The Joy of Meditation An Introduction to Meditation Techniques Justin F. Stone

ISBN: 0-7570-0025-8 Length: 128 Pages Size: 5.5 X 8.5-inch Format: Quality Paperback Category: Body, Mind, Spirit / Meditation Price: $12.95 Availability: In Print   Contents Reviews

This book is not about meditation; it is one on how to meditate. All too many books offer readers sparse instructions given in general terms. "Sit quietly, with your eyes closed. Regulate your breathing and still your mind; wait for the Voice of Silence to speak to you." Trouble is, without knowing what they're doing, would-be meditators find it extremely difficult to sit still for five minutes, let alone twenty.

Experienced meditators, knowing the techniques to use, go about their business as directly and purposefully as a skilled carpenter. The fact is that there is nothing vague about the process of meditation. In this classic work, author and teacher Justin F. Stone presents easy-to-follow instructions for many common forms of meditation, including Zazen (Zen Meditation), Japa (one of the oldest spiritual practices in India), Satipatthana (Mindfulness), Nei Kung (Buddhist Meditation), and Tibetan meditations. In addition, while cultural and religious aspects of certain meditations are covered, readers are free to experience each technique according to their own personal preferences.

Meditation can be a powerful tool to improve health, sharpen concentration, reduce stress, and enhance spirituality. The Joy of Meditation was created as a simple book of instructions for using that tool. By concentrating on the practice itself, and not on the dogma, readers will be able to choose those methods of meditation best suited to meet their individual needs.

Justin F. Stone, is an accomplished writer, musician, poet, and artist. He is fluent in the Japanese language and is the creator of Tai Chi Chih, a physical and spiritual discipline. Over the past forty years, Stone has lived with yogis in the Tibetan foothills and with Zen monks in Japan. He resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he conducts meditation retreats, classes, and groups. He also oversees more than 2,000 teachers of Tai Chi Chih worldwide.

Contents

Foreword
Purpose of this Book

What Is Meditation?
Great Circle Meditation
Three Modes of Japa Zen Meditation
Satipattana (Foundations of Mindfulness)
Secret Nei Kung
Two Tibetan Meditations and the Buddha's Simple Formula for Dhyana
How and Why Does Meditation Work?

Conclusion

Glossary
Index