For those who have reached a level of understanding of the illusory nature of the world and seek to discern the reality that lies behind it, Sufi meditation--muraqabah--is explained in this book. (World Religions)

Learn on-the-go meditation techniques to improve your concentration and memory and enhance your self-esteem, using this unique visual guide. Follow the clear, step-by-step instructions anytime, anywhere--at home, on the beach, or on a business trip. Practice meditations sitting on a simple, upright chair; there's no need to fold yourself into uncomfortable positions. Explore a variety of meditation techniques, from mindfulness meditation to tai chi, to find the practices that suit you. Use the short "mini-meditations" to fit meditation into a busy lifestyle, or to sample a variety of different styles. Find out the benefits of meditation on your mind and brain, examining how it works and the scientific evidence behind its effects. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to expand your existing knowledge, this practical guide on how to meditate provides everything you need to start (or continue) your meditative journey. Reviews: Giovanni explores the many different ways to meditate, and also how to apply the benefits of meditation in all areas of our lives. I was blown away by how good Practical Meditation really is. A phenomenal book, from a deep teacher." -Rick Hanson, Phd and bestselling author of Buddha's Brain

Uniquely comprehensive, this one-stop resource describes thirty-?ve distinct meditation practices, detailing their historical background and contemporary use, ways to begin, and additional resources. The what and why of meditation in general are discussed, with emphasis on helping readers discover what particular type of meditators they are. Disciplines grounded in Buddhism, Tantrism, Taoism, Judaism, and Islam are included, as are contemplative prayer, Quaker worship, and indigenous traditions. Drumming, trance dancing, yoga, mindfulness, labyrinth walking, gardening, and even needle crafts are explored in a spirit that invites and instructs novice, devotee, and healing professional alike. How to choose an approach? The authors ask questions that steer readers toward options that match their habits, preferences, and needs.

Mindfulness Techniques and Practices in Islamic Psychotherapy is a guide for Muslim spiritual care providers, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and others who use spiritual and religious concepts, values, and rituals as novel interventions to offer culturally appropriate mental health services. Chapters lay out the practice of muraqabah as a strategy for addressing mental and emotional disturbances such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, attention‐deficit disorders, and more. Using hermeneutical data, Mindfulness Techniques and Practices in Islamic Psychotherapy presents the processes and ethics of the muraqabah technique in Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy.

Inside Meditation – In Search of the Unchanging Nature Within is a contemporary guide to the theory, practice and application of the science of meditation, philosophy and Eastern psychology. Alexander Filmer-Lorch uses Inside Meditation – In Search of the Unchanging Nature Within to demystify the process of meditation. The book explores the history and origins of meditation, looking at the latest scientific aspects of regular meditation practice and its impact on brain function, brain-wave activity and its ability to create permanent changes in brain tissue. It also concentrates on the benefits of meditation practice on stress and adrenaline levels, mood swings, blood pressure, the immune system and overall health. There are more than 45 exercises and techniques explained in the book that cover self-study and meditation practice. Each chapter describes the theory behind the practice and gives clear instruction on how to action the acquired knowledge and how the techniques or exercises are supposed to be applied and executed. All meditation techniques explained in the book can be safely practiced and explored without the guidance of a teacher. Every topic, theme, method and technique has been thoroughly studied, researched, explored and practised by the author. Inside Meditation – In Search of the Unchanging Nature Within offers a timeless and down-to-earth approach based on Alexander Filmer-Lorch’s accumulation of 30 years of self-practice and 20 years of meditation and philosophy teaching experience. The work is inspired and influenced by both old and new traditions.

During the summer of 2010 Ghana played host to the first ever conference held within Africa to focus solely on the relationship of the African Christian and Islam. The event was led by John Azumah in partnership with the Center of Early African Theology. The conference, chaired by Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja welcomed over 50 participants from across 27 African countries and several denominations. This book is a collection of the papers presented by 22 of the delegates forming a historical survey and thematic assessment of the African Christian and Islam. In addition, key information on the introduction, spread and engagement of Islam and Christianity within 9 African countries is presented. The book closes with Biblical reflections that opened each day of the conference, providing useful examples of Christians reading the Bible in reference to Islam.

The author takes you on a journey to far-reaching corners of the world, where he drinks tea with loving Sudanese Muslims, prays in ancient Coptic churches, and whirls with Sufi dervishes in the desert. In seeking the mystical in extraordinary places, he discovers that an intimate relationship with God can be found in known religious practices. The key is not the practice itself, but the role of the mind and the heart. With the right intention and contemplative approach, the religious practice unveils an attentive and loving God. The author draws upon Rumi and Hafez, in Islam, and Saint Teresa of Avila and Thomas Merton, in Christianity, and many others to discuss the fundamental principles for embracing the Divine. By distilling the basic tenets and practices of Islam and Christianity, he finds they both hold similar mystical treasures. Learn new and ancient methods for meditation, prayer, chanting, prayer beads and pilgrimages. Closely examine the Korans incredible poetry and beauty and gain insight into how it has brought millions to God. Learn about lectio divina, the ancient technique of listening to Gods personal communication with you through the Bible. The author provides step-by-step instructions for you to begin to use these mystical tools. By the end of the book, youll have taken your own journey into the heart of both Islam and Christianity and found Love.

LASTING Transformation takes you on a journey to experience the process of transformation, which can result in powerful, positive change. Lifes journey provides us with many opportunities for self-knowledge, self-love, and deep personal transformation. The road map outlined in LASTING Transformation gives specific guidance for this journey. It offers important insights and effective strategies for developing a strong self, fulfilling relationships, and deep soul-wisdom. Dr. Abby Rosen shares the experience of her thirty-nine-year pilgrimage integrating psychotherapy and spirituality. Each chapter includes real client experiences that show the process of behavioral change and lasting transformation, humorous cartoons, and practical exercises that together provide a road map to help you navigate the sacred journey of your life.

This updated edition of The Oxford Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality codifies the leading empirical evidence in the support and application of postmaterial psychological science. Lisa J. Miller has gathered together a group of ground-breaking scholars to showcase their work of many decades that has come further to fruition in the past ten years with the collective momentum of a Spiritual Renaissance in Psychological Science. With new and updated chapters from leading scholars in psychology, medicine, physics, and biology, the Handbook is an interdisciplinary reference for a rapidly emerging approach to contemporary science. Highlighting fresh ideas and supporting science, this overarching work provides both a foundation and a roadmap for what is truly a new ideological age.

For thousands of years fragrance has been used for altering emotional states and as part of spiritual practice. This book explores the impact of fragrance on the psyche from anthropological, perfumery and aromatherapy viewpoints and introduces a range of fragrance families – woody, resinous, spicy, herbaceous, agrestic, floral, citrus and attars.