Meditation and Spiritual Life

Active Meditations for Contemplative Prayer

Active Meditations for Contemplative Prayer

A compilation of quotes from various books of Thomas Keating.  One quote on each page.  An application of this compilation is using it as a "minute book," a recommendation of Father Keating's.  In the midst of a busy day, when one finds a "stray minute or two," Keating recommends reading a few lines and reflecting.  This book constitutes a splendid minute book for those for whom Keating's writings are both inspiration and guide.

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A Heart of Stillness: A Complete Guide to Learning the Art of Meditation

A Heart of Stillness: A Complete Guide to Learning the Art of Meditation

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.

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Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayers

Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayers

365 short, comforting, inspiring, readings for each day of the year.  Each page contains a salient thought for the day, a poetic verse, a lesson, and a spontaneous prayer.  These were compiled from Swami Paramananda's sermons, lectures, letters, and prayers, and arranged thematically by Sister Devamata.

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Discovering Jewish Meditation: Instruction and Guidance for Learning an Ancient Spiritual Practice

Discovering Jewish Meditation: Instruction and Guidance for Learning an Ancient Spiritual Practice

A supportive and wise guide for beginners that answers commonly asked questions about the nature and history of Jewish mediation;  shows beginners how to start their practice;  gives step by step instructions for meditations that are the core of Jewish meditation;  and explains the challenges and rewards of a Jewish meditation practice.

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Handbook of Jewish Meditation Practices, The

Handbook of Jewish Meditation Practices, The

A guide designed for those who wish to actively participate in spiritual practice.  The book is divided into the following sections: Basic Jewish Meditation Practices,  Jewish Retreats, and Kabbalistic Meditations.

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Healing Meditations

Healing Meditations

This booklet presents a collection of meditative passages for reflection and contemplation.  The contents are: Healing Meditations; Meditation of Life;  Meditation of Light;  Meditation of Purity;  Meditation of Humility;  Meditation of Joy;  Meditation of Freedom; Meditation of Love; Meditation of Wisdom; and Meditation of Peace.

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How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali

How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali

Patanjali's Yoga Aphorisms in modern translation with the commentary of Swami Prabhavananda. English only. see: Patanjali Yoga Sutras.

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Japa and Dhyana – in a Nutshell

Japa and Dhyana – in a Nutshell

Swami Brahmananda was a foremost disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and the first President of the Ramakrishna Order.  This booklet contains some of his spiritual precepts compiled by P. Seshadri Aiyar who closely associated with him.  The text of this booklet has been taken from 'Swami Brahmananda As We Saw Him'.

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Jewish Meditation

Jewish Meditation

This book presents the most basic form of Jewish meditation, and serves as a practical guide.  It assumes no special background on the part of the reader either in Judaism or in meditation.  It is a gentle, clear introduction and provide exercises and practices that can be used right away by any Jew who wants a deeper prayer experience.

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Jewish Meditation Practices for Everyday Life

Jewish Meditation Practices for Everyday Life

The author presents Jewish contemplative techniques that foster the development of a heart of wisdom and compassion.  This contemporary approach to meditation, accessible to all, focuses on using the distilled wisdom of Buddhism and Judaism as a way to learn from life experience.

Contents: Waking up in the Midst of Your Life;  Beginning a Practice;  The Nature of Mind;  Making the Darkness Conscious; Embracing the Divine;  Prayer and Meditation;  A Blessing Practice;  L'chayyim - Into Life.

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