Meditation Handbook, A

Meditation is at the very heart of the Buddhist way of life. It is the means by which we bring our lives under control and achieve everlasting peace and happiness. Through regular meditation we are able to benefit both Ourselves and others.

Buddha taught many different types of meditation, but they are all included within the series of meditations known as the Stages of the Path, in essence a structured and practical presentation of the entire path to enlightenment. A Meditation Handbook is an excellent introduction to these meditations and provides a concise manual of practice for both beginners and more experienced meditators.

The first part of the book provides basic background material on meditation — why we need to meditate, how to prepare for meditation, and how to conduct a meditation session, and the second part presents the twenty-one meditations of the Stages of the Path.

Also included is advice on how to maintain the experience of meditation throughout the day, how to combine these meditations into a cycle for regular daily meditation, and advice on how to do a simple meditation retreat.