Survive the End Days

Saturday, September 24, 2011

25 CLASSIC BOOKS ON MEDITATION (MUST READ)


1)  Being Zen: Bringing Meditation to Life by Ezra Bayda


Book Review: While many books aspire to bring meditation into everyday experience, Being Zen gives us practical ways to actually do it, introducing techniques that enable the reader to foster qualities essential to continued spiritual awakening. Topics include how to cultivate: 

   •  Perseverance: staying with anger, fear, and other distressing emotions. 
   •  Stillness: abiding with chaotic experiences without becoming overwhelmed. 
   •  Clarity: seeing through the conditioned beliefs and fears that "run" us. 
   •  Direct experience: encountering the physical reality of the present moment—even when that moment is exactly where we don't want to be. 





2) The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle


Book Review: There is a great yearning among aspirants today to learn to live more fully in the present. THE POWER OF NOW - a beautifully expressed, succinct spiritual volume - addresses this theme with a depth and originality of thought that cannot fail to touch the soul of the serious seeker. 

He ( Eckhart Tolle) is uniquely qualified to guide us on this inner sojourn to discover Being for, unlike most , his knowledge is not gleaned from books and exemplars but from the crucible of first-hand, inner experience. The style of language, without being simplistic, is both warm and remarkably free from complex terms, making it readily appealing to aspirants of varying backgrounds and spiritual persuasions. The overall effect is one of a quiet compassion and wisdom which homes in on the very soul of the reader. More than 2,000,000 copies sold.





3) A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle


Book Review: With his bestselling spiritual guide The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle inspired millions of readers to discover the freedom and joy of a life lived "in the now." In A New Earth, Tolle expands on these powerful ideas to show how transcending our ego-based state of consciousness is not only essential to personal happiness, but also the key to ending conflict and suffering throughout the world. Tolle describes how our attachment to the ego creates the dysfunction that leads to anger, jealousy, and unhappiness, and shows readers how to awaken to a new state of consciousness and follow the path to a truly fulfilling existence.

 Illuminating, enlightening, and uplifting, A New Earth is a profoundly spiritual manifesto for a better way of life—and for building a better world.




4) Talks With Ramana Maharshi: On Realizing Abiding Peace And Happiness  By 
Ramana


Book Review: This spiritually significant work is a profound series of dialogues between one of the great sages of our time and his inquirers. These "Talks" offer a genuinely universal approach to Truth, by directly pointing to the certainty of our essential nature. By applying even a few of these passages to our life, we can become aware of the ever-present, abiding Reality. Through the wise words of this beloved sage, we are clearly and consistently shown how to reclaim our innate Freedom--simply by looking in the right place and discovering what has always been present. A fundamental shift of attention is all that is required. By approaching these dialogues in the spirit of inquiry, one has the opportunity to awaken to a greater Reality: that of our own Being, our true Self.



5) I Am That  By Sri Nisargadatt Maharaj


Book Review: Ever since it was originally published in 1973 "I AM THAT" a modern spiritual classic has run into reprint (Paperback and Hardcover both put together) seventeen times. That is the kind of popularity the book is enjoying.
I Am That is a legacy from a unique teacher who helps the reader to a clearer understanding of himself as he comes to Maharaj, the spiritual teacher, again and again with the age-old questions, "where am I" "who am I" and "whither am I". The listeners were never turned away from the humble abode of Maharaj then and are not turned away now!


6) Tao Te Ching  By Lao Tsu


Book Review: The philosophy of Lao Tsu is simple: Accept what is in front of you without wanting the situation to be other than it is. Study the natural order of things and work with it rather than against it, for to try to change what isonly sets up resistance. Nature provides for all without discrimination—therefore let us present the same face to everyone and treat all men as equals, however they may be have.  If we watch carefully, we will see that work proceeds more quickly and easily if we stop looking for results.  In the clarity of a still and open mind, truth will be reflected.  We will come to appreciate the original meaning of the word "understand," which means "to stand under." We serve whatever or whoever stands before us, without any thought for ourselves. Te—which may be translated as "virtue" or "strength"—lies always in Tao, or "natural law."  In other words: Simply be.



7)  Mandalas Of The World: A Meditating & Painting Guide by Rüdiger Dahkle


Book Review: Both beautiful and enlightening, these 100 mandalas are among the most significant in history, derived from nature and the world's great spiritual traditions. With each mandala comes detailed background information, as well as a suggested meditation to use as you color it in. The patterns provided for your brush or ink markers include the rose window from a Gothic cathedral in Switzerland; the tenth tarot card, known as the Wheel of Destiny; the symbol that stands for T'ai Chi; and dozens more. Over and over again, through the mere act of looking and drawing, the magical circles and gorgeous designs will provide spiritual sustenance and pleasure.



8) Autobiography Of A Yogi  By Paramahansa Yogananda


Book Review: Considered a classic in its field since it was first published in 1946, this perennial bestseller has introduced countless readers to the science and philosophy of yoga meditation. This edition includes a final chapter on the closing years of Yogananda's life.

Throughout the decades, one title that continues to appear on best-seller lists is Paramahansa Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi. This timeless book remains a seminal work in the field of Eastern religion -- the definitive introduction to the science and philosophy of yoga meditation that draws more readers with each passing year. All our editions of the Autobiography include extensive material added by the author after the first edition was published, including a final chapter on the closing years of his life.



9) The Miracle Of Mindfulness (Clasic Edition): The Classic Guide To Meditation By The World's Most Revered Master  By Thich Nhat Hanh


Book Review: In this beautifully written book, Buddhist monk and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh explains how to acquire the skills of mindfulness. Once we have these skills, we can slow our lives down and discover how to live in the moment - even simple acts like washing the dishes or drinking a cup of tea may be transformed into acts of meditation.nnThich Nhat Hanh's gentle anecdotes and practical exercises help us to arrive at greater self-understanding and peacefulness, whether we are beginners or advanced students. Irrespective of our particular religious beliefs, we can begin to reap the immense benefits that meditation has been scientifically proven to offer. We can all learn to experience the miracle of mindfulness for ourselves.




10) Superconsciousness: A Guide To Meditation  By J. Donald Walters


Book Review: Written by an established author of enlightening books, this easy to follow guide to meditation offers readers a simple way to make their lives more peaceful and fulfilling. Learn how to pick a proper time to meditate, choose the most beneficial posture, use mental images successfully, know how long to meditate, and more. The author imparts his knowledge of the yogic tradition of striving for inner peace. He provides meditative exercises designed to empower readers to develop concentration, magnetize thoughts and ideas, and cultivate the best emotional and mental attitude for the journey to self-transcendence.


11)  8 Minute Meditation: Quiet Your Mind. Change Your Life. by Victor N. Davich


Book Review: "Time" magazine describes Davich's work as the "most American form of meditation . . . a basic primer for anyone who wants to start meditation, but doesn't know where to begin."

In recent years, mainstream Americans have begun to come around to meditation in a big way-and scientific studies are suggesting that the physical and mental benefits are solid and real. But to many, it remains something mystical and inaccessible...and spiritually-oriented tomes on the market don't do much to make it easier. 
As interest in meditation continues to grow, this book offers a simple, no-nonsense program to help beginners experience reduced stress and increased focus in only eight minutes a day. Designed by meditation expert and bestselling author Victor Davich, this program teaches the basic principles of meditation while clearing up the misconceptions and myths that too often get in the way.


12) Stages of Meditation by The Dalai Lama


Book Review: In Stages of Meditation, His Holiness offers his highly practical views on the subject of meditation: how to do it, the various different procedures and approaches we can take, what we and others may gain from it. He explains how we can develop a spiritual path in a proper sequence rather than in a scattered, piecemeal fashion. He also shows the importance of building up both method and wisdom, as well as cultivating compassion and 'special insight' as we train our minds. This impressive and stimulating book will not only bring the Dalai Lama - one of the world's most popular and pragmatic spiritual leaders - to a huge new audience but, because so many people round the globe are now practicing meditation, from a basis of religious faith or none, this is a work which will doubtless be in print for many years to come.



13)  Quiet Mind: A Beginner's Guide to Meditation by Susan Piver


Book Review: For those who would like to give meditation a try, this work is a great place to begin. This unique book-and-audio program brings together six of the most respected Buddhist teachers in America, each known for presenting meditation in practical, accessible, and inspiring ways.

This unique book-and-audio program brings together some of the country's most beloved meditation teachers. Each contributor presents a short written teaching along with an audio recording of a guided practice. "Quiet Mind" features: 
- Sakyong Mipham on "shamatha," the practice of tranquillity 
- Larry Rosenberg on "vipassana," the practice of clear seeing 
- Edward Espe Brown on "zazen," the practice of freedom 
- Sharon Salzberg on "metta," the practice of lovingkindness 
- Judith Lief on" tonglen," the practice of transformation 
- Tulku Thondup on healing the body and mind through meditation 
- Yoga teacher Richard Faulds on the link between yoga and meditation 
Includes a 78-minute CD.


15)  Science of Being and Art of Living: Transcendental Meditation by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi


Book Review: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is the founder of Transcendental Meditation, and this one-of-a-kind book remains the definitive introduction to its practice. Since it was first published in 1963, the book has sold more than 1.1 million copies in the U.S. alone. In Science of Being and Art of Living, Maharishi unfolds his vision for bringing life to fulfillment through a simple, effortless technique that anyone can easily learn and enjoy. Currently, there are more than six million practitioners worldwide, with TM centers in more than 108 countries.

More than 600 scientific studies have shown that Transcendental Meditation technique helps to:

* Expand the mind to its unlimited cosmic potential
* Improve health and reverse the aging process
* Lower high blood pressure and risk of stroke
* Increase intelligence and creativity
* Boost memory and learning ability
* Reduce stress, tension, and anxiety
* Increase energy, vitality, and well-being
* Nourish inner contentment, happiness, fulfillment-the state of enlightenment.



16)  How to Meditate: A Practical Guide by Kathleen McDonald


Book Review: In a world seemingly moving at hyper speed, it can be daunting to simply slow down -- or stop -- even briefly to try to make sense of things. Meditation has been proven to help. But exactly what is it? Why practice it? Which techniques are best? This popular guide answers these and many more questions for anyone who wants to begin -- or is struggling to maintain -- a meditation practice. Written by a Western Buddhist nun with solid experience in both the practice and teaching of meditation, "How to Meditate contains a wealth of practical advice on a variety of authentic techniques, from what to do with the mind, to how to sit, to visualizations and other traditional practices. Best of all, McDonald's warm, encouraging approach is as close to the intimacy of private instruction as a book can be.


17)   Getting in the Gap: Making Conscious Contact with God Through Meditation  by Wayne W. Dyer


Book Review: The paramount reason for daily meditation is to get in the gap between thoughts and the creative energy of life itself. Dyer explains the soul-nourishing techniques for getting there.

The practice of meditation takes us on a fabulous journey into the gap between our thoughts, where all the advantages of a more peaceful, stress-free, healthy, and fatigue-free life are available, but which are simply side benefits. The paramount reason for daily meditation is to get into the gap between our thoughts, and make conscious contact with the creative energy of life itself. Dr. Wayne W. Dyer explains the soul-nourishing meditation technique for making conscious contact with God, which the ancient masters have told us about. 
You have the potential to be an instrument of the highest good for all concerned and to be a literal miracle worker in your own life. No person, government, or religion can legitimately claim to do this for you. "In fact," says Dr. Dyer, "I agree with Carl Jung who said, 'One of the main functions of formalized religion is to protect people against a direct experience of God.'" When you master getting into the gap and staying there for prolonged segments of meditation, and experience what you bring back to the material world, you will know your answer to the question: "Why meditate?"


18)   Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn


Book Review: The author of Full Catastrophe Living offers the most enlightening exploration yet of the principles of mindfulness--the ancient Buddhist method of stress reduction. Kabat-Zinn blends stories, anecdotes, poems, images, and scientific observations with easily followed instructions in the art of "capturing" the present and living fully within each moment in order to achieve inner peace.



Mindfulness is considered the heart of Buddhist meditation but its essence is universal and of deep practical benefit to all.& nbsp; In essence, mindfulness is about wakefulness.& nbsp; Our minds are such that we are often more asleep than awake to the unique beauty and possibilities of each present moment as it unfolds.& nbsp; In WHEREVER YOU GO THERE YOU ARE, Jon Kabat-Zinn maps out a simple path for cultivating mindfulness in one??'s own life.& nbsp; It speaks both to those coming to meditation for the first time and to longtime practitioners, anyone who cares deeply about reclaiming the richness of his or her moments.


19)   Practicing the Power of Now: Essential Teachings, Meditations, and Exercises From The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle


Book Review: Practicing The Power of Now is a carefully arranged series of excerpts from The Power of Now that directly give us those exercises and keys. Read this book slowly, or even just open it at random, reflect on the words, reflect even on the space between the words and – maybe over time, maybe immediately – you’ll discover something of life-changing significance. You`ll find the power, the ability to change and elevate not only your life, but your world as well. 

It is here, now, in this moment: the sacred presence of your Being. It is here, now, not in some distant future: a place within us that always is and ever will be beyond the turmoil of life, a world of calm beyond words, of joy that has no opposite. 

It is in your hands. Start practicing The Power of Now. 


20)  Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief: Guided Practices for Reclaiming Your Body and Your Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn


Book Review: Mindfulness can transform pain. Over the past three decades, Jon Kabat-Zinn has clinically proven it. Now, with Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief, the man who brought mindfulness into mainstream medicine presents for the first time on audio his original practices for using conscious awareness to free us from physical and emotional suffering. This long-awaited two-CD program begins with an overview of how mindfulness changes the way our bodies process pain and stress. Listeners will learn tips and techniques for working with the mind and embracing whatever arises in our lives, however challenging. Then Jon Kabat-Zinn leads us in guided meditations drawn from his pioneering Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) methodology to help us work with and find relief from chronic pain, everyday stress, and emotional challenges, as well as to read and act appropriately in the face of acute pain. "Mindfulness can reveal what is deepest and best in ourselves and bring it to life in very practical and imaginative ways--just when we need it the most," explains Jon Kabat-Zinn. Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief gives us a ready tool for overcoming even the most extraordinary difficulties.



21)  The Fine Arts of Relaxation, Concentration, and Meditation: Ancient Skills for Modern Minds by Joel Levey


Book Review: "A skillful blend of time-proven antidotes to the stress of modern life." -- Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

"Skillfully weaves together contemporary insights into the value of and need for meditation in our lives with a large number of extremely evocative suggestions for different ways to practice." -- Jon Kabat-Zinn, Director, Center for Mindfulness in Medicine and Health Care, UMASS

"The methods included here work wonders. As a satisfied user of so many of them, I affirm that they truly deepen the appreciation of life." -- Ram Dass, author of Be Here Now, How Can I Help, Grist for the Mill, and Journey of Awakening

"They make it clear that it is not stress itself that kills us, but our reaction to it." -- from the foreword by Dr. Elmer Green

"What a beautiful book! We need so much in our world to focus on how to be instead of how to do, and [this book] shows the way." --Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Space, Time, & Medicine and Healing Wounds


22)  Meditation Now or Never by Steve Hagen


Book Review: From the bestselling author of "Buddhism Plain and Simple" comes the definitive guide to the practice of meditation. Hagen discusses newcomers concerns and focuses on meditation as a way of living rather than simply a spiritual technique.
National bestselling author and teacher Steve Hagen strips away the cultural and religious jargon surrounding meditation and provides an accessible and thorough manual for newcomers and experienced practitioners alike. Inside you will find: Simple practices to avoid needlessly complicating meditation Where most of us get stuck in meditation--and how to get unstuck A unique focus on meditation not simply as a spiritual technique, but as a way of living.




Book Review: First published in 1991, this new edition is twice as long and includes all the original meditations as well as those from more recent works that focus on intuition and prosperity. These meditations can be used to help readers and practitioners tap into creativity; connect with their inner guide; explore the male and female within; and much more. With a new introduction by the author, this is a perfect companion for the millions of readers who seek private guided meditation from this inspiring teacher.


24)  Meditation: A Simple Eight-Point Program for Translating Spiritual Ideals into Daily Life by Eknath Easwaran


Book Review: Eknath Easwaran believed that meditating on words from the mystics and spiritual traditions of the world drives them deep into one's consciousness, where they take root and create positive life change. Featuring personal examples from daily life and resonant with Easwaran's characteristic humor, these talks show how to transform thinking and acting to harness natural capabilities for kindness, joy, and wisdom; offer step-by-step instructions on every aspect of meditation; and explain how to use these time-tested tools to support meditation and bring one's highest principles into daily life. Free of dogma or any particular religious tradition, these talks lovingly guide the seeker toward self-realization.


25)   Karma and Chaos : New and Collected Essays on Vipassana Meditation (Vipassana Meditation and the Buddha's Teachings) by Paul R. Fleischman


Book Review: These eight essays explore the interface between psychiatry, science, and the timeless teachings of the Buddha. Drawn from the personal experiences of a therapist and practitioner of Vipassana meditation, this work explores meditation's similarities and differences with psycho therapeutic and scientific endeavors. In the title essay, parallels are drawn between the atomic synthesis of free choice and lawful consequence in Chaos Theory and karma, offering contemporary insights into one of Buddhism's core concepts. The empirical roots of meditation, its relevance to daily life, and the challenges and benefits of daily practice of Vipassana meditation are also addressed. Practical examples for continued observation outside of formal meditation retreats guide readers in incorporating Buddhist practice into daily life.



4 comments:

  1. Meditation has immense power to create a difference in our lives. Meditation can affect many areas of our lives since it involves the interaction with the universal energy source which transcends everything. It strengthens our soul, heart and mind and it surrounds us with energy.

    Ilchi Lee

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good sharing, to practice Vipassana meditation, you need to learn mindful every moment, even you are eat, talk, walk. I learn from a guru with 30 years experience. He is Ajahn Wimoakand you can get his MP3 teaching for free download at: http://www.kidbuxblog.com/ajahn-wimoak/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Positivity.
    It induces to maintain a more positive attitude towards life, accepting and facing your day-to-day challenges, even the most difficult ones, as part of your continuous

    process of personal growth, decreasing the propensity for negativity.

    ReplyDelete