Meditation Books

There are a lot of meditation resources on the inter-webs. It is difficult to decipher what’s good or not, even with recommendations on Amazon or other book sites. Some encourage you to follow some sort of spiritual path, religion, or mysticism. In some cases they say they don’t, but subversively do. We like to do things based on science and experience, however it’s nearly impossible to find resources that don’t have some type of religion or spirituality in them, but here we are. I strongly believe meditation can be disassociated with those things and still provide benefit. Since it follows and developed from these traditions it’s useful to learn about and from them, and acknowledge their contribution. Follow the general principle, if it’s cheesy, mystical or magical, use caution, use it if you must, but see it for what it is. Don’t mistake mental enlightenment for mystical things.

The mind illuminated

Author: Culadasa (John Yates, PhD)

The best book for beginners and experienced meditators alike. It is a solid combination of practical advice for starting, and continuing practice, as well as moving into deeper and advanced stages. He explains the science (at least as current as publication) behind what’s happening and why, and has a lot of great general advice. It’s THE MANUAL. Buy it, read it, know it. Repeat it.

Waking up: A guide to spirituality without religion

Author: Sam Harris

This book is one that tries to pass along meditation guidance and “spirituality” without any religious undertones. He’s basing his method largely on current neuroscience and psychology, for the rational practitioner. I hate that he uses “spirituality” in the book title and throughout. He addresses this “semantic concern” in the first chapter, by throwing out some Greek words etc. but I wish he had chosen another term, or coined a new phrase. Whatever, it’s what we have, and I’m glad he did it. I don’t agree with Sam Harris on everything (especially lately), even though I’ve closely followed and liked most of his works since The End of Faith, but we need people like him, and could use a lot more. He also has an accompanying app for iOS and Android, for those looking for “app guidance.” I think it’s pricey for yet ANOTHER subscription, but with family sharing between a few people it could be worth it. He also includes lectures (what seem like basically excerpts from his book), so if you’re looking for an easy whole learning package, this could be for you.

The Science of enlightenment

Author: Shinzen Young

I really like this book by Shinzen Young, and I think you will too. His personal story is quite compelling and the book is well thought out and put together. He’s also taking the more scientific approach throughout, but was himself ordained a Shingon Monk and with his studies in religion and languages, draws parallels to other methods, religions, and science. It’s a really good entry point for skeptics or followers of other paths. He also offers an app, called Brightmind for iOS and soon on Android (a little cheaper than SH, and often can get discount). He also has a website https://www.shinzen.org/ that offers links to his social media and videos etc. He’s a full time teacher and practitioner, and I think maybe a better resource than others, especially more advanced students.