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    Meditation Tips 'n Techniques: Simple Meditation Methods, Aids & Guides
    Meditation Tips 'n Techniques: Simple Meditation Methods, Aids & Guides
    Meditation Tips 'n Techniques: Simple Meditation Methods, Aids & Guides
    Ebook184 pages1 hour

    Meditation Tips 'n Techniques: Simple Meditation Methods, Aids & Guides

    By Gordon Burnham

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    About this ebook

    “This practical book...is an excellent source of wise counsel from someone who knows the path intimately himself.” ~ Stephan Bodian, Author, "Meditation for Dummies". It provides effective tools to help you make progress, ignite your enthusiasm and find new joy on your meditation journey. It was written for those who are drawn to meditation, especially ford those who have met with difficulty.

    The first part of this book, Section I: Basics of Meditation, is an explanation and clarification of the core concepts and goals of meditation, as well as common challenges and pitfalls. It also explores the three basic methods of meditation, how they differ and what they share in common.

    In Section II: Tips 'n Techniques, the exercises may be used as primary meditation methods or as tools to help bring you back into the flow of your main meditation practice. They can be very helpful when you are finding it difficult to stay focused on the object of your primary meditation.
    The ideas contained here are expressed in modern and informal language, though they have the ancient spiritual teachings of Vedanta philosophy from India as their source and inspiration.
    In meditation, ultimately it is the quiet steady flow of concentration that conquers the adamantine obstacles in our path. This happens much as the yielding flow of a river carves a pathway to the sea. Still, it is easy to become discouraged if we are confronted with a rock hard wall of persistent thoughts, emotional patterns or conditioning that is blocking our progress.

    The tips and techniques for meditation presented here are not offered as a shortcut to the goal of our meditation. There are no real shortcuts. For each of us there is only the distance of our own unique path. However, we can find tools or helpful aids for our journey. Each of us must do all of the walking for ourselves as we journey up the mountain on our meditation quest. However, if we should encounter a wide ravine filled with deep snow along the way, a pair of snowshoes might help us cross over an area where we are not sure of our step. Or, if perhaps we reach a tall granite ridge separating us from the next step in our quest, a laser beam of focused consciousness might help penetrate and open a pathway forward.

    It is beneficial to maintain a central theme in our meditations, however it can also be helpful to experiment with a different approach or technique if our meditation has become stagnant or blocked.

    Section III: Inspiring Quotations, is a collection of powerful quotations from spiritual masters and others who have journeyed into wisdom and shared it with their words. A single sentence of inspired Truth can open inner doors and reveal a pathway long hidden from view. "Inspiring Quotations" is a treasure chest of these precious wisdom-jewels.

    Wherever you are in your exploration of meditation, hopefully you will find within these pages, words that spark a flame of inspiration and help your meditation flourish and shine. We have no more powerful means at our command to transform our lives and realize the joy and the peace that are at the heart of the human quest. Meditation is an immeasurable gift to all who will explore its depths. It is free to all and it opens the portal to true freedom.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherGordon Burnham
    Release dateDec 9, 2013
    ISBN9781310826276
    Meditation Tips 'n Techniques: Simple Meditation Methods, Aids & Guides
    Author

    Gordon Burnham

    Gordon Burnham is the author of four books—two books of spiritual and nature poetry—"The Mystical Dance" and "Whispers of Light", a book on meditation—"Meditation Tips 'n Techniques" and a book of daily verses and reflections—"Inspirations and Meditations." He is also a singer-songwriter on eight CDs of universal spiritual songs, Sanskrit kirtans and chants, new age instrumentals and acoustic guitar instrumentals. His music and books are available for purchase and can be sampled on Amazon, iTunes and www.gburnham.com.Born in Traverse City, Michigan, Gordon later moved with his family to Grand Rapids where he grew up in a rural setting of rivers, lakes, hills and woods. His natural love of nature, art and music was infused with a sense of the spiritual and was to be his guide through the years to come.He attended Western Michigan University, majoring in psychology and minoring in music, and after college moved to Boston to pursue a career in music and continue his spiritual exploration.Gordon taught Music Therapy at Northeastern University, Boston, and developed a course on "Healing and Spiritual Awakening Through Music". The study of yoga, meditation and the pursuit of his spiritual path were woven into the fabric of his life and guided its direction.Gordon' has been a student of meditation and Vedanta philosophy since meeting his teacher and guru, Srimata Gayatri Devi in 1974. He plays a central role in weekly music performances and is the director of major musical events at Ananda Ashrama, La Crescenta, CA. and Vedanta Centre, Cohasset, MA. He is also a regular speaker at Ananda Ashrama.Gordon Burnham is a fellow-traveler on this path of life which has lead him to his current home with his wife Rita in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. In an atmosphere surrounded by nature, on the edge of the wilderness, his life is focused on the spiritual quest—and enjoying the journey!

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      Book preview

      Meditation Tips 'n Techniques - Gordon Burnham

      Acknowledgments

      My deepest gratitude to Srimata Gayatri Devi, who was my teacher, guru and living example of the marvelous benefits of meditation. Also, my heartfelt thanks to Reverend Mother Sudhananda Puri who carries the work forward, guiding and sustaining Ananda Ashrama in La Crescenta, California and Vedanta Centre in Cohasset, Massachusetts.

      My heartfelt thanks to my wife Rita for honest, insightful and intelligent evaluation as well as a proofreader's eye, and I thank my good friend Cliff Johnson for editorial assistance and for guidance and encouragement in the writing of this book.

      I also express my gratitude to Purna Rodman, John McCormick, Bernadette Green and Bryan Fritz for editing and proofreading assistance, constructive feedback and support.

      Preface

      This book was written for all those who are drawn to meditation and especially for those who have met with difficulty maintaining their practice. Its purpose is to provide support, encouragement and inspiration for all who have embarked on the wonderful journey of meditation, and for all who are considering doing so. A variety of simple meditation techniques are offered to help both novices and adepts move through obstacles and enhance their practice. This book also addresses the questions of why we might want to meditate, what are the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits, and what might we expect at various stages of our practice. The underlying philosophy of meditation is also explored and explained in simple, clear terms.

      Many people are attracted to meditation and embrace it with enthusiasm, only to find that at some point they have become disenchanted and unable to maintain their practice. Even in many spiritual communities where meditation is a core part of the practice and teachings, many silently lament their struggle to integrate meditation into their daily lives. This happens to sincere and dedicated aspirants as well as casual participants. Often, people not only do not know how to remedy this challenge, they are many times unaware of the cause. The obvious answer seems to be, I am not good at this, It's too boring, I don't have time, or some other reason that in truth is only a smokescreen for the actual cause.

      Disinterest due to boredom, or discouragement due to one's apparent failure, are two common and daunting obstacles that are addressed in these pages. There is a pathway through these difficulties and the rewards for persistence are well worth the journey.

      A little meditation, practiced each day without fail, will transform your life.

      ~ Swami Paramananda

      If you already have some experience with meditation, you have no doubt encountered a few of the hurdles in the path. Have you ever felt like you were stuck on an endless plateau in your meditation, or perhaps just unable to move through, or let go of an obstacle? If you are new to meditation, you might be facing the inevitable discovery that controlling or calming the mind is a simple idea, but a formidable task. This book provides effective tools to help you make progress, ignite your enthusiasm and find new joy on your meditation journey.

      Meditation Tips 'n Techniques is for experienced meditators and beginners alike. Beginners will find the Basics of Meditation section helpful in gaining understanding of the basic principles and underlying philosophy. The exercises in the Tips n' Techniques section are helpful and clear and they are easy to incorporate into your meditations as needed or desired. Those who are experienced in meditation will find a fresh perspective and approach to remedying the obstacles and challenges that arise in meditation. Experienced meditators may also find unexpected nuances and helpful information in the Basics of Meditation section. You may want to read this book straight through or you might prefer to browse for what you need or what piques your interest.

      Meditation is challenging, yet the benefits and rewards are far greater than most endeavors of humankind.

      Meditation is the gate that opens infinite joy to us.

      ~ Swami Vivekananda

      Introduction

      The first part of this book, Section I: Basics of Meditation, is an explanation and clarification of the core concepts and goals of meditation, as well as common challenges and pitfalls. It also explores the three basic methods of meditation, how they differ and what they share in common.

      In Section II: Tips 'n Techniques, the exercises may be used as primary meditation methods or as tools to help bring you back into the flow of your main meditation practice. They can be very helpful when you are finding it difficult to stay focused on the object of your primary meditation.

      The ideas contained here are expressed in modern and informal language, though they have the ancient spiritual teachings of Vedanta philosophy from India as their source and inspiration.

      In meditation, ultimately it is the quiet steady flow of concentration that conquers the adamantine obstacles in our path. This happens much as the yielding flow of a river carves a pathway to the sea. Still, it is easy to become discouraged if we are confronted with a rock hard wall of persistent thoughts, emotional patterns or conditioning that is blocking our progress.

      The tips and techniques for meditation presented here are not offered as a shortcut to the goal of our meditation. There are no real shortcuts. For each of us there is only the distance of our own unique path. However, we can find tools or helpful aids for our journey. Each of us must do all of the walking for ourselves as we journey up the mountain on our meditation quest. However, if we should encounter a wide ravine filled with deep snow along the way, a pair of snowshoes might help us cross over an area where we are not sure of our step. Or, if perhaps we reach a tall granite ridge separating us from the next step in our quest, a laser beam of focused consciousness might help penetrate and open a pathway forward.

      Do not imagine that the practice of concentration implies that you must dwell upon just one thing and do nothing else, even when you are tired and bored and discouraged through repeated unsuccessful efforts. A change of physical and mental occupation sometimes is necessary and beneficial. You will go back to your task with fresh interest and renewed vigor, and you will be able to make greater progress.

      ~ Swami Paramananda

      It is beneficial to maintain a central theme in our meditations, however it can also be helpful to experiment with a different approach or technique if our meditation has become stagnant or blocked.

      Section III: Inspiring Quotations, is a collection of powerful quotations from spiritual masters and others who have journeyed into wisdom and shared it with their words. A single sentence of inspired Truth can open inner doors and reveal a pathway long hidden from view. Inspiring Quotations is a treasure chest of these precious wisdom-jewels.

      Wherever you are in your exploration of meditation, hopefully you will find within these pages, words that spark a flame of inspiration and help your meditation flourish and shine. We have no more powerful means at our command to transform our lives and realize the joy and the peace that are at the heart of the human quest. Meditation is an immeasurable gift to all who will explore its depths. It is free to all and it opens the portal to true freedom.

      Contents

      Acknowledgments

      Preface

      Introduction

      SECTION I

      BASICS OF MEDITATION

      What is Meditation?

      Why Meditate?

      Methods: Types and Descriptions

      Mantra Meditation

      Sanskrit Mantras

      Affirmation as a Mantra

      Contemplative Meditation

      Contemplative Meditation Subjects

      Mindfulness Meditation

      Difference and Likeness In Methods

      Can I Fit Meditation Into My Lifestyle?

      You Do Have Time - Even If You Don't

      The Five Minute Anywhere Meditation

      In-Life Meditation

      Whole-Life Meditation

      Preparation – Atmosphere, Prayer, Yoga

      Posture – Position

      Mudras – Hand Positions

      Breathing Exercises – Pranayama

      Cultivating the Habit of Practice

      Concentration and Its Benefits

      Stillness, Silence and Boredom

      Long Road Ahead or Incredible Journey

      On the Way to Enlightenment

      Approaching Stillness

      Filling the Mind to Empty It

      In The Beginning

      The Carpenter's Secret

      The Goal

      SECTION II

      TIPS 'N TECHNIQUES

      Overview

      About The Techniques

      Mantra Meditation Techniques

      No.1 Energetic Repetition

      No.2 Slow Repetition Synchronize Breath

      No.3 Slow Repetition Independent Breath

      No.4 Observe Each Word of the Mantra

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