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Meditation For Dummies
The popular guide-over 80,000 copies sold of the first edition-now revised and enhanced with an audio CD of guided meditations According to Time magazine, over 15 million Americans now practice meditation regularly. It's a great way to reduce stress, increase energy, and enjoy better health. This fun and easy guide has long been a favorite with meditation newcomers. And now it's even better. For this new edition, author Stephan Bodian has added an audio CD with more than 70 minutes of guided meditations that are keyed to topics in the book, from tuning in to one's body, transforming suffering, and replacing negative patterns to grounding oneself, consulting the guru within, and finding a peaceful place. The book also discusses the latest research on the health benefits of meditation, along with new advice on how to get the most out of meditation in today's fast-paced world. Stephan Bodian (Fairfax, CA and Sedona, AZ) is a licensed psychotherapist and the former editor-in-chief of Yoga Journal. He has written for Fitness, Alternative Medicine, Cooking Light, and Tricycle and is the coauthor of Buddhism For Dummies (0-7645-5359-3).
360 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 1999
498 people are currently reading
1895 people want to read
About the author
Stephan Bodian
46 books55 followersStephan Bodian is the bestselling author of Meditation for Dummies (now in an updated third edition) and Wake Up Now: A Guide to the Journey of Spiritual Awakening. He’s also the author and narrator of the critically acclaimed mobile programs Mindfulness Meditation and Freedom from Stress (produced by Mental Workout) and an internationally recognized expert on meditation, stress management, and spiritual awakening. His new book, Beyond Mindfulness, is now available on Amazon.com
Trained for 10 years as a Zen Buddhist monk and licensed as a psychotherapist, Stephan has been a pioneer in the integration of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology and in the application of mindfulness in everyday life.
As a teacher, counselor, consultant, and mentor, Stephan’s approach blends mindful attention to moment-by-moment experience with transformational techniques from Western psychotherapy and the nondual wisdom of Zen and other spiritual traditions. Drawing on his decades of experience as both a therapist and a meditation teacher, he specializes in offering guidance that’s customized to the needs of the individual practitioner.
Trained for 10 years as a Zen Buddhist monk and licensed as a psychotherapist, Stephan has been a pioneer in the integration of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology and in the application of mindfulness in everyday life.
As a teacher, counselor, consultant, and mentor, Stephan’s approach blends mindful attention to moment-by-moment experience with transformational techniques from Western psychotherapy and the nondual wisdom of Zen and other spiritual traditions. Drawing on his decades of experience as both a therapist and a meditation teacher, he specializes in offering guidance that’s customized to the needs of the individual practitioner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
November 19, 2017
I have spent quite awhile today reading this book and taking notes for myself. It is called a mini edition so it is a short but straightforward introduction to meditation which is easy to understand and clearly set out. It helpful for any reader wanting to know how to begin and move forward through the basic procedures. The guidelines to follow are most useful. Be aware though that this book does not cover spiritual meditation and concentrates more on being helpful in matters of health and personal self-awareness.
April 5, 2009
I know that the series of Dummies books--and there must be hundreds of them--isn't everyone's cup of tea. Some people are put off by the title alone. And yes, there are plenty of other basic books about meditation that do not refer to us beginners as "dummies." However, I enjoyed this thorough overview and practical approach to meditation from practing psychotherapist Stephan Bodian. He gives a historical, spiritual, and philosophical background on the practice of meditation, then gets down to the nitty-gritty of why and how the practice thereof is beneficial for the human body, mind and spirit. Bodian assures readers that everyone is capable of practicing meditation. The key is to be patient with oneself, stick with a regular program, then reap the benefits of greater awareness, better concentration, improved health, reduction of stress, enhanced performance, etc., etc., He suggests numerous kinds of meditation techniques such as the basics: relaxtion, chanting of a mantra, visualization of a favorite image, following one's breath, etc., to the more specific walking meditation, chakra meditation, finding the beauty, cultivating lovingkindness, softening your belly, healing with light, and many more. Several chapters focus on troubleshooting; that is, why the techniques of simple meditation seems to elude some of us, and what we can to do carve out time and motivation to practice, if for only five or ten minutes per day. Bodian's appendix is also very extensive for those who wish to read further and/or more specific books on meditation.
March 23, 2018
A comprehensive compendium of all essential aspects of mental education explained in an understandable way.
Please note that I put the original German text at the end of this review. Just if you might be interested.
Far from the hustle and bustle of too esoteric literature, this band offers everything a layman's heart desires. As is typical for the Dummies range, small pictograms accompany the eye's path and facilitate both the overview and the selection. Also, make it possible for the reader to find subjectively relevant or boring topics the same or ignore them.
In this volume, short exercises, particularly valuable information, philosophical thoughts, professional advocacy to increase effectiveness and anecdotes are signposted in this way. Beginning with an explanation of the exact meaning of meditation, the various motives and causes for exploring the subject matter, the evolutionary history of reflection from the origin to its western manifestations, the importance of beginner's spirit, attitudes and motivation to interactions explain the many possible applications.
After this mindfulness-inspiring introduction that will get the reader off to an excellent, motivated start, one will begin with basic and immediately effective exercises. It is precisely this ingenious applicability that should make the last skeptics, objectors, and decriers fall out of sight like dandruff. That they have so far shut themselves up with enriched ignorance and artificially limited their horizons.
Already in the first applications, the almost magical power of autosuggestion unfolds in all its glory and offers a preview of the nearly infinite further application possibilities in every life situation. The explanations about the right choice of place, time and duration of meditation and preparation exercises, including descriptions of correct posture and sitting position, are more of a practical nature.
Furthermore, extended motivation appeals about the importance of regular practice, regardless of various excuses and stressful situations. Unlike the preoccupation with respiration, body, emotions, and thoughts, the advanced meditation approach of compassion, love, and forgiveness is suitable only for very talented non-specialists or longer-mentally-minded ones.
Because it demands not only its own, sometimes significant deficits but also the other people involved in the meditation routine. Damn healthy stuff, which carries the potential for frustrating turning away and should, therefore, be tackled only with well-calibrated automatic awareness training. Excellent is the adequate instructions on how to face adversity the form of sadness, anger, fear, depression, stubborn, destructive habits, restlessness, doubt, postponement, boredom, subconscious blockages, and other annoyances. Moreover, still to keep course towards balance.
A small kit for your meditation programs is kindly included as well as a digression about finding the right meditation teacher. This prepares well for the imminent entry into the practice, which aims at a slow, successive spread of the calm and clarity first cultivated in the regular exercise on all areas of life as a goal.
Especially for people who are still unsure, the last chapter with frequently asked questions and ten short meditations offers an opportunity to get an overview quickly and to explore whether the matter pleases personally.
Throughout the entire reading, you can feel the author's enthusiasm for his subject matter. So the focus that he puts on the identification of obstacles, possible coping approaches and a motivation-enhancing explanation of the issue with coverage of all possible aspects and presentation of the favorable circumstances for the own psyche. To give as many seekers as possible an undogmatic option in the hands. Bursting with ideas for the positive change in their living conditions.
Umfassendes Kompendium aller wesentlichen Aspekte der Geistesschulung verständlich erklärt
Fernab vom Dunstkreis allzu esoterisch angehauchter Literatur bietet dieser Band alles, was das interessierte Laienherz begehrt.
Wie für die Dummies- Reihe typisch, begleiten kleine Piktorgramme den Weg des Auges und erleichtern sowohl die Übersicht als auch die Auswahl. Und ermöglichen, für den Leser subjektiv besonders relevante oder langweilige Themen gleich finden oder ignorieren zu können. In diesem Band werden kurze Übungen, besonders wichtige Informationen, philosophische Gedanken, Profiratschläge zur Steigerung der Wirksamkeit und Anekdoten auf diese Weise ausgeschildert.
Beginnend mit einer Erklärung über die genaue Bedeutung von Meditation, den verschiedenen Motiven und Ursachen dafür, sich mit der Thematik auseinandersetzen zu wollen, der Entwicklungsgeschichte der Meditation vom Ursprung bis zu ihren westlichen Ausprägungsformen über die Wichtigkeit von Anfängergeist, Einstellung und Motivation bis zu den Wechselwirkungen von Stress und Geisteshaltung werden die vielfältigen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten erklärt. Nach dieser zur Achtsamkeit anregenden Einleitung, die den Leser für den motivierten Start richtig Fahrt aufnehmen lässt, beginnt der Einstieg mit grundlegenden und sofort wirksamen Übungen.
Gerade diese schlichtweg geniale Anwendbarkeit ist es, die es den letzten Skeptikern, Verweigerern und Schlechtmachern wie Schuppen von den Augen fallen lassen sollte. Dass sie mit verbrämter Ignoranz sich bisher selbst einer bereichernden Erfahrung verschlossen und ihren Horizont künstlich beschränkt haben.
Schon bei den ersten Anwendungen entfaltet sich die beinahe magische Kraft der Autosuggestion in all ihrer Pracht und bietet eine Vorschau auf die quasi unendlichen weiteren Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in jedweder Lebenssituation.
Eher praktischer Natur sind die Erläuterungen über die richtige Wahl von Ort, Zeit und Dauer der Meditation und Vorbereitungsübungen inklusive Erläuterungen zu richtiger Haltung und Sitzposition. Weiters ausgedehnte Motivationsappelle über die Wichtigkeit von regelmäßiger Praxis, unabhängig von verschiedensten Ausreden und Stresssituationen. Im Gegensatz zu der Beschäftigung mit Atmung, Körper, Gefühlen und Gedanken ist der fortgeschrittene Meditationsansatz von Mitgefühl, Liebe und Vergebung ein nur für sehr talentierte Laien oder bereits länger Geistesgeschulte geeignet.
Denn der verlangt, nicht nur die eigenen, mitunter beträchtlichen Defizite, sondern auch die anderer Menschen mit in den Meditationsalltag einzubinden. Verdammt starker Tobak, der das Potential zu frustrierender Abwendung in sich birgt und daher erst bei gut geeichter Automatik der Bewusstseinbildung angegangen werden sollte.
Großartig sind die wirksamen Anleitungen, wie man trotz widriger Umstände in Form von Traurigkeit, Ärger, Furcht, Depression, hartnäckigen, unheilsamen Gewohnheitsmustern, Unruhe, Zweifel, Aufschieben, Langeweile, unterbewussten Blockadehaltungen und anderen Ärgernissen den Widrigkeiten die Stirn bietet. Und trotzdem weiter Kurs in Richtung Ausgeglichenheit hält.
Ein kleiner Bausatz für eigene Meditationsprogramme wird freundlicherweise genau wie ein Exkurs über das Finden des richtigen Meditationslehrers mitgeliefert. Das bereitet fundiert auf den bevorstehenden Einstieg in die Praxis vor, der eine langsame, sukzessive Ausbreitung der zuerst in der regelmäßigen Übung kultivierten Ruhe und Klarheit auf alle Lebensbereiche als Ziel anstrebt.
Gerade für Menschen, die sich noch unsicher sind, bietet das letzte Kapitel mit häufig gestellten Fragen und zehn Kurzmeditationen eine Möglichkeit, sich schnell einen Überblick zu verschaffen und zu sondieren, ob die Materie persönlich gefällt.
Durch die gesamte Lektüre hindurch spürt man die Begeisterung des Autors für seine Materie. Und das Augenmerk, das er auf das Aufzeigen von Hindernissen, mögliche Bewältigungsansätze und eine die Motivation steigernde Erklärung der Materie mit Abdeckung aller möglichen Aspekte und Darstellung der positiven Begleitumstände für das eigene Psychenheil legt. Um möglichst vielen Sinnsuchenden eine undogmatische und vor Ideen berstende Option zur positiven Veränderung ihrer Lebensumstände in die Hände zu geben.
Please note that I put the original German text at the end of this review. Just if you might be interested.
Far from the hustle and bustle of too esoteric literature, this band offers everything a layman's heart desires. As is typical for the Dummies range, small pictograms accompany the eye's path and facilitate both the overview and the selection. Also, make it possible for the reader to find subjectively relevant or boring topics the same or ignore them.
In this volume, short exercises, particularly valuable information, philosophical thoughts, professional advocacy to increase effectiveness and anecdotes are signposted in this way. Beginning with an explanation of the exact meaning of meditation, the various motives and causes for exploring the subject matter, the evolutionary history of reflection from the origin to its western manifestations, the importance of beginner's spirit, attitudes and motivation to interactions explain the many possible applications.
After this mindfulness-inspiring introduction that will get the reader off to an excellent, motivated start, one will begin with basic and immediately effective exercises. It is precisely this ingenious applicability that should make the last skeptics, objectors, and decriers fall out of sight like dandruff. That they have so far shut themselves up with enriched ignorance and artificially limited their horizons.
Already in the first applications, the almost magical power of autosuggestion unfolds in all its glory and offers a preview of the nearly infinite further application possibilities in every life situation. The explanations about the right choice of place, time and duration of meditation and preparation exercises, including descriptions of correct posture and sitting position, are more of a practical nature.
Furthermore, extended motivation appeals about the importance of regular practice, regardless of various excuses and stressful situations. Unlike the preoccupation with respiration, body, emotions, and thoughts, the advanced meditation approach of compassion, love, and forgiveness is suitable only for very talented non-specialists or longer-mentally-minded ones.
Because it demands not only its own, sometimes significant deficits but also the other people involved in the meditation routine. Damn healthy stuff, which carries the potential for frustrating turning away and should, therefore, be tackled only with well-calibrated automatic awareness training. Excellent is the adequate instructions on how to face adversity the form of sadness, anger, fear, depression, stubborn, destructive habits, restlessness, doubt, postponement, boredom, subconscious blockages, and other annoyances. Moreover, still to keep course towards balance.
A small kit for your meditation programs is kindly included as well as a digression about finding the right meditation teacher. This prepares well for the imminent entry into the practice, which aims at a slow, successive spread of the calm and clarity first cultivated in the regular exercise on all areas of life as a goal.
Especially for people who are still unsure, the last chapter with frequently asked questions and ten short meditations offers an opportunity to get an overview quickly and to explore whether the matter pleases personally.
Throughout the entire reading, you can feel the author's enthusiasm for his subject matter. So the focus that he puts on the identification of obstacles, possible coping approaches and a motivation-enhancing explanation of the issue with coverage of all possible aspects and presentation of the favorable circumstances for the own psyche. To give as many seekers as possible an undogmatic option in the hands. Bursting with ideas for the positive change in their living conditions.
Umfassendes Kompendium aller wesentlichen Aspekte der Geistesschulung verständlich erklärt
Fernab vom Dunstkreis allzu esoterisch angehauchter Literatur bietet dieser Band alles, was das interessierte Laienherz begehrt.
Wie für die Dummies- Reihe typisch, begleiten kleine Piktorgramme den Weg des Auges und erleichtern sowohl die Übersicht als auch die Auswahl. Und ermöglichen, für den Leser subjektiv besonders relevante oder langweilige Themen gleich finden oder ignorieren zu können. In diesem Band werden kurze Übungen, besonders wichtige Informationen, philosophische Gedanken, Profiratschläge zur Steigerung der Wirksamkeit und Anekdoten auf diese Weise ausgeschildert.
Beginnend mit einer Erklärung über die genaue Bedeutung von Meditation, den verschiedenen Motiven und Ursachen dafür, sich mit der Thematik auseinandersetzen zu wollen, der Entwicklungsgeschichte der Meditation vom Ursprung bis zu ihren westlichen Ausprägungsformen über die Wichtigkeit von Anfängergeist, Einstellung und Motivation bis zu den Wechselwirkungen von Stress und Geisteshaltung werden die vielfältigen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten erklärt. Nach dieser zur Achtsamkeit anregenden Einleitung, die den Leser für den motivierten Start richtig Fahrt aufnehmen lässt, beginnt der Einstieg mit grundlegenden und sofort wirksamen Übungen.
Gerade diese schlichtweg geniale Anwendbarkeit ist es, die es den letzten Skeptikern, Verweigerern und Schlechtmachern wie Schuppen von den Augen fallen lassen sollte. Dass sie mit verbrämter Ignoranz sich bisher selbst einer bereichernden Erfahrung verschlossen und ihren Horizont künstlich beschränkt haben.
Schon bei den ersten Anwendungen entfaltet sich die beinahe magische Kraft der Autosuggestion in all ihrer Pracht und bietet eine Vorschau auf die quasi unendlichen weiteren Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in jedweder Lebenssituation.
Eher praktischer Natur sind die Erläuterungen über die richtige Wahl von Ort, Zeit und Dauer der Meditation und Vorbereitungsübungen inklusive Erläuterungen zu richtiger Haltung und Sitzposition. Weiters ausgedehnte Motivationsappelle über die Wichtigkeit von regelmäßiger Praxis, unabhängig von verschiedensten Ausreden und Stresssituationen. Im Gegensatz zu der Beschäftigung mit Atmung, Körper, Gefühlen und Gedanken ist der fortgeschrittene Meditationsansatz von Mitgefühl, Liebe und Vergebung ein nur für sehr talentierte Laien oder bereits länger Geistesgeschulte geeignet.
Denn der verlangt, nicht nur die eigenen, mitunter beträchtlichen Defizite, sondern auch die anderer Menschen mit in den Meditationsalltag einzubinden. Verdammt starker Tobak, der das Potential zu frustrierender Abwendung in sich birgt und daher erst bei gut geeichter Automatik der Bewusstseinbildung angegangen werden sollte.
Großartig sind die wirksamen Anleitungen, wie man trotz widriger Umstände in Form von Traurigkeit, Ärger, Furcht, Depression, hartnäckigen, unheilsamen Gewohnheitsmustern, Unruhe, Zweifel, Aufschieben, Langeweile, unterbewussten Blockadehaltungen und anderen Ärgernissen den Widrigkeiten die Stirn bietet. Und trotzdem weiter Kurs in Richtung Ausgeglichenheit hält.
Ein kleiner Bausatz für eigene Meditationsprogramme wird freundlicherweise genau wie ein Exkurs über das Finden des richtigen Meditationslehrers mitgeliefert. Das bereitet fundiert auf den bevorstehenden Einstieg in die Praxis vor, der eine langsame, sukzessive Ausbreitung der zuerst in der regelmäßigen Übung kultivierten Ruhe und Klarheit auf alle Lebensbereiche als Ziel anstrebt.
Gerade für Menschen, die sich noch unsicher sind, bietet das letzte Kapitel mit häufig gestellten Fragen und zehn Kurzmeditationen eine Möglichkeit, sich schnell einen Überblick zu verschaffen und zu sondieren, ob die Materie persönlich gefällt.
Durch die gesamte Lektüre hindurch spürt man die Begeisterung des Autors für seine Materie. Und das Augenmerk, das er auf das Aufzeigen von Hindernissen, mögliche Bewältigungsansätze und eine die Motivation steigernde Erklärung der Materie mit Abdeckung aller möglichen Aspekte und Darstellung der positiven Begleitumstände für das eigene Psychenheil legt. Um möglichst vielen Sinnsuchenden eine undogmatische und vor Ideen berstende Option zur positiven Veränderung ihrer Lebensumstände in die Hände zu geben.
June 15, 2010
I expected this book to be "just" a meditation handbook telling me what to do, when and how. However, this book is much more and I've actually read it twice to absorb all the amazing information.
Although Meditation for Dummies is full of practical meditation tips and guides you through your meditation practice pretty effortlessly in a way that's easy to understand, it contains lots of life wisdom. The author, who is an experienced psychotherapist, also provides readers with helpful advice on stress, limiting beliefs and subconscious patterns and shows us how meditation can help us deal with them.
Meditation for Dummies will be especially helpful for you if you feel you simply need to become more grounded and empowered. Mr. Bodian says in his book very clearly that most of us pursue dreams of a perfect life that are simply unattainable, and although having goals is healthy and necessary, we need to find the right balance between goal setting, dreaming and living in the present moment.
Meditation for Dummies comes with a meditation CD which is very helpful.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to everyone interested not only in meditation but also in finding peace and life balance.
Although Meditation for Dummies is full of practical meditation tips and guides you through your meditation practice pretty effortlessly in a way that's easy to understand, it contains lots of life wisdom. The author, who is an experienced psychotherapist, also provides readers with helpful advice on stress, limiting beliefs and subconscious patterns and shows us how meditation can help us deal with them.
Meditation for Dummies will be especially helpful for you if you feel you simply need to become more grounded and empowered. Mr. Bodian says in his book very clearly that most of us pursue dreams of a perfect life that are simply unattainable, and although having goals is healthy and necessary, we need to find the right balance between goal setting, dreaming and living in the present moment.
Meditation for Dummies comes with a meditation CD which is very helpful.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to everyone interested not only in meditation but also in finding peace and life balance.
January 1, 2020
I didn't realise at first but i accidentally bought the 'mini' version of this guide. Nevertheless it was interesting but very basic.
April 4, 2021
4.5/5 stars
November 19, 2012
I've should called this book "Meditation for Dummies". Articles like I read in "Meditation for beginners" I always read in glossy magazines. I don't think this book is ok for beginners. In "Meditation for beginners" you even can't find a good explanation of the concept. But, in my opinion, it's the most important thing for beginners - to understand deeply what they're going to do. After this book I understand meditation superficially. But this book prompted me to find explanations of meditation. That's why "Meditation for Dummies" has got 2 stars from me. This book prompted me to find more information, read a lot of books to understand deeplier meditation and spirituality. And I really apreciate to this book. Because I opened a lot of new authors, who I haven't known before. Fortunately, one of them was Anatoliy Obraztsov with "a crossing or the drop's history" where I've found what I needed!
December 29, 2012
They call minds like mine "monkey-mind," but mine's more like a hamster in a cage. I didn't like reading a book with a "Dummies" cover, but I found Bodain's discussion on meditation helpful - although I admit to skipping sections such as "what to wear."
I'm glad that he does not press the religious aspect too hard.
There's something here for everyone who wants to experience the physical and mental benefits of meditation - you've just got to "know your motivation" in order to find the right kind of practice.
I'm glad that he does not press the religious aspect too hard.
There's something here for everyone who wants to experience the physical and mental benefits of meditation - you've just got to "know your motivation" in order to find the right kind of practice.
January 23, 2026
Would have given it a 3 for a neutral waste of my time, but the Let's Have Fun With Appropriation section on chakras and the preachy and overly simplified advice on happiness and forgiveness tipped it over into actively irritating.
January 4, 2015
I've always liked the for Dummies books. Beyond the amusement I get each time I consider the title (because I am a dummy in many ways and it is nice to get simple, complete instruction), they are generally quite well written and have loads of information. Must be some really good editors behind it all. I find it an optimistic that even a dummy can do this, whatever it is.
I bought this book years ago, and what I remember most is that it presents so many different mental/physical technologies that can be grouped under the term "meditation." It shows that there are many paths to the same goal, and that you can apply them in all or any parts of your life, if you like. Walking meditation, sitting meditation, guided meditation, etc. I'm just starting sitting Vipassana meditation again and I think I will crack it open again.
I recommend it to anyone interested in meditation. Meditation is really quite simple, that's part of what makes it difficult. This book presents it simply without a lot of the extra stuff that can get in the way.
I bought this book years ago, and what I remember most is that it presents so many different mental/physical technologies that can be grouped under the term "meditation." It shows that there are many paths to the same goal, and that you can apply them in all or any parts of your life, if you like. Walking meditation, sitting meditation, guided meditation, etc. I'm just starting sitting Vipassana meditation again and I think I will crack it open again.
I recommend it to anyone interested in meditation. Meditation is really quite simple, that's part of what makes it difficult. This book presents it simply without a lot of the extra stuff that can get in the way.
October 21, 2020
Pada awalnya saya tidak tertarik pada meditasi, soalnya berkesan seperti ibadah kepercayaan lain. Tapi belakangan ini di media sosial, ramai anjuran untuk bermeditasi. Khususnya untuk menjaga kesehatan mental. Ditambah keterangan bahwa kegiatan ini bersifat netral, tidak mesti dikaitkan dengan kepercayaan tertentu.
Saya baru penasaran pada meditasi setelah mencoba yoga. Pada awalnya pandangan saya terhadap yoga sama dengan meditasi, yaitu kuat ajaran kepercayaan lainnya. Tapi setidaknya pada yoga ada gerakan-gerakan nyata. Tampaknya yoga cocok buat saya, sebagai manusia yang butuh gerak badan tapi mageran. Saya pun mencobanya tanpa ada niat religius sama sekali. Memang di video-video YouTube yang saya ikuti pun yoga dibawakan secara netral. Ternyata, saya dapat merasakan efek tertentu dan menikmatinya.
Nah, para instruktur yoga saya di YouTube (LOL) adakalanya memasukkan sedikit sesi meditasi. Tanggung rasanya kalau tidak ikut mencoba sekalian. Memang dari coba-coba itu saya belum merasakan apa-apa.
Hingga timbul pikiran bahwa ibadah salat yang selama ini saya jalankan tampaknya merupakan kombinasi antara yoga ringan dan meditasi. Yoga membuat saya menjadi peka terhadap efek dari setiap gerakan salat. Nah, untuk meditasi, saya belum tahu. Karena itulah saya membaca buku ini.
Buku ini cukup tebal, hampir 400 halaman. Membacanya makan waktu lama, sekitar satu bulan buat saya (: 1 jam sehari tapi beberapa hari sempat absen). Catatan saya pun panjang sekali jadinya. Di samping karena isinya yang memang relatable, tujuan saya membacanya adalah untuk mencari dan mengambil yang dapat saya terapkan pada ibadah saya sendiri. Tujuan itu pun terpenuhi! Beberapa hal mengonfirmasikan yang telah saya dapat dari buku Shalat Sufistik: Meresapi Makna Tersirat Gerakan dan Bacaan Shalat .
Buku ini menjelaskan seluk-beluk meditasi dengan pandangan yang senetral mungkin. Rujukannya dari berbagai agama: Yahudi, Kristen, Islam (atau tepatnya Sufi, tapi saya belum banyak menelusuri tentang perbedaannya), dan terutama Hindu serta Buddha. Agama sepertinya memiliki panduan yang saklek. Adapun yang ditunjukkan dalam buku ini sekiranya merupakan hasil dari memadukan berbagai ajaran spiritual tersebut sehingga dapat diterapkan oleh siapa saja terlepas dari apa pun keyakinannya. Malah adakalanya saya merasa buku ini ditujukan bagi pembaca yang awam sama sekali bahkan antipati terhadap agama, tapi bagaimanapun juga merasakan kebutuhan yang berhubungan dengan batinnya.
Saya pun mulai berpikir jangan-jangan meditasi itu sekadar cara yang umum untuk memelihara kesehatan jiwa (spiritual), sebagaimana olahraga untuk menjaga kebugaran tubuh. Ada banyak cara untuk berolahraga, misalnya dengan lari di gelanggang, main bulu tangkis bareng kawan, atau sekadar berjalan kaki keliling kompleks. Begitu pula dengan meditasi; bisa disesuaikan dengan ajaran agama masing-masing atau memilih satu di antara berbagai cara yang ditawarkan dalam buku ini.
Buku ini menegaskan bahwa repetitive prayer itu sesungguhnya lain daripada meditasi. Baiklah, sepertinya saya tidak bisa menganggap salat itu sama dengan meditasi. Meski begitu, kegiatan apa pun dapat dilakukan dengan cara selayaknya bermeditasi (meditatively). Entahkah itu berjalan kaki, mengendarai mobil, mencuci piring, sampai bercinta. Kuncinya (kurang lebih yang saya tangkap) adalah: concentration + receptive awareness = mindfulness. It's okay kalau pikiran masih berkeliaran ke sana kemari. Buku ini mengajarkan untuk menerimanya, atau lengkapnya, menerimanya untuk melepaskan.
Nah, tapi buku ini menyebut-nyebut zikr sebagai cara meditasi kaum Sufi. Selain itu, salah satu cara bermeditasi yang ditunjukkan adalah dengan berkonsentrasi membaca mantra atau frasa tertentu berulang-ulang. Terlepas dari soal sufi-sufian yang tidak banyak saya ketahui, memang biasanya orang berzikir tiap selesai menunaikan salat. Caranya yaitu dengan mengucapkan kalimat tasbih, tahmid, dan takbir masing-masing sebanyak 33 kali.
Buku ini juga mengatakan bahwa kaum Yahudi memiliki doa tertentu untuk setiap kegiatan (halaman 262). Lah, sama dengan Islam dong! Mulai dari bangun tidur, masuk kamar mandi, keluar kamar mandi, bercermin, berpakaian, makan, naik kendaraan, belajar, dan seterusnya, dan sebagainya, sampai tidur lagi, semua ada doanya! Rupanya begitulah cara menjalankan keseharian meditatively.
Selama ini, petunjuk-petunjuk agamawi itu saya anggap sebagai doktrin saja, tanpa benar-benar memahami efeknya, manfaatnya, dan sebagainya. Pokoknya, asal berpahala dan mendekatkan diri pada Allah. Terus terang, melakukannya sekadar karena tradisi itu rasanya kosong. Nah, buku ini menjabarkan teknik-tekniknya secara terperinci agar dapat menghayati.
Tentunya buku ini juga mengingatkan untuk tidak mengharapkan hasil yang instan, malah sebaiknya melepaskan ekspektasi. Dari halaman 301, "Don't look for results. Just trust in the process and let the changes take care of themselves." Sepertinya, itu juga kunci syukur dan ikhlas? Biasanya perubahan baru terasa setelah menjalankan selama beberapa bulan, itu pun subtil saja.
Membaca buku ini dari awal sampai akhir memerlukan kesabaran (malah, apendiksnya pun pada akhirnya saya lewatkan), konsistensi, komitmen, disiplin ... yah, seperti bermeditasi itu sendiri. Banyak hal yang diulang-ulang. Mungkin membosankan, tapi itu juga berarti buku ini dapat dibaca secara acak. Pengulangan juga berarti penguatan; ditambah dengan lamanya waktu membaca, memberikan kesempatan untuk merenungkan isinya, mengaitkannya dengan pengalaman pribadi, serta mencari poin-poin praktis untuk memperbaiki cara dalam menjalankan kegiatan sehari-hari.
Saya baru penasaran pada meditasi setelah mencoba yoga. Pada awalnya pandangan saya terhadap yoga sama dengan meditasi, yaitu kuat ajaran kepercayaan lainnya. Tapi setidaknya pada yoga ada gerakan-gerakan nyata. Tampaknya yoga cocok buat saya, sebagai manusia yang butuh gerak badan tapi mageran. Saya pun mencobanya tanpa ada niat religius sama sekali. Memang di video-video YouTube yang saya ikuti pun yoga dibawakan secara netral. Ternyata, saya dapat merasakan efek tertentu dan menikmatinya.
Nah, para instruktur yoga saya di YouTube (LOL) adakalanya memasukkan sedikit sesi meditasi. Tanggung rasanya kalau tidak ikut mencoba sekalian. Memang dari coba-coba itu saya belum merasakan apa-apa.
Hingga timbul pikiran bahwa ibadah salat yang selama ini saya jalankan tampaknya merupakan kombinasi antara yoga ringan dan meditasi. Yoga membuat saya menjadi peka terhadap efek dari setiap gerakan salat. Nah, untuk meditasi, saya belum tahu. Karena itulah saya membaca buku ini.
Buku ini cukup tebal, hampir 400 halaman. Membacanya makan waktu lama, sekitar satu bulan buat saya (: 1 jam sehari tapi beberapa hari sempat absen). Catatan saya pun panjang sekali jadinya. Di samping karena isinya yang memang relatable, tujuan saya membacanya adalah untuk mencari dan mengambil yang dapat saya terapkan pada ibadah saya sendiri. Tujuan itu pun terpenuhi! Beberapa hal mengonfirmasikan yang telah saya dapat dari buku Shalat Sufistik: Meresapi Makna Tersirat Gerakan dan Bacaan Shalat .
Buku ini menjelaskan seluk-beluk meditasi dengan pandangan yang senetral mungkin. Rujukannya dari berbagai agama: Yahudi, Kristen, Islam (atau tepatnya Sufi, tapi saya belum banyak menelusuri tentang perbedaannya), dan terutama Hindu serta Buddha. Agama sepertinya memiliki panduan yang saklek. Adapun yang ditunjukkan dalam buku ini sekiranya merupakan hasil dari memadukan berbagai ajaran spiritual tersebut sehingga dapat diterapkan oleh siapa saja terlepas dari apa pun keyakinannya. Malah adakalanya saya merasa buku ini ditujukan bagi pembaca yang awam sama sekali bahkan antipati terhadap agama, tapi bagaimanapun juga merasakan kebutuhan yang berhubungan dengan batinnya.
Saya pun mulai berpikir jangan-jangan meditasi itu sekadar cara yang umum untuk memelihara kesehatan jiwa (spiritual), sebagaimana olahraga untuk menjaga kebugaran tubuh. Ada banyak cara untuk berolahraga, misalnya dengan lari di gelanggang, main bulu tangkis bareng kawan, atau sekadar berjalan kaki keliling kompleks. Begitu pula dengan meditasi; bisa disesuaikan dengan ajaran agama masing-masing atau memilih satu di antara berbagai cara yang ditawarkan dalam buku ini.
Buku ini menegaskan bahwa repetitive prayer itu sesungguhnya lain daripada meditasi. Baiklah, sepertinya saya tidak bisa menganggap salat itu sama dengan meditasi. Meski begitu, kegiatan apa pun dapat dilakukan dengan cara selayaknya bermeditasi (meditatively). Entahkah itu berjalan kaki, mengendarai mobil, mencuci piring, sampai bercinta. Kuncinya (kurang lebih yang saya tangkap) adalah: concentration + receptive awareness = mindfulness. It's okay kalau pikiran masih berkeliaran ke sana kemari. Buku ini mengajarkan untuk menerimanya, atau lengkapnya, menerimanya untuk melepaskan.
Nah, tapi buku ini menyebut-nyebut zikr sebagai cara meditasi kaum Sufi. Selain itu, salah satu cara bermeditasi yang ditunjukkan adalah dengan berkonsentrasi membaca mantra atau frasa tertentu berulang-ulang. Terlepas dari soal sufi-sufian yang tidak banyak saya ketahui, memang biasanya orang berzikir tiap selesai menunaikan salat. Caranya yaitu dengan mengucapkan kalimat tasbih, tahmid, dan takbir masing-masing sebanyak 33 kali.
Buku ini juga mengatakan bahwa kaum Yahudi memiliki doa tertentu untuk setiap kegiatan (halaman 262). Lah, sama dengan Islam dong! Mulai dari bangun tidur, masuk kamar mandi, keluar kamar mandi, bercermin, berpakaian, makan, naik kendaraan, belajar, dan seterusnya, dan sebagainya, sampai tidur lagi, semua ada doanya! Rupanya begitulah cara menjalankan keseharian meditatively.
Selama ini, petunjuk-petunjuk agamawi itu saya anggap sebagai doktrin saja, tanpa benar-benar memahami efeknya, manfaatnya, dan sebagainya. Pokoknya, asal berpahala dan mendekatkan diri pada Allah. Terus terang, melakukannya sekadar karena tradisi itu rasanya kosong. Nah, buku ini menjabarkan teknik-tekniknya secara terperinci agar dapat menghayati.
Tentunya buku ini juga mengingatkan untuk tidak mengharapkan hasil yang instan, malah sebaiknya melepaskan ekspektasi. Dari halaman 301, "Don't look for results. Just trust in the process and let the changes take care of themselves." Sepertinya, itu juga kunci syukur dan ikhlas? Biasanya perubahan baru terasa setelah menjalankan selama beberapa bulan, itu pun subtil saja.
Membaca buku ini dari awal sampai akhir memerlukan kesabaran (malah, apendiksnya pun pada akhirnya saya lewatkan), konsistensi, komitmen, disiplin ... yah, seperti bermeditasi itu sendiri. Banyak hal yang diulang-ulang. Mungkin membosankan, tapi itu juga berarti buku ini dapat dibaca secara acak. Pengulangan juga berarti penguatan; ditambah dengan lamanya waktu membaca, memberikan kesempatan untuk merenungkan isinya, mengaitkannya dengan pengalaman pribadi, serta mencari poin-poin praktis untuk memperbaiki cara dalam menjalankan kegiatan sehari-hari.
January 20, 2014
I really liked this book for giving all essential information about the subject and not only.The book covers all you need for a begginer including history of meditation,techniques,benefits and experiences of the author and other people.I am a yoga practisioner and meditation complements practise of the Hatha yoga.Highly recommended for all interested!!!
April 3, 2018
I did not finish STRENGTH IN STILLNESS because halfway through I realized it was nothing but a brochure for a $950 transcendental meditation class, but I still wanted to learn meditation techniques. Anne gave me this copy, and I can’t remember anything from it at all. I rate this book: Meh (which is better than I can say about the other book mentioned in my review).
July 22, 2019
Don't let the "For Dummies" aspect steer you. This book was actually recommended to me by a meditation instructor I was working with, who assured me it was a wellspring of information, (an easily accessible one at that.) If you need anything demystified in regards to meditation, be it technique, history, spiritual and/or health attributes, this is the perfect resource for you.
June 10, 2014
Well written. Very informative.
Read
May 28, 2016بداية بسيطة و جميله. لكن لا غنى عن الفيديوهات و الملفات الصوتيه اللي بتشرحه بشكل افضل
September 29, 2019
Meggyűlt a bajom ezzel a kötettel.
Mintegy 400 oldalon át részletezi és elaborálja, összegzi és visszagza, hogy az ember hogyan üljön nyugodtan, lélegezzen, egyszerűen csak jelen legyen ott ahol van, valamint extrák (házioltár-építés kezdőknek, spirituális csakrahekkelés középhaladóknak, stb), és ebből még úgy is nagyon sok 150 oldal hogy tényleg érdekel a meditáció gyakorlása, mint viszonylag tájékozott közép-kezdő. Úgyhogy épp feladtam volna, hogy ezt bizony nem nekem írták, amikor pont akkortájt kezdett érdekes lenni, egész fejezetnyi, kissé ugyan terjengős szöveg de legalább számomra is relevánsnak ható dolgokról: érzelmek, stressz, feldolgozatlan dolgok feldolgozása, ilyenek. De ez csak egy kb 20-30 oldal, utána vissza a végtelen bőbeszédű, joviális unalomba. Szerintem ennél sokkal jobb lehetett volna ez a könyv negyedennyi terjedelemben és csak a tényleg érdekes-mókás kitérők szerepeltetésével – vagyis értelmesen megszerkesztve. Így leginkább olyan lett, mint egy nagyon nagyon hosszú reklám-promó szöveg, nem is olvastam végig, még 250 oldal után sem fogok futni a pénzem után.
Meditálni lehet nyilván érdekes és jó dolog, de engem ez a könyv nem vezetett bele, csak nyomokban.
Mintegy 400 oldalon át részletezi és elaborálja, összegzi és visszagza, hogy az ember hogyan üljön nyugodtan, lélegezzen, egyszerűen csak jelen legyen ott ahol van, valamint extrák (házioltár-építés kezdőknek, spirituális csakrahekkelés középhaladóknak, stb), és ebből még úgy is nagyon sok 150 oldal hogy tényleg érdekel a meditáció gyakorlása, mint viszonylag tájékozott közép-kezdő. Úgyhogy épp feladtam volna, hogy ezt bizony nem nekem írták, amikor pont akkortájt kezdett érdekes lenni, egész fejezetnyi, kissé ugyan terjengős szöveg de legalább számomra is relevánsnak ható dolgokról: érzelmek, stressz, feldolgozatlan dolgok feldolgozása, ilyenek. De ez csak egy kb 20-30 oldal, utána vissza a végtelen bőbeszédű, joviális unalomba. Szerintem ennél sokkal jobb lehetett volna ez a könyv negyedennyi terjedelemben és csak a tényleg érdekes-mókás kitérők szerepeltetésével – vagyis értelmesen megszerkesztve. Így leginkább olyan lett, mint egy nagyon nagyon hosszú reklám-promó szöveg, nem is olvastam végig, még 250 oldal után sem fogok futni a pénzem után.
Meditálni lehet nyilván érdekes és jó dolog, de engem ez a könyv nem vezetett bele, csak nyomokban.
January 26, 2022
# 🚀 The Book in 3 Sentences
1. Meditation is not easy to master but definitely is easy to start. Once it becomes a daily habit, you have everything to gain.
2. In this age of information overload, sitting quietly and looking inwards can help restabilize oneself.
3. Meditation is more than just quietness, once you get the hang of it you can do many unique things with it.
# 🎨 Impressions
I really like it, really hope to apply what i've learned as soon as possible.
## How I Discovered It
Not sure, i probably stumbled onto the pdf while surfing through pdfdrive.com
## Who Should Read It?
I'd say everyone, It has some really useful insights.
# ☘️ How the Book Changed Me
I'd say it prepared me for reading more about self management. The things it talked about regarding mindfullness and all the different methods of starting and sustaining a healthy meditation habit, I shall implement into my life as soon as I can.
1. Meditation is not easy to master but definitely is easy to start. Once it becomes a daily habit, you have everything to gain.
2. In this age of information overload, sitting quietly and looking inwards can help restabilize oneself.
3. Meditation is more than just quietness, once you get the hang of it you can do many unique things with it.
# 🎨 Impressions
I really like it, really hope to apply what i've learned as soon as possible.
## How I Discovered It
Not sure, i probably stumbled onto the pdf while surfing through pdfdrive.com
## Who Should Read It?
I'd say everyone, It has some really useful insights.
# ☘️ How the Book Changed Me
I'd say it prepared me for reading more about self management. The things it talked about regarding mindfullness and all the different methods of starting and sustaining a healthy meditation habit, I shall implement into my life as soon as I can.
April 8, 2021
"Meditation for Dummies" functions both as a beginner's course for novices and a carefully written reminder for the advanced meditators. Author Stephen Bodian explains how meditation became a world spread phenomenon, dating back to our earliest ancestors. Reminding his readers of its healing power during these stressful times, he gives great tips to improve your practice, and finally reach the desired "beginner's mind." Who is it for? Best suited for meditation beginners interested in the history and characteristics of this practice. Also a great reminder for more advanced meditators. In "Meditation for Dummies" you'll learn: • Who the first great meditators were. How meditation became accepted throughout Western countries. What a "beginner's mind" means and how to attain it.
December 27, 2019
Basic introduction to meditation and has a lot of lists of additional resources you can find.
It's a book you can pick up and put down at random, or read the thing straight through. It may be best to run through the entire book first and then go back to re-read parts that are particularly interesting to you and take the time to try some of the basic exercises and instructions as you re-read portions of the book.
It's a book you can pick up and put down at random, or read the thing straight through. It may be best to run through the entire book first and then go back to re-read parts that are particularly interesting to you and take the time to try some of the basic exercises and instructions as you re-read portions of the book.
October 25, 2018
Bodian begins by stating that meditation is focusing your attention on a single thing for an extended time. You pay attention to the process of your consciousness rather than just the content. Regular meditation session can help your health. This book was a good overview of meditation.
April 14, 2019
Hate the title but the inside information is real and valid and to the point. I got this book for a class on meditation - the instructor picked and chose readings from throughout the book. I did not do the online readings and meditations but plan to over the next few weeks/months.
July 2, 2020
Not very great for if you look for a information book about becoming a mediator.
But if you wanna go to a mediator it's perfect.
Maybe it's still a bit to professional language.
But I liked the jokes in it.
It was great to learn something about it.
Well done !
But if you wanna go to a mediator it's perfect.
Maybe it's still a bit to professional language.
But I liked the jokes in it.
It was great to learn something about it.
Well done !
April 25, 2021
This is the longest audiobooks I have ever listen to. I felt an overload of information, and the author like to repeat stuff. Towards the end, I am getting slightly impatient which ironically defeat the purpose of trying to find my mindfulness.
July 4, 2023
Great place to start
The author really wants you to know the "Why" of meditation. He gives countless examples and adds online resources. It really feels like your doing one on one mentorship. I'm glad to restart my meditation practice. Why did I ever quit ??
The author really wants you to know the "Why" of meditation. He gives countless examples and adds online resources. It really feels like your doing one on one mentorship. I'm glad to restart my meditation practice. Why did I ever quit ??
November 5, 2017
As good a place to start as any I reckon. Warning: Only about 10% of this book is actual instruction on how to practice meditation.
December 4, 2017
Good for its size
This book might be little but it has some helpful tips on meditation and yoga . Found some new meditations to give a try
This book might be little but it has some helpful tips on meditation and yoga . Found some new meditations to give a try
May 8, 2018
I've been reading this 1 page/section at a time over a year(s?). Good, accessible, motivating primer. Helped me establish and keep at a (mostly) regular practice.
November 29, 2018
well; read HALF of this coupla yrs ago ~ HALF this yr: wonder if it's 4 me: I really just wanted to (improve) my Breathing Exercises [for Anxiety] .. gud Suggestions_tho
May 31, 2019
Comprehensive beginner manual. I enjoyed it.
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