Varieties Of The Meditative Experience

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.

The Meditation Experience is a complete meditation workshop in one book. Interactive and practical, the step-by-step learning programme will guide you towards greater understanding and deeper, more effective practice. - Exercises help you to tailor the book to your needs - Journaling sections allow you to write your own experiences directly into the book - Includes revision work and more advanced exercises With practical downloadable digital tracks featuring meditations and inspirational music to bring you into a receptive state for deeper work.

Two New York Times–bestselling authors unveil new research showing what meditation can really do for the brain. In the last twenty years, meditation and mindfulness have gone from being kind of cool to becoming an omnipresent Band-Aid for fixing everything from your weight to your relationship to your achievement level. Unveiling here the kind of cutting-edge research that has made them giants in their fields, Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson show us the truth about what meditation can really do for us, as well as exactly how to get the most out of it. Sweeping away common misconceptions and neuromythology to open readers’ eyes to the ways data has been distorted to sell mind-training methods, the authors demonstrate that beyond the pleasant states mental exercises can produce, the real payoffs are the lasting personality traits that can result. But short daily doses will not get us to the highest level of lasting positive change—even if we continue for years—without specific additions. More than sheer hours, we need smart practice, including crucial ingredients such as targeted feedback from a master teacher and a more spacious, less attached view of the self, all of which are missing in widespread versions of mind training. The authors also reveal the latest data from Davidson’s own lab that point to a new methodology for developing a broader array of mind-training methods with larger implications for how we can derive the greatest benefits from the practice. Exciting, compelling, and grounded in new research, this is one of those rare books that has the power to change us at the deepest level.

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.

“Ann Druyan has unearthed a treasure. It is a treasure of reason, compassion, and scientific awe. It should be the next book you read.” —Sam Harris, author of The End of Faith “A stunningly valuable legacy left to all of us by a great human being. I miss him so.” —Kurt Vonnegut Carl Sagan's prophetic vision of the tragic resurgence of fundamentalism and the hope-filled potential of the next great development in human spirituality The late great astronomer and astrophysicist describes his personal search to understand the nature of the sacred in the vastness of the cosmos. Exhibiting a breadth of intellect nothing short of astounding, Sagan presents his views on a wide range of topics, including the likelihood of intelligent life on other planets, creationism and so-called intelligent design, and a new concept of science as "informed worship." Originally presented at the centennial celebration of the famous Gifford Lectures in Scotland in 1985 but never published, this book offers a unique encounter with one of the most remarkable minds of the twentieth century.

Throughout our journey, we acquire profound techniques that connect us to the Great Fluid Tides of nature. These techniques not only provide insights into indigenous practices and the Story on the Wind but also lead us on an exploration of diverse concepts and practices. We delve into the ancient wisdom of Daoist wizards from over a millennium ago, as well as the cutting-edge ideas in modern physics, cell biology, and fluid dynamics. Our endeavor is to forge connections between these elements, but more importantly, we gain the ability to perceive them within ourselves, in nature, and in others. This course is structured around thirty-six practices, each designed to enhance our sensory awareness while simultaneously establishing a profound connection to the tranquility of Stillness and the gentle Fluid Tides that exist both in nature and within ourselves. The course guides us through a step-by-step journey of ever-deepening practice, enabling us to become acutely aware of how we utilize our senses. Its ultimate goal is to rewire our sensory perception, fostering the development of a Holistic Felt-Sense - the capacity to sense wholeness within ourselves and oneness with nature.