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Meditation
This title has been replaced by a new edition printed in India. Enter the ISBN 817120046X in the Amazon search engine to find the new title. ----- The new edition is also cheaper.....Latest third edition of an introductory book on the practice of meditation. Collected from the works of senior swamis with many years of experience in the West. From the Table of the Mature Way - Before You Sit In Meditation - The Yoga of Consciousness - Lessons in Meditation - The Science of Mantra - The Repetition of the Name of God - The Trained Mind - The Way of Meditation
214 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 8, 2024
A Guide Steeped in Tradition: Meditation by Monks of the Ramakrishna Order
"Meditation: Monks of the Ramakrishna Order" is a valuable resource for those seeking an introduction to meditation from a time-tested Vedic perspective. Authored by experienced swamis of the Ramakrishna Order, the book offers a rich tapestry of techniques and insights based on the Advaita Vedanta school of Hinduism.
The book's strength lies in its practicality. Compiled from lectures delivered in the West, it uses clear and engaging language, making it accessible to a broad audience. Readers are first introduced to the essential preconditions for meditation, such as cultivating a proper environment and setting intentions.
Subsequent chapters delve into specific meditation techniques, including:
Raja Yoga: a well-known path emphasizing posture, breath control, and concentration.
The use of mantras, sacred syllables or phrases repeated to focus the mind.
Jnana Yoga: the path of knowledge, encouraging self-inquiry and contemplation.
The book acknowledges the challenges faced by beginners, offering solutions for overcoming a wandering mind and maintaining focus. It also explores the concept of meditation as a spiritual journey, leading to inner peace and self-realization.
Here are some things to consider before you choose this book on meditation:
Traditional Approach: The book is firmly rooted in Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Readers unfamiliar with these concepts might require additional background knowledge to grasp the full depth of the teachings.
Emphasis on Practice: While the book provides theoretical grounding, its core focus lies on practical techniques. Those seeking in-depth philosophical discussions might need to supplement their reading.
Length and Format: Being a compilation of lectures, the book might lack the cohesiveness of a single author's work.
Overall, "Meditation: Monks of the Ramakrishna Order" is a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any meditation beginner interested in exploring a traditional approach. Its practical guidance and rich spiritual context make it a compelling introduction to this ancient practice.
"Meditation: Monks of the Ramakrishna Order" is a valuable resource for those seeking an introduction to meditation from a time-tested Vedic perspective. Authored by experienced swamis of the Ramakrishna Order, the book offers a rich tapestry of techniques and insights based on the Advaita Vedanta school of Hinduism.
The book's strength lies in its practicality. Compiled from lectures delivered in the West, it uses clear and engaging language, making it accessible to a broad audience. Readers are first introduced to the essential preconditions for meditation, such as cultivating a proper environment and setting intentions.
Subsequent chapters delve into specific meditation techniques, including:
Raja Yoga: a well-known path emphasizing posture, breath control, and concentration.
The use of mantras, sacred syllables or phrases repeated to focus the mind.
Jnana Yoga: the path of knowledge, encouraging self-inquiry and contemplation.
The book acknowledges the challenges faced by beginners, offering solutions for overcoming a wandering mind and maintaining focus. It also explores the concept of meditation as a spiritual journey, leading to inner peace and self-realization.
Here are some things to consider before you choose this book on meditation:
Traditional Approach: The book is firmly rooted in Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Readers unfamiliar with these concepts might require additional background knowledge to grasp the full depth of the teachings.
Emphasis on Practice: While the book provides theoretical grounding, its core focus lies on practical techniques. Those seeking in-depth philosophical discussions might need to supplement their reading.
Length and Format: Being a compilation of lectures, the book might lack the cohesiveness of a single author's work.
Overall, "Meditation: Monks of the Ramakrishna Order" is a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any meditation beginner interested in exploring a traditional approach. Its practical guidance and rich spiritual context make it a compelling introduction to this ancient practice.
November 5, 2025
The first chapter of the book is good. It is quite intuitive.
If one is new to terms like Yoga, Pranayama, Vedanta, Dharana etc..., one may learn some new framework to think about these.
for others, there is a repetition of what you may typically find in other books.
if you are well acquainted with Yogasutras of Patanjali or the Bhagavat gita, you will draw lots of parallels.
Authors cautiously make an effort to draw parallels from all religions.
Read few chapters and skim through others. If words in italics are familiar, you can definitely skim through those chapters
If one is new to terms like Yoga, Pranayama, Vedanta, Dharana etc..., one may learn some new framework to think about these.
for others, there is a repetition of what you may typically find in other books.
if you are well acquainted with Yogasutras of Patanjali or the Bhagavat gita, you will draw lots of parallels.
Authors cautiously make an effort to draw parallels from all religions.
Read few chapters and skim through others. If words in italics are familiar, you can definitely skim through those chapters
April 28, 2024
A good practical book on meditation. For someone seriously pursuing the subject this book is worthwhile, giving you tips on how to deal with common obstacles and keep going. For anyone else, I would suggest the Bhagvad Gita or any direct interpretations of the Gita instead of this book. Overall, a decent read and I might consider re-reading at some point.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews