The Meditative Mind

From the New York Times Bestselling author, a classic interpretation of all varieties of meditation. “Goleman’s wide-ranging meditative experience imbues the volume with an authority and authenticity . . . and continues to make his writings some of the liveliest available on meditation.”—Publisher’s Weekly The Meditative Mind is an essential traveler’s guide to the topography of the spirit for every spiritual seeker. For the beginning meditator, the book provides a comprehensive, accessible overview of the different kinds of meditation, from Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi, Jewish, and Christian to Transcendental, Tantric, Kundalini, Tibeta Buddhist, Zen, and those developed by Gurdjeff and Krishnamurti, and introduces the reader to the basic elements of their practice. For the experienced meditator, Goleman explores the distinct levels of consciousness developed as a result of long-term application.

Why meditate? Why would you want to commit valuable time and effort to a practice that many think of as dry, remote, and foreign to their day-to-day lives? Why embark on a spiritual practice that may seem alien, antiquated, or out of place in today’s hectic, dynamic world? These concerns are exactly the reasons why people should begin living mindfully, incorporating meditation into their everyday lives. Meditation is the art of being present, of being aware, of realization, of understanding and insight. It is the practice of unfolding to the possibilities of the moment, the self, and life itself. Meditation will help you cultivate peace and happiness throughout the day. Mindfulness will help you become more compassionate and understanding. Meditation can lead to deep insights into yourself and your true nature, as well as your integral relationship with the world that makes everything possible. Meditation helps you gain and maintain perspective, allowing you to respond effectively and appropriately to the dictates of the moment, whether they are challenges at work or difficulties at home. Meditation is the art of being alive, of transforming, and making the most of the glorious life each of us has the great fortune to enjoy. The Meditative Mind: Techniques for Meditation and Mindfulness will introduce you to the meditative process and provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions on starting your meditative practice, and give you numerous techniques and approaches to employ as your practice grows and deepens.

The Mind Illuminated is a comprehensive, accessible and - above all - effective book on meditation, providing a nuts-and-bolts stage-based system that helps all levels of meditators establish and deepen their practice. Providing step-by-step guidance for every stage of the meditation path, this uniquely comprehensive guide for a Western audience combines the wisdom from the teachings of the Buddha with the latest research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Clear and friendly, this in-depth practice manual builds on the nine-stage model of meditation originally articulated by the ancient Indian sage Asanga, crystallizing the entire meditative journey into 10 clearly-defined stages. The book also introduces a new and fascinating model of how the mind works, and uses illustrations and charts to help the reader work through each stage. This manual is an essential read for the beginner to the seasoned veteran of meditation.

“When something is bothering you—a person is bugging you, a situation is irritating you, or physical pain is troubling you—you must work with your mind, and that is done through meditation. Working with our mind is the only means through which we’ll actually begin to feel happy and contented with the world that we live in.” —Pema Chödrön Pema Chödrön is treasured around the world for her unique ability to transmit teachings and practices that bring peace, understanding, and compassion into our lives. With How to Meditate, the American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun presents her first book exploring in depth what she considers the essentials for a lifelong practice. More and more people are beginning to recognize a profound inner longing for authenticity, connection, and aliveness. Meditation, Pema explains, gives us a golden key to address this yearning. This step-by-step guide shows readers how to honestly meet and openly relate with the mind, embrace the fullness of our experience, and live in a wholehearted way as we discover: The basics of meditation, from getting settled and the six points of posture to working with your breath and cultivating an attitude of unconditional friendlinessThe Seven Delights—how moments of difficulty can become doorways to awakening and loveShamatha (or calm abiding), the art of stabilizing the mind to remain present with whatever arisesThoughts and emotions as “sheer delight”—instead of obstacles—in meditation “I think ultimately why we practice is so that we can become completely loving people, and this is what the world needs,” writes Pema Chödrön. How to Meditate is an essential book from this wise teacher to assist each one of us in this virtuous goal.

A unique fitness program from a highly respected spiritual leader that blends physical and spiritual practice for everyone - regardless of age, spiritual background, or ability - to great benefits for both body and soul. As a Tibetan lama and leader of Shambhala (an international community of 165 meditation centers), Sakyong Mipham has found physical activity to be essential for spiritual well-being. He's been trained in horsemanship and martial arts but has a special love for running. Here he incorporates his spiritual practice with running, presenting basic meditation instruction and fundamental principles he has developed. Even though both activities can be complicated, the lessons here are simple and designed to show how the melding of internal practice with physical movement can be used by anyone - regardless of age, spiritual background, or ability - to benefit body and soul.