Despite the long history of mysticism within Christianity and its many and varied approaches to meditation and contemplative prayer, more and more Christians have turned to Eastern religions to find a kind of guidance for their interior life that they were not able to find in Christianity. Some have completely abandoned the religion of their childhood, believing they have found the "pearl of great price" in Eastern meditation. Christian Insight Meditation offers an ancient Buddhist meditation practice within a Christian prayer tradition, to teach readers a process of inner purification meant to lead to deeper Christian faith and to the direct vision of God. This wonderful, inspiring book offers reliable guidance and a way for any of us to begin to follow the footsteps of such towering figures as John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. Readers will soon discover for themselves the power of Christian Insight Meditation to bring inner peace and healing and to deepen and enhance their Christian life, and the inseparable connection between wisdom and compassion known for centuries to both Christian and Buddhist meditators.

The very idea that the teachings can be mastered will arouse controversy within Buddhist circles. Even so, Ingram insists that enlightenment is an attainable goal, once our fanciful notions of it are stripped away, and we have learned to use meditation as a method for examining reality rather than an opportunity to wallow in self-absorbed mind-noise. Ingram sets out concisely the difference between concentration-based and insight (vipassana) meditation; he provides example practices; and most importantly he presents detailed maps of the states of mind we are likely to encounter, and the stages we must negotiate as we move through clearly-defined cycles of insight. Its easy to feel overawed, at first, by Ingram's assurance and ease in the higher levels of consciousness, but consistently he writes as a down-to-earth and compassionate guide, and to the practitioner willing to commit themselves this is a glittering gift of a book.In this new edition of the bestselling book, the author rearranges, revises and expands upon the original material, as well as adding new sections that bring further clarity to his ideas.

The fruit of some thirty years’ experience leading Buddhist meditation retreats, this book touches on a wide range of topics in short sections that can be either read in sequence or browsed through at leisure. Leading meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein offers favorite Dharma stories, key teachings, and answers to most-asked questions, providing an overview of Buddhist practice and its context generally while focusing on vipassana meditation specifically. He covers what the path itself is composed of, how to practice, what freeing the mind is all about, how karma works, the connection between psychology and dharma practice, a look at what selflessness really is, and how to really be of benefit to others.

Relieve stress and improve your understanding of yourself with the ultimate meditation guide for beginners While meditation is viewed in many ways, it's essentially the slowing down of your thoughts in order to achieve awareness. Most meditation practitioners use it as a means of focusing their thoughts and relaxing in their space and mind. Many use it as a daily form of prayer. Meditation can help focus your thinking, lower your stress levels, lower risks for medical issues (such as high blood pressure, glucose levels, and heart disease) and is considered to be preventative medicine. It promotes mind-body balance and fitness, mindfulness, and creativity. Idiot's Guides®: Meditation offers a concise, easy-to-grasp primer on the numerous types of meditation and how to practice them. This book includes: · The definition and fundamental basics of meditation. · Preparing to meditate: what, when, and where to meditate. · Tips for dealing with distractions while meditating. · Working meditation into your daily life. · Types of meditation: Zen, Vipassana (breathing), Tibetan Buddhist, mindfulness, Jewish meditation, Christian prayer, Sufi meditation, and Native American meditation. · The physical and mental benefits of each type of meditation. · Mind-body connection (dealing with emotional challenges and habitual patterns). · Meditation in adults and children. · Healing meditation (dealing with pain).

The practice of Vipassana or insight meditation was described by the Buddha as the “direct way” for the overcoming of all sorrow and grief and for realizing Nibbana, the state of perfect liberation from suffering. The essence of this practice consists in the four foundations of mindfulness: mindful contemplation of the body, feelings, states of mind, and mind objects.

Arinna Weisman and Jean Smith combine clear explanations of the Buddha's teachings on freedom and happiness with their personal stories highlighting some of the challenges and insights of practice. The Beginner's Guide to Insight Meditation offers advice about going on retreat and help in choosing a teacher and a sangha (practice community), as well as suggestions for further reading and information on various Insight Meditation or Vipassana centers and resources. Here is an enormously practical book that covers every aspect of the teachings a beginner needs to get started.