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Relaxing Into Meditation
What exercises and practices will help us to live a life free of stress? Ngakma Nor'dzin, a Western Buddhist Lama, guides us through relaxation and breathing exercises that lead into meditation. The meditation methods are described in friendly and accessible language, and will enhance the lives of those who practise them. Meditation is a life skill which increases well-being and creates happier and more fulfilling relationships. Relaxing into meditation draws on her experience teaching in community education. Ngakma Nor'dzin teaches internationally and is also the author of Spacious Passion, an introduction to Buddhist practice.
194 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2010
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17 people want to read
About the author
Nor'dzin Pamo
5 books9 followersI publish books relating to Buddhism and meditation under the name ‘Ngakma Nor’dzin’. ‘Ngakma’ is the title I received when I took ordination into the Nyingma Buddhist Tradition in 1989. I live in Cardiff, Wales, UK with my husband Ngakpa ’ö-Dzin Tridral. We have two grown up sons, and one grandson.
My books:
Spacious Passion
Relaxing into Meditation
Illusory Advice (’ö-Dzin co-author)
My books:
Spacious Passion
Relaxing into Meditation
Illusory Advice (’ö-Dzin co-author)
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 13, 2011
Relaxing into Meditation
Review by Rossinna Ippolito
Relaxing into Meditation is the best book on meditation I've ever read, and I've been browsing them since the mid-70's. I say this because of the distinction made between relaxation and meditation, and the explanation of why relaxation must happen before meditation can begin. I have never seen it spelled out so clearly before, and in such a gentle, non-didactic manner. The writing draws you in and you come to love the teacher as if you were also a member of one of her meditation groups. I love that the chapters are short and not overwhelming. The author doesn't talk down to the reader and isn't too folksy. It is simple, but not “meditation for dummies.”
Some years ago I was watching a cable-access show presented by one of the guru-types that so frequently make appearances on such venues. One thing he mentioned came through loud and clear. In his discussion on meditating the guru explained that one can't just jump into meditation and expect it to “work.” Rather, he said that “the secret” is that your focus should be on “becoming meditative” rather than “meditating.” That is, if you stop putting the emphasis on attempting to have the perfect meditation experience and just relax by performing the preliminaries, a meditative state will come upon you in a natural, non-forced manner.
This struck me, for having read various meditation books through the years I would become motivated to practice but would stop and start, becoming bored or frustrated with my lack of “progress.” Thus, hearing about the idea of not trying so hard at it, but just relaxing into "becoming meditative" was very appealing. Unfortunately, I never saw that presenter's show again so I never learned what it meant to “become meditative” – that is, until I read Relaxing into Meditation.
The beauty of the text is in the presentation of the ways of becoming meditative, i.e. through breath-work, song or movement. Each exercise is enough in itself. There is no pressure to move on to the next technique, and the benefits of each level are given respect. That is not to say one is not invited to try other meditative techniques, just that each one is whole and respected in itself.
The illustrations of the text along with the warm and friendly manner in which it is written make attempting each new meditative technique a real pleasure. This is a fabulous book for those who have been curious about meditation but were a little hesitant, feeling they didn't have “the right stuff” to be successful at it. The text is gentle and fun and calmly inspiring, and even if you have dabbled in meditation before you'll learn new ways to think about what you have been doing. Relaxing into Meditation is sure to become a classic.
Review by Rossinna Ippolito
Relaxing into Meditation is the best book on meditation I've ever read, and I've been browsing them since the mid-70's. I say this because of the distinction made between relaxation and meditation, and the explanation of why relaxation must happen before meditation can begin. I have never seen it spelled out so clearly before, and in such a gentle, non-didactic manner. The writing draws you in and you come to love the teacher as if you were also a member of one of her meditation groups. I love that the chapters are short and not overwhelming. The author doesn't talk down to the reader and isn't too folksy. It is simple, but not “meditation for dummies.”
Some years ago I was watching a cable-access show presented by one of the guru-types that so frequently make appearances on such venues. One thing he mentioned came through loud and clear. In his discussion on meditating the guru explained that one can't just jump into meditation and expect it to “work.” Rather, he said that “the secret” is that your focus should be on “becoming meditative” rather than “meditating.” That is, if you stop putting the emphasis on attempting to have the perfect meditation experience and just relax by performing the preliminaries, a meditative state will come upon you in a natural, non-forced manner.
This struck me, for having read various meditation books through the years I would become motivated to practice but would stop and start, becoming bored or frustrated with my lack of “progress.” Thus, hearing about the idea of not trying so hard at it, but just relaxing into "becoming meditative" was very appealing. Unfortunately, I never saw that presenter's show again so I never learned what it meant to “become meditative” – that is, until I read Relaxing into Meditation.
The beauty of the text is in the presentation of the ways of becoming meditative, i.e. through breath-work, song or movement. Each exercise is enough in itself. There is no pressure to move on to the next technique, and the benefits of each level are given respect. That is not to say one is not invited to try other meditative techniques, just that each one is whole and respected in itself.
The illustrations of the text along with the warm and friendly manner in which it is written make attempting each new meditative technique a real pleasure. This is a fabulous book for those who have been curious about meditation but were a little hesitant, feeling they didn't have “the right stuff” to be successful at it. The text is gentle and fun and calmly inspiring, and even if you have dabbled in meditation before you'll learn new ways to think about what you have been doing. Relaxing into Meditation is sure to become a classic.
May 13, 2018
Ngakma Nor’dzin’s training in meditation began three decades ago under the guidance of Tibetan teachers, culminating in her ordination into the non-monastic tradition of Nyingma Tibetan Buddhism. She is, in fact, the first Western woman to achieve such a distinction. She and her husband, Ngakpa ’ö-Dzin Tridral, have run a local meditation group for more than twenty years. And this is how she starts this book—with a meditation group. Her concern with bringing the presence of meditation to a wider audience is clear. She believes that “[i]f everyone meditated for a few minutes every day, the world would be a more peaceful and friendlier place.”
Nor’dzin begins Relaxing into Meditation with relaxation and breathing techniques specifically aimed at creating relaxation of the body and calmness of mind before embarking on a description of meditation practices which may be more demanding. As she believes that it is preferable to have obtained some relief from pain before beginning meditation, she starts the book with relaxation techniques to allow us to arrive at a starting point for meditation. She advocates using an aural guided narration to facilitate one’s progress through the various exercises that she describes.
Nor’dzin’s teaching background is clearly evident throughout the text in the systematic and logical way in which she presents her material. Each chapter starts with a description of the meditation group performing the activity which she then goes on to describe. Before explaining how to practice the technique, she discusses the importance and relevance of doing so. Nor’dzin also advises one on how to cope with any difficulties that one encounters with the exercise. Her years of experience with teaching others in small group settings, as well as individually, have enabled her to gain insight into what difficulties these might be, and she has evolved ways of dealing with any such problems, which she shares with us, her readers. Although she writes about a subject that others have been prone to mystify and deliberately, it often seems, obscure, she writes in such an accessible and approachable way that you are drawn to listen avidly to what she has to say. She is, in fact, overwhelmingly kind and gentle in her approach, so that, no matter your age or background, you are likely to be comforted and inspired by her work.
Relaxing into Meditation is well illustrated with line drawings throughout, and ends with a glossary, which expands on some of the more unusual terms to be found in the text, though such terms are relatively few, and an easy-to-read index. As someone who is only now, in her mid-fifties, starting to become more aware of how to treat herself and her own body with kindness, I can definitely recommend the timely wisdom of this book. No matter your age, do consider acquiring a copy for yourself—it should be well worth it.
Nor’dzin begins Relaxing into Meditation with relaxation and breathing techniques specifically aimed at creating relaxation of the body and calmness of mind before embarking on a description of meditation practices which may be more demanding. As she believes that it is preferable to have obtained some relief from pain before beginning meditation, she starts the book with relaxation techniques to allow us to arrive at a starting point for meditation. She advocates using an aural guided narration to facilitate one’s progress through the various exercises that she describes.
Nor’dzin’s teaching background is clearly evident throughout the text in the systematic and logical way in which she presents her material. Each chapter starts with a description of the meditation group performing the activity which she then goes on to describe. Before explaining how to practice the technique, she discusses the importance and relevance of doing so. Nor’dzin also advises one on how to cope with any difficulties that one encounters with the exercise. Her years of experience with teaching others in small group settings, as well as individually, have enabled her to gain insight into what difficulties these might be, and she has evolved ways of dealing with any such problems, which she shares with us, her readers. Although she writes about a subject that others have been prone to mystify and deliberately, it often seems, obscure, she writes in such an accessible and approachable way that you are drawn to listen avidly to what she has to say. She is, in fact, overwhelmingly kind and gentle in her approach, so that, no matter your age or background, you are likely to be comforted and inspired by her work.
Relaxing into Meditation is well illustrated with line drawings throughout, and ends with a glossary, which expands on some of the more unusual terms to be found in the text, though such terms are relatively few, and an easy-to-read index. As someone who is only now, in her mid-fifties, starting to become more aware of how to treat herself and her own body with kindness, I can definitely recommend the timely wisdom of this book. No matter your age, do consider acquiring a copy for yourself—it should be well worth it.
June 22, 2014
Excellent book. Down to earth, understandable and very well written. Fine for beginners or experienced meditators.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews