If you simply enter the keyword "meditation" into the book search at Amazon.com, you will get back (at last count) 199,534 entries.
My objective here is to offer a considerably slimmed-down list of some of the books I have found most useful -- simple, to-the-point, and instructive.
Books:
- The Relaxation Response, by Herbert Benson, M. D. -- this is sort of where it all begins. The notion that as we live our lives in almost a constant "fight-or-flight" state we deprive our mind/heart/body systems of the recovery or downtime we need to re-equilibrate. Since this is a book written by a doctor, you can imagine the subject is approached through the numerous health related aspects of what hypertension is, how it is manifested, and what the relaxation response offers in terms of restoring us to a healthy state. The author's approach is factual and data-driven without being over-bearing. It is a quick read, but highly informative and builds a compelling case as to why one should adopt a regular practice of meditation that induces the "relaxation response".
- Learn to Meditate, by David Fontana -- This is a particularly useful book for someone who wants to . . . well, learn how to meditate. David has crafted a clear, concise offering here with good instructions, engaging stories, and useful exercises for the beginning meditator. I would recommend this book to anyone who would pose the question, "If there was just one book to read, which one would you recommend?" David also has a great book entitled Discover Zen, which I also recommend for those who want to delve a little deeper into that unique approach.
- Meditation - The Complete Guide, by Patricia Monaghan and Eleanor Viereck -- is just that, a "complete guide". This book looks at all the various forms and types of meditation practiced throughout time in different cultures and traditions. While this book will convince you of the truth that all meditation practices draw on the same four fundamentals outlined on the "Instruction" page of this site, you will also convince yourself that the range and variety of practices make it possible for anyone to find a way to meditate that will appeal to them. This book is a great resource.
- Luminous Mind - Meditation and Mind Fitness, by Joel and Michelle Levey -- While the previous selection takes something of a horizontal look at meditation across many traditions and cultures, this books looks at meditation in more of a vertical orientation. By this, I mean, they have coalesced meditation practice into five basic types - concentration, mindfulness, reflective, creative, and heart-centered - and give example of each as practiced under various traditions. This is a wonderful resource for meditators of all experience levels. I particularly appreciate how thorough this book is in its treatment of meditation without bogging down, or becoming overwhelming.
- Commit to Sit, edited by Joan Duncan Oliver -- So this is one I just picked up (as I post this April 2009) . . . this was the result of the first "Commit to Sit" that Tricycle magazine ran back in 2007. The book contains so many useful resources -- basic practice, various different practices, a 4-week program to build your practice, and things to do when you reach your limit in practice. There are articles in the book from all the "big" names in Western Buddhist practice, plus a good set of referenced sources and biographies of the authors.
CD/Audio Programs:
- Breathing: The Master Key to Self-Healing, by Dr. Andrew Weil -- While this CD is not specifically about meditation, it is about breathing and cultivation of good breath practice. Following the breath, or concentrating on the breath is central to so many meditation practices, if nothing other than a starting point. I find the instruction Dr. Weil gives here as foundational. While most meditation techniques will counsel that the practitioner not manipulate the breath, some breathing exercises make sense as a preparation leading into meditation. Dr. Weil's CD provides a nice set of preparatory breathing exercises that can be of benefit to almost anyone who meditates. Have no doubt -- "Do yourself a favor every day . . . Remember to breathe."
- True Meditation, by Adyashanti -- This is somewhat more advanced as it goes well beyond basic meditation technique. In fact, going beyond technique is what Adyashanti's approach is all about. At some point the meditator has to step beyond him/herself to a place where "control is relinquished, and things are allowed to simply 'be'". I think there is a tremendous amount of wisdom to be learned in this approach. After one masters some techniques, and the concept of "mastery" is used very loosely here, it is time to move on to the next stage were some real spiritual investigation can take place. Adyashanti does an excellent job of articulating the ideas behind this path, and I highly recommend taking a read (or listen) to his words.
Podcasts/web-sites:
- Buddhist Geeks: As the "geeks" in the title implies, these guys delve deep into the subject of all things Buddhist and as such will often have guests who deal with the contemplative aspects of the practice - meditation per se. Guests to look for most often on these subjects are Alan Wallace, Shinzen Young (see his fine work also at BASIC Mindfulness)
- Audio Dharma: A great resource of information and podcasts delivered largely by Gil Fronsdal and other teachers associated with the Insight Meditation Center. Here their focus is on the practice of Vipassana (also known as Insight meditation or Mindfulness practice), but Gil also has a background in Zen, so he offers a broad and unique perspective. While I have mentioned Vipassana, there are other sites that are helpful in learning more about this approach to meditation -- Vipassana Meditation and the Vipassana Fellowship.
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