As yoga gains popularity across the U.S., many people are becoming interested in its traditional Vedic roots. While Buddhist meditation is well represented on bookshelves, there has been little Vedantic philosophy written in lay terms until now. Author David Frawley guides readers through the challenges of cultivating awareness, calming the mind, and practicing meditation according to Vedanta and Hinduism. He examines how cultural knowledge systems in the West lead individuals to disillusionment, and speaks about how meditation can aid in understanding the true nature of one's thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. Frawley explores meditation support practices such as yoga, mantras, kundalini, and pranayama, as well as the role of gurus, and concludes with a short, more technical essay on self-inquiry.

As yoga gains popularity across the U.S., many people are becoming interested in its traditional Vedic roots. While Buddhist meditation is well represented on bookshelves, there has been little Vedantic philosophy written in lay terms until now. Author David Frawley guides readers through the challenges of cultivating awareness, calming the mind, and practicing meditation according to Vedanta and Hinduism. He examines how cultural knowledge systems in the West lead individuals to disillusionment, and speaks about how meditation can aid in understanding the true nature of one's thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. Frawley explores meditation support practices such as yoga, mantras, kundalini, and pranayama, as well as the role of gurus, and concludes with a short, more technical essay on self-inquiry.

The subject of meditation will hold the attention of the human mind as long as there is a striving on the part of human beings to plumb the depths of their personality. Swami Siddheswarananda’s treatment of the subject displays a mastery of a rare type. This book is sure to provide inspiration and true guidance to aspirants in their spiritual life where the practice of meditation is an all-important factor. Published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math

The complete sourcebook for exploring Hinduism's two most time-honored traditions of meditation. Meditation is a subject of universal interest, practiced by seekers of all traditions on the quest for serenity, peace, and blessedness. Among the many traditions of meditation in Hinduism, Yoga and Vedanta have passed the test of time, proving as vital today as they were throughout the ages in helping seekers overcome the maladies of life and attain the greatest spiritual fulfillment. In one comprehensive volume, Meditation & Its Practices illuminates the principles of the Yoga and Vedanta meditation traditions, the meaning of meditation, its goal of Self-Knowledge, the methods by which concentration is developed, and the ways of achieving self-control. Defining key concepts in clear terms, this complete guidebook covers every aspect of this ancient spiritual practice, including: Goals and Benefits of Meditation Objects of Meditation Methods of Concentration Posture, Physical Condition, Eating Habits, and Spiritual Exercises Mystical Experiences and Realizations Obstacles in Meditation and Ways of Overcoming Them Drawing on both classic and contemporary sources, this comprehensive sourcebook outlines the scientific, psychological, and spiritual elements of Yoga and Vedanta meditation, the results of which lead not to the seeker's dreams and visions but to the transformation of his or her character.

To ask, "What is meditation?" is like asking, "What is music?" No simple answer can even hope to convey the breadth and richness of this subject. Meditation is a contemplative art, a mental discipline, and a sacred journey. Meditation is a reflective practice, a tranquil retreat, and a joyous excursion. Meditation is simultaneously an aesthetic pursuit, a scientific investigation, and a spiritual path. You could say that meditation is a rainbow of many hues. But to describe meditation with fancy words and elegant expressions is like trying to describe the flavour of a ripe peach. Meditation, like the peach, must be experienced to be understood. Words can never suffice. Yet words of description and explanation are not useless. Words can tell you how to select the ripest fruit from a bushel of peaches. And words can tell you how to meditate, leading you to develop a powerful, rewarding practice. This book provides practical, methodical guidance for all who want to develop a powerful and rewarding practice of meditation. It begins with basic principles and proceeds step by step to more advanced topics while exploring a wide range of meditation techniques. Though the subject is vast attempt has been under to create a concise and user-friendly guidebook.

Until you know what your mind is doing, you cannot control it. Meditation is one of the greatest ways to control your mind. Meditation is considered one of the most essential components in spirituality and used as a means to attain enlightenment. In this book, Swami Vivekananda, one of the most celebrated spiritual leaders of India, provides an introduction to meditation, its different methods, its power, and how it can bring enlightenment, happiness and peace to our lives. He delves deeper into the concept through two approaches—meditation through Raja Yoga by controlling the mind and through understanding the oneness of the soul and brahma as has been practiced in Vedanta philosophy. The simple yet effective techniques provided in this book can bring one balance of mind, body, and soul thereby bringing a sense of calmness and equanimity.