Books on Meditation

There are not that many books on that are only about meditation which is surprising given the writer friendly world we live in today. However, over the years I have gathered a small collection of 16 books that I have found most useful. These are available at most bookstores in brick and mortar stores or online. Enjoy!

Mini Meditation Guides
Meditation made easy - Gerry Maguire Thompson
Everyday Meditation - DK 101 Essential Tips Series
Leave your mind behind - Mathew McKay & Catharine Sutker

General Meditation Books
Meditation for Dummies 2nd ed - Stephan Bodian
Meditation - The first and last freedom - OSHO
Wherever you go there you are - Jon Kabat-Zinn
Coming to Our Senses - Jon Kabat-Zinn
The Tao of Natural Breathing - Dennis Lewis
The Yoga of Breath - Richard Rosen
Why meditate? - Clint Willis
Meditations to heal your life - Louise Hay
The Meditators Handbook - David Fontana
Three Deep Breaths - Thomas Crum

Meditation Courses
Meditation - The Complete Guide - Patricia Monaghan & Eleanor Viereck
The Power of Stillness - Tobin Blake
Full Catastrophe Living - Jon Kabat-Zinn

I thought I would give some thoughts and summaries on the meditation books that offer a course outline. These are my personal favourites as they provide the opportunity to experiment with a range of meditation techniques. This makes them attractive to those just learning about meditation and those who have a meditation practice but are looking to vary their techniques.

What is truly remarkable is that all over the world meditation is practiced in some form. Since meditative traditions have their own history that goes back before many cultures had contact with each other, it is almost as though meditation is a fundamental human need.

Meditation Course Summaries:

Meditation - The Complete Guide
By Patricia Monaghan & Eleanor Viereck
This was the first book I read on meditation. I actually emailed the authors and complimented them on their work. I still highly recommend this remarkably unique book. This book is a journey through 35 different meditative traditions from all over the world. If you are interested in meditation you will love this book.

The Power of Stillness
By Tobin Blake
This book offers a 30 day meditation course. It also has the reader experiment with several styles & techniques as well as dealing with some of the common challenges in meditation. If you are looking to experiment with meditation experiences this is a must read.

Full Catastrophe Living
By Jon Kabat-Zinn
This book was written in 1990 and in retrospect could be considered one of the first books of the wellness movement as we know it today. It offers an 8 week course in mindfulness using Buddhist techniques without the religious context. A very practical how to guide on meditation. This meditation course has been used very successfully at the Stress Reduction Program at the Massachusetts Medical Center. This program has taught many about meditation as well researching & documenting the health benefits of regular meditation practice.