Description
Book SynopsisMeditation is a subject of universal interest, practised 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 fulfilment. 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.
Trade Review"Fills a long-standing gap in the contemporary literature on meditation. It is a most helpful exposition of the Vedantic perspective on the inward-turning consciousness, which covers all the important and theoretical aspects of the meditative path." —Georg Feuerstein, PhD, president, Yoga Research and Education Center "This book is one of the finest works on meditation I've ever encountered. Deeply embedded in the Hindu tradition, it is thorough, eminently practical, inspiring and effective. I highly recommend it." —Brother Wayne Teasdale, author, Bede Griffiths: An Introduction to His Interspiritual Thought and A Monk in the World “Presents meditation as a universal form of worship—the key to our true well-being and our highest fulfillment. Swami Adiswarananda's personal qualities of vigor, authority and conviction will inspire readers to pursue the spiritual adventure of meditation with determination and joy.” —Kendra Crossen Burroughs, annotator, Bhagavad Gita: Annotated & Explained and Selections from the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna: Annotated & Explained
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Part One The Process of Meditation 1. The Meaning of Meditation 2. The Meditative State 3. The Goal of Meditation 4. The Benefits of Meditation 5. Meditation in the System of Yoga 6. Meditation in Vedanta 7. The Sacred Texts on Meditation 8. The Three Key Factors in All Meditation Part Two Objects of Meditation 9. Objects of Meditation in Yoga and Vedanta 10. Meditation on a Divine Form 11. Meditation on a Divine Incarnation 12. Meditation on the Lord as Inmost Self and Supreme Teacher 13. Meditation on Virata Purusha, the Cosmic Person 14. Meditation on the Sacred Word Om 15. Meditation on the Gayatri Mantra 16. Meditation on the Great Vedic Sayings 17. Meditation on a Sacred Text, Word, or Mystic Syllable Part Three Centers of Consciousness 18. The Centers for Meditation 19. Dualism, Nondualism, and the Centers Part Four Methods of Concentration 20. Withdrawal and Concentration of Mind 21. Posture 22. Time and Place, Spiritual Vibrations, and Geographical Directions 23. Physical Condition, Eating Habits, and Exercise 24. Self-Analysis 25. Mystic Worship 26. Japa, or Repetition of a Sacred Word 27. Pranayama, or Control of Breath Part Five Progress in Meditation 28. Milestones of Progress 29. Mystical Experiences and Realizations 30. The Transformation of Character 31. The Sacred Texts on Progress in Meditation Part Six Obstacles in Meditation 32. Obstacles in Meditation and Ways of Overcoming Them Notes Glossary Bibliography Index
