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Secrets of Meditation Revised Edition: A Practical Guide to Inner Peace and Personal Transformation
Updated with new resources, techniques, and research, davidji’s revised Secrets of Meditation shares the wisdom of the ages in order to help you unlock your own personal journey with meditation, powerful intentions, and practical rituals for your everyday life. Whether you are new to meditation, a crisis meditator, or someone who has been meditating for years, Secrets of Meditation will take your practice, and your life, to the next level.
In this insightful guide, davidji shares his own meditative path to awakening and explores the impact meditation can have on your physical health, relationships, emotional well-being, and spiritual life. By demystifying rigid commandments and revealing the five greatest myths of meditation, davidji will have you meditating in minutes and living a happier, easier, and more fulfilling life.
In this insightful guide, davidji shares his own meditative path to awakening and explores the impact meditation can have on your physical health, relationships, emotional well-being, and spiritual life. By demystifying rigid commandments and revealing the five greatest myths of meditation, davidji will have you meditating in minutes and living a happier, easier, and more fulfilling life.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
242 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Davidji
6 books130 followersdavidji is an internationally recognized meditation expert, stress-management counselor, corporate trainer and author of the award-winning Secrets of Meditation: A Practical Guide to Inner Peace & Personal Transformation, and of the Amazon best-selling book on managing your stress through meditation: destressifying: The Real-World Guide to Personal Empowerment, Lasting Fulfillment, and Peace of Mind, which won the 2015 Nautilus award.
He created the 21-day meditation challenge, and his voice can be heard on more than 300 guided meditations, including his best-selling CD, Fill What is Empty; Empty What is Full, and his latest release, the critically acclaimed Ayurvedic opera Journey to Infinity with sound healers SacredFire.
After a 20-year career in business, finance, and mergers and acquisitions, davidji began a new journey to wholeness, which he found through meditation. He apprenticed under Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon, serving as the Chopra Center COO, Lead Educator and then as the first Dean of Chopra Center University, training more than 200,000 people to meditate and certifying more than 1,000 meditation teachers.
He has since left the Chopra Center to travel the world teaching the practical integration of meditation, mindfulness, conscious choice making, and ancient wisdom into our real-world, modern-day experiences. For more than 12 years davidji has helped thousands of people around the world to be more reflective and less reflexive, make better decisions, sleep better, enhance their relationships, experience abundance, and live a purpose-driven life.
davidji is a certified Vedic Master, and every month, throughout the world, he hosts empowerment workshops, life-change immersions, exotic spiritual retreats, and teacher trainings.
He has a passion for working with those in high-pressure situations, including members of the military, special forces, law enforcement, business leaders, and those in crisis. He is the developer of the Blue Courage Awareness Training curriculum, which empowers police throughout the U.S., and teaches them present-moment life tools in their quest for safety, nobility, resilience and guardianship. His teachings on stress release, conflict resolution, and mindfulness are now practiced in some of the largest precincts and police academies in the country.
You can listen to davidji on Hay House’s LIVE! from the SweetSpot radio program – a free, global internet radio show with tens of thousands of listeners around the world. Join the davidji Meditation Community and receive tools, tips, techniques, and free, weekly, guided meditations, at davidji.com.
davidji welcomes your emails and inquiries. Contact him at info at davidji.com.
He created the 21-day meditation challenge, and his voice can be heard on more than 300 guided meditations, including his best-selling CD, Fill What is Empty; Empty What is Full, and his latest release, the critically acclaimed Ayurvedic opera Journey to Infinity with sound healers SacredFire.
After a 20-year career in business, finance, and mergers and acquisitions, davidji began a new journey to wholeness, which he found through meditation. He apprenticed under Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon, serving as the Chopra Center COO, Lead Educator and then as the first Dean of Chopra Center University, training more than 200,000 people to meditate and certifying more than 1,000 meditation teachers.
He has since left the Chopra Center to travel the world teaching the practical integration of meditation, mindfulness, conscious choice making, and ancient wisdom into our real-world, modern-day experiences. For more than 12 years davidji has helped thousands of people around the world to be more reflective and less reflexive, make better decisions, sleep better, enhance their relationships, experience abundance, and live a purpose-driven life.
davidji is a certified Vedic Master, and every month, throughout the world, he hosts empowerment workshops, life-change immersions, exotic spiritual retreats, and teacher trainings.
He has a passion for working with those in high-pressure situations, including members of the military, special forces, law enforcement, business leaders, and those in crisis. He is the developer of the Blue Courage Awareness Training curriculum, which empowers police throughout the U.S., and teaches them present-moment life tools in their quest for safety, nobility, resilience and guardianship. His teachings on stress release, conflict resolution, and mindfulness are now practiced in some of the largest precincts and police academies in the country.
You can listen to davidji on Hay House’s LIVE! from the SweetSpot radio program – a free, global internet radio show with tens of thousands of listeners around the world. Join the davidji Meditation Community and receive tools, tips, techniques, and free, weekly, guided meditations, at davidji.com.
davidji welcomes your emails and inquiries. Contact him at info at davidji.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 30, 2017
Secrets of Meditation is one of the clearest and beginner friendly meditation manuals that I've ever read.
Davidji breaks practices down not only into type and step-by-step instructions with examples, but also by lineage and development over time and place.
Davidji provides enough background on himself to establish his bona fides but not so much as to overpower the instruction with meaningless chatter about himself.
He intersperses the text with helpful advice, additional authors to explore, and a myriad of ways to connect with him online for some meditation freebies.
Though it's clear that he's immersed himself in Eastern culture and practices (having traveled extensively in the East and studied under various gurus), Davidji hasn't adopted an insider's way of talking about meditation.
Sometimes, and maybe this is just me, it feels like meditation instructors go so far out into the "oneness" that they never come back fully into the real world. That's not Davidji at all. I loved this text mainly because of how he could keep one foot "over there" and the other firmly planted "back here".
Admittedly, my daily meditation practice has lately fallen somewhat on my priority list. This book makes me want to head back to the mat.
If you enjoyed Secrets of Meditation, you may want to read 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works which is not so much meditation instruction as a memoir from someone beginning meditation. I recommend it a lot because Dan Harris seemed so relatable to me.
And also, Seeking Heaven Eben Alexander is a neurosurgeon who had a near death experience turned it into guided meditations. I think they're easy enough for beginners to use.
Davidji breaks practices down not only into type and step-by-step instructions with examples, but also by lineage and development over time and place.
Davidji provides enough background on himself to establish his bona fides but not so much as to overpower the instruction with meaningless chatter about himself.
He intersperses the text with helpful advice, additional authors to explore, and a myriad of ways to connect with him online for some meditation freebies.
Though it's clear that he's immersed himself in Eastern culture and practices (having traveled extensively in the East and studied under various gurus), Davidji hasn't adopted an insider's way of talking about meditation.
Sometimes, and maybe this is just me, it feels like meditation instructors go so far out into the "oneness" that they never come back fully into the real world. That's not Davidji at all. I loved this text mainly because of how he could keep one foot "over there" and the other firmly planted "back here".
Admittedly, my daily meditation practice has lately fallen somewhat on my priority list. This book makes me want to head back to the mat.
If you enjoyed Secrets of Meditation, you may want to read 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works which is not so much meditation instruction as a memoir from someone beginning meditation. I recommend it a lot because Dan Harris seemed so relatable to me.
And also, Seeking Heaven Eben Alexander is a neurosurgeon who had a near death experience turned it into guided meditations. I think they're easy enough for beginners to use.
October 1, 2012
The first thing that called my attention when I received this book and started leafing through it was a comment most readers will miss: "The author donates all proceeds from this book to charity". How would you not want to read a book whose author is so caring and giving? It showed me that every page of this book is filled with hearty advice and a genuine desire to help the reader achieve a state of deep meditation and understand the benefits of this ancient practice.
The language is easy to follow, davidji is down to earth, engaging, and guides the readers in a very interesting path highlighting different types of meditation techniques and what to expect from each of the meditation styles. He tells his own story about his spiritual journey and illustrates it with many examples on how he achieved his proficiency in meditation.
It is the first time I read davidji and I'm hooked! It's not easy to follow a book about meditation, it becomes dull and boring at times, however, this book is exciting and inspiring! It's a great read and will really prompt you to try meditation. You can choose one that fits you better from the different kinds described in this volume: bodymind, visual, sound, energy, sensory, Buddhist, mantra and chanting meditation. Each is described in detail and each chapter explores the best technique on how to practice them, with very helpful hints and encouragement.
At the end of the book, davidji explores the myths around meditation and demystifies some beliefs about its practice, with accessible and easy to understand questions and answers.
This is a great book for those who want to start exploring the benefits of meditation and also for those who have been already practicing it. If you're serious about understanding what meditation is and how it can transform you, don't miss this jewel of inspiration and guidance to a better lifestyle!
I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for review purposes.
The language is easy to follow, davidji is down to earth, engaging, and guides the readers in a very interesting path highlighting different types of meditation techniques and what to expect from each of the meditation styles. He tells his own story about his spiritual journey and illustrates it with many examples on how he achieved his proficiency in meditation.
It is the first time I read davidji and I'm hooked! It's not easy to follow a book about meditation, it becomes dull and boring at times, however, this book is exciting and inspiring! It's a great read and will really prompt you to try meditation. You can choose one that fits you better from the different kinds described in this volume: bodymind, visual, sound, energy, sensory, Buddhist, mantra and chanting meditation. Each is described in detail and each chapter explores the best technique on how to practice them, with very helpful hints and encouragement.
At the end of the book, davidji explores the myths around meditation and demystifies some beliefs about its practice, with accessible and easy to understand questions and answers.
This is a great book for those who want to start exploring the benefits of meditation and also for those who have been already practicing it. If you're serious about understanding what meditation is and how it can transform you, don't miss this jewel of inspiration and guidance to a better lifestyle!
I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for review purposes.
November 15, 2017
I read this book after finding it in the self help section in waterstones, davidji has written this book in a easy to follow and informative way that allows the reader to explore multiple avenues of relaxation without putting emphasis on religion or spirituality.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a way to manage stress and anxiety or for anyone who like me just did not know where to start with meditation
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a way to manage stress and anxiety or for anyone who like me just did not know where to start with meditation
October 17, 2012
I thought I knew about meditation. Many years ago, I tried meditation, specifically, Vipassana meditation. After a ten day retreat, I concluded that meditation was not for me. It was way too difficult and far too painful. Only after reading Secrets of Meditation by davidji did I realize that my logic was faulty.
Turns out, I have been missing out on all the good stuff. When davidji recounts his personal path, I became aware of, in detail, just how much I have not experienced: “present moment witnessing awareness,” connection to Source, Oneness, “waking up to more of your [already] Enlightened Self”…
Like the lady said in When Harry Met Sally, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
davidji discusses different kinds of meditation. This was eye-opening too. I knew there were many paths to one-ness, but I had never considered massage to be meditation. Nor an Ayurvedic cooking class. Nor that guided meditations were as valid as following the breath. Delightful!
davidji busts quite a few myths too. For example, in my experience, I thought that I simply had to ignore any pain or discomfort. Instead, davidji says that “comfort is queen.” This was music to my ears; in my previous training, I was often quite uncomfortable. During my Vipassana meditation retreat, I crawled out of the meditation hall with inexplicable, unbearable severe leg pain. To this day, I don’t know what happened but it is good to know that other teachers take a much more reasonable middle road. I can scratch an itch? Thank God!
In summary, Secrets of Meditation is encouraging me to start meditation again. This book is a great resource and so compelling that I hope to teach my son to meditate. Perhaps davidji’s next book could be a meditation book for children?
I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for review purposes.
Turns out, I have been missing out on all the good stuff. When davidji recounts his personal path, I became aware of, in detail, just how much I have not experienced: “present moment witnessing awareness,” connection to Source, Oneness, “waking up to more of your [already] Enlightened Self”…
Like the lady said in When Harry Met Sally, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
davidji discusses different kinds of meditation. This was eye-opening too. I knew there were many paths to one-ness, but I had never considered massage to be meditation. Nor an Ayurvedic cooking class. Nor that guided meditations were as valid as following the breath. Delightful!
davidji busts quite a few myths too. For example, in my experience, I thought that I simply had to ignore any pain or discomfort. Instead, davidji says that “comfort is queen.” This was music to my ears; in my previous training, I was often quite uncomfortable. During my Vipassana meditation retreat, I crawled out of the meditation hall with inexplicable, unbearable severe leg pain. To this day, I don’t know what happened but it is good to know that other teachers take a much more reasonable middle road. I can scratch an itch? Thank God!
In summary, Secrets of Meditation is encouraging me to start meditation again. This book is a great resource and so compelling that I hope to teach my son to meditate. Perhaps davidji’s next book could be a meditation book for children?
I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for review purposes.
June 17, 2020
Honestly, this was way more information than I needed on meditation. This is for the really serious student, not someone who just wants a quick and easy intro to meditation. If you want the really deep dive, this will be perfect. Most of it was not relevant to my needs but it's quite thorough for those who want all this information.
Review copy via Net Galley, revisited.
Review copy via Net Galley, revisited.
November 26, 2015
I bought this after reading about it on my Beach Reads book tour. I wanted to learn more about meditations and this book offers lots of ways of freeing the mind.
March 21, 2022
Prima naslagwerk over verschillende vormen van meditatie. Leest niet perse heel lekker weg, en gaat vooral ook over eigen ervaring, maar als je iets wil opzoeken is het wel een omvattende beschrijving.
November 7, 2020
Autobiography. Instruction Manual. Resource Guide.
davidji is the meditation guru I’ve gotten the most from. All meditation is utterly personal so he may not be the one for you. Haven’t met him but I will one day. I get the sense he’s made a great deal of progress silencing his ego. That’s one of my goals so I appreciate his frame of reference.
My original path to meditation came from my desire to find peace. I’ve had this desire for as long as I remember. I was an anxious child. Not sure why. Guessing it was a learned behavior from having an anxious mother and grandfather. Thank God for the both of them as I wouldn’t have taken this journey without the need.
I started my official meditation journey with a trip to a local TM (Transcendental Meditation) intro meeting in North Boulder (at Iris and 28th) near that Abo’s. Mmmmm, Abo’s. I was drawn to TM as many celebrities speak of its power — mostly Howard Stern, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, plus Paul and Ringo. Peace and love. Peace and love. Liked what I heard and was ready to see the deal by plopping down a grand to learn a smidge more and get a mantra of my own.
Talked the thousand dollar price tag over with my wife and she said, “I’m guessing you can learn that through a book.” I was very disappointed in her attitude, but thought I’d give the book approach a try.
As often is the case, my wife was right.
The book I found was “The Relaxation Response” by Herbert Benson. Though somewhat clinical, the book got me to where I wanted to go for around ten bucks.
Soon I was meditating and finding a high I had never experienced before. FYI: “The Relaxation Response” says you can come up with a mantra on your own. Played around with a half dozen or so over the next year. Seven years later I usually go back and forth between two — or simply focus on my breath.
Next I read “10% Happier” by Dan Harris. Loved this davidji book, but Dan Harris’s book is the one I recommend most for getting into meditation. It’s an extremely entertaining autobiography with detailed instructions for how to meditate at the end.
“10% Happier” refers to what Dan Harris gets out of meditation. Sounds like a lame improvement at first thought, but I agree that 10% happier is the amount meditation brings. And honest to God, 10% will change your life dramatically.
Dan Harris recommends the app “Insight Timer” in the book. I’ve been using it for years and it’s my favorite meditation app by far. There are other well liked apps — Calm, a solution by Dan Harris also called “10% Happier” and dozens of others.
“Insight Timer” has formalized my practice and kept me more disciplined. I try to meditate every morning. I’ve gotten up to 200+ days in a row, then I forget a day. The forgetting is frustrating at first, but it teaches that perfection is an illusion and the imperfection is what gets us marginally closer to peace, little by little.
“Insight Timer” also introduced me to davidji.
davidji has hundreds of meditations on the app. What really transformed me was his 40 Days to Transformation plan. I recommend it highly. During the 40 days, I emailed davidji and asked how he got started in meditation.
He said he covers this in his book “Secrets of Meditation.”
And thus this review.
As I mentioned, my goal in life was to find peace. I think I’ve found it to a great extent. Meditation has gotten me through my mother’s two successful bouts with cancer, two unexpected knee surgeries of my own, and as I write, a pandemic and stressful election.
Two more big points: I don’t believe I could run my business without meditation. And I think my marriage has been saved repeatedly through meditation. I now see my wife (and everyone I encounter in my life) as a wonderful creation loved by God — no worse or better than me. And all are just struggling to figure out this wonderful mystery called life.
Ditched booze during this journey.
Next goal: Absolute faith.
Thinking that might not happen in this life, but I’m giving it a try.
God willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll get there.
Wishing you good luck in your journey.
Plus peace and love. Peace and love.
davidji is the meditation guru I’ve gotten the most from. All meditation is utterly personal so he may not be the one for you. Haven’t met him but I will one day. I get the sense he’s made a great deal of progress silencing his ego. That’s one of my goals so I appreciate his frame of reference.
My original path to meditation came from my desire to find peace. I’ve had this desire for as long as I remember. I was an anxious child. Not sure why. Guessing it was a learned behavior from having an anxious mother and grandfather. Thank God for the both of them as I wouldn’t have taken this journey without the need.
I started my official meditation journey with a trip to a local TM (Transcendental Meditation) intro meeting in North Boulder (at Iris and 28th) near that Abo’s. Mmmmm, Abo’s. I was drawn to TM as many celebrities speak of its power — mostly Howard Stern, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, plus Paul and Ringo. Peace and love. Peace and love. Liked what I heard and was ready to see the deal by plopping down a grand to learn a smidge more and get a mantra of my own.
Talked the thousand dollar price tag over with my wife and she said, “I’m guessing you can learn that through a book.” I was very disappointed in her attitude, but thought I’d give the book approach a try.
As often is the case, my wife was right.
The book I found was “The Relaxation Response” by Herbert Benson. Though somewhat clinical, the book got me to where I wanted to go for around ten bucks.
Soon I was meditating and finding a high I had never experienced before. FYI: “The Relaxation Response” says you can come up with a mantra on your own. Played around with a half dozen or so over the next year. Seven years later I usually go back and forth between two — or simply focus on my breath.
Next I read “10% Happier” by Dan Harris. Loved this davidji book, but Dan Harris’s book is the one I recommend most for getting into meditation. It’s an extremely entertaining autobiography with detailed instructions for how to meditate at the end.
“10% Happier” refers to what Dan Harris gets out of meditation. Sounds like a lame improvement at first thought, but I agree that 10% happier is the amount meditation brings. And honest to God, 10% will change your life dramatically.
Dan Harris recommends the app “Insight Timer” in the book. I’ve been using it for years and it’s my favorite meditation app by far. There are other well liked apps — Calm, a solution by Dan Harris also called “10% Happier” and dozens of others.
“Insight Timer” has formalized my practice and kept me more disciplined. I try to meditate every morning. I’ve gotten up to 200+ days in a row, then I forget a day. The forgetting is frustrating at first, but it teaches that perfection is an illusion and the imperfection is what gets us marginally closer to peace, little by little.
“Insight Timer” also introduced me to davidji.
davidji has hundreds of meditations on the app. What really transformed me was his 40 Days to Transformation plan. I recommend it highly. During the 40 days, I emailed davidji and asked how he got started in meditation.
He said he covers this in his book “Secrets of Meditation.”
And thus this review.
As I mentioned, my goal in life was to find peace. I think I’ve found it to a great extent. Meditation has gotten me through my mother’s two successful bouts with cancer, two unexpected knee surgeries of my own, and as I write, a pandemic and stressful election.
Two more big points: I don’t believe I could run my business without meditation. And I think my marriage has been saved repeatedly through meditation. I now see my wife (and everyone I encounter in my life) as a wonderful creation loved by God — no worse or better than me. And all are just struggling to figure out this wonderful mystery called life.
Ditched booze during this journey.
Next goal: Absolute faith.
Thinking that might not happen in this life, but I’m giving it a try.
God willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll get there.
Wishing you good luck in your journey.
Plus peace and love. Peace and love.
November 14, 2015
Davidji’s new book “Secrets of Meditation – A Practical Guide to Inner Peace and Personal Transformation” came just at the right time for me. I have been meditating most days since taking a workshop a year and a half ago. But lately I haven’t been as consistent with my practice.
Davidji had his off and on times with meditation, too, as he writes about in the book. “I worked for many years in the world of finance and business amid the wild corporate swirl of New York City,” he recalls. “I had stopped meditating. I had replaced my 5 a.m. meditation ritual with an early morning train ride into the bowels of the World Trade Center, and I had replaced my evening meditation with a double scotch. And like that … poof … my practice had disappeared.”
Thankfully for us Davidji returned to his practice, and in Secrets of Meditation he provides a very thorough treatment of the subject. I liked how he gives an overview of different types of meditation styles (bodymind, visual, sound, energy, sensory, Buddhist, mantra, and chanting in separate chapters devoted to each). After reviewing these styles the reader can decide which one is most appealing and explore that particular method in more depth. Including in many of the chapters are sample exercises to try out different meditation techniques.
“There are thousands of schools and philosophies of meditation. And every school of meditation has its unique technique or way of helping you experience present-moment awareness. I celebrate them all,” Davidji writes. I appreciated how he honors these many varied meditation styles in Secrets, while at the same time saying why he himself practices Primordial Sound Meditation – a technique taught by Chopra Center instructors world wide.
I have come across some conservative Christians who think meditation is dangerous and unbiblical, such as Christian writer Martha West. “Followers of Jesus Christ are not to sit in the lotus pose in an altered state of consciousness seeking the “God within” like pagans do,” West says. Davidji addresses these concerns, too, in his book. “Thousands of my students who are religious – some of them Orthodox Jews, fundamentalist Christians, and devout Muslims – have found that meditating with a mantra has helped them quiet their minds so they can feel even closer to their God,” he writes. “Meditation is simply a tool to help you connect more fully with your most expansive self – the better to feel God’s or the Universe’s love, open yourself to it, and then pour it back into the world.” What can be wrong with that?
I do think the best way to start a meditation practice is to go to a qualified teacher with lessons in person. “Secrets of Meditation” does its best to teach you meditation, but it is only a book. Davidji does offer suggestions for meditation teachers in your area (encouraging readers to contact him).
I found the concluding chapters of “Secrets” to be the best, where Davidji covers topics like “Experiences in Meditation” (what if I fall asleep? That’s OK, he says), the Five Myths of Meditation (“Something special or transcendent is supposed to happen in meditation” is one myth addressed), and Cultivating a Daily Practice (meditating twice a day – first thing in the morning and before your evening meal is one suggestion).
Reading “Secrets of Meditation” gave me many tips to rejuvenate my daily meditation sessions. I recommend it to those who want to start meditating, or who want to enhance their current practice.
This is another book review in my partnership with Hay House. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
Davidji had his off and on times with meditation, too, as he writes about in the book. “I worked for many years in the world of finance and business amid the wild corporate swirl of New York City,” he recalls. “I had stopped meditating. I had replaced my 5 a.m. meditation ritual with an early morning train ride into the bowels of the World Trade Center, and I had replaced my evening meditation with a double scotch. And like that … poof … my practice had disappeared.”
Thankfully for us Davidji returned to his practice, and in Secrets of Meditation he provides a very thorough treatment of the subject. I liked how he gives an overview of different types of meditation styles (bodymind, visual, sound, energy, sensory, Buddhist, mantra, and chanting in separate chapters devoted to each). After reviewing these styles the reader can decide which one is most appealing and explore that particular method in more depth. Including in many of the chapters are sample exercises to try out different meditation techniques.
“There are thousands of schools and philosophies of meditation. And every school of meditation has its unique technique or way of helping you experience present-moment awareness. I celebrate them all,” Davidji writes. I appreciated how he honors these many varied meditation styles in Secrets, while at the same time saying why he himself practices Primordial Sound Meditation – a technique taught by Chopra Center instructors world wide.
I have come across some conservative Christians who think meditation is dangerous and unbiblical, such as Christian writer Martha West. “Followers of Jesus Christ are not to sit in the lotus pose in an altered state of consciousness seeking the “God within” like pagans do,” West says. Davidji addresses these concerns, too, in his book. “Thousands of my students who are religious – some of them Orthodox Jews, fundamentalist Christians, and devout Muslims – have found that meditating with a mantra has helped them quiet their minds so they can feel even closer to their God,” he writes. “Meditation is simply a tool to help you connect more fully with your most expansive self – the better to feel God’s or the Universe’s love, open yourself to it, and then pour it back into the world.” What can be wrong with that?
I do think the best way to start a meditation practice is to go to a qualified teacher with lessons in person. “Secrets of Meditation” does its best to teach you meditation, but it is only a book. Davidji does offer suggestions for meditation teachers in your area (encouraging readers to contact him).
I found the concluding chapters of “Secrets” to be the best, where Davidji covers topics like “Experiences in Meditation” (what if I fall asleep? That’s OK, he says), the Five Myths of Meditation (“Something special or transcendent is supposed to happen in meditation” is one myth addressed), and Cultivating a Daily Practice (meditating twice a day – first thing in the morning and before your evening meal is one suggestion).
Reading “Secrets of Meditation” gave me many tips to rejuvenate my daily meditation sessions. I recommend it to those who want to start meditating, or who want to enhance their current practice.
This is another book review in my partnership with Hay House. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
August 10, 2012
Full review Aug 11th on http://myseryniti.wordpress.com/
This is an amazingly written guide to meditation! But there is so much more! On top of being a fabulous guide to meditating, which he goes through in various ways, he also delves into a myriad of spiritual subjects, such as the chakras and mantras. The thing I love about this book is that Davidji doesn’t talk down to the reader.
I was lucky enough to read this along side The Power of Intention by Wayne W. Dyer. These two together are a fabulous marriage of great understanding of your own mind and body and what our thoughts do everyday. I will be posting a book review on The Power of Intention soon but I have to say, these are my two favorite spiritual books of the summer if not the year.
Secrets of Meditation literally takes you on a journey of meditation. You start literally at page one. And as I said above, Davidji doesn’t assume that you know what you are doing but he also doesn’t assume that you’ve never meditated, therefore the journey is easy enough for beginners but in depth enough for someone that has been practicing meditation for sometime! Like himself. A journey of exploring yourself, that is what this book is. Of reaching that inner state that we can’t get to if we don’t let ourselves grow calm but Davidji does say over and over again that we are already there. We are already enlightened, we just don’t think that we are!
So, from the very first chapter this is an easy read. The meditations get a little more in depth and Davidji lends us a hand and shows us the way and then reminds us that there is no failure. We are who we are and that is all we need to be! Amazing thought!
At the end of the book Davidji does talk about common mistakes with beginners and I thoroughly appreciated that he took the time to address fears that we all probably have. I know I have them and I’ve practiced meditation for a few years! He says:
Do not worry about clearing your thoughts. We have 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts in one day. Clearing our thoughts would really be a feat! Just let go and enjoy the relaxation!
Something special or transcendent is supposed to happen during mediation. Davidji goes on to say that not only is it normal for a transcendent experience NOT to happen but it only actually happens to a few people!
You ARE doing it right even when you don’t think you are! There is no right or wrong practice to meditation.
If I meditate long enough I will achieve enlightenment. He goes on to say that we are all already enlightened! There is no need to REACH for it because you already are!
My favorite of all! If I meditate I am a superior human being because I am spiritual. Meditation always you to connect more often and more deeply with your source. This doesn’t make you or me or anyone else more special than the next human being. We are already special!
He also goes over excuses and ways we keep ourselves from meditating but after reading an entire book on how great meditation is and how EASY it truly is to practice just five minutes a couple of times a day? Definitely makes me want to continue.
Last thoughts? I say if you are someone looking into meditation or already meditating but want to go a little deeper, Secrets of Mediation is a great guide to help you. It was such an easy read but as I said above, not brought down to our level, written at a level of very easy understanding. Fabulous writing style. I’ve been a fan of Deepak Chopra for quite a few years now and now I am a new fan of Davidji.
This is an amazingly written guide to meditation! But there is so much more! On top of being a fabulous guide to meditating, which he goes through in various ways, he also delves into a myriad of spiritual subjects, such as the chakras and mantras. The thing I love about this book is that Davidji doesn’t talk down to the reader.
I was lucky enough to read this along side The Power of Intention by Wayne W. Dyer. These two together are a fabulous marriage of great understanding of your own mind and body and what our thoughts do everyday. I will be posting a book review on The Power of Intention soon but I have to say, these are my two favorite spiritual books of the summer if not the year.
Secrets of Meditation literally takes you on a journey of meditation. You start literally at page one. And as I said above, Davidji doesn’t assume that you know what you are doing but he also doesn’t assume that you’ve never meditated, therefore the journey is easy enough for beginners but in depth enough for someone that has been practicing meditation for sometime! Like himself. A journey of exploring yourself, that is what this book is. Of reaching that inner state that we can’t get to if we don’t let ourselves grow calm but Davidji does say over and over again that we are already there. We are already enlightened, we just don’t think that we are!
So, from the very first chapter this is an easy read. The meditations get a little more in depth and Davidji lends us a hand and shows us the way and then reminds us that there is no failure. We are who we are and that is all we need to be! Amazing thought!
At the end of the book Davidji does talk about common mistakes with beginners and I thoroughly appreciated that he took the time to address fears that we all probably have. I know I have them and I’ve practiced meditation for a few years! He says:
Do not worry about clearing your thoughts. We have 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts in one day. Clearing our thoughts would really be a feat! Just let go and enjoy the relaxation!
Something special or transcendent is supposed to happen during mediation. Davidji goes on to say that not only is it normal for a transcendent experience NOT to happen but it only actually happens to a few people!
You ARE doing it right even when you don’t think you are! There is no right or wrong practice to meditation.
If I meditate long enough I will achieve enlightenment. He goes on to say that we are all already enlightened! There is no need to REACH for it because you already are!
My favorite of all! If I meditate I am a superior human being because I am spiritual. Meditation always you to connect more often and more deeply with your source. This doesn’t make you or me or anyone else more special than the next human being. We are already special!
He also goes over excuses and ways we keep ourselves from meditating but after reading an entire book on how great meditation is and how EASY it truly is to practice just five minutes a couple of times a day? Definitely makes me want to continue.
Last thoughts? I say if you are someone looking into meditation or already meditating but want to go a little deeper, Secrets of Mediation is a great guide to help you. It was such an easy read but as I said above, not brought down to our level, written at a level of very easy understanding. Fabulous writing style. I’ve been a fan of Deepak Chopra for quite a few years now and now I am a new fan of Davidji.
October 3, 2012
The author begins by telling his personal story of transformation, how his life was quite successful in many ways, but he'd fallen into that easy trap of drifting through the days, working and making money, yet not feeling any inner peace or fullfillment. A state familiar to many of us. The story of his awakening was very cool, and interesting, so I won't spoil it for you. After the author tells about his personal journey, the rest of the book is a breakdown of different techniques, tips, ways, and means of meditation. Many questions I've collected over the years, were answered by this book, so I'd highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of whether they're a beginner or a seasoned meditator. The author is very good at keeping the subject interesting. Stillness and quietude can have a profound effect on one's life, but when life gets overwhelming it's often easier to just stay an overwhelmed victim, rather than dedicate yourself to a daily practice. It can be tough to see the benefits of meditation when you're caught up in the volume and drama of the daily grind, but davidji has written a great book that clears up a lot of misconceptions, and teaches how you can make time for and benefit powerfully from meditation. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
March 3, 2013
I have interviewed David Ji for my own meditation course & he was a beautiful soul who is very generous with his gifts. I told him my parents loved his voice and he sent them his guided meditation cd and a signed copy of his book which he also sent to me ;)
He is a delight to know & I loved his book...<3
He is a delight to know & I loved his book...<3
October 26, 2014
No secrets. Definitely not a practical guide. I'd say it's just a presentation of different meditation practices. A bit helpful if you're a complete beginner and you want to know more, but if you're serious about starting meditation I'd recommend you read Mindfulness In Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana.
February 13, 2022
This book is mistitled.
It is not secrets of meditation.
It is secrets of "times new age celebs told davidji he is brilliant"
Along with some secrets of "famous people davidji has trained"
Just ew. I like his meditations but I wish I'd just left it at that because this is some new age bullshit.
Read Thich Nhat Hanh instead. You'll get so much more from it.
It is not secrets of meditation.
It is secrets of "times new age celebs told davidji he is brilliant"
Along with some secrets of "famous people davidji has trained"
Just ew. I like his meditations but I wish I'd just left it at that because this is some new age bullshit.
Read Thich Nhat Hanh instead. You'll get so much more from it.
January 31, 2024
In his book, "Secrets of Meditation," Davidji, a seasoned performance trainer, and meditation teacher, dissects the intricacies of meditation across three parts, catering to both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
Part One provides an understanding of meditation and its numerous benefits. Part Two delves into various meditation types, from body to visual and Buddhist practices, allowing readers to choose the approach that resonates with them. The final section addresses meditation experiences, dispels myths, and offers practical insights, including frequently asked questions, guided meditations, and exercises. This concise guide serves as an accessible resource for those navigating the transformative journey of meditation.
Likes:
-The book's clarity, even when explaining diverse topics.
-The open approach empowers readers to choose a suitable meditation type.
-Clear guidelines on implementing a daily meditation practice.
Challenges:
-The abundance of information may necessitate occasional re-reading for full integration.
-The book's general nature prompts further investigation into specific meditation types.
-Occasional personal stories and promotions may feel unnecessary to some readers.
Key Takeaways:
-Meditation is not a quick fix but a practice that requires consistent cultivation to witness its genuine impact on one's life.
-The purpose of a spiritual journey is not to change the mind but to expand it, opening up new possibilities and perspectives.
-Our physical and emotional health, as well as our perception of the world, are not determined by external events but by the way we respond to life.
Meditation offers a state of restful awareness where the body's chemistry undergoes positive changes, and the fight-or-flight response diminishes.
-Understanding Brainwave States:
Beta waves correlate with our normal waking state.
Alpha waves are linked to sleep and physical/mental relaxation.
Theta waves signify a deeper state, oscillating between activity and stillness.
Delta waves, the slowest, emerge during deep sleep and may accompany lucid dreaming.
Gamma waves, higher than the waking state, indicate a receptive brain state, pushing boundaries of awareness and accessing information in novel ways.
-When meditating, there are three primary outcomes: thoughts, falling asleep, or experiencing stillness. Additionally, one may encounter physical reactions or sensations, contributing to the multifaceted nature of the meditation experience.
Conclusion:
This is a valuable resource, offering a comprehensive understanding of meditation. Despite challenges in managing the volume of information and occasional diversions, Davidji's expertise and practical insights make this book an essential companion for anyone venturing into the transformative practice of meditation.
Quotes:
“I believe that one of the biggest reasons meditation is not more prevalent is because it's impossible to convey the transformational nature of the practice. People try it, and if they don't have an 'aha!' moment or achieve enlightenment in a week, they abandon the practice." - Osho
“Enlightenment is finding that there is nothing to find. Enlightenment is coming to know that there is nowhere to go."
“Every life form on this planet expresses itself through sound.”
“Sound can bring us to the present moment. It can also drift us into the past and sometimes even into the future for short bursts of time."
“What you think, you become.”
“Prayer is talking to God, meditation is listening.”
“No one gets out of here alive.”
"In meditation, as long as you are doing it, you are doing it right."
Part One provides an understanding of meditation and its numerous benefits. Part Two delves into various meditation types, from body to visual and Buddhist practices, allowing readers to choose the approach that resonates with them. The final section addresses meditation experiences, dispels myths, and offers practical insights, including frequently asked questions, guided meditations, and exercises. This concise guide serves as an accessible resource for those navigating the transformative journey of meditation.
Likes:
-The book's clarity, even when explaining diverse topics.
-The open approach empowers readers to choose a suitable meditation type.
-Clear guidelines on implementing a daily meditation practice.
Challenges:
-The abundance of information may necessitate occasional re-reading for full integration.
-The book's general nature prompts further investigation into specific meditation types.
-Occasional personal stories and promotions may feel unnecessary to some readers.
Key Takeaways:
-Meditation is not a quick fix but a practice that requires consistent cultivation to witness its genuine impact on one's life.
-The purpose of a spiritual journey is not to change the mind but to expand it, opening up new possibilities and perspectives.
-Our physical and emotional health, as well as our perception of the world, are not determined by external events but by the way we respond to life.
Meditation offers a state of restful awareness where the body's chemistry undergoes positive changes, and the fight-or-flight response diminishes.
-Understanding Brainwave States:
Beta waves correlate with our normal waking state.
Alpha waves are linked to sleep and physical/mental relaxation.
Theta waves signify a deeper state, oscillating between activity and stillness.
Delta waves, the slowest, emerge during deep sleep and may accompany lucid dreaming.
Gamma waves, higher than the waking state, indicate a receptive brain state, pushing boundaries of awareness and accessing information in novel ways.
-When meditating, there are three primary outcomes: thoughts, falling asleep, or experiencing stillness. Additionally, one may encounter physical reactions or sensations, contributing to the multifaceted nature of the meditation experience.
Conclusion:
This is a valuable resource, offering a comprehensive understanding of meditation. Despite challenges in managing the volume of information and occasional diversions, Davidji's expertise and practical insights make this book an essential companion for anyone venturing into the transformative practice of meditation.
Quotes:
“I believe that one of the biggest reasons meditation is not more prevalent is because it's impossible to convey the transformational nature of the practice. People try it, and if they don't have an 'aha!' moment or achieve enlightenment in a week, they abandon the practice." - Osho
“Enlightenment is finding that there is nothing to find. Enlightenment is coming to know that there is nowhere to go."
“Every life form on this planet expresses itself through sound.”
“Sound can bring us to the present moment. It can also drift us into the past and sometimes even into the future for short bursts of time."
“What you think, you become.”
“Prayer is talking to God, meditation is listening.”
“No one gets out of here alive.”
"In meditation, as long as you are doing it, you are doing it right."
November 19, 2019
Have you heard of the author Davidji? I personally had not…. until now. When I started I didn’t even know whether it was a man or woman. He is a man indeed and a very kind one from what I can tell. I like that he offers his email address many times throughout and at one point even states that he will personally reply to you if you reach out. I thought that was very cool.
This book is broken down into 3 parts. To be honest, I loved part 1 and part 3. I did find myself loosing interest in part 2 but I strongly believe it is because it was mostly new information that I couldn’t wrap my head around as quickly. The book as a whole is wonderful for someone interested in meditation. I personally discovered a lot of answers to questions I didn’t even realize I had until I was discovering the answer.
Davidji has gotten me excited and comfortable with meditation. He recommends meditating twice a day for 30 minutes, for at least 21 days. This sounds like a lot to me, however I am only my second day in and I recognize clarity already. I am a believer that you don’t know til you try. So I am willing to put in effort for at least 21 days and see where I arrive.
This book has good information to guide you into the world of meditating.
This book is broken down into 3 parts. To be honest, I loved part 1 and part 3. I did find myself loosing interest in part 2 but I strongly believe it is because it was mostly new information that I couldn’t wrap my head around as quickly. The book as a whole is wonderful for someone interested in meditation. I personally discovered a lot of answers to questions I didn’t even realize I had until I was discovering the answer.
Davidji has gotten me excited and comfortable with meditation. He recommends meditating twice a day for 30 minutes, for at least 21 days. This sounds like a lot to me, however I am only my second day in and I recognize clarity already. I am a believer that you don’t know til you try. So I am willing to put in effort for at least 21 days and see where I arrive.
This book has good information to guide you into the world of meditating.
January 6, 2025
The book is very straightforward and easy to read, i finished the revised and newer version of it (2017 ) If you’re a beginner or want to start meditating, or even want to “start over” this is a great resource to introduce you to different types meditations, core principles behind it, benefits and a little storytelling about davidji and his “why”. I loved the tone of non judgment and understanding. Sometimes such practices and authors require you to go to extremes in order to find your enlightenment, and in most cases it turns to failure, however davidji approaches it in a very modern manner leaving you in charge and giving the flexibility to incorporate these practices according to the modern lifestyle.
October 16, 2017
This book makes meditation easy! I found it so helpful and down to earth. The small practices and tools davidji gives work anywhere. I find myself doing them in the car, in line, in bed and while talking to other people! To realize something simple as breathing can change my attitude or put me in a better place mentally and physically was the best part of this book! davidji is the rockstar of the meditation world. I haven't found anyone else put things so simply!
May 29, 2018
Whether you've been meditating or are a beginner, this book will offer new insights and a guide to a practical mediation practice. Davidji offers several different techniques from beginner to experience, 16 seconds to 30 minutes. Following his RPM and RAW techniques has had an immense impact on how my day goes. Love!
August 27, 2020
A min better understanding of meditation.
Hi this is my meditation bike now. I have meditated on and off for about 30 years. I was never sure I was doing it right or that it was doing any good. David's book has explain a lot about how and when to meditate. I also gained a better understanding of different types of meditation. Thank you David.
Hi this is my meditation bike now. I have meditated on and off for about 30 years. I was never sure I was doing it right or that it was doing any good. David's book has explain a lot about how and when to meditate. I also gained a better understanding of different types of meditation. Thank you David.
January 17, 2022
Denna bok är bra för den person som är ny till meditation och allt inom den spirituella världen. Den förklarar på många olika plan, är du individ som behöver vetenskapliga stöd bakom vad du tror på, så finns det även här. Jag tyckte det blev lite mycket reklam för författaren stundvis och det kändes konstgjort när han klämde in ”kolla min youtube kanal”.
February 4, 2017
A really easy to read step by step guide to all sort of meditation. Love Davidji, you can tell by the way he writes he is a kind soul who wants to help people, all his earnings with this book is donated to charity.
July 10, 2020
Clarified many things for me.
I found this book very comforting and helpful. It answered questions that were teasing my mind but hadn’t quite formed. Many valuable suggestions and clarification of different types of meditation. Well worth the reading and a great reference
I found this book very comforting and helpful. It answered questions that were teasing my mind but hadn’t quite formed. Many valuable suggestions and clarification of different types of meditation. Well worth the reading and a great reference
September 9, 2020
Such a great book for anyone trying to know more about meditation, even those who know nothing about meditation and want to learn how to meditate.
The information's benefit in this book exceeds energy related aspects, to reach many other aspects in our life.
So grateful to pass through this book.
The information's benefit in this book exceeds energy related aspects, to reach many other aspects in our life.
So grateful to pass through this book.
June 8, 2023
I've been following Davidji on Insight Timer for a few months now decided to read this book for further insight into meditation. I have enjoyed the deeper information and view of several different types of mediation.
May 4, 2017
Wonderful.
November 3, 2017
Great read.
March 31, 2018
“Meditation saves lives”.
January 2, 2019
Great material and I love davidji's meditations on Insight Timer so I assumed I'd love this book. It has good moments and I learned interesting information but it felt repetitive.
July 29, 2019
the perfect book for beginners. It teaches about the basics in an easy-to-digest manner and doesn't take itself seriously.
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