Meditation Commonsense Directions For An Uncommon Life

Meditation can free us from both the confines of the physical body and the restrictions the mind imposes on us.

In this clear, easy-to-follow guide to meditation, Eknath Easwaran outlines the many spiritual and physical benefits to be reaped from the discipline. He asserts that by mastering the eight points in his plan, we can liberate ourselves from harmful emotions, compulsions, stresses and cravings that can block our creative energy. To banish these destructive patterns, we can train our minds not to be angry or depressed and learn instead to divert our power into discovery of the self and the outside world.

The eight points suggested will, if followed conscientiously, increase concentration, broaden awareness, generate spiritual power and help us to find our real identity and venture deep into our true nature. This in turn will improve our relationships with others and bring us to an understanding of our place in the world. The higher state of consciousness that meditation confers, and the mental freedom that accompanies it, are the gifts that are brought to those who practise it in order to attain the enlightenment only this discipline can offer.