Why Meditate

Why meditate? On what? And how? In his latest book Why Meditate?—an instant bestseller in the author’s native France—Matthieu Ricard aims to answer these very questions. As a molecular geneticist turned Buddhist monk, Ricard brings a wholly unique perspective to the practice of meditation. Often referred to as "the happiest man in the world," he advises us in the ways to imbue our lives with a true sense of serenity and fulfillment. In simple, clear language, Ricard walks readers through the theories and practicalities of meditation, demonstrating its many benefits in our modern world. He shows readers how to achieve emotional balance, enhance mindfulness, expand altruistic love, and develop a sense of inner calm; while also reducing anxiety, vulnerability to pain, and tendency toward depression and anger. This enlightening book conflates the spiritual with the scientific, the transcendent with the pragmatic, and the Western world with Eastern wisdom. No matter what point of view you approach it from—whether that of personal transformation or physical health—meditation emerges as a prominent part of leading a balanced life. In the accompanying 60-minute audio download, Ricard explores the concepts of freedom and self, expands on the benefits of meditation, and advises on the benefits of creating a regular meditative practice.

“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.

Why Meditate? Because it Works will inspire you to begin your meditation journey. Written by Jillian Lavender, one of the most experienced and in-demand meditation teachers in the world, Why Meditate? Because it Works delivers a modern, accessible and trustworthy explanation of what meditation is, and most importantly, what it will do for you. Jillian delves into why a daily meditation practice is so necessary for your busy life. As co-founder of London and New York Meditation Centres, Jillian has taught Vedic Meditation to thousands of people across the globe. She now shares her much soughtafter wisdom in her debut book. Jillian busts common myths and explains the science and benefits of meditation in a clear and easy way. Beautiful illustrations, real-life stories from students, and simple starter tips weave together to form a foundation to truly understand meditation and inspire you to seek a practice of your own. 'Meditation has been transformational to my health. Learning with Jillian was a liberation. Her normal approach to meditation means it's enjoyable and easy to do. I don't have a single client I wouldn't recommend it to.' - Amelia Freer 'Why Meditate? delivers very eloquent, fascinating and easily absorbed information about meditation and what it can and will do for you with regular practise.' - The Curiosity Gap

Why Meditate? Because it Works will inspire you to begin your meditation journey. Written by Jillian Lavender, one of the most experienced and in-demand meditation teachers in the world, Why Meditate? Because it Works delivers a modern, accessible and trustworthy explanation of what meditation is, and most importantly, what it will do for you. Jillian delves into why a daily meditation practice is so necessary for your busy life. As co-founder of London and New York Meditation Centres, Jillian has taught Vedic Meditation to thousands of people across the globe. She now shares her much soughtafter wisdom in her debut book. Jillian busts common myths and explains the science and benefits of meditation in a clear and easy way. Beautiful illustrations, real-life stories from students, and simple starter tips weave together to form a foundation to truly understand meditation and inspire you to seek a practice of your own. 'Meditation has been transformational to my health. Learning with Jillian was a liberation. Her normal approach to meditation means it's enjoyable and easy to do. I don't have a single client I wouldn't recommend it to.' - Amelia Freer 'Why Meditate? delivers very eloquent, fascinating and easily absorbed information about meditation and what it can and will do for you with regular practise.' - The Curiosity Gap

"Presents scientifically backed and time-proven Eastern meditation practices that offer an antidote to the forces of frenzy and stress that awash us"--

An accessible guide from an expert on Mindfulness on how to get the most out of meditation--and make the practice a permanent part of your daily life. Meditation is supposed to be a practice that's relaxing and beneficial...so why is it so hard to commit to? While many people have taken workshops in meditation, a significant number don't maintain their practice for long after the class is finished. Mindfulness can help us relax and is great for coming to grips with thoughts that make us depressed or anxious, but it can also bring us into a more intimate relationship with ourselves--a prospect that can make some feel uncomfortable. Yes, lots of good things come out of meditation practice, but keeping it up is challenging. This is where Why Can't I Meditate? comes in. Full of practical ways to help our mindfulness practice flourish, it also features guidance from a wide spectrum of secular and Buddhist mindfulness teachers, and personal accounts by new meditators on what they find difficult and what helps them overcome those blocks. It takes what is boring, painful, or downright scary about meditating and shows how these struggles can become an invaluable part of our path. If you have been considering meditating but doubted your ability, if you are having a hard time continuing, or if you've reluctantly stopped, Why Can't I Meditate? will help you get your mindfulness practice back on track.

'If you're thinking about trying mindfulness, this is the perfect introduction....I'm grateful to Andy for helping me on this journey.' BILL GATES 'It's kind of genius' EMMA WATSON Feeling stressed about Christmas/Brexit/everthing? Try this... Demystifying meditation for the modern world: an accessible and practical route to improved health, happiness and well being, in as little as 10 minutes. Andy Puddicombe, founder of the celebrated Headspace, is on a mission: to get people to take 10 minutes out of their day to sit in the now. Here he shares his simple to learn, but highly effective techniques of meditation. * Rest an anxious, busy mind * Find greater ease when faced with difficult emotions, thoughts, circumstances * Improve focus and concentration * Sleep better * Achieve new levels of calm and fulfilment. The benefits of mindfulness and meditation are well documented and here Andy brings this ancient practice into the modern world, tailor made for the most time starved among us. First published as Get Some Headspace, this reissue shows you how just 10 minutes of mediation per day can bring about life changing results.

Lawrence LeShan's classic guide to meditation introduced mindfulness to an entire generation. Now it's back in a special ebook edition. Since its initial publication nearly 50 years ago, this simple yet powerful guide has helped more than a million readers reap the profound and limitless rewards of meditation. Now, in a special new edition, How to Meditate is back, singing the virtues of a quiet mind in the overstimulating bustle of the modern world. Outlining a realistic and no-nonsense approach that will enable you to bring meditation effortlessly into your life, no matter how thinly stretched you are, How to Meditate is unrivaled as a source of inspiration and practical instruction for anyone seeking inner peace, relief from stress, and increased self-knowledge.