Passage Meditation: Bringing the Deep Wisdom of the Heart into Daily Life

by Eknath Easwaran

Written by a highly respected teacher who taught meditation for over forty years, this book gives you all you need to start meditating. With quiet humor, realism, and warmth, Easwaran gives clear instructions and points out the pitfalls. He explains the theory underlying meditation, and conveys the deep joy, security, and selfless energy that regular practice can bring.

In Easwaran’s universal method of passage meditation, you choose a spiritual text, or passage, from the world’s great traditions that embodies your highest ideals. You memorize it, and then send it deep into consciousness through slow, sustained attention. This method of meditation stays fresh because you can vary the passages according to your own needs. With regular practice, the passages become lifelines, taking you to the source of wisdom deep within and then guiding you through the challenges of daily life.

Meditation is supported by seven other points in Easwaran’s spiritual program, helping you to stay calm, kind, and focused throughout the day.


________________

From the author's

In Easwaran’s method of passage meditation, you choose spiritual texts or passages that embody your highest ideals, memorize them, then send them deep into consciousness through slow, sustained attention. Over time, the ideals in the passages become part of your life, part of who you are. This meditation method fits with any religious or nonreligious philosophy – counselors, yoga teachers, health professionals, and educators recommend it with confidence to their clients and students. Easwaran is an experienced teacher who offers clear instructions, points out the pitfalls, and conveys the deep joy, security, and selfless energy that regular practice can bring.

“No extravagant claims, no pretentious jargon. Just a clear, insightful exposition of meditation, and an excellent guide to its practice.” – Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions

Features
* This latest edition of Easwaran’s classic, Meditation, has been renamed Passage Meditation to emphasize the method he developed.
* The book includes not only Easwaran’s instructions in passage meditation but also a description of the seven supporting spiritual disciplines which together make up his eight-point program for spiritual living – enabling us to stay calm, kind, and focused at work and at home.
* The main content is the same as in the previous edition, but Passage Meditation also includes some previously unpublished material from transcripts of talks by Easwaran. It opens with his account of how he discovered passage meditation, and ends with his invitation to readers to join him on this adventure in what he calls “the world within.”
* This edition has a new cover, french flaps and a two-color, easy-to-read internal design.

Table of Contents | Top

Preface
Introduction
1. Meditating on a Passage
2. Repetition of a Mantram
3. Slowing Down
4. One-Pointed Attention
5. Training the Senses
6. Putting Others First
7. Spiritual Companionship
8. Spiritual Reading
9. Afterword
10. Acknowledgments
11. Index

Excerpt from Passage Meditation | Top

You are now embarking on the most extraordinary journey, the most exacting and rewarding adventure, open to a man or woman. I haven’t tried to conceal the fact that learning to control your mind is difficult – the most difficult thing in the world. But I want to remind you always that what you are seeking is glorious beyond compare, something far beyond my capacity, or anybody’s, to render into thoughts and words. In my heart I have no greater desire than that you should reach the goal. Accept my wish for your great success!


Media Reviews and Endorsements

“This book [Meditation] has helped me a great deal.”
– Henri Nouwen

“Eknath Easwaran . . . sets forth the basics of meditation with gentle humor and the insights gained from a lifetime of spiritual practice.”
– Yoga Journal

“This is undoubtedly one of the finest books on meditation ever produced. The guidance it provides is so simple and straightforward, anyone should be able to follow it – even if you have had difficulty with meditating in the past.”
– Holistic Health & Medicine

“His basic method, which involves focusing intensely on a passage of inspirational writing of one’s own choosing, is direct, simple, and practical. It is based completely on his own personal experience but also on principles and practices that are themselves age-old. His words are suffused with humility, grace, and gentle humor. Meditation deserves to be regarded as a classic and has earned a place in every library collection.”
– Wilson Library Bulletin

“Meditation by Eknath Easwaran is one of the best books I have ever read on the subject, which has always fascinated and eluded me. Here in language that is simple but never simplistic is the pathway to peace of mind, sign-posted in modern terms, unhedged by negativ...

Genres: Spirituality, Meditation, Nonfiction, Self Help, Religion, Philosophy, Buddhism

233 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999) is the originator of passage meditation and the author of more than 30 books on spiritual living.

Easwaran is a recognized authority on the Indian spiritual classics. His translations of The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, and The Dhammapada are the best-selling editions in the USA, and over 1.5 million copies of his books are in print.

Easwaran was a professor of English literature and well known in India as a writer and speaker before coming to the United States in 1959 on the Fulbright exchange program. In 1961, he founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, based in Tomales, California, which continues his work today through publications and retreats.

His 1968 class on the theory and practice of meditation at UC Berkeley is believed to be the first accredited course on meditation at any Western university. For those who seek him as a personal spiritual guide, Easwaran assured us that he lives on through his eight-point program of passage meditation.

"I am with you always”, he said. “It does not require my physical presence; it requires your open heart."

Please visit bmcm.org for a fuller biography.

Reviews

[Lorilin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Eknath Easwaran has written several books on meditation. He has also translated and written guides for many Indian spiritual texts, like The Bhagavad Gita and The Upanishads. Passage Meditation is a combination of both areas of study: it's the process of meditating on "the words of inspired passages chosen from the wisdom literature of the world." These "inspired passages" can be from any time, culture, or religion, and Easwaran is very emphatic that the person studying them doesn't have to be of a particular religion--or even particularly religious at all--to meditate on them.

At first, I thought this book was going to be a list or explanation of Easwaran's favorite spiritual passages, but he actually focuses more on how to meditate than what to meditate. He offers eight points for establishing a successful meditation practice:

1) MEDITATE ON A PASSAGE. He encourages his readers to begin with the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, but he gives other options as well. For best results, he says, meditate in the morning and in the same place every day, make sure your posture is right, don't fall asleep, and make sure you are physically taking care of your body so that you are able to meditate comfortably.

2) REPEAT A MANTRAM. The mind needs something to hold on to so it doesn't wander. It also needs something to help calm it down. He says people sometimes make the mistake of thinking if they are just "happy" enough then they won't get sad as much. But the mind is like a seesaw; what goes up, must come down. "If you let your mind be ruffled by what is pleasant, it is bound to be ruffled by what is unpleasant." Saying a mantram helps keep the mind stable, so he recommends saying it when you feel upset and when you feel excited.

3) SLOW DOWN. If you want to find joy in your work, in your interaction with others, in life, you have to go slowly and pay attention to what is happening around you. Easwaran's advice is to rise early, eat slowly, arrive before you need to, work at a steady pace, build friendly and loving relations with others by practicing patience at every opportunity, learn to actually detach yourself from your work once you've stopped working, and choose recreational activities that actually revitalize you.

4) FOCUS YOUR MIND. He says the mind is like horses pulling a chariot--either you are in charge of the horses or the horses are in charge of you (and will go running every which way). This is why he suggests meditating on a spiritual passage, since it gives the mind something singular and positive to latch on to.

5) TRAIN YOUR SENSES. And by this Easwaran mostly means "don't eat too much." Much of this chapter is weirdly fixated on food, honestly, but he does finally make some good points about not being a slave to physical indulgence and stimulation. "But when we train the senses we conserve our vital energy, the very stuff of life. Patient and secure within, we do not have to look to externals for satisfaction. No matter what happens outside--whether events are for or against us, however people behave towards us, whether we get what pleases us or do not--we are in no way dependent. Then it is that we can give freely to others; then it is that we can love."

6) PUT OTHERS FIRST. Don't be a doormat, but do whatever you can to be there for other people.

7) ASSOCIATE WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE. You become like the people you hang out with, so make sure you spend time with those who are on a similarly healthy path.

8) READ SPIRITUAL BOOKS. He recommends reading every day (even just 30 minutes) from texts of all religions.

I really enjoyed this book. It took me a while to read it, since there is so much information to process. But I definitely learned a lot. To be completely honest, I don't think I will do much passage meditation, specifically, but I am trying to meditate more often and more regularly using a mantram. I've found that when I actually remember to use it, it does help calm and stabilize my (somewhat erratic...) mind.

ARC received through Amazon Vine.

See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.

[Leanne Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book in the airport in India after studying meditation in Thailand at a Buddhist monastery. I found this book more helpful for integrating meditation into my life than the week-long stay at the monastery!

[S.Ach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many a times, out of our busy schedule, when we try to get some time to reflect on the fundamental questions of life - like 'What's the purpose of my life?', 'Is there a God?' 'What is morality?' etc etc. and seek insights from many enlightened souls, very often we come to a singular suggestion from them , "meditate and you will find the answers".
Most prominent gurus and enlightened souls do practice meditation and always tell how it has impacted their own thoughts and life. However, meditation, alone is not enough, you need to have more disciplines in your life if you really seek the truth - so they say.
I have tried to avoid it, rather postponed it to my later life, considering it as an arduous task and probably it is too difficult to bring the discipline required for it now.
However, as the world and life are changing rapidly now, I thought I should try out things that I have been postponing, and luckily I came across this book by a well-established Indian teacher, who has managed to make an impact proliferating Indian philosophies in the west.

In this book, Eknath Easwaran, has provided an eight point program in an endeavor to attract people to adopt the simple methods of meditation.
1. Meditate
2. Repeat a Mantra
3. Slow Down
4. Give one point attention
5. Train the senses
6. Put welfare of others first
7. Have spiritual companionship
8. Read from scriptures and mystics of all religions

The methods are simple, examples relatable. After reading this book, you would come out - I too can meditate, it is not difficult as I thought, which is probably the intention of the book and the author succeeded in that.
The examples and illustrations used are keeping western readers in mind, so those who are well aware of Hindu and eastern philosophies, mightn't find great value in this.

[Denise Tarasuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eknath Easwaren is a fantastic writer. My whole life calmed down after reading his Eight Point Program. Fantastic! His words are calming and fill me with peace and harmony. I have read this book over and over. I pack it each time I have a trip and have taken it with me from East to West. Each chapter is special. This book is a real keeper. Dr. Denise Tarasuk (author of Monsoon Medicine)

[Sol Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m on a bit of an Easwaran kick, you might say. In this book, he outlines his 8-point meditation practice that is somewhat different than most “breathing-based” meditation practices. It’s is very interesting and rich with his experience and relatable writing style. Not where I would start with him—that would be “Essence of the Upanishads”—but a good one.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eight points Easwaran articulates are nothing new, nothing difficult to understand (practice will be another thing) and this is the most practical guide to life-changing spirituality I've seen. His universality is highly attractive.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eknath Easwaran's book Passage Meditation: Bringing the Deep Wisdom of the Heart into Daily Life is a kind, thoughtful guide to meditation for beginners and more experienced practitioners alike. Mr. Easwaran takes the tone of a helpful friend and mentor; the book is an easy read that makes meditation seem doable.

Mr. Easwaran starts by discussing the many benefits of meditation, describing how he came to meditation in the first place as a busy young professor at a university in India. He then details his method for meditation: in essence, to find a passage from spiritual literature that appeals to you and touches you deeply, to memorize that passage, and then to repeat it, word by word, in your mind during your meditation practice. Remembering each word of the passage gives your mind something to focus on. In addition, Mr. Easwaran believes that we are what we think about, and if you spend time thinking about an inspiring passage, that passage will become part of your consciousness, enabling you to become a better person.

You could probably start practicing this simple passage meditation technique just based on my description above, but Mr. Easwaran's book is so finely written and so pleasant to read that I recommend it strongly. The rest of the book discusses the benefits of a personal mantra in daily life and of slowing down instead of racing through each day; Easwaran also talks about improving concentration and training the senses (pratyahara), and other just good ideas for spiritual practice, such as putting others first and finding companions to practice with.

Not since reading Thich Nhat Hanh's Peace is Every Step have I been able to recommend a book of spiritual instruction so highly. I loved this book. It is appropriate for any spiritual seeker regardless of religious tradition, as Mr. Easwaran is conscientious about using inclusive language and making his meditation techniques accessible to all. Mr. Easwaran is well read in the religious scriptures of many traditions and recommends spiritual passages from writers as diverse as St. Teresa of Avila to the Buddha. I highly look forward to reading more of Mr. Easwaran's work.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent the past twenty years trying (mostly unsuccessfully) to meditate. I have read countless books on the subject - by Lama Surya Das, by Jon Kabat-Zinn, by Pema Chodron...and I have attended classes and workshops - with Sharon Salzburg and many other wise and learned teachers. I have sat and sat, trying to focus on my breathing and rid my mind of the series of intrusive thoughts. And, after a while, I give up.

Passage Meditation, Eknath Easwaran's very clear and practical system of meditation, is the only method I have found which resonates with me on a very deep level. And, it is the only practice that I have found myself able to sustain over a long period of time. Easwaran, a former literature professor from Kerala, India, advocates a system of meditation and a spiritual path which includes the memorization of a passage for meditation and incorporating a mantram into everyday life. There are other practical instructions for daily living as well. This is a wonderful introduction to this system and, after reading this book, you may want to pick up Timeless Wisdom and The Mantram Handbook, before moving onto his other works.

Easwaran is no longer living, but he established a meditation and retreat center in Tomales, California, which carries on his work. I highly recommend this introduction to Passage Meditation. It is clear, concise and practical. And, if you are willing to commit to the practice, it may transform your life.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superb way to get into a daily meditation practice. It works for a lot of us who have tried to practice through the years - and failed. Picking a short passage - Easwaran offers some good suggestions - and repeating it over and over again for 30 minutes sounds nuts, but it isn't. You not only memorize and get into your very bones a profound spiritual statement, but you also become aware of all that is going on inside of you - and learn that you are in charge of your thoughts.
I have recommended this book to people close to me and those who have read it and tried it say it has changed their lives - as it has changed mine.
BTW, although the author is Hindu, he is very knowledgeable about Christian spirituality and many of his suggested passages for meditation come from the Christian tradition.

[Lauren Kinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

For what this book is, it is top notch. I'm interested in religions, and mystical traditions in particular catch my fancy. I tend to bounce from one metaphysical point of view to another as my mind winds itself around different intellectual trends I ascertain in different traditions. That is precisely what I like about this book and the program it represents. It encourages you to read spiritual classics from the mystics of all different traditions, but the meditation itself is not too messy, metaphysically speaking. There are no complicated world views to grasp or integrate with other ideas.

The meditation itself -- passage meditation, in which you slowly repeat a memorized spiritual passage -- does not require you to believe that it is possible to completely extinguish your mind, and it does not require you to be married to one spiritual tradition. Rather, it very efficiently helps you to hone concentration and quiet mental chatter. Repeating a passage gives your mind something to hold on to, but that's not to say it is easy. (You should try it.)

For me personally, this approach gives me the space to read and explore different traditions, which I enjoy as an intellectual pursuit, but it also helps me get out of the way of my own mind and actually sit down and meditate every day. It has quickly yielded noticeable effects for me, and it is the sort of approach to meditation that I can see myself sticking with for a long time.

Highly recommended for people with an interest in meditation who are a little skeptical, or who have a hard time imagining a completely quiet mind.

[John Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Eknath's ideas and they have already started to influence my day to day life. Many of these influences will last for the rest of my life I would think.

As I've mentioned in other reviews, he has this bad habit of writing loads of books, most of which cover all 8 points of his "program" but in unequal amounts, which means you read a lot of waffle about one topic and very little about the other 7. I had been hoping for one book in which he concisely but thoroughly covers all his major ideas and I'm glad to say that this is it. If you've heard about this guy and want a quick initiation into his philosophy then this is an excellent book to read.

Note: My review previously referred to another book listed on goodreads: Meditation: A Simple Eight-Point Program for Translating Spiritual Ideals into Daily Life. This turned out to be just another edition of the same book. Both editions have now been combined on goodreads.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am profiting from this book. I have begun to implement its practices, though imperfectly. Very useful. Though from as Eastern religions viewpoint, Eswaran deeply respects Christian beliefs and practices. A useful crossover book.

[Petre · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most practical spiritual books I've read.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple, straight-forward book detailing steps to take to strengthen your meditation practice, focus, spirituality (in whatever form that takes), etc., and is definitely one to be revisited over and over to get the full impact. Some of it sounds like a bit of a kill-joy, or even potentially harmful in a knee-jerk reaction way, but only if it is taken to extremes which is not Easwaran's intent at all. At least, I don't believe it is. And there must be rigorous discipline practiced in order to gain control over our thoughts and to break free from habit and compulsion. Still, I don't know if I could get away from talking to people in the car, or listening to music while driving. Or listening to music/podcasts/audiobooks while I do things such as washing dishes or folding laundry - that time, according to Easwaran, should be spent repeating the mantram. It definitely makes it easy to see the obstacles that will pop up for you individually.

He pulls from many religions and spiritual backgrounds in order to make these teachings applicable to and attainable by all. And most of it is presented in a way that seems completely attainable with consistency and completely worth it. I just had a few things that hit a little close to home. As the scriptures say, "The wicked take the truth to be hard" - my weaknesses and vulnerabilities had light shined on them and the natural reaction is to shy away. But Easwaran (and all religious or spiritual leaders I have ever read or heard) all say that in order to progress we have to lean into those things, prod them, and remove/conquer/surpass them instead of hide away from them. And with the spotlight being showing these weaknesses very clearly, that first step of recognition is accomplished. So there's that. It's intimidating, but also alluring.

[Julien · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great little book. I loved Easwaran's commentaries in his "Classics of indian spirituality" series, so I picked this up out of curiosity. As I have come to expect of him, the author shares his profound insights with charm and wit, and manages to provide not only an easy and accessible way to meditate, but a complete guide on how to live a more fulfilling life. It's not just about meditation, it's about rethinking the way you live, act and think, to become a more patient, present and kind person. Easwaran also manages to share a spiritual practice that seems to take from and apply to all religions (or absence thereof) while still being grounded in reality, being based on his own experience and that of millions of practitioners worldwide. He doesn't try to convince you of anything : like the Buddha, he invites you to try and look within, and see for yourself.

[Hakan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ganz okay für den Einstieg in die Meditation, hilft Situationen im Leben aus einer anderen Sichtweise zu betrachten und mal einen Schritt zurück zu machen und runterzukommen. Nichts weltbewegendes, aber im letzten Kapitel nennt der Autor einige weitere Bücher und Schriften, die in die geistliche / mystische / buddhistische Welt eintauchen lassen.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easwaran is a wise and friendly guide. His logic, reasoning and advice will stay with you for years!

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't read this sort of book in a while, though I used to read Alan Watts (who I would recommend) quite a bit. I picked up "Meditation" because one of my goals this year is to meditate more regularly.. Eknath Easwaran's book came recommended to me by a friend, and it was easy to find in the used bookstore as it was published back in 1978 and was something of a bestseller.

Neither Easwaran's "passage meditation," in which a person in meditation repeats a singular passage - he recommends beginning with the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, nor repeating a mantram (mantra) in non-meditation times resonated with me. But that doesn't mean this little book wasn't worth reading.

Easwaran has (I should say "had" since he "shed his body" in 1999) a very easy-going, jocular voice and is able to express spiritual principles in a very palatable way. Some of his eight-points are universal truths - slowing down, putting others first, training the senses... and he borrows from numerous spiritual traditions in expressing these.

For instance, he refers to a Sufi metaphor of three gates through which one's speech should pass before being spoken -

"Are these words true?"
"Are these words necessary?"
"Are these words kind?"
(p.159)

I had heard this said before, but I never knew where it came from. "Meditation" is full of these sorts of simple guides for living more spiritually.

Anyone interested in meditation and open to exploring different ideas will benefit from and likely enjoy Eknath Easwaran's short book.

[Nithin A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone looking for some self introspection. A good starting point to even trying to understand the meaning of Life. This book is truly LIFE CHANGING. Changed my perspective of looking at things. The 8 point method mentioned in the book including the mantra and one pointed mind is truly helpful for someone who’s trying to climb the blue mountain of this miracle called Life!

[Steve Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on meditation I have read and the only one I experienced no struggle with. All of Easwaran's advice is sensible and easy to accept and follow. This book is not just a good read, it presents a good formula for successful living in a society such as the money-dominated, greed-driven, psychosis-laden consumerism that is our capitalist system.

[Dorum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good basic introduction to meditation. I guess you can't go wrong with most of the pointers argued in the book. The fact that is basic doesn't mean that it is useless, but I guess that it does mean that there might be different methods that are more useful to other people. It also means that for advancing after a certain stage there might be some more guidance needed.

[Ramakrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy for most people to follow. Easy to read. Easy to practice. A MUST. An effective tool to: 1. Sharpen concentration, 2. release deep reserves of energy, 3. transform anger, 4. leave behind painful memories, 5. learn to love more fully and 5. dicover your unique contribution to life

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to meditation. The most valuable part of the book is Easwaran's presentation of the other spiritual disciplines and life-habits that support a consistent meditation practice.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this years ago; it's an especially effective meditation method for those with a chronically wandering mind.

[Mcrae Molatore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great guide to a better lifestyle. Easwaran is funny and wise. This book is just one more way for all of us to become better people.

[Mike Matrejek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is what started the major change in my life. A must read for anyone searching for the elusive goal of finding everlasting joy and peace.

[Deborah McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books ever. It's where I first learned to meditate.

[Shalla · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this book years ago as a teen and again in my mid 20s
i love the side stories and the way he writes

this is one of two books i recommend to others looking to better their lives

[Franta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, fresh writing. Useful, important advice and clear explanation. Fun read!
Also the audiobook version, narrated by Paul Bazely, is amazing.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I owe a lot of my personal growth to this book. I received my copy from my friend, complete with sentences highlighted and notes in the margins. I then gave it to my other friend, and since then, this book has continued to function as a community text for spiritual growth.

The eight-point program applies to every single aspect of life.

The cashew story specifically, I think about often:

"Then, when I came to America, someone gave me a big can of cashews as a present. I opened it and was amazed at the response of my mind. All the old attraction came pouring in and I could hear my mind say "oh at last.... cashews" but by this time I understood the ways of the mind and I was training my senses, so I said "oh you remember how good cashews taste, do you?" the Mind said "don't waste time talking, let's get to them!" I replied, "I think you forgot again, who's the boss around here. But I know you have a great fondness for these little nuts, and I'm a fair man, so I'll make a bargain with you. As soon as you stop clamoring for cashews in that insistent way of yours, I'll give you some."

Then I placed the open can of cashews on the table beside me and turned to my academic work. For some time, the battle went on. I would be reading an incisive passage from Ralph Waldo Emerson, and suddenly I would feel something small and smooth touching my fingertips. Part of my mind, utterly unbeknownst to me, had sent my hand over to the cashew can. "What's going on?" I asked Gravely. "Oh nothing, nothing" the Mind said, "we weren't going to EAT any of them we just wanted to see how they felt" I didn't have to say anything more, my hands came back in my mind scurried back to The American Scholar, where it belonged. At last, the Mind gave up its tricks and subsided I looked at the can of cashews and saw them for what they were: nuts grown on in trees in India where I used to live, and my mind did not move. "Good show!" I said. "Now you may enjoy some." Those were the best cashews I've eaten in my life, because I ate them in Freedom.