Highly recommended for both the seasoned and begginer meditator alike
343637
Andre has taken what appears to be a very complex topic and simplified it to a practice that is understandable and usable by the layperson. Highly recommended for both the seasoned and begginer meditator alike!!
3100132
I have recently started a mindfulness practice and was interested to see what this book could teach me. I found it very interesting and accessible. While I am a layperson, I still felt like I was able to understand the explanations. I particularly appreciate how well the book was sourced.

I'm not sure you need to know how enlightenment changes your brain. But if you are wondering, this is a great read. it does have pratical value as well. I have been tempted to slack on meditation. But having read this, I just cant bring myself to skip it. I have not yet had that peak moment were everything falls away and pure truth is revealed. But it's worth sticking with it in the meantime.
2972344
First and foremost I would like to thank the author for sending me a free copy of his book to read and review, as it was without a doubt most interesting reading. Circle of Meditation (CM) is a new, refreshing approach that incorporates various techniques together with personal experiences for a most illuminating read. I would advise taking note of the fact that this academic book isn't intended for a novice/ beginner audience to meditation, although it does promote meditation as being something that's easily accessible to anyone. Manuel proves how by practicing this interdisciplinary method you can benefit greatly, as too will your knowledge on substitute traditional practises (like Zen or Vipassana) increase.

I loved the way in which the author blends together his professional studies with a supremely singular outlook, so as to present a clear and informative picture for you to observe. As a method of meditation then it is easy, straightforward and very effective and so I would recommend it to all who meditate. Insightful and illuminating, Manuel's book is one that readers seeking out more on the subject of meditation and who have explored Buddhism will certainly approve of.

*I was sent a paperback copy of Manuel Vega's book `the circle of meditation: you too can meditate' by the author himself. *
2778408
Pema Chodron presents meditation techniques that require very little experience with meditation and are easily accessible to anyone who wants to learn to transform pain into love.

In a world filled with suffering, it can at times be overwhelming to balance your emotions so you can affect change. By understanding our own fears, we can then address some of the root causes of our unhappiness. This CD introduces some intriguing concepts and solutions and presents the following topics for discussion:

Mindfulness and Maitri

What is the root cause of happiness and suffering?

Unlimited joy

Compassion

The Enemies of Compassion

Introduction to the Practice of Compassion

A guided Maitri session is included on both CDs. I love how Pema Chodron honors her teachers by giving credit where credit is due. She explains what she was taught and effectively translates ancient teachings and stories into methods for modern application.

With warmth and wisdom Pema Chodron shows the way to a more flexible, open life filled with love and compassion. She says that often we look for strength in what weakens us. An intriguing concept!

Through mindfulness and meditation practice (more like a visualization than complete solitude and she guides you through the process), you can more attuned and receptive.

I love her idea about using words and actions to make things better, but it isn't always easy. Patience is one of the qualities you have to develop to follow these teachings and to get to a place of peace, there is suffering. Even after peace, there is some suffering, but you may be able to turn the suffering into creativity and make it an energy you use for good. It can be a very empowering moment when you start to turn negativity into healing.

You can start to use the meditation techniques immediately in daily life and they have many applications. In a fight with someone you love or even in a disagreement with a stranger - Learn how to calm the situation and take back control of your emotions.

What is the root of suffering?

What causes happiness to grow?

The answers make perfect sense, but take time to put into practice. I can highly recommend this CD set to anyone who is making meditation a part of their life. Pema Chodron is an American Buddhist nun, but her wisdom has universal appeal. This seems to be the recording from the session on DVD called: Good Medicine. I can recommend both and you may also enjoy watching the DVD to learn more about Tonglen meditation.

~The Rebecca Review
19879
I've spent years thinking that I should get around to meditating, and then I read this wonderful book. The simplicity of its message, its well-organized format, as well as the gentle, kindly guidance, does precisely what I'd intended; meditate and be mindful.

Using a clear, concise, non-nonsense style, the author does an outstanding job, making a wide-range of meditation-related information easily accessible. Surprisingly, Gabriel Constans includes material suitable for a broad range of meditation practices, be the reader a teacher of meditation, or a newbie. In particular, I like that the material is chunked-down into manageable, bite-size pieces; this makes the wealth of information easy to assimilate. As a result, I often refer back to read more.

I highly recommend this book; the benefits to your life just might be incalculable!
3254367
Written by a Western nun, this book is very clear and understandable.  I attend a weekly study & meditation group consisting of Buddhists (1-5 years experience) and non-Buddhists.  We have met for 3 years.  This is the first book we read where there are almost no questions, because the text is so easy to understand.  She presents concepts and then follows them with guided meditations (she suggestions the questions to ask yourself, the points to ponder).  The group liked this book so much that once we finished it we started over to read and practice it again.  A great guide for learning how to meditate on compassion, eliminate anger, etc. for people who don't know how.
447946
I've been practicing various forms of meditation on and off for over 40 years. And, I have read widely and deeply much of what is available to us from Eastern philosophy and spirituality. I also authored a book on my experience working the 12 Steps in Overeaters Anonymous as a non believer in a Supreme Being, entitled A Skeptic's Guide to the 12 Steps. And I am simply amazed that after all of that I come upon a book that is so clear, so simple in its explanation of how to practice practice meditation. Don't let the simplicity of the three stage practice fool you.  This book contains deep wisdom, clear insight and if you work with the practices described in its pages your life will not be the same. Larry Rosenberg, a deep bow of appreciation.
2762364
As someone who has found meditation very helpful for dealing constructively with my emotions, but who doesn't have much patience with religion, I was pleased to discover this book. Michael Taft's deep expertise shines throughout this engaging and compassionate guide to meditation. The Mindful Geek is an invaluable resource for beginners or anyone wanting to take their practice to the next level.
4737764
For a reader who seeks to pursue Buddhist meditation, Jonathan Harrison's book is a genuine eye opener. Theory and practice are brought together in clear, beautifully phrased terms. Harrison is spot-on, conveying to us the essence of it all, while maintaining a brief, concise format. As one reads through, one realizes that the writer has perfected the art of teaching the unteachable. This exceptional book is whole-heartedly recommended.

by Yizhar Tal
479634
Whether you are experienced at meditation or brand new to it, Observe has inspiration on many levels. A book worth checking out!
1384328
The benefits of meditating are much touted by those already undertaking daily or regular meditation. People have different reasons for wanting to meditate: quelling the internal chatter, getting to know oneself better, finding calm and a sense of grounding, enforced restful contemplation, or tying it to one's faith. Whatever your reason for wanting to meditate, it can be daunting to know how to begin and how to stay motivated.

I am grateful for having read this booklet. This book is a great guide for anyone who wants to get into meditation. It explains what meditation is and how best to do it. As I went through the first pages of this book, the words just hit me big time. I felt I owe myself a lot of good things and one of which is to take a pause and experience serenity and calmnessand this book has taken me into that. The meditation techniques in this book are simply life changing for beginners if they are to take heed to the information contained in the book. Well written!
712742
This book on meditation is written in a lucid style with short well flowing chapters. Jon is quite an effective and practical meditation guide and communicator. if you do not practice already then the book has some meditation techniques you can try. If you already have a practice then the book will motivate you to be more regular and grounded in your practice. Jon also does a commendable job of keeping meditation as a secular exercise of body, mind, awareness and concentration for improving your psychological and emotional health. This is a must read for anyone looking to explore meditation.
1767956
This is a deep but easy read and really gets you started on a path to understanding the roots and purpose of true meditation. I am an enthusiastic novice here and was not overwhelmed by any complicated jargon, nor did i feel the need to step away or put the book down too soon. If you want to sit and start meditating right away you might want to think again, though, and give yourself some time to really let the book sink in and befriend the ideas within it before persuing them outwardly - patience is key. This is not meditation for dummies, this is a well thought out and thought provoking  charge into the outer reaches of mind and imagination, with a dose of reality and discovery. Great reading for the beginner,  a positive push in the right direction and a nice stable footstone into actualizing a meditation goal. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book for my honest opinion.
4383852
Updated review for new edition as of July 2013, which includes a code to access seven guided meditations via audio!

This informative and accessible new book will be invaluable to the new meditator and to seasoned practitioners. Summers' book is divided into two sections: Principles and Techniques. Within each section are chapters that vary from the absolute basics on what meditation is and why it works to detailed information on executing thorough meditation based on what's going on in your life at the moment.

Summers' tone is conversational and accessible. It's clear throughout the book that the author has great personal experience with and knowledge of meditative practices, but she understands that not all readers will buy in to every bit of new age nuggets that are offered ("Now, having stepped way out there on the edge of New Age space, in the next chapter we return to Earth and turn to the subject of practical matters - the where, when, and how of meditation").

The author makes a point to make meditation accessible to all and leaves the reader feeling calm and competent rather than instructed in a rigid practice. Especially useful to beginners may be Summers' pronunciation guide to and background on various mantras; however, Summers' depth of understanding of meditation will be of use to even seasoned meditators.

Generous use of white space and a wide gutter contribute to the calm and accessible feeling of the book and at a length of 142 pages, the guide provides just the right amount of background with instructions that one can return to over and over. At the beginning of the book Summers' states that it is her "heartfelt hope that the insights offered" in Meditation: Deep & Blissful will transform readers' meditative experiences; her best wishes for each reader's personal growth can be felt throughout this excellent guide.
2196783
If you love to meditate, but struggle sometimes to "feel it", this is the book for you. Osho makes it so simple and easy, whether it's for a beginner or "expert." Even if you don't meditate, there is so much interesting insight in it to make it a worthwhile purchase.
1136053
Almost every sentence in this book has been beneficial to me in some way. As someone relatively new to taking mindfulness meditation seriously (I'm about two months in), this is a great resource for those who want to deepen their practice. Ambler's writing style and references are modern and relevant to contemporary life, yet he writes with a sense of wisdom that seems beyond his years. I've enjoyed reading the Kindle version, but I am so happy a paperback one has been released as well. I look forward to rereading it when it arrives.
1719723
An excellent primer on mindfulness meditation from a very experienced practitioner and teacher. Michael provides a no BS, secular approach to meditation that is at the same time accessible and profound. This is the book I wish I had when I started meditating.