Concentration and Meditation: A Manual of Mind Development

Rating:
Summary: A practical meditation guide for Westerners
Review: Although many readers might find Humphreys dated in many respects, his knowledge of time proven meditation techniques is still both relevant and accurate. There is a very post-Victorian feel to this work; many of the references or social attitudes might seem quaint to the modern reader, but it is a remarkably soothing as well as informative read. The author comes from a Theosophical background and many of the references are colored by this (i.e. Blavatsky and other Theosophical masters.) But it is still basically Buddhist in approach. I first encountered this book over 20 years ago, and only recently reread it. Though I am well aquainted with Buddhist philosophy and meditation, I still find it refreshing. There is a quiet thoughtfulness not always evident in many more current works, and it has a distinctly western flavor in that the philosophy is not confused by Oriental cultural trappings. Buddhism is universal in spirit, and this presents it in a clear, functional, and direct manner easily apprehended by the occidental student. The emphasis is on practice (as it should be) rather than on mere information. Don't be put off by the "occult" warnings. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested either in Buddhist practice or meditation in general.