Books On How To Meditate
Based on the provided sources, here are some recommended books on how to meditate, covering various techniques and approaches:
General Meditation Techniques
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“Your Best Meditation: Book of the World’s Best Meditation Techniques” by Paul Harrison
- This book offers complete guides to over 31 meditation techniques, including breathing methods, chakra methods, mantras, forest bathing meditation, meditating with crystals, Vipassana, Anapanasati, and Loving Kindness. It also includes the history, science, and meaning of meditation, along with Harrison’s personal story and a pathway to enlightenment[2].
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“Mindfulness in Plain English” by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
- This book is praised for being an honest, open, funny, and easy-to-follow guide suitable for everyone from beginners to long-term meditators. It provides straightforward instructions on mindfulness meditation[1].
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“The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh
- A highly recommended book that introduces the practice of mindfulness meditation. It is known for its simplicity and depth, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners[1][3].
Specific Meditation Practices
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“The Mind Illuminated” by John Yates (Culadasa)
- This book is a comprehensive guide that takes readers step-by-step through the stages of meditation, focusing mainly on Shamatha (calm abiding) and some Vipassana (insight) practices. It is highly detailed and practical, making it suitable for those who want a structured approach to meditation[1].
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“The Attention Revolution” by B. Alan Wallace
- Focuses on Shamatha meditation, providing a detailed guide on how to develop attention and achieve a still mind. It also touches on non-dual practices[1].
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“Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha” by Daniel Ingram
- Offers an overview of Shamatha, Vipassana, and morality, with a primary focus on Vipassana practices. It is a comprehensive guide for those interested in Buddhist meditation techniques[1].
Transcendental Meditation (TM)
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“Science of Being and Art of Living” by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
- This book provides the history and philosophy behind Transcendental Meditation (TM) and discusses its benefits. It is not a how-to guide but offers a deep understanding of TM[3][4].
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“Transcendence: Healing and Transformation Through Transcendental Meditation” by Norman E. Rosenthal
- Explores the scientifically researched benefits of TM and how it can help with various mental health issues. It provides insights into the practice but does not teach the technique itself[3][4].
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“Transcendental Meditation: The Essential Teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi” by Jack Forem
- A comprehensive introduction to TM, covering its principles, benefits, and the research demonstrating its effectiveness. It is a clear and inspiring read for those interested in learning about TM[4][5].
These books offer a range of approaches to meditation, from general techniques to specific practices like mindfulness, Shamatha, Vipassana, and Transcendental Meditation. Each book provides valuable insights and practical guidance to help you start or deepen your meditation practice.
Image by un-perfekt from Pixabay
Citations:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/Meditation/comments/yigb5g/single_best_book_on_meditation/
[2] https://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Best-Meditation-Worlds-Techniques/dp/B087SM43RW
[3] https://positivepsychology.com/meditation-books/
[4] https://meditationlifestyle.com/books-on-transcendental-meditation/
[5] http://blog.ch.tm.org/uncategorized/books-on-transcendental-meditation/
[6] https://www.bitofselfcare.com/post/my-top-10-mindfulness-book-list
[7] https://mindworks.org/blog/5-best-books-about-meditation/
[8] https://melbournemeditationcentre.com.au/articles/the-5-best-books-on-meditation-mindfulness/
[9] https://www.bookshelfdiscovery.com/lists/books-on-meditation-and-mindfulness
[10] https://www.waterstones.com/category/spirituality-beliefs/mind-body-and-spirit/mindfulness
[11] https://franticworld.com
[12] https://themindfulsteward.com/mindfulness/the-14-best-mindfulness-books-you-definitely-need-to-read/
[13] https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/mindfulness
[14] https://greendragonbooks.com/product/the-transcendental-meditation-technique-the-journey-of-enlightenment/
[15] https://www.mindful.org/9-mindfulness-books-to-add-to-your-reading-list/
[16] https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/meditation
[17] https://www.reddit.com/r/BettermentBookClub/comments/8ee02c/what_is_the_best_book_on_transcendental_meditation/
[18] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/22/well/mind/mindfulness-meditation-beginners-books.html
[19] https://www.amazon.co.uk/Transcendental-Meditation-Essential-Teachings-Maharishi/dp/1401931561
[20] https://www.verywellmind.com/best-books-on-meditation-4160661