my copy of this book away on a few occasions just to replace it with yet another copy soon after. If you are a meditation enthusiast, make sure this book is on your bookshelf, if not right next to you, always."

Publisher: Shambhala | More reviews: amazon.com

Toward a Superconsciousness: Meditational Theory and Practice

by Hiroshi Motoyama

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"This book by Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama is very helpful in elucidating what the yoga practitioner is trying to accomplish by meditation and also includes helpful guidelines to this end, however this is publication is not a very concise "How to" manual. In light of its shortcomings I would strongly recommend it as an excellent purchase. One should consider other books on the topic to make up where this one is lacking."

Publisher: RoutledgeCurzon | More reviews: amazon.com

Mandalas Of The World: A Meditating & Painting Guide

by Rudiger Dahlke

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"This book is a great combination of text and actually creating your own mandalas. The text is clear and concise. The "practice" mandalas are large enough to allow freedom of expression in creating your personal thoughts/feelings by way of art.I'm new to this experience, but this book leads me through each step with an explaination and then the opportunity to practice. I've been using colored pencils, but some more dynamic colors might be more desirable at times.To begin with, I didn't make copies of the blank mandalas, I just colored them in the book. I believe it might be better to make a good quality copy of the blank mandala in case it just doesn't come out right the first time.Enjoy!"

Publisher: Sterling | More reviews: amazon.com

Concentration and Meditation: A Manual of Mind Development (Element Classic Editions)

by Christmas Humphreys

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"Although many readers might find Humphreys dated in many respects, his knowledge of time proven meditation techniques is still both relevant and accurate. There is a very post-Victorian feel to this work; many of the references or social attitudes might seem quaint to the modern reader, but it is a remarkably soothing as well as informative read. The author comes from a Theosophical background and many of the references are colored by this (i.e. Blavatsky and other Theosophical masters.) But it is still basically Buddhist in approach. I first encountered this book over 20 years ago, and only recently reread it. Though I am well aquainted with Buddhist philosophy and meditation, I still find it refreshing. There is a quiet thoughtfulness not always evident in many more current works, and it has a distinctly western flavor in that the philosophy is not confused by Oriental cultural trappings. Buddhism is universal in spirit, and this presents it in a clear, functional, and direct manner easily apprehended by the occidental student. The emphasis is on practice (as it should be) rather than on mere information. Don't be put off by the "occult" warnings. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested either in Buddhist practice or meditation in general."

Publisher: Element Books | More reviews: amazon.com