Synopses & Reviews
Drawing on both classic and contemporary sources, this comprehensive sourcebook outlines the scientific, psychological, and spiritual elements of Yoga and Vedanta meditation, the results of which lead not to the seeker's dreams and visions but to the transformation of his or her character.
Table of Contents
The meaning of meditation -- The meditative state -- The goal of meditation -- The benefits of meditation -- Meditation in the system of Yoga -- Meditation in Vedanta -- The sacred texts on meditation -- The three key factors in all meditation -- Objects of meditation in Yoga and Vedanta -- Meditation on a divine form -- Meditation on a divine incarnation -- Meditation on the Lord as inmost self and supreme teacher -- Meditation on Virata Purusha, the cosmic person -- Meditation on the sacred word om -- Meditation on the Gayatri mantra -- Meditation on the great Vedic sayings -- Meditation on a sacred text, word, or mystic syllable -- The centers for meditation -- Dualism, nondualism, and the centers -- Withdrawal and concentration of mind -- Posture -- Time and place, spiritual vibrations, and geographical directions -- Physical condition, eating habits, and exercise -- Self-analysis -- Mystic worship -- Japa, or repetition of a sacred word -- Pranayama, or control of breath -- Milestones of progress -- Mystical experiences and realizations -- The transformation of character -- The sacred texts on progress in meditation -- Obstacles in meditation and ways of overcoming them.