Meditation Techniques of the Buddhist and Taoist Masters

by Daniel Odier

A guide to the mental disciplines and visualizations that Masters have used for ages in their quest for illumination. * An insider's view of specific meditation techniques and the steps necessary for a wide variety of * Buddhist and Taoist meditation practices. * By the author of Tantric Quest (15,000 sold) and The Tantric Path to Awakening. The esoteric practices followed in the quest for divinity generally remain a secret to the world--kept cloistered away for only the most ascetic practitioners. Now Daniel Odier, having immersed himself in the life and spiritual practices of Buddhist and Taoist monasteries throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Japan, reveals actual teachings passed on by the sages who are living expressions of their tradition. Looking beyond doctrine, dogma, and philosophical treatises that ignore direct experiences of the practice, Odier provides a direct path to the heart of the religious experience that can be discovered through meditation. Beginning with the simple and fundamental steps necessary to prepare for meditation, Odier guides the reader through the specifics of the mental disciplines and visualizations that Buddhist and Taoist masters have used for ages in their quest for illumination. To devote oneself to meditation, in the sense understood by Buddhists and Taoists, is to realize the understanding of how every fiber of our being converges with all creation. Meditation Techniques of the Buddhist and Taoist Masters is a valuable guide to all who are in search of that realization.

Genres: Meditation

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2003

About the author

Has also published using the pseudonym Delacorta.

Reviews

[Wise_owl · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mildly interesting work, but very much wrapped up in certain core Buddhist tenants. It's absolute utility to anyone not interested in leaving society and entering a hermitage is minimal, though it did have some interesting insights into the history of Meditation and pointed me in some other directions for further research.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in 1974, these types of books occasionally are clearer, the earlier they are done. Written in French and translated - some exceptionally clear elucidations of the Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana schools, as well as some on Zen/Chan, and Taoism.

I liked reading it. I thought - a-ha, now I'm getting some things that have long confused me. But towards the end, the tantra aspects of Zen seemed onerous, and the sexual aspects of Taoism triggered me. I felt reactive and wanted to reject the entire thing. It's hard not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. It's hard not to have doubts, about the trappings of religion. Why am I interested in this alien belief system?

There is something in it. Ultimately, everything is emptiness, and that's okay - we can still live our lives.