How to Meditate: A Guide to Self-discovery - Softcover

Le Shan, Lawrence

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1855382776 ISBN 13: 9781855382770

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 1995

Synopsis

A practical guide to meditation by a parapsychologist. Dr Le Shan explains simply and clearly why we should meditate, and what meditation does psychologically and physiologically. Drawing on the meditational practices of Zen, Sufism, Yoga and Jewish and Christian mysticism, the author describes specific exercises and programmes, structured and unstructured, ranging from breath-counting and simple mantras to group movement and sensory awareness. He also explores such fields as the role of meditation in psychotherapy and the relation of meditation to the paranormal. Through the use of meditation, Le Shan seeks to show that it is possible to achieve a focusing of energies and increased concentration and confidence that can lead to efficiency in everyday life, and eventually to a higher peace.

About this title

Review:

Meditation "is an ageless human experience that has been discovered and explored and used in every period and every culture that we know about," writes Lawrence LeShan, a psychotherapist and scholar. LeShan discusses the psychological and physiological effects of meditation, why meditation has these effects, and different types (or "paths") of meditation. To get the feel of it, he suggests starting with 15 minutes of breath counting--harder than it sounds. "The road of meditation is not an easy one," says LeShan. "The first shock of surprise comes when we realize how undisciplined our mind really is; how it refuses to do the bidding of our will." He gives detailed instructions for several meditations of different types and guidelines for choosing a program and a teacher. This is not a snappy "five minutes to perfect meditations" or a promise of "read this book, achieve instant peace." Rather, How to Meditate is a serious, thoughtful book. "In this most serious area--inner development--we are interested in evolution, which is stable, rather than revolution, which is not," says LeShan. You will see changes, he promises, but gradually. This is the new edition of the classic that has been teaching people to meditate since 1974. How wonderful that How to Meditate has been reissued, giving another generation the benefit of LeShan's work and guidance. --Joan Price

From the Publisher:

This simple, straightforward yet powerful guide has ready helped hundreds of thousands of people reap the greatest rewards of meditation. Lawrence LeShan's easy-to-follow and realistic approach allows you to bring meditation effortlessly into your life, no matter how busy you are, or how great the demands on your time are. His specific programs and exercises provide proven, practical tools for you to begin your journey and explore the many revealing paths of meditation

"If you're just considering it, How To Meditate is recommended equipment for the first steps." --Hank Basayne, Association of Humanistic Psychology.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 1855382776
• ISBN 13: 9781855382770
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144