Buddhist Meditation

Mindfulness In Plain English

by Venerable H. Gunaratana Mahatera

About meditation: what it is and what it isn't. In English. Published by The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation in Taiwan.

Publisher: The Corporate Body of the Buddha Ed. Foun. | More reviews: amazon.com

Experience Beyond Thinking: A Practical Guide to Buddhist Meditation

by St. Ruth Diane

Publisher: Buddhist Pub Group | More reviews: amazon.com

Meditating With Koans

by J. C. Cleary

Publisher: Asian Humanities Press | More reviews: amazon.com

STAGES OF MEDITATION : TRAINING THE MIND FOR WISDOM

by THE DALAI LAMA

TRANSLATED BY VENERABLE GESHE LOBSANG JORDHEN, LOSANG CHOEPHEL & JEREMY RUSSELL.

Publisher: Rider | More reviews: amazon.com

Psychology of Synergy

by M. Singer

In a world where "profound" is often equated with "obscure," you might ask if anything so important can really be this lucid. These short meditations and gems of wisdom can be viewed as Zen puzzles which allow us to transform situations with ease. Though few see what is directly in front of their face or what is directly behind in the caverns of the brain, these metaphors can give you new sight. Filled with humor and improvisational ideas to make change fun.

Publisher: New Falcon Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

The Lost Teachings of Yoga

by Geord Feuerstein

Average Rating:

"This is an extensive and innovative review of the traditional teachings of Yoga, well delivered in an engaging, conversational manner. The key Yoga teachings from the Hindu, Buddhist and Jainism traditions are systematically developed, well-woven with references to both the classic literature and an astounding range of references to other world wisdom traditions and history. Among my favorites is his linking of the four traditional goals of life from the Vedas with the Declaration of Independence of the United States and the preamble to the Constitution. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are, of course, discussed in depth. I appreciate his emphasis on the central role of the Kriya Yoga model of transformation - a model still quite relevant today - even though there are some differences from the Krishnamacharya teachings I have heard from Desikachar and Kraftsow. All of the more well known eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are discussed in depth, with much deserved emphasis on the Yamas and Niyamas, the traditional moral foundations of Yoga. Each of the seven traditional paths of Yoga are well explained in some especially educational ways, not just listing the different paths. Georg's command and experience with of the spectrum of Yoga teachings allows him to present some of the teachings in new ways, such as his 12 steps to spiritual recovery and his tests for authentic yoga. The lecture style is easy to listen to. He peppers his discussions with questions that a modern student would logically ask, and then weaves personal experience into his answers. Feuerstein is not afraid to focus on contemporary issues with the lens of the classical teachings. For example, free market capitalism. As an economist I have a few different interpretations than his, but I appreciate the importance of examining modern situations and making personal choices from a considered moral foundation as opposed to simply self-interest.I see these tapes as an important resource in three key ways. First, as a delightful educational and thought-provoking experience for the Yoga student in all of us - perhaps on long cross-country drives as I do. Second, for Yoga teachers brushing up on selected topics for their own teaching. The tapes have already helped me prepare for a couple of lectures I am giving later this month. Third, I see these tapes as recommended or required "reading" in the many new Yoga teacher-training courses springing up around the country to help meet their philosophy requirement. My only regret is that these lectures on tape are not available in written form so one can easily go back to review and highlight key sections. Feuerstein is a prolific writer and these teaching are well discussed in a wide variety of his books elsewhere. In my view, however, the lectures on this tape set are especially well put together. They are an intellectual tour de force distilling many decades of study and writing. I very much enjoy hearing them in his own voice."

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

Blooming of a Lotus

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Average Rating:

"I have read several of Thich Nhat Hanh's books and consider them invaluable. While I have found all of his books to contain insights and helpful advice two, The Blooming of a Lotus and Present Moment, Wonderful Moment, stand out in their application in my daily life. Present Moment, Wonderful Moment supplies short verses that helps bring mindfulness to my daily activities. In The Blooming of a Lotus, Thich Nhat Hanh provides 34 meditation exercises from the simplest to the most sublime. The practices in this book are meant to be guided meditation exercises but I use them in my daily meditation practice. There are short, simple exercises to ease the pain, stress and turmoil of day to day existence, and lengthier exercises that allow me to look deeply into my life, releasing and healing long pent up pain and trauma. I have been using these exercises for two years and I feel I have only begun to probe their potential to help. The author's Being Peace and Peace is Every Step are among the important books I return to every day for inspiration on why I should meditate and practice mindfulness. But nothing compares to The Blooming of a Lotus for its power to daily nourish and transform."

Publisher: Beacon Press | More reviews: amazon.com

Loving-Kindness Meditation: Meditations to Help You Love Yourself, Love Others, and Create More Love and Peace in the World (Lovingkindness)

by Bill Scheffel

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Loving-kindness is a type of meditation practiced by Buddhists throughout the world, but it is a word that appears in many religious texts, including the Bible, Jewish liturgy and "The Book of Common Prayer". Loving-kindness means an attitude of generosity and compassion towards yourself, towards others and towards the Earth. This book pairs evocative, peaceful images with poetry and meditation instructions.

Publisher: Fair Winds Press | More reviews: amazon.com

Essential Energy Balancing: An Ascension Process

by Diane Stein

Average Rating:

"Essential Energy Balancing was not the first book I had read by Diane Stein; it was the last in all the books she has written so far. I had learned everything I really needed and wanted to know from others about Reiki from her ESSENTIAL REIKI. The rest had to be learned as part of my personal journey with the energies. I had already started working daily with the " Angels of Karma" for healing my life after reading WE ARE THE ANGELS and giving it to many close friends. I didn't know what else she could have to offer when I ordered ESSENTIAL ENERGY BALANCING that she had not already given so clearly and generously in her other books, but what a surprise I had waiting. True, the first section of EEB is about healing your past and present "karma," wounds, etc, and clearing at least 50% of your personal garbage and dysfuntion, much like the book WE ARE THE ANGELS. However, for me, the main thrust of the book , besides these tools and information to clear personal pain and dysfunction, is the ten step process that follows. I completed this process quickly the first time I went through the book because I was so excited about it. Then I went back to it a year later and did it again slowly, and still continue the daily practice. What the ten step process and daily practice have offered me is the information and empowerment and personal spiritual connection to continue to heal much of my pain and dysfunction, beyond what I was aware of to ask in the first part of the clearing. The processes have allowed me to begin and continue to connect with all that I am mentally, emotionally, spiritually, things that continue to delight and surpise me. In this ongoing process, there is a larger connection with universal energies as well. I am sure the book and process will speak to each person (or not) in an individual way and that each person will have his own journey and experience with the processes and ideas in the book. I have even had a different level of experience and benefit from a second journey with the processes....and I think therein lies the value of the book for those who respond to its ideas. All I can say is that I have been on many healing journeys and that the information and tools offered in this book spoke to me and led me on a journey of healing and empowerment that continues and shows no sign of ending. As always, Diane Stein's greatest gift is that she shares all the information and tools others need and then puts those tools with complete trust into the hands of the reader. She does so in a straightforward, simple, and practical way that EMPOWERS others, rather than making them dependent, and sends them forward to become centered in their own beauty and growth."

Publisher: Crossing Press | More reviews: amazon.com

The Spiritual Science of Essential Yoga: Techniques of Meditation, Mantrams and Invocations, Volume 1

by Sri Adi Dadi

From back cover: The Spiritual Science of Essential Yoga emerged from various spiritual, occult, philosophical, and scientific practices. It leaves in its path, proven and renewed exercises from seekers in search of Self knowledge. This continually evolving science, sustained by thousands of years of practice, offers aid and support to all who are sincere, and willing to experiment with these timeless techniques. This compilation, a dynamic union of meditative techniques, mantrams and invocations, invites all seekers to discover a science that, although ancient, unveils the uniqueness of always being in the process of becoming.

Publisher: Orange Palm/Magn Magus | More reviews: amazon.com