Meditation cover

Meditation

Rating 4.0
Word count
42K words
Chapters
14
ISBN
9787201108995

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Summary

A guide to the practice of inner cultivation. In this book, Sri Swami Rama teaches us how, through the practice of meditation, to rise above the stress and problems that everyday thinking imposes on the body and enter into a state of clear awareness. This can give us guidance, open the body's energies, and sustain joy and peace of mind and body. The book begins with the concept of meditation and goes on to discuss how breathing, posture, diet, sleep, mind, and other aspects manifest in meditation practice, with especially detailed instruction in yogic breath control and the awakening of the sushumna. It offers both spiritual guidance and a practical, workable manual. As the author says, what he has written is a meditation that anyone can practice.

The transmission of meditation practice opens for us a door to our own inner world—something that concerns us every day yet has never been noticed. The methods taught in this book are the secret by which Indian yogis have lived in harmony with all things for centuries, and the ultimate way to face life's difficulties and come to know one's true self.

Editor's review

Meditation is a classic work by Sri Swami Rama that blends classical yoga wisdom with modern scientific understanding. With a Douban rating of 8.5, it affirms the book's enduring practical value across eras. Rather than vague spiritual preaching, the book systematically breaks down the essence of meditation, the workings of the mind, and specific practices, making it a veritable "meditation manual." Swami Rama was both a yogi deeply versed in ancient Indian traditions and a participant in mind-body research in Western laboratories; this dual background gives the book unique authority—it preserves profound insights from ancient texts while presenting them in clear, logical language, dispelling the obscurity often associated with Eastern mysticism. The book's careful distinction between "concentration" and "meditation" and its analysis of the relationship between breath and thought are especially illuminating, helping practitioners avoid remaining at the superficial level of relaxation and truly touch the calm and awareness deep within. For the anxiety and scattered attention common among modern people, the book offers a rigorous, step-by-step mind-body training system whose value far exceeds that of ordinary psychological self-help books.

Who it's for

A good fit for

  • Practitioners who wish to systematically learn the principles and authentic methods of meditation rather than merely seeking temporary relaxation
  • Readers interested in mind-body science who want to understand how Eastern wisdom engages in dialogue with modern psychology and neuroscience
  • People long troubled by restless thoughts and anxiety who yearn for deep inner calm and improved concentration
  • Yoga practitioners or meditation enthusiasts who wish to deepen their understanding of the theoretical foundations of their practice

Not a good fit for

  • Readers expecting quick "stress-relief techniques" or seeking fantastical mystical experiences
  • Readers who only want highly narrative, literary spiritual reading

Reading tips

  1. It is recommended to begin with the foundational first chapter on the definition of meditation to build correct understanding and avoid entering practice with misconceptions
  2. In the practical sections (such as breathing exercises), proceed slowly and patiently; in the early stages, do not pursue duration but focus on experiencing the subtle sensations described in the book
  3. Combine the book with daily practice and reread relevant chapters regularly; each reading brings fresh insight, and different stages bring different levels of understanding

About the publisher

Tianjin People's Publishing House China · Founded in 1950

Tianjin People's Publishing House publishes across such fields as classic works, foreign literature, architecture, social culture and social sciences, with 749 relevant titles in the collection. In the areas of classics and scholarship, works such as Wang Guowei's Renjian Cihua and Fei Xiaotong's From the Soil and Fertility and Reproduction reflect a sustained attention to social culture and classic texts of thought. Architectural books are represented by Liang Sicheng's Annotated Yingzao Fashi and A History of Chinese Architecture, showing an emphasis on architectural heritage and building traditions. In foreign literature, translations of Sholokhov's And Quiet Flows the Don and Tolstoy's War and Peace and The Death of Ivan Ilyich, through the work of translators such as Li Gang and Yu Dawei, form a substantial series of translated works. Overall, the press combines classic texts, scholarly works and fine translations, with a publishing character oriented toward humanistic depth and the dissemination of knowledge.

Contents

  1. 版权信息
  2. 推荐序
  3. 瑜伽八分支
  4. 原版序言
  5. 原版前言
  6. 第一章 何为冥想
  7. 第二章 冥想的准备
  8. 第三章 冥想姿势
  9. 第四章 冥想、意念、曼陀罗
  10. 第五章 呼吸练习
  11. 第六章 冥想进阶计划
  12. 第七章 冥想 Q&A
  13. 附录A 放松练习
  14. 附录B 呼吸训练

FAQ

What is the main difference between this book and other introductory meditation books?
The book's core strengths are its "systematic" and "rooted" nature. It not only provides methods but also explains in depth the yoga philosophy and science of the mind behind meditation. Its complete knowledge framework, drawn from authoritative traditions, helps readers build a solid and correct cognitive foundation and avoid detours in practice.
Can someone with no background understand and practice along with it?
Yes. Swami Rama's explanations are very clear and gradual. The book guides readers starting from the most basic posture and breath observation, in plain language; as long as one reads patiently and tries following the guidance, beginners can fully get started. The key is to let go of the expectation of "quick success" and accept that it is a gradual process requiring patient cultivation.
Do the practices in the book require a specific belief or religious background?
No. Although the book is rooted in yoga philosophy, Swami Rama always emphasizes that meditation is an inner science of attention and consciousness, and its methods and benefits are universal. The practices involve no religious rituals or worship of deities and are suitable for readers of any cultural background and without a specific faith.

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About the author

Swami Rama is an author about whom relatively little biographical information is available; his nationality, dates of birth and death, and full educational background are not clearly documented in publicly accessible sources. What is known is that he is associated with the field of Eastern philosophy, and one work by him, Meditation, is included in the collection. On the basis of this single work alone, it is difficult to form a complete picture of his thought or writing career, but it does show that he focuses on meditation as a practical subject, introducing methods and ideas of sitting quietly, concentration, and inner awareness to general readers in a plain, guiding tone rather than abstract speculation. Writing of this kind usually serves readers who wish to use meditation to adjust their physical and mental state, and it is often placed within the reading scope of Eastern philosophy and mind-body practice. Given the limited material, no further inferences about his life should be made; readers may turn to the specific content of Meditation to understand his approach and concerns.

刘海凝 Author · Chinese

Liu Haining is a Chinese author about whom limited public information is available. It is known that she is of Chinese nationality, and the library holds one work by her, Meditation, commonly classified under Eastern philosophy. Based on the existing information, it is difficult to confirm the full picture of her education, professional experience, or writing career, so an understanding of her relies mainly on this single work. Meditation takes meditation as its entry point and falls within the field of Eastern philosophy, typically exploring inner observation, mental focus, and self-awareness. Its writing tends toward plain guidance and conceptual explanation rather than elaborate theoretical exposition. Such themes attract attention among contemporary Chinese readers, particularly ordinary readers interested in physical and mental adjustment and Eastern thought. Since her other works and background are not yet available in the library, her writing style and overall influence await further material before they can be assessed.