Stillness is the Way: An Intensive Meditation Course

by Barry Long

Stillness is the way to self-knowledge, and meditation the way to stillness. The intensive course documented here is a complete teaching that takes you to the end of meditation, to a stillness and clarity beyond the struggle of life. You join seven students as they work with the teacher and as you read, you participate.

Genres: Nonfiction, Meditation

263 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 1995

Reviews

[Dean Paradiso · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of Barry Long's better books, which consists of transcripts taken over workshops and meetings related to meditation and Barry's teachings. There is a common thread throughout the books related to going back to the body, sensations, and from there getting into stillness. The three main centres that BL focuses on are the solar plexus, third eye, and stomach area. I liked the practical parts of the book, especially his instructions on feeling one's sensations and going back to the body. I wasn't so interested in his participants' particular experiences and the reasoning that BL uses for why emotions and things are coming up. Barry Long's teachings on man/woman are a little weird in places as well. He comes up with lines such as 'Are you aware of the reason for love between man and woman on earth? Well, now I will tell you. It is virtually to crucify each other so you become yourself'. Ideas like this are not only incorrect (you don't need to do anything, least of all crucify anyone to become yourself), but also lead his sheep like attendees down garden paths. Barry's style is also the omniscient master vs the ignorant students that need to be 'put in line', although that stance comes across more in the audio tapes than in this book.
Overall, one of his better books, with a least amount of borrowed material.