Meditation and Its Practice

Rating:
Summary: Great book- Tough ? publisher -scandal
Review: After many years of studying the work of Swami Rama, this book being a great 'one' to lead to inner knowledge-the book has simple methods to find how to meditate and just what is required to develop a good practice... we were shocked to learn of a split in the organization over the past years- that includes now three different groups called Himalayan Institute- each as a seperate non-profit. The scandal developed when the one based as publisher of these books in USA has canvased for funds to send to Indian hospital of same name- and we visited this hospital in the past years to learn that our donated money never arrived in India, they are seperate groups now--yet the book on 3rd to last page still asks for donations to US group for Indian Hospital. So the book is great- the search for knowledge can go on- but send funds directly to India if donations are in order. Namaste

Rating:
Summary: Simple, Comprehensive, practical and very helpful.
Review: This is a helpful book for a beginner who wants to have an overview of what is meditation and how to proceed. This is not a book of elaborate theory on meditation. It is just practical orientation to the method and its preparation and the steps to actual practice. The book is complete and speaks to the seeker directly very systematically and clearly with no specific religious orientation. Even for someone who is at meditation for some time, this can be a refresher course and provide clarity of the method. It will be a good book to gift to youngsters.

Here are some clear statements:

Page: ix

"Like the banks of a river, " he said, "meditation channels awareness to be aware of itself. As with other actions you perform, meditation is a systematic process.

When you understand the process, it becomes more reliable and leads to deeper experiences."

Page: 1

"Meditation is a specific technique for resting the mind and attaining a state of consciousness that is totaly different from the normal waking state. In meditation, you are fully awake and alert, but your mind is not focused on the external world or events taking place around you. Neither is your mind asleep,
dreaming, or fantasizing. Instead, it is clear, relaxed, and inwardly focused."

Page: 9

"Meditation is not contemplation or thinking. Contemplation, especialy the contemplation of inspiring concepts or ideas such as truth, peace, and love can be helpful, but it is different than the process of meditation."

"When you engage in meditation, you do not ask the mind to think about any concept, but rather to go beyond this level of mental activity."

Page: 10

" In meditation, you do not make any attempt to give the mind a direct suggestion or to control the mind. You simply observe the mind and let it become quiet and calm, allowing your mantra to lead you deeper within, exploring and experiencing the deeper levels of your being."

Similar clear explanation and guidance is provided on all the steps of meditation, which, I think, is very helpful to resolve any mis-conceptions and make the process of meditation easy and fault-proof.

The chapter on "Questions and Answers on the Practice of Meditation" pretty useful.

The book is very helpful as it clears all doubts and mystery about meditation and sets the seeker on a right footing.

Rating:
Summary: Good book
Review: This quickly read book gives a good basis to start meditation practice. It emphasizes what meditation IS - getting the mind focussed in a single point, the breath - and what it is not. It teaches meditation as a technique and emphasizes that it is a practice that is not connected with anything religious.