Product Description
Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of Rome from 121 to 180.Marcus Aurelius believed that human happiness arises in part from man's acceptance of his duties and responsibilities.He believed that one should accept calmly what cannot be avoided and perform one's duties as well as possible.From the introduction " By the irony of fate this man, so gentle and good, so desirous of quiet joys and a mind free from care, was set at the head of the Roman Empire when great dangers threatened from east and west.For several years he himself commanded his armies in chief. In camp before the Quadi he dates the first book of his Meditations, and shows how he could retire within himself amid the coarse clangour of arms.The pomps and glories which he despised were all his; what to most men is an ambition or a dream, to him was a round of weary tasks which nothing but the stern sense of duty could carry him through.And he did his work well. His wars were slow and tedious, but successful. With a statesman's wisdom he foresaw the danger to Rome of the barbarian hordes from the north, and took measures to meet it. As it was, his settlement gave two centuries of respite to the Roman Empire; had he fulfilled the plan of pushing the imperial frontiers to the Elbe, which seems to have been in his mind, much more might have been accomplished. But death cut short his designs."Amazon.com Review
One measure, perhaps, of a book's worth, is its intergenerational pliancy: do new readers acquire it and interpret it afresh down through the ages? The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, translated and introduced by Gregory Hays, by that standard, is very worthwhile, indeed. Hays suggests that its most recent incarnation--as a self-help book--is not only valid, but may be close to the author's intent. The book, which Hays calls, fondly, a "haphazard set of notes," is indicative of the role of philosophy among the ancients in that it is "expected to provide a 'design for living.'" And it does, both aphoristically ("Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what's left and live it properly.") and rhetorically ("What is it in ourselves that we should prize?"). Whether these, and other entries ("Enough of this wretched, whining monkey life.") sound life-changing or like entries in a teenager's diary is up to the individual reader, as it should be. Hays's introduction, which sketches the life of Marcus Aurelius (emperor of Rome A.D. 161-180) as well as the basic tenets of stoicism, is accessible and jaunty.--H. O'Billovich ... Read more

Customer Reviews (130)

Worst book production ever
This edition was slapped together using the modern inventions of optical character recognition and just-in-time one-off printing (the day I ordered it). But nobody bothered to review, let alone edit, the result! Let me share a few of the many "gems". The following is exactly as it appears in the book.

- From the cover: "...Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of Rome from 121 to 180." On the first page: "Marcus Aurelius Antonius was born on April 26, A.D. 121." Note: he became emperor in 161.
- On page 62: "That rational essence that doth govern it, bath in itself no cause to do evil. It bath no evil in itsell."
- On page 99: "The sun seemeth to be shed abroad. And indeed it is diffused but not effused. For that diffusion of it is a [-r~Jo-tc] or an extension. For therefore are the beams of it called [~i-~m,~] from the word [~KTEIVEO-Oa,,] to be stretched out and extended."

Do yourself a favor and pay a little more for an edition that benefited from a flesh and blood editor who actually cared about quality.

Good Reading When You're Tired of the Bible
I find Marcus Aurelius to be a wholly likeable guy. Maybe he would have made a great president today. Who knows. Maybe he was a jerk and this book was just a PR effort in those days of empire.

I find it remarkable that a man's wisdom from centuries back can dovetail in a world full of facebook narcissists and text messaging hollow-brains. His reflections on life and leadership give much to think about. Makes a good follow up to Machiavelli's Il Principe.

CONFUSED over the 2002 edition by Hays
I am looking for a review on the 2009 edition not the 2002 edition by Hays.The reviews on the page of the 2009 edition relate to the 2002 edition.This includes the offical Amazon review.

Any input on the 2009 edition?

meditations
I really like Marcus Aurelius and his meditations, but I really did not like this interpretation. The author uses words like "hath" and "feareth". These meditations were originally written in Greek and this book was published in 2009, so I don't see any good purpose for the pontificating classical English interpretation. And such a translation warrants a warning of some kind. "This material is an inaccurate contextualization of the original work, which suggests a time and place disconnected from the actual time and place the author lived in. The original work has been interpreted using a language style foreign to both, the original author and the modern reader". That being said, it may really appeal to Shakespearean junkies.

NOT THE EDITION PROMISED IN THE AMAZON REVIEW SUMMARY
This is NOT the Hays 2002 translation and edition.The mistake is Amazon's, evidently, not the booksellers':the Amazon summary refers to the Hays 2002 translation, although the image is different.Amazon and the booksellers need to clear this up! ... Read more

Product Description
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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (71)

No nonsense how to book
I got interested in reading about meditation through some of my other readings. There is evidence that meditation is effective in increasing happiness so I was curious to learn more about it. I wanted to know how it works, evidence of its benefits, and how one goes about meditating. This book delivers on the third point only but that is all it claims to do. The book is meant as an instructional workbook to be read over eight weeks. I read it in a couple of days and obviously did not follow any of the instructions on how to meditate. For readers who want a no nonsense guide, "8 Minute Meditation" will not disappoint. It is simple, to the point and clear. It is also redundant but repetition is a good method for learning.

There were parts that were absolutely lost on me. For example, one of the methods of meditation recommended by the author is "Lovingkindness Meditation". Davich states: "It's one of life's ironies that we can always find the heart and compassion to forgive someone who's wronged us. But just you do the same thing, and brother! - you never hear the end of it from your severest critic - you!" This statement which greatly represents the type of meditation that the author recommends did not resonate with me at all. There is ample evidence from multiple studies that people are much more forgiving to themselves than others. In other words, contrary to the author's statement, we all tend to be hypocrites. I would think that "Lovingkindness" should be directed much more towards others than ourselves. In all fairness, the "love" in this meditation is also directed towards other people as well but first and foremost towards self.

I Get It Now
I've read a number of books on meditation. Most start with the foundation of meditation, not the practice. If you just want to learn how to meditate, read this book. Then you can read about the foundation if desired. This meditation guide is about as straight-forward as you will find.

It Really Works!
I have been trying to sit down and meditate for years, and have read several books on the subject. I have never been able to do it for more than a couple of days, but this book got me going right away.

It's broken down into sections by week. Each week you try a different style of meditation, and at the end of the eight weeks, you decide to choose which technique works best for you. The author writes in a way that makes 8 minutes sound do-able for anybody, and sure enough, I was able to meditate right away and keep it up. In fact, I have expanded my practice to two 8 minute sessions a day. I never thought I would be able to do this, but the author is very encouraging and breaks it down so that everything seems easy. There isn't a lot of "new-agey" speak and he doesn't push any type of religion or philosophy on you, it's just good, basic mediation instruction.

There is a lot of repetition of the instructions, but that's because the book is supposed to be read in sections, one chapter after meditating each week.

I highly recommend this book to anyone just starting out with meditating or wanting to learn what it's about.

Excellent value!
This book changed my life!Today, I begin the 6th week of the program outlined in this book by Victor Davich.It is a simple, but very powerful program.My anxiety is gone.I feel much more at one with myself, relaxed, and much better able to manage and handle the stress in my life.I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and meditation, in general, to everyone.

I respectfully disagree with what a previous reviewer said about the CD.As a beginning meditator, I find it useful to listen to the weekly meditation track, when I meditate.Each meditation begins and ends with a pleasant gong sound.And, there is instruction before, during, and after the actual 8 minute meditation period to keep the meditation on track.The meditation tracks of the CD provide an easy and natural way to time and structure your meditations.

Get the new audio
If you do get the book for the Kindle then definitely get the new audio companion too as it will help you out immensely when just starting your meditation practice. But make sure to get the new version of the audio, the audio quality has been much improved and is a lot easier to listen to than the old one, recommend it a lot, add the tracks to your ipod. It's not available everywhere, but search for Victor's 8 Minute Meditation site and you will find it.

I meditate daily now, doesn't take much, 8 minutes average just like the book says. Sometimes I'll go a bit longer and sometimes cut it shorter, all depends on the level of stress I'm dealing with that day. Try to find a time that works best for you, but the 8 minutes was chosen because that's the time in between TV commercials, so if you watch a lot of TV then already you're prepared to do an 8 Minute Meditation!8 Minute Meditation Guided CD ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This bestselling book presents a thorough yet concise step-by-step guide to the art and science of meditation. Complete with photos and illustrations, How to Meditate will help you experience:

• Peace of mind• A release of tension in the body• Deeper concentration• Mental clarity• Increased energy and vitality• The ability to act calmly in all situations

You’ll learn techniques for relaxing the body and mind; how to develop intuition and devotion; secrets of the spinal centers (chakras); energy excercises; and yoga philosophy.

John Jyotish Novak has been teaching meditation for 30 years and is currently the Spiritual Director of Ananda Sangha, one of the largest networks of intentional spiritual communities in the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

educated
i used to meditate back in high school but i joined the military and work a ton and lost time and the focus to meditate,this book reminded me what i needed to do to get back into it

Excellent introduction
This is the first book on the subject that I have bought and it was pretty good.Simple and straightforward, which I appreciated given meditation to me was a bit of a mysterious subject that I expected to be quite challenged by.

I would definitely not say that I am a master of meditation after reading this - but it has given me a framework and understanding of the practice.

A Clear and Simple Meditation Guidebook
This is a great little meditation book. It contains everything you need to know to begin a meditation practice. As a meditation teacher, I have often recommended How to Meditate to those first taking it up. Another benefit is its small size. You can slip it into your back pocket, go for a hike in nature, find a quiet spot and pull it out. Meditation can seem mysterious to those who have never done it before, and it helps to have it clearly and simply explained, for the Western mind, as Mr. Novak does in this book. I highly recommend it.

Richard Salva--author of Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh [UNABRIDGED]

Best Introduction I Have Found!
This is one of several "How to Meditate" books I have purchased and read. Frankly, I wish this had been the first one I read. It is very brief, to the point, and well written. It does not scare the reader away with a lot of discussion of the paranormal as do some other meditation books. This sticks to the simple introduction into meditation and what the author feels that it can do for you. It also provides essentially one simple method that you can use to "get your feet wet."

If you are just beginning to research meditation and just want to decide if it is worth your time to investigate further, THIS IS THE BOOK TO BUY. Should you decide it interests you (as I did), you may find yourself investing in quite a few more books to learn more about this fascinating subject. As you probably already know, meditation is a life-long journey of learning.

RHB

I'm a cheeseball, but I like it.
I want to review this book because it kind of had a rather big impact on my life, now that I look back on it. I figured I ought to do something and perhaps the author will at some point know that I appreciated his work. I picked up this book on how to meditate sort of randomly one day because I was trying to find items to take home for some item I was exchanging at a bookstore. I didn't expect it to be much but it was. It was a simple step by step guide to help beginners focus and learn to concentrate, learn to control our bodies and minds, and to be aware of and to control the energy that exists in the universe. Now it's more than a decade later and I still remember this book because without it I wouldn't have had the first clue about how to raise energy in my current magickal studies, unless I'd somehow stumbled across it some other way. The book shows how natural and easy and wonderful meditation and its related arts can be, and I'm eternally grateful. ... Read more

Product Description
AN ANCHOR BOOKS ORIGINAL

As more and more people in the West pursue yoga in its various forms, whether at traditional centers, in the high-powered atmosphere of sports clubs, or on their own, they begin to realize that far from being just another exercise routine, yoga is a discipline of the body and the mind.

The 365 meditations incluided in this book offer a way to integrate the mindfulness that yoga teaches into everyday life. Whether used in the morning to set the tone for the day, during yoga exercise itself, or at the end of the day, during evening reflection, Meditations from the Matwill support and enhance anyone’s yoga journey. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

Disappointed
I was disappointed in this book. It doesn't awaken my spiritual side. The inserts are too long to read to my yoga classes. It is not extremely informative. Lacking substance. I don't believe it stays true to the essence of yoga. Keep searching. Do not settle for this product. Namaste.

Medications from th eMat
Outstanding book.Finds its way into your heart, soul, mind and body.I have now purchased many copies because in conversation with one friend after another I have realized that they too would love the easy to read gudance to life provided

One of my favorite spiritual tools
This beautiful, yet direct collection of essays is one of the best "daily shot of spiritual B12" books I've ever come across. I usually get through a month of this type of book before I forget to read it. Not so with Gates's and Kenison's amazing year of observations. I often read passages twice over to extend the book to a year and a half. Underlining? You bet, and I refer back to pages that are dog-eared, highlighted, tabbed, and otherwise loved. For the yoga teacher or devotee, this book is as necessary as a mat; for anyone else seeking serenity, peace, meaning, or appreciation of the chrysalis that we all are, it's just necessary.
Suzan Colon
Author of Cherries in Winter: My Family's Recipe for Hope in Hard Times (Vintage)

Love this book
I am a yoga instructor and I read a passage for my students at the end of class. This book wasgiven to me by a friend when I was feeling down.It has helped me and I share this with my students.

Meditations from the Mat
After checking Meditations from the Mat out of the library numerous times, I decided the only solution was to own this book.Read from one end to the other, it is a beautiful progression in the life of the author, but each offering is a quiet, profound life lesson as well.This is a great gift for someone else or maybe for yourself. I've bought three so far. ... Read more

Product Description
Warm narration carries you effortlessly into soft relaxation, releasing the harmful effects of stress, gently restoring balance. Slow down, sit back, and for a little while just let go. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (105)

It's alright, but parts are a bit offputting
I bought this to relax. The woman's voice and the background music definitely relaxes you to a point of almost sleeping, but at the beginning, since I'm new to meditation CDs, I was a bit anxious from her whispering voice and kind of wanted to laugh at how she speaks to you like you're a bummed out child.

I was about to fall asleep in the middle of imagining my body parts relaxing, but then she said the fatal words "now relax your genitals." WHAT?! This woke me right up because a) I was grossed out b) I wanted to burst out laughing and c) I was confused. How would one go about doing that, especially as a woman? Was that necessary for me to relax? No! I get the point- head to toe relaxation, but let's skip over the "genitals" part!

The only thing I do like about this CD is that her voice does relax you for a few minutes and she does give good ideas of how to envision your stresses going away, so you can use those images throughout the day to help with daily stress.

I think there has to be better guided meditation CDs that aren't as....I don't want to say "lame" but that's all I can think of.

Beautiful Guided Imagery audio cd
I love this cd, I awake about a half an hour before I need to often so this cd works beautifully with 35 minutes of guided imagery for physical and spiritual wellness. Even if you drift in and out the benefits are magnificent. You awake refreshed and soothed, I recite and write down a few affirmations and gratitude notes and off I go to enjoy my day.

Very Relaxing
I wanted something to help me relax and hopefully, lower BP. Not sure yet if it has lowered BP but the few times I have tried it, I definitely felt more relaxed and refreshed.

Your present:a half hour of peace
This is the most relaxing and positive guided imagery I have ever listened to. I highly recommend it to anyone.

finally the perfect cd for me
I am giving this cd 5 stars because, after purchasing many many guided meditation cds,I finally found one that has both pleasing music and a soothing voice. I bought Kelly Howell's cd based on the recommendations on this site, however I hated the background music. I was so distacted by the music that I couldn't pay attention to the words. This cd is so relaxing that I have yet to stay awake for the whole thing. ... Read more

Product Description
Have you ever thought about trying meditation, but didn't know where to start? With Meditation for Beginners, trusted teacher Jack Kornfield shows you how simple it is to start--and stick with--a daily meditation practice. Now, this indispensable guide that has sold more than 100,000 copies in previous formats, is available in paperback for the first time. "Insight" or vipassana meditation is the time-honored skill of moment-to-moment mindfulness which results in greater clarity and "effortless flow" in any situation. In this complete course created especially for beginners, renowned teacher Jack Kornfield offers a straightforward, step-by-step method for bringing the fruits of insight meditation into your life. Using the six guided meditations on the included CD, readers will discover how easy it is to use the breath, physical sensations--and even difficult emotions--to create tranquility and lovingkindness in everyday life. These simple, elegant practices are so easy to learn that readers will begin enjoying the benefits of meditation immediately--while laying the foundation for a lifetime of inner discovery and awakening. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Great CD!!
The CD came in original packaging and in excellent condition.It has worked flawlessly.The CD arrived way before the estimated shipping date.

Great guide for beginning a meditation practice
I'm using this book for the meditation group that I lead at the Starr King UU Church in Hayward, CA. It is a great guide for beginners as well as folks who have dabbled with mindfulness meditation who want to be more intentional in their practice.

A classic on mindfulness meditation
Jack Kornfield is one of the most influential teachers of mindfulness meditation. Study everything he has written or says. For those of you who want to learn more about mindfulness meditation, I also recommend 'The Path of Mindfulness Meditation' available through Amazon.

Meditation for Beginners

I bought the two-disk cd version of this insightful lecture and meditation.
Jack Kornfield is a clinical Buddhist psychologist who presents the teachings of the four noble truths combined with meditations to awaken the heart. In the second cd, Kornfield explains that the teachings of the dharma are meant to be practiced as a path of virtue or an awakening of the heart. As he presents the first noble truth, or the existence of suffering, he proceeds to explain that without this healing cannot take place. Therefor, the first meditation involves facing our suffering. Jack Kornfield further explains that 80% of the work achieved through the initial months of meditation retreats, etc involves facing one's own suffering and sense of inadequacy as well as fear. In this aforementioned meditation we are to feel the body or to note the sick or wounded places, places we have perhaps ignored, as well as those silent sorrows, fears, hurts, conflicts.

The second noble truth is our reaction to suffering - attachment, greed, hatred, delusion. Self-acceptance and forgiveness is half of meditation. The second meditation is then a powerful forgiveness meditation.

The third noble truth is the end of suffering, which he describes as "letting go into each moment with things as they are, with the reality of the present." Kornfield recommends that we not accumulate and grasp, for we do not truly own anything within this lifetime - it all transient and in process. The final question as one lay dying is not what one did or build, but "Was it a path with heart?"

The author proceeds to present a meditation on the state of Death - such as how there is constant death and rebirth - on the preparation to bring the mind to good deeds - to note the state of consciousness - to note how it effects the heart and mind.

"We cannot do great things in life. We can only do small things with great love." - Mother Theresa

For one to meditate properly, Kornfield says, one must become intimate with one's breath and body as well as heart and mind, and life and death. This instills freedom.

The fourth noble truth is the eightfold path, existing fluently throughout the law of karma, or, how we think and react creates our response.

Finally, under the best circumstances,
"It is this tenderness and liberation of the heart that results in real fearlessness, or, the ability to live in the world with the heart and compassion of a Buddha." -Trunghchen Rinpoche

Meditation for Beginners is an excellent work for beginning meditation as well as an introduction for Buddhist Psychology, a very exciting field. I also recommend A Quiet Mind, which has very diverse mediations and Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach. I enjoyed the wisdom in the various stories the author relates. Now we know through Buddhism a way to face our suffering and develop a wise heart. It definitely helped me understand the psychology of Buddhism.

Meditation book
I really liked this book and found it very helpful. It also included the CD to go along with some of the exercises in the book. If your just getting started, this book is not complicated and makes a good guide. ... Read more

Product Description

These three meditations from the Buddhist tradition will help you develop greater depths of calmness and self-awareness, and will help you to cultivate greater appreciation for yourself and lovingkindness for others.

As is traditional in Buddhism, these guided meditations do not contain musical accompaniment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (86)

CD RECORDING WAS VERY GARBLED
the recording was garbled. Could hardly hear the narrarator. I don't believe that I am the only one who got a bad CD.

I wish I could write the seller about this problem, just in case, hoping to get a response.

M. Hassan, MD

Meditation
Simple, but effective. Just right for emptying the mind and letting white light energy flow through you.

A great guide to learn loving yourself and others.
I am not a meditation expert. In fact, Guided Meditations is the only meditation CD that I have. But don't be misled by its modest cover or the absence of music and chants. To me, finding this CD was like finding a hidden treasure because it has broadened my path towards spiritual happiness.

I would like to draw your attention to the second meditation practice, which is called the Metta Bhavana or the act of loving-kindness. In simple words, Metta Bhavana is really about wishing wellbeing for yourself and others, so that we will all find happiness and be freed from suffering. To me, it is a beautiful prayer and by sending lovingkindness to others in a spiritual manner, I feel that I have become closer to finding my true happiness.

The Metta Bhavana meditation in this CD is about 26 minutes long, but to me, it felt like 7 minutes, and I always feel wonderful afterwards. The guide's voice is also very soothing, like a friend. I truly recommend it for nothing feels better than cultivating and sending lovingkindness energy to others. May all beings be well and freed from suffering. Thank you Bodhipaksa and bless you.

Great Way To Learn
I have not done alot of meditation, but trying it more as yoga as started to relax me and set some groundwork for meditation.

This CD is a real nice way to start or further you meditation (I am not advanced and really a beginner, so I am looking at it from that point of view.)

The instructions and guidance are clear and I find myself enjoying focusing on mediatation and try to do this one at least once or twice a week.

Ooh sooo sooothing
I purchased the audiobook version of this CD (Guided Meditations).I usually don't have the time to write a review because I take care of my toddler, but I feel obligated to inform possible customers that this CD works wonders for me.

I have owned the audio version for a couple of days already.I am a stay-at-home-mom caring for a spirited 2-year-old.I expend a lot of energy soothing my little one, and on really bad days,I'm already drained at the first hour of the day.When my son takes a nap, I play the audiobook and in less than a minute my body is more relaxed.My stresses of the day disappeared within several minutes, and I feel so serene. I was only able to play the audio up to 15 minutes due to lack of time, but I could only imagine the great wonders the entire hour of audio would have on me! When I am unable to listen to even 15 minutes of the audio, I just allow it to run in the background.Just hearing the soothing voice is enough to initiate the calming process.

Reflecting on this past couple of days, I now understand why "Guided Meditations" works so well for me.My mind focuses on the author's voice, and I automatically "forget" the stresses of the day.I focus on his instructions for relaxation and not on my thoughts. I was able to clear my head.

I would definitely recommend this CD to anyone who leads a hectic life. I especially recommend this to parents of spirited children. ... Read more

Product Description
Over 50 million people seek to reduce stress, according to a Stanford Research Institute study. Opening to Meditation takes the mystery out of the popular practice of meditation, making it as easy as breathing with a user-friendly book and CD. The book unfolds in three sections: The Art of Meditation, How to Practice, and Common Questions. The inspirational CD, written from a Western perspective to appeal to the rapidly growing group of beginning meditators, features two guided meditations to "Open" and "Deepen" and is set to relaxing music and soothing nature sounds. Beginners and experienced alike will benefit from this innovative, easy-to-use title. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

Beautiful!Elegantly simple and on the mark.
This is truly a remarkable book about a subject that is too often regarded as esoteric or inaccessible.I personally believe that if all people meditated our differences would shrink in importance and our connections would stabilize.It would be a more peaceful, a more positive, and a more productive world.This book is a meaningful element towards such a world.Lang makes the subject easily accessible.The writing is clear, concise, and exquisite in its simplicity.It is a perceptive and loving insight into what we as humans can be at our best.

Release and Relief for Beginner or Advanced Meditator
Opening to Meditation: A Gentle, Guided Approach is a book and CD set that can help a beginner at meditation to de-stress right away. The instructions from Diana Lang are simple and sensible. Her voice on the CD is beautiful and inspired. She made it clear to me that I didn't have to be "perfect" at this to get real stress-relief, real life change.I am so impressed with the results I got with this book and disc: relaxation, relief from headaches and bodyaches, improved health and mood, good ideas for my work, insight into issues in my life. Good stuff. I used it every day for a couple of months. Every day your mind and attention are different, of course, because of what is going on in your life. Diana Lang taught me to simply accept where I was on any given day, attempt the meditation, and my deeper mind would respond. It did! She has a gift of explaining the logistics of meditation in sweet, easy-to-understand terms. And she has a totally nondogmatic way of discussing the soulful, spiritual part of a meditation practice. (Any religious tradition or no religion at all is compatible with her practical method.) I had bought several meditation books before over the years: Opening to Meditation is the one that stayed with me because it gives me so much. I still meditate each day. I use the book and CD when I feel frazzled or find it hard to focus on my own. It is great to have along when I travel. I have given this set as gifts and own a back-up copy. It is amazingly beneficial and effective. I'd give it 6 stars if I could.

Simply the best . . .
I am new to meditation and, based on the reviews, took a chance and ordered 'Opening to Meditation.' I can honestly say it has exceeded my expectations - and then some. The book is filled with excellent advice and written in a style that made it seem as though the author was right there, encouraging me.The CD is just as impressive as Ms. Lang gently guides the listener through two wonderful meditations with one of the most soothing and loving voices you'll ever hear.If you want to learn to meditate, do yourself a favor, invest in this product.You won't regret it.

Exactly what I needed!
I've been interested in learning about meditation for quite some time and chose Opening to Meditation based on reader reviews. It was exactly what I needed to begin daily meditation. The book, though relatively short, completely demystifies meditation and presents it in a way that is accepting of all religious beliefs. It was concise and answered every question a beginner might have about the practice of meditation. I'm sure I'll come back to this book again as I develop deeper understanding of meditation.

Verry Pleased
I got my item very quickly and it was just as it was described. Thanks. ... Read more

Product Description
Perhaps no other person has done more to bring mindfulness meditation into the contemporary landscape of America than Jon Kabat-Zinn. Th rough a number of research studies, and through Kabat-Zinn’s pioneering work at the University of Massachusetts Medical School where he is founder of its world-renowned Stress Reduction Clinic, mindfulness is finally being recognized as a highly effective tool for dealing with stress, chronic pain, and other illnesses. Today, with a four-part home training course, Jon Kabat-Zinn offers listeners the definitive mindfulness meditation practice on CD. "We are not trying to actively achieve a state of deep relaxation—or any other state for that matter—while practicing mindfulness," he teaches. "But interestingly, by opening to an awareness of how things actually are in the present moment, we often taste very deep states of relaxation and well-being—of both body and mind." Join the bestselling author of Coming to Our Senses (Hyperion, 2005) and Wherever You Go, There You Are (Hyperion 1995) to develop and deepen your personal mindfulness practice, and to taste the universal aspects of stillness, clarity, wisdom, compassion, and well-being that Guided Mindfulness Meditation offers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

Mindfulness Meditation CD
This CD was recommended by my doctor to assist in stress relief.The doctor who created it can be located at a nearby hospital Medical School, and that gave me a sense of honesty in the making of this CD.There are many, many CD's of this type available, but I felt that I could use this one and ask my doctor questions about it later.The only thing it is missing (for the 1st CD) is music; you get just the doctor's voice with no background music.I enjoy the background music, but if you just want a relaxing CD with no distractions, this is a very good one.

guided meditation
John kabat-zin is cited in all sorts of clinical peer reviewed journals as a leader in mindful practice. i'm a therapist and started using these for self care and clinical purposes. these are really about helping you to reconnect mind and body. it takes a lot of practice and he recommends you come skeptically and be willing to do it 6 days a weeks, one time per day for at least 8 weeks before you decide if meditation is for you.

this is a commitment because the meditation takes about 41 minutes...i'm 12 days into and so far i'm really enjoying it but its a challenge...

get if you want to experience mindful meditation with the best

Guided Mindfulness Meditation
I bought Guided Mindfulness Meditation CDs when I was diagnosed with Stage 3B Inflammatory Breast cancer.I was stressed.After 2 years, I am still using them.I really like JKZ's philosophy.I am a Christian and praying nonstop kept me rehashing everything I was going through.JKZ shows you how just to clear your mind and live in the moment and it isn't anti-religious but his method allows you to accept whatever it is you are dealing with.I like his slogan "As long as I am breathing, there is more right with me than wrong with me."Living in the moment is such a powerful thing to accomplish and JKZ shows you how. It isn't about his voice or music but about you learning to accept whatever you are dealing with here and now.

I gave my 85 year old mother both of the yoga CDs and it has also been very helpful to her.After my bilateral mastectomy the yoga CDs helped me get back in shape. Before cancer, I had no reason for an IPod or MP3 player but now I can't live without them.

JKZ's The Mindfulness for Beginners CDs has a very good explanation of JKZ's philosophy. Also a shorter version of the Body Scan which is easier to get through than the 45 minute version which is on Guided Mindfulness Meditation.

I don't sit down and do 30 minutes of guided meditation like is suggested but I take mini meditation breaks throughout the day.It is the best thing I have found to reduce stress and I am doing great now and I feel I can handle just about anything.

The real thing
For much of my life I had been plagued by anxiety.I had tried many different solutions from talk to medicine. These CD's were like a miracle.After a month it was like I was transformed.I felt relaxed and capable of dealing with stressful situations with no anxiety. They are a combination of meditation and some yoga (nothing exotic).It does require a substantial commitment of time.Each CD is about 45 minutes and you are supposed to listen 6 days a week.If my experience is representative you should give the plan a try.

Great!
wonderful.If I had more time every day or I was more disciplined, I would use this program more often! ... Read more

Product Description
Experienced martial artist and veteran correction officer Sgt. Rory Miller distills what he has learned from jailhouse brawls, tactical operations and ambushes to explore the differences between martial arts and the subject martial arts were designed to deal with: Violence.

Sgt. Miller introduces the myths, metaphors and expectations that most martial artists have about what they will ultimately learn in their dojo. This is then compared with the complexity of the reality of violence. Complexity is one of the recurring themes throughout this work.

Section Two examines how to think critically about violence, how to evaluate sources of knowledge and clearly explains the concepts of strategy and tactics.

Sections Three and Four focus on the dynamics of violence itself and the predators who perpetuate it. Drawing on hundreds of encounters and thousands of hours spent with criminals Sgt. Miller explains the types of violence; how, where, when and why it develops; the effects of adrenaline; how criminals think, and even the effects of drugs and altered states of consciousness in a fight.

Section Five centers on training for violence, and adapting your present training methods to that reality. It discusses the pros and cons of modern and ancient martial arts training and gives a unique insight into early Japanese kata as a military training method.

Section Six is all about how to make self-defense work. Miller examines how to look at defense in a broader context, and how to overcome some of your own subconscious resistance to meeting violence with violence.

The last section deals with the aftermath--the cost of surviving sudden violence or violent environments, how it can change you for good or bad. It gives advice for supervisors and even for instructors on how to help a student/survivor. You'll even learn a bit about enlightenment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (82)

Reality on paper
I haven't been thru the whole book yet. But what I've read so far is real and necessary for all those who are either beginners in the martial arts or life long practitioners. The Martial Arts are beneficial to many areas of one's life. But to be blindly lead into believeing that just because you wear black around your waist makes you impervious to violence is asking for trouble. It is imperative that today's practitioner be adaptive with his skills to any possible threat that may come his way. Put yourself in the criminals mind and how you would react to HIM rather than how you will apply a kata correctly and you will be that much farther ahead of the game. This book is a good way to put someone else's real life experience to use in your way of thinking. Open the mind to what could happen in real life and how you might react and you become that much farther ahead in the game of survival. Good Reading!!

Review of 'Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence'
A definite insightful read into the world of real-life violence.
The author's main message is that real life violence is complex, nasty & nothing as glamorous or as cool as how we all imagine it to be like in the movies. Getting caught up in it whether as victim or perpetrator is neither good & both has serious consequences.
The examples he gives are illuminating & insightful.
The author keeps the message & writing style real, direct, & to the point. He doesn't sugar coat things. Some of the stuff he says rings true, while others may come off as unsettling to some readers.
My guess is that he's doing so to make the reader feel the need to ask questions & think more critically about violence in general (due to the uneasiness felt from his message).
Again, definitely a good book worth reading.

Meditations On Violence
This is not a book of martial arts technique but more the voice of experience explaining what happens when confronted by the "unexpected" of real violence rather than the "expected" of much of todays martial arts training. For those wishing to understand from an experienced Martial Artist, who is also a long serving American prison officer, just what happens to the mind and body when confronted by real life violence then this is informative and a surprisingly easy read.

Add Another Fan to the List
Does anyone need to read review number 79 for this book? Others have already said it all, but I want to add my "five stars." This a must-read for anyone interested in martial arts, police science, self-defense, criminal psychology, etc., but it's about a great deal more than any of those things. I would say this is a must-read for anyone who has any intellectual curiosity at all, anyone who wants to try to understand a broad swath of the human experience that many of us will never--or hope to never--encounter personally.

I'll tell you how much I value this book: I read it cover to cover and then two weeks later I read it cover to cover again. Since then, I've picked it up dozens of times and read a page or two. There are so many fresh, original, striking insights in it that it is impossible to absorb it all in a single reading.

I've read a lot of books in this genre, but "Meditations on Violence" is unique. It has a place in my library alongside such books as Gonzales's "Deep Survival," De Becker's "Gift of Fear," Cooper's "Principals of Personal Defense," and Thompson's "Verbal Judo."

Possibly the best self-protection book ever written.
Hundreds of books have been produced by so called experts on self-protection who all claim to have real life experience of extreme street violence. Claiming to have had hundreds of street fights and decades of experience as door security staff; I've often thought that perhaps they may just be stretching the truth a little or they are probably the type of people to have instigated many of their own confrontations and that they are the ones to steer clear of. I spent twenty years working as a doorman in Cardiff and I can count all my violent confrontations on one hand, actually, one finger!

Sgt Rory Miller on the other hand is completely different animal. Working daily in America's high security correctional facilities (prisons to us Brits), he deals with some of the most violent men on the planet every day of his working life. To steal from the blurb on the back of the book, he "teaches and designs courses in Use Of Force Policy & Police Defensive Tactics; Confrontational Simulations; and leads and trains his agency's Corrections Tactical Team." Bluntly put, when the proverbial brown stuff hits the fan, he's the man they scream for.

It shows too. Miller understands and conveys the pshycology of violence in depth as well as how to deal with potentially violent and very violent people by using pshycology as well as force on force. Making use of some quite shocking imagery, he drives home the true nature of violence and violent people clearly and succinctly and blows away any delusions martial arts experts may have that their art will protect them and others without having had any real experience or at least having trained in a realsitic way.

Possibly the best self-protection book ever writen. Certainly the best I've ever read.

... Read more

Product Description
Sometimes life seems like it's all about hurrying--so many places to go! And sometimes it's hard when things don't go your way--it can make a piggy angry and sad. So how do young piggies find a peaceful place in a frustrating world? They meditate! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Very valuable tool to help kids meditate!
"Peaceful Piggy Meditation" is another great meditation guide for kids by the author of "Moody Cow Meditates". While there is no underlying plot to the book, it is much more of a learning book than a story.

Kerry introduces children to meditation practice in a manner that is understandable and enjoyable. The book is more than likely geared toward children from the ages of 3-8, I thinok older children may think the illustrations are to young for them. Not that it is a bad thing, because I think if this book is introduced at the earlier age, the kids won't need it later as the will have the experience of meditation already.

The great thing is, you and your kids do not have to be a Buddhistto read and implement the meditations in this book. Minus the dedication of the book, there is no mention of Buddha, Buddhism or religion at all.

We are re-introduced to the jar mediation we learned in "Moody Cow.." and are also given instruction on how to implement a new one. It is more of a "mindful of breath" meditation, which most of us are familiar with already, but it is simplified in a way that will make it understandable to those children that fit into the age group I already mentioned.

The book is beautifully illustrated. As I was reading it to do this review my kids were hovering over me, asking me to read it and asking what the piggies were doing. I can't wait to get into this some more with them. For those of you trying, or thinking of trying, to teach your kids something about meditation, Kerry has it down to a tee here and her books are extremely helpful.

Peaceful Piggy Meditation
Wonderful, kid-friendly explanation of meditation and basic, self-calming skills.Delightful illustrations of pigs throughout!

Great colorful introduction to Meditation for kids!
What a great book introducing kids to meditation and mindfulness in everyday life.Colorful illustrations and examples within this short story, made it easier to communicate to my 3 year old further on meditation and how it can benefit her in her life when she feels frustrated, angry, etc.

Highly recommended!

Cute and realistic
By realistic I mean kids CAN find a quiet spot somewhere to chill out and take a deep breath.It doesn't ask too much of them, you know?This is a cute book, story was interesting for a toddler, toddler understood the basic concepts.

Nice message
I am in love with this book! I bought this for my daughter who can have a pretty bad temper. Whether or not a person is interested in Buddhism- this book still has a great message to just take a moment and breathe so you can focus on not reacting to everything. We read it every night! ... Read more

Product Description
The popular guide-over 80,000 copies sold of the first edition-now revised and enhanced with an audio CD of guided meditations

According to Time magazine, over 15 million Americans now practice meditation regularly. It's a great way to reduce stress, increase energy, and enjoy better health. This fun and easy guide has long been a favorite with meditation newcomers. And now it's even better. For this new edition, author Stephan Bodian has added an audio CD with more than 70 minutes of guided meditations that are keyed to topics in the book, from tuning in to one's body, transforming suffering, and replacing negative patterns to grounding oneself, consulting the guru within, and finding a peaceful place. The book also discusses the latest research on the health benefits of meditation, along with new advice on how to get the most out of meditation in today's fast-paced world.

Stephan Bodian (Fairfax, CA and Sedona, AZ) is a licensed psychotherapist and the former editor-in-chief of Yoga Journal. He has written for Fitness, Alternative Medicine, Cooking Light, and Tricycle and is the coauthor of Buddhism For Dummies (0-7645-5359-3).Amazon.com Review
"To tell you the truth, you can learn the basics of meditationin five minutes," asserts Stephan Bodian, meditation instructor,psychotherapist, and former editor-in-chief of YogaJournal. You can also study meditation for years, exploring itssubtleties. Meditation for Dummies is a simple, clearintroduction to the basics of meditation, including an overview ofdozens of techniques, practices, and specific meditations, plusdirection for going deeper. You get step-by-step instructions for avariety of meditations, including body position, mental concentration,where to put your attention, what to contemplate or notice, physicalmovements, and breathing. A nice touch is the recurring "traditionalwisdom": ancient stories or anecdotes that make a point. This book isuseful whether you want the nuts and bolts for getting started in thenext minute or you want to dip your mind into different practices andphilosophies. Nothing is too elementary to explain: "how to sit upstraight--and live to tell about it," what to wear, dealing with fearand self-judgment, and what to do when you get "stuck." You also getplenty of information about the benefits and varieties ofmeditation. You're bound find and develop a practice that feels rightfor you. --Joan Price ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

great book
I have been interested in zen meditation for over 40 years, and I've read many good books onthe subject. But thisbook ranks among the best in its informative presentations of many types of meditative practices. The author clearly has broad experience in his field and knows what he's talking. I only wish he lived next door. Awesome book.

I HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED THIS ITEM EITHER!
Hello! Both these books on meditation have not been delivered to me. For the second time! And I have paid for them since June! What's happening?

More than just a meditation handbook
I expected this book to be "just" a meditation handbook telling me what to do, when and how. However, this book is much more and I've actually read it twice to absorb all the amazing information.

Although Meditation for Dummies is full of practical meditation tips and guides you through your meditation practice pretty effortlessly in a way that's easy to understand, it contains lots of life wisdom. The author, who is an experienced psychotherapist, also provides readers with helpful advice on stress, limiting beliefs and subconscious patterns and shows us how meditation can help us deal with them.

Meditation for Dummies will be especially helpful for you if you feel you simply need to become more grounded and empowered. Mr. Bodian says in his book very clearly that most of us pursue dreams of a perfect life that are simply unattainable, and although having goals is healthy and necessary, we need to find the right balance between goal setting, dreaming and living in the present moment.

Meditation for Dummies comes with a meditation CD which is very helpful.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to everyone interested not only in meditation but also in finding peace and life balance.

Barbora Knobova
Author of Delicious Books
for Strong, Bold, Fearless Women
[...]
Tales for Delicious Girls
Delicious Girl's Guide to Self-Love

Life Changing
This book gives you reasons why meditation is beneficial as well as the how-to.And given that it is written by a therapist as well as an experienced meditator, the guy knows what he's talking about.I meditated the first time using this book, with amazing results.Chapter 6 is the how-to chapter should you want to cut to the chase.I definitely recommend this book because it is packed with neat info and you can get meditating the same day if you read the right passage.But, it covers the subtle fine points that enable you to work thru the challenges life throws your way.And it has the potential to make you a better person along the way."When you practice accepting yourself fully, you soften & open your heart not only to yourself but ultimately to others as well."The world needs more meditators.It won't make you perfect, but it will make you better than you were.

According to this book, there is no wrong way to meditate.You can even meditate lying down--good news if you're still half asleep on a Sunday morning.

Here is the basics of meditation.First, buy some incense and a candle.With your insence and candle burning, sit down and cross your legs (different positions are given) and hold one hand in the other between your legs. A small cushion under you butt helps, and you'll incline forward which focuses your attention on the candle better with improved posture as well.With your eyes half closed, and focused on the candle, count your breaths.Just count each breath as it comes.Nothing complicated.Once you count to ten, you can start over.But I perfer to count to 100, which is about ten minutes, which is not a bad meditation session. But 20 min is better and 40 is even better.I have a friend who claims to have meditated 3 hours!!

So why meditate?What are the benefits?The benefits are many.A quote from the book:"If you meditate regularly, you're going to have spiritual experiences--guaranteed."

More benefits:

>Decreased heart rate during quiet meditation
>Lower blood pressure in normal and moderately hypertensive individuals.
>Quicker recovery from stress
>Increased alpha rhythms
>Sychronization between left & right hemispheres of the brain.
>Reduced cholesterol levels
>Decreased consumption of energy and need for oxygen.
>Deeper, slower breathing
>Muscle relaxation
>Reduced pain levels
>Enhanced creativity
>Heightened perception and sensitivity
>Reduction in anxiety
>Complement to psychotherapy and treatment approaches of addiction.

Also, here's a few dreams I had after my first meditation session after starting meditation. I had all but forgotten about the dream(s) when I got on the main highway the next day. In the first one, I was quick off the light as I accelerated in my Infiniti I-30, and this rad monster truck was off to my right. We were side by side, and about to race really. In one of my dreams just the night before I had exactly that in my dream!!!! The truck in my dream raced me, and it was a large full size monster truck, essentially the same as the one I was next to only hours later. (I immediately snapped, recalling the dream, wow!!) In real life, he accelerated to full throttle and I let him have my lane, which he wanted. I didnt race him--no reason to. In the dream there was someone stopped up ahead anyway and in real life the next light was just up ahead, with stopped cars.

The other dream I had I was observing a scene of something or other and at the center of my vision it just peeled away, like a movie screen, showing something different like a pattern instead. This dream was telling my that reality is not reality. I was stunned because I had a differing opinion. Anyway, that shows the potential. It's kinda spooky. Granted the dream is not reality so it's not really logical when you think about it, unless you buy into the notion that a dream can teach about reality.Maybe....it can.

Too comlex
The style of meditation described in this book is much too complicated. Meditation, to be effective, has to be effortless. Maharishi is the top expert in this area. There is a good reason why TM, transcendental meditation, is so popular with millions of practioners having learned over the last 50 years. ... Read more

Product Description
Join Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein -- two of America's most respected instructors -- for a step-by-step course in Insight Meditation. Learn at home, at your own pace, with this complete curriculum. The course includes:

-A 240-page Insight Meditation workbook: This workbook is designed as a complete self-guided curriculum. Organized into nine lessons, your workbook features more than 75 step-by-step mindfulness exercises, question-and-answer sections, glossaries, and photographs illustrating correct meditation postures.

-Two 70-minute compact discs: Six meditations teach you these cornerstone practices in the Insight tradition.

-Twelve Insight study cards: Reinforce your practice with these daily reminders of the fundamentals of meditation in a convenient, portable form. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

A comprehensive beginner's guide to meditation
If you're new to meditation and are looking for some guidance, this set may be just the thing for you.

What was especially helpful about this set:

**the comprehensive materials.You get a book, explaining each meditation section, as well as background information about meditation.The CD has several meditation practices on it, and you are encouraged to journal your feelings after each meditation.

**the variety of meditations.Everything from breathing, to walking to vipassana meditations are covered.

**Sharon's matter-of-factness about meditation realities.She reassures you that it's very common for your mind to wander during practice.

What really missed the mark with this set:

**Both Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein have very grating, very unpleasant sounding voices.These voices really detract from the meditation experience.It's hard to ignore them!Meditation is supposed to help you relax and free your mind.A soothing, calming voice is a critical part of the process.While I really appreciate what Sharon and Joseph have created here, they should have used someone with a better voice to guide the meditations.

The annoying voices is why I rated this 4 stars instead of 5 stars.That being said, I do recommend this product as a good introduction to meditation.

I was skeptical
I was skeptical of this system, but carefully read the reviews, and decided to give it a shot.
I'm glad I did.
My wife had purchased a meditation product from Sylvan Learning, and it got me started, but I felt it was limited,and very basic, so I went online and found this.
Once it arrived, I was excited to try it out, and we have been using it daily since it arrived, about a week ago.
Our lives have been turned upside down in ways I never expected at this late stage of my life, and our stress levels have been over the top, with no relief in sight, for the past few years.
When trying the Sylvan meditation, I realized there could be something here for me, but it seemed too simplistic and limited.
Well, I'm happy to report the Insight Meditation program is working wonders for me!
I use it once or twice a day, some days, I will do 2 sessions, back to back, and I am enjoying a peace and calm like I have not had in years, perhaps ever. I am still on the first meditation, Breath Meditation, and see no reason to rush on to the next one yet. It's very difficult to just focus on one thing, my mind goes incessantly, but the cd is excellent at guiding me through, and bringing me back to the focal point.
I am sleeping well, whereas for the the past few years, I would be awake for hours each night, and to sleep through the night was an extremely rare occurrence.
Now, already, it's the norm.
I highly recommend this system to anyone interested in learning to meditate, and finding some inner peace in this crazy world.

Wow, wow, and wow.
Been practicing Buddhism for years, and this is one of the best tools for meditation I've ever seen. Practical, accessible, and beneficial for anyone.

Insight Meditation: A Step by StepCourse on how to Meditate
I was very satisfied with this book. It came in good condition, a great price and it arrived sooner than I had expected.

bad methods, week instructions
The book is full of unpractical methods.When you sit down you think "Geesh, why would I meditate on this"?The information seems to be just taken from other books on the subject.Poor book ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (30)

Powerful, Practical Wisdom
I have been meditating using Easwaran's Eight Point Program for about a year, and I have attended a retreat where I met numerous individuals who have used this program for years and even decades. There is no doubt in my mind that Easwaran's insights into the mind and the spirit are genuine, and that his program is a powerful tool for becoming a better person, and for ultimately reaching life's supreme goal: the realization of the unity of all things.

As was expected
Amazon delivered perfectly.Loved the book.It really helped me start on my journey to be in control of my mind.

Gentle Life-Changer
There is no text like MEDITATION so easily accessible, useful, and kind on the heart (that also fits into the back pocket and can be found on audio tape). Rarely do we hear about devotional meditation, and, this is a valued manual.

MEDITATION as an instructional text literally guided me into a new practice as I needed a spiritual shift during a time of despair.This method helped me gently focus and heal my spirit, and since then I have recommended this book to hundreds of others yearning for an anchor practice that elicits more warmth towards one's self and those in our sphere or care -- while also allowing the meditation practice to impact the entirety of one's day.

Professor Easwaran is a gifted teacher and lover of world religions -- he shares with readers many options for honoring our own faith traditions as well as our neighbors' (I also recommend his other books which all convey deep respect for the scriptures & meditation practices of all the world's religions, especially his ones on passages and God Makes the Rivers to Flow).Eknath Easwaran identified as Hindu (born in India), and was the first to teach meditation in a U.S. University setting as a formal class (though he taught in the Humanities, I believe).

I, myself, am a Christian Minister working with the sick and dying of many world religions and spiritual paths.This meditation method helps me to tune-up my own energetic frequency when grief gets me down, and, has been a fantastic reference to others seeking a new way to live out their beliefs while attending to their spiritual health and sense of well-being in body, mind, spirit, and community. This devotional style also matches well with Christian prayer practices, and I feel no conflict in maintaining the integrity of my own religious faith.

One challenge:Sri Easwaran seems to have had a fairly traditional view of life in regard to "family" and therefore I invite a grain of salt regarding his gendered expressions and seeming assumptions that most are rooted in a male/female marriage with children; thus, I simply added a little grace and used my gifts for inclusive language adjustments in my head (as well for use of original patriarchal religious texts/prayers), and it all worked out -- as he does not at all seem anti-anyone, and, I expect many of his students were LGBT or feminist/womanist, and, he was embracing.

Thankfully his writings continue to be produced by his wife and students (Blue Mountain Meditation Center and Nilgiri Press), and I am a more well-rounded person in my own religion because of his books. I suggest this classic text as your first foray into the world of meditation writings by Eknath Easwaran.

Love it.
It is all very good.The hard part for me is doing the practice...not just finding the time (which is difficult) but actually doing the practice once I make time.His writing style is wonderful and the book is chock full of common sense.It was a very enjoyable read and one thing I LOVED about it is that it seemed like there weren't pages and pages saying the same thing over and over (my number one pet peeve.)I am set to go on one of his organization's one-day retreats and look forward to reading more material from him.

Good methods for meditation and for life
I read about a number of meditation techniques before finding this book.One of the interesting methods I found is inspirational reading.It appeals to me because I wanted something that seemed more substantial than using a simpler approach such as mindfulness or focusing on an object.Easwaran's approach combines inspirational reading with two other forms of meditation: passage meditation and the use of a mantram.The title is a little misleading because the book covers more than passage meditation.Still, it is an excellent book.The eight parts of Easwaran's approach fit together well. I also like the fact that his methods can be fit to one's religion.

Easwaran's book is not an overview of the many methods of meditation.If that is what you are looking for, I can recommend two books.One is Meditation: The Complete Guide by Patricia Monaghan and Eleanor Viereck.The other is The Meditative Mind by Daniel Goleman. ... Read more

Product Description
Morning and evening meditations to literally create your heart's desire. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (122)

Meditations for Manifesting Exceeds Expectations
I've been a user and teacher of meditation for five decades, and Dr Wayne Dyer makes my job so much easier!This is an excellent CD for those who use meditation for centering, calming and manifesting.Two meditations are included on the CD, and following his direction is comfortable and easy.This is a definite YES!

meditations for manifesting
every time i use the cd for 30 days consistently great things happen ,my only problem is not doing it ,again 30 days cosistently using the cd miracles fall into place i almost take for granted they will,it"s easy to follow easy to do you just have to be persistent on doing it to work, try your it your life will change

Weird
This not at all what I thought it was. Very weird...you are just suppose to make ummmmmmmmm noises.

Good info....
I am a fan of Wayne Dyer.Love all his products.This was my first meditations CD.Got some good info out of it.

Excellent.Wayne Dyers voice is fine, great CD.
After reading some of the reviews about Wayne Dyer's voice, I checked it out of the library for a test run, expecting to not like it . . although I do like his voice on his other CD's/DVD's.I've listened to it three times yesterday in the car while driving - just to see if I wanted to proceed and use it "properly."I found his voice to be very helpful; I enjoyed doing the meditation WITH him. I liked his explanation of the process and why these sounds in particular are used; I'm very excited to begin to use it in the morning and evening as instructed.He has read some letters on his healing CD (an excellent live presentation at a chiropractors' conference) from a few folks who used this japa meditation; the stories are as amazing as the ones I read in the Amazon reviews.Wayne Dyer acquaints newbies with meditation/healing practices in such a wonderful, simple, straightforward way.I'm sure after a few days of doing the meditations with the CD, I will just do my own thing, but right now I'm finding it very helpful to be led through it step by step. ... Read more

Product Description
Sarah Vallely has created a step-by-step roadmap for teaching children how to meditate. Rich with philosophy, supporting science and practical examples, this book clearly explains the benefits of meditation for todays young generation. Included are 12 meditations and a variety of fun-filled exercises to help you get started right away. Higher self esteem, improved focus, better reading skills, closer family relationships and better health are just a few of the outcomes parents, therapists and teachers who have used Sensational Meditation for Children are raving about. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Families have been waiting for this balanced, grounded, and expansive approach
I am so thankful to Sarah Woods Vallely for laying the groundwork for meditation in the everyday life of families. I strongly recommend this book to parents who want to enrich their family life with meditation, and who would like to open doors for healthy, balanced, grounded and expansive spirituality for their children. I also recommend this book to teachers and therapists who work with children. You can also take Sarah Vallely's classes.

Having a wide and cross-cultural background in meditation from my pre-motherhood years, I was never sure how to present meditation to my children without putting my own interpretation of spirituality onto them.

Sarah writes, "Can we teach a spiritual practice or set of skills to children without shaping their thoughts? ... I believe we can ... Our job is to focus on facilitating experiences for our children and letting them draw their own conclusions."

This book shows child-appropriate meditation practices that help us better understand our children, help free us up and heal our emotional patterns with our children, (help us get un-stuck), and that can help a child both incarnate into her body and her senses while becoming more mentally focused and emotionally confident.

My children were grown long before this book was published. I did bring my meditation techniques into my family life when I developed a method to help my children learn elementary school level math. My approach focused on alleviating learning problems and facilitating memorization, however, and not on bringing meditation into one's family life on a day-to-day basis. I wish this book had been published twenty years ago! It is the book I longed for when my children were little.

Dana Williams, author ofMath by Grace: Memorization of Basic Math for Concentration-Challenged Children (Indigo, ADD, ADHD, ASD) through Relaxation and Meditation Techniques and The Lord's Prayer, the Seven Chakras, the Twelve Life Paths - the prayer of Christ Consciousness as a light for the auric centers and a map through the archetypal life paths of astrology

A must have for all parents, grandparents, teachers & nurses
I absolutely love this book and now purchase it for gifts for all my friends who have children or grandchildren. I only wish this book was around when my own children were little. It gives detailed benefits & explanations of various meditations. Teachers can use many of the suggested meditation techniques to enhance learning, decrease anxiety,and calm children before test taking. School nurses can use the authors techniques to ease belly or headaches.Children can learn the valuable life lesson of quieting the mind so that they can live peaceful and happy lives. Every school should have copies of this book and implement it's priceless lessons so that we can raise balanced, calm, happy & productive children. Patricia Khan Registered Nurse & Yoga Teacher

A resource you'll come to again & again
Sarah's writing reflects her years of experience, solid background knowledge and her love for working with children. There's plenty of information here to develop a good understanding of the various purposes and benefits of meditation for anyone, and children in particular. With your appetite whetted, she then presents detailed, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for a variety of child-friendly meditation exercises. These sound like a lot of fun, with titles like 'Fudge Swirl," "Inside Friends," and "The Happy Tree." I especially liked the way the meditations are grouped thematically in chapters titled Clearing My Mind, Healing My Body, Renewing Spirit, and Finding Out Who I Am. Woven throughout are specific suggestions and exercises to connect with your child and ways to make the most of the meditation experience through art and writing, among other ideas. The final chapter offers guidelines and inspiration for creating your own meditations.

This book is a great tool for parents, educators and anyone working to connect with children, to help them open their minds and souls to possibility and higher self-awareness, and not least of all, their imaginations!

An awesome guide for teaching children mediation!
In my opinion, Sarah Wood Vallely has thought of everything to help readers to know and understand exactly what is involved in teaching children to meditate, what the benefits of meditation are, and what works well in particular situations.Sarah also "backs up" each technique with tried and true reasons and experiences for why she suggests doing things the way she does!It is a very easy book to read and is complete with an outline for teaching a class.
Finally, the meditations are wonderful, and not only for children!I now use the Grounding Cord meditation that is in the book every day!

You can learn from your children
Sarah is passionate about nurturing the gifts of others. Her insightful meditations are practical tools for adults as well as children. Teaching us to trust our gifts she has developed a community that can easily translate her work and realize her intentions. Her work has provided opportunities for meditation groups around the world who have utlized her work in their schools, neighborhoods and in their homes. Thank you Sarah for teaching me that allowing an open space for my daughter's gifts was actually a mirror lesson for my own self appreciation.
I am excited to give this book to her school as the teacher will be utilizing it in her classroom, allowing this piece of work to be recognized as the invaluable tool that it is. ... Read more

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For those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, here are strength and thoughtful words to inspire and comfort. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (185)

Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief

Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief
by Martha Hickman

This book is recommended by Janna Excell, MEd, who leads several grief groups in Tucson, AZ and founded the Tucson NDE group.Janna was mentored by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler Ross.

At the close of each grief circle led by Janna, we each read one of Ms. Hickman's affirmations. It is poetically profound and healing. People buy extras of this book to give to those who are grieving. Hospice staffers also like it.

We are truly blessed to know of this book through Janna and to experience the healing wisdom within it. Thank you, Martha Hickman!

Sincerely,
Joan V., Tucson, AZ

A Must Have book!
I have bought over a dozen of these books over the last few years. It helped me immensely after the untimely passing of my younger sister and I have given it as a gift to so many others. I like to have a few at my disposal to give right away any time I need to - A really good gift to someone who experiences a loss no matter what your faith or beliefs!

Great book
Someone got this book for me many years ago and I have done the same for a few friends since then.Very comforting.

Wonderful book
I received this book from a friend after my husband's passing. It has helped me so much that I purchased 3 more to give to others. My daughter is buying a couple for her friends that have lost fathers. It has truly been very helpful. Try it, I think you'll agree.

This book has been passed on to many new widows!
Years ago when my dear Father died, after sixty years of marriage, my Mom was grieving inconsolably.Anotherfriend who lives in Pennsylvania, sent this book which she had found helpful after her husband died. My Mom found it extremely helpful. So far, I have passed my Mom's book down so often that it was visibly worn out.I bought two more, and kept the old one of my Mom's.I think it is the best book I have ever seen on this subject because it features short thoughts, which meets the needs of a person who is actively grieving.

Beautifully and thoughtfully written, it features a small thought for each day of the year.One can start at any date and keep going.Though I am still fortunate to have my Husband, I find that the small meditations are comforting to me when experiencing losses of any kind. I just gave away my two copies, andsee it a a priceless gift to those who have lost a spouse, as well as for those who work with those who grieve. ... Read more

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Meditations on First Philosophy by Rene Descartes is widely considered to be one of the top philosophical books of all time. For many, Meditations on First Philosophy is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic philosophical literature, this gem by Rene Descartes is highly recommended. Meditations on First Philosophy would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Synopsis
Proof that God exists. "It is manifest by the natural light that there must be at least as much [reality] in the efficient and total cause as in the effect of that cause" (p. 28) and "that the ideas in me are like images which can easily fall short of the perfection of the things from which they are taken, but which cannot contain anything greater or more perfect" (p. 29). But I am finite and God is infinite and perfect, and "my perception of the infinite, that is God, is in some way prior to my perception of the finite, that is myself. For how could I understand that I doubted or desired---that is, lacked something---and that I was not wholly perfect, unless there were in me some idea of a more perfect being which enabled me to recognize my own defects by comparison?" (p. 31). "So from what has been said it must be concluded that God necessarily exists." (p. 31).

This being the basis for all further knowledge. From the existence of God "I can see a way forward to the knowledge of other things" (p. 37), because "[God] cannot be a deceiver, since it is manifest by the natural light that all fraud and deception depend on some defect." (p. 35). "And since God does not wish to deceive me, he surely did not give me the kind of faculty which would ever enable me to go wrong while using it correctly." (pp. 37-38). What does it mean to use one's faculties "correctly"? "If ... I simply refrain from making a judgement in cases where I do not perceive the truth with sufficient clarity and distinctness, then it is clear that I am behaving correctly and avoiding error. But if in such cases I either affirm or deny, the I am not using my free will correctly ... since it is clear by the natural light that the perception of the intellect should always precede the determination of the will." (p. 41).

Proofs of the existence of corporeal things and "the distinction between the human soul and the body" (p. 12). "I do not see how God could be understood to be anything but a deceiver if the ideas [of corporeal things] were transmitted from a source other than corporeal things. It follows that corporeal things exist." (p. 55). Proof that the soul is not a corporeal thing: "On the one hand I have a clear and distinct idea of myself, in so far as I am simply a thinking, non-extended thing; and on the other hand I have a distinct idea of body, in so far as this is simply an extended, non-thinking thing. And accordingly, it is certain that I am really distinct from my body, and can exist without it." (p. 54). Second proof: "There is a great difference between the mind and the body, inasmuch as the body is by its very nature always divisible, while the mind is utterly indivisible. ... This one argument would be enough to show me that the mind is completely different from the body, even if I did not already know as much from other considerations." (p. 59).

Why it is a good thing that the latter proofs are so crappy. "The great benefit of these arguments [for the existence of corporeal things etc.] is not, in my view, that they prove what they establish---namely that there really is a world, and that human beings have bodies and so on---since no sane person has ever seriously doubted these things. The point is that in considering these arguments we come to realize that they are not so solid and as transparent as the arguments which lead us to knowledge of our own minds and of God, so that the latter are the most certain and evident of all possible objects of knowledge for the human intellect. Indeed, this is the one thing that I set myself to prove in these Meditations." (p. 11).

good service
The book I received was in exellent shape and it came in a very short time.

Be careful!
Be Careful!This is NOT the translation described in the Amazon reviews.It is a the unreadable one by Heffernan.This edition is useful only for its Latin text.The facing English can be used as an aid to the reader, but is often so stiff and convoluted as to be unreadable as English.The fifty-page introduction is full of trivia and misinterpretations.The volume is quite justifiably out of print!

The roots of the Scientific Method
I really am pleased that I read this book because within its pages you can see the birth of our modern world.

Despite the fact that Rene contorted himself to try to prove that God exists; he still managed to create a great work.He began the inquiry into reality wherein we try to understand the world through experimentation.I think he failed in many ways to develop a coherent philosophical structure due to his attempts to please the Church but given the social conditions of the day this was the best that he could do.Even in this flawed analysis Rene paved the way for what would later become the Scientific Method.

I only wish that he could live today and write without fears of reprisal from religious entities.

Magesterial work which profoundly changed history
In the 17th century, the world underwent dramatic and incredible changes.The Scientific Revolution was gathering pace, Europeans had experienced the Reformation and the Renaissance, and boundaries and horizons in all areas were being expanded and changed at a breakneck pace.

Into this time of upheaval comes Descartes, one of the greatest Philosophers to ever live anywhere in the world.While 'modern' philosophy, which broke off its roots from Scholasticism, does not necessarily begin only with Descartes, it is true in Descartes the agenda of post-Scholastic philosophy is most clearly and beautifully expressed in logical terms.

Descartes's project is to take into account the implications of the scientific revolution for philosophy; for Descartes, it is no longer religious authority or pure philosophical speculation which tells us the most accurate truths about the cosmos, but science based on observation and the use of mathematical and logical methods employed by the aid of natural human reason.

Descartes sets into motion an astonishing project into motion; to basically remove Scholasticism and its corrupt and inept attempts to understand the universe and replace it with a complete and unified system of knowledge, based on certain truths clear and knowable to anyone, whatever their class or background.

Descartes, following a plan of 'meditation', withdraws from the senses and attempts to consider the universe as it is to the intellect.Descartes carefully invokes several skeptical doubts about our knowledge, the existence of the external world, and our own existence and attempts to set out what he felt was true and what is not.The famous phrase 'Cogito ergo sum' is one result, though Descartes's overall system and arguments are more complex.

Descartes argues that the cogito, along with the goodness of God who does not make a creature merely in order to decieve it, ensures there are certain and indutible truths about ourselves and the world which will ensure his project will be a successful one.But Descartes encourages the reader not merely to accept his arguments but to put them into practice themselves, hoping in doing so they will discover new truths about the universe which will be plain to anyone using the light of reason.

Descartes in his other works uses this method as a justification for his approach to science and mathematics.Descartes was in every sense a polymath; a trained lawyer, an excellent writer, a student of human anatomy (in which Descartes made many pioneering experiments and observations), a brilliant philosopher and (for his time) physicist, and a mathematician of genius.However, while much of his science is now plainly wrong and was superseded by better scientists such as Galileo and Newton, the agenda Descartes set for philosophy remains much the same even today, especially in the Analytic tradition.Philosophy owes to Descartes two great achievements, one, in applying more rigorous logical methods to philosophical problems while paying attention to the results of science, and second, the re-introduction of skepticism into philosophy which provides a valuable check against dogmatism, but which would only truely be extended to its fullest possible means by David Hume.

Whether or not one ultimately agrees with Descartes's arguments, it must be acknowledged he is a great geius who stands shoulder to shoulder with people like David Hume, Liebniz, Spinoza and Kant, who all radically changed the way philosophers look at the world and the problems it poses. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Interesting
An example of beatnik-type poetry of the 1950s. Much of the material grips you but other parts make you feel like the poem is part of an inside joke you are never going to get. Good without being gripping. Good poetry.

very good conditon - like new, very pleased.
This is a hard book to locate, and was so glad to have it offered here. I am very satisfied with the book, it is in excellent shape.thanks!!!!

So Mad Men
If you wondered what Don Draper was reading and why he got that far away look in his eye then your curiosity is much like mine. I had to know. Meditations In An Emergency is that book.Frank O'Hara was the voice that spoke to the madness, the chaos, and the contradictions in the cultural transition between 50's and 60's America. He was one of the best poets of the twentieth century and along with writers like Denise Levertov, Allen Ginsberg, Robert Creeley, and Gary Snyder, a crucial contributor to what Donald Allen termed the New American Poetry.
O'Hara's poetry is vital, raw, gritty, and extremely moving.

And Don Draper is thinking:

Now I am quietly waiting for
the castastrophe of my personality
to seem beautiful again,
and interesting, and modern.

The country is grey and
brown and white in trees,
snows and skies of laughter
always diminishing, less funny
not just darker, not just grey.

It may be the coldest day of
the year, what does he think of
that? I mean, what do I? And if I do,
perhaps I am myself again.

A book of poems
I was neither bored nor exalted by this book of poems. The collection was so-so to me.

"Now I am quietly waiting for the catastrophe of my personality to seem beautiful again and interesting and modern...
The country is gray and brown and white and trees. Snows and skies of laughter always diminishing.

Less funny, not just darker, not just gray.

It may be the coldest day of the year. What does he think of that...I mean, what do I?

And if I do...perhaps I am myself again."

The above was quoted from the voice over narration at the end of the second season premiere of "Mad Men" on AMC.

I had never heard of Frank O'hara or "Meditations in an Emergency" before, but the words Mr O'Hara created have filled me with wonder and awe.

When it becomes available again I intend to purchase this book in the hope that there may be even more words that will have a similar effect contained within it.
... Read more