THE ART OF MEDITATION
By Robert Najemy
Table of Contents
Purpose of book: To prepare, instruct and guide those interested in learning to practice this technique for inner contact and renewal of body, mind and spirit.
Interests: Millions who are searching for a means to find inner peace and health as well as millions who are already meditating.
How it differs from similar books: It is very simply written with an emphasis on the practical details of how to sit, concentrate, prepare. It addresses itself to the most frequently encountered obstacles. It also focuses on the type of life style which is conducive to having the best results. All chapters made more easily comprehensible by an abundance of subtitles and occasionally words in bold type which help the reader to hold more clearly the in mind the essence of what is being expressed.
Total pages of manuscript (as doubled columned pages 8.2 in. x 11.8 in. with text at 10 points) = 100. Total pages in published Greek Edition: (5.6 in x 8.2 in) = 330 pages. Number of printings of Greek Edition: 4 printings since first edition in 1993.
Chapter by Chapter Synopsis
INTRODUCTION
1. WHAT IS YOGA?
Explains the basic systems of Yoga and how they relate to daily life. Speaks about some of misleading conceptions about Yoga. Goes beyond the identification of yoga simply with exercise and meditation, viewing it as a way of life.Speaks of the eight steps toward freedom from the mind.
2. WHAT IS MEDITATION?
Describes the process of meditation and uses the metaphor of letting go and relaxing in nature. It describes the point on contact between the inner and outer world.
3. THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION
Over 40 very practical physical and mental benefits are described as a result of tests done on meditators and control groups of non meditators.Suggestions are given as to how society as a whole could be improved if more people meditated.
4. PRACTICAL DETAILS CONCERNING MEDITATION
Details are given concerning how to get started including body position, handling discomfort, the best time and duration, explaining to family members about what we are doing.
5. HOW DO WE MEDITATE?
The process itself is described along with introductory breathing techniques, prayer or invocation. Also discussed are the symptoms of possible stress release, guidelines for safe passage and what to do if subject to unpleasant reactions. Thoughts are offered about how to approach this process in the most mature and successful way.
6. THE POWER OF VIBRATIONS
The role of words, vibrations, chanting and prayer in relationship to the mind and meditation are explored.
7. CHOOSING AN OBJECT OF CONSCIOUSNESS
The reader is introduced to possible "inner objects" upon which he or she can concentrate. The reader is left free to discover his or her own most suitable path.The various possible transformation of mental states are described as well as how to react to those changes.
8. OTHER OBJECTS OF CONCENTRATION AND METHODS OF MOVING INTO MEDITATION
Methods of entering into meditation are introduced as well other possible "inner objects" upon which one can focus. This is an extremely useful chapter which is very different from other meditation books, as it passes over the boundaries between the various schools of meditation and allows the reader to make his or her own choices. The finest techniques from all traditions are explained in such a way that any beginner can get started or an experienced meditator can refresh his method.
9. SOME GUIDELINES FOR THE JOURNEY INWARD
Some of the traps and dangers are exposed along with solutions for avoiding them or at least coping with them when they occur.
10. THE ENERGY CENTERS AND EVOLUTION
The seven centers of energy or consciousness are explained along with methods for improving the quality of that energy.
11. UNDERSTANDING, INCREASING AND HARMONIZING OUR BIOENERGY
Discusses more detailed methods for energy management including ways to open up and direct this energy.
12. UNDERSTANDING MEDITATION THROUGH MODELS
Seven simple examples - models are offered which aid in the understanding of how meditation works.
13. PREPARING THE MIND
Three traditional steps towards disciplining the mind in order to succeed in becoming its master are shared with the reader.
14. THE FIRST STEPS TO FREEDOM
Here the first steps towards freedom from the mind are exposed in the light of the tradition of Yoga, based on moral conduct and alignment with the conscience and Higher Self.
15. A FURTHER STEP TOWARDS FREEDOM
Special attention is given to the question of sexuality, suppression, sublimation, transcendence and the process of getting free from the mind. The problem of dual relationships and the differences between sex, eros and love are discussed.
16. CONTINUING OUR STEPS TOWARDS FREEDOM
Control of actions, breath and body are examined as steps towards getting free from the vagrancies of the mind.
17. THE LAST STEPS TOWARDS FREEDOM
The differences between concentration, meditation and ecstasy are clarified.
18. THE OBSTACLES TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH
We study the nine main obstacles towards getting free and finding one's inner peace.
19. REMOVING THE OBSTACLES TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH
And in this chapter we examine ways to overcome and avoid those nine obstacles.
20. BRINGING GOD BACK INTO OUR LIVES
Ways in which we can being to maintain the feeling of God's presence in our lives and develop a relations ?hip with God. This chapter is, as is all the book, free from specific religious overtones. Anyone from any religion can use it in the context of his or her own religious belief system.
21. CULTIVATING THE WITNESS
In this chapter we learn how to witness our own mind, so that we can objectively observe its functioning and gradually improve on it.
22. STAGES IN OUR SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
There are hundreds of possible spiritual practices for one to chose from. They can be classified into certain categories. Only the reader can judge which is best for him at this present moment in his or her life. This chapter guides the reader in that process.
23. INNER CONFLICTS
Any spiritual practice can bring forth inner conflicts as parts of ourselves resist change or discipline. This is especially true when we try to employ any discipline for the wrong reasons. Suggestions are given on how to avoid this trap.