A simple, accessible, nonsectarian guide to the basic principles and practice of meditation that everybody can follow even if one does not follow a particular faith.  Helpful for self-guided retreats.  The book is divided into the following sections: Mastering the Monkey Mind,  The Foundation of Spiritual Practice,  Unpleasant Mind States, Pleasant Mind States.

David A. Cooper traces the paths of the mystics and the practice of spiritual retreat in all the major religious traditions, sharing the common techniques and practices for beginners and advanced meditators alike.