Defining Meditation
RESOURCES & REFERENCES
CHAPTER 1 Defining Meditation
WEBSITES
Website: Chopra Center Author: Melissa Eisler Article: History of Meditation URL: http://www.chopra.com/ccl/the-history-of-meditation Overview: Nice timeline graphic showing historically significant events related to meditation.
Website: Live and Dare Author: Giovanni Dienstmann Article: Types of Meditation - An Overview of 23 Meditation Techniques URL: http://liveanddare.com/types-of-meditation/ Overview: Excellent article outlining and providing instructions for 23 different meditation techniques.
Website: National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health Article: Most Used Mind & Body Practices URL: https://nccih.nih.gov/research/statistics/NHIS/2012/mind-body/ meditation Overview: A NCCIH statistical analysis of mind and body practices in America.
Website: News Medical Author: Susan Chow Article: Meditation History URL: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Meditation-History.aspx Overview: Short overview of the history of meditative practices.
Website: Psychology Today Article: Meditation URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/meditation Overview: Psychology Today’s definition of meditation.
Website: Spiritual Healing for You Article: Types of Meditation URL: http://www.spiritual-healing-for-you.com/types-of-meditation.html Overview: Article dedicated to dissecting five overarching meditation categories.
Website: Wikipedia Article: History of Meditation URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_meditation Overview: Wikipedia’s page for the history of meditation.
Website: Wikipedia Article: The Beatles in India URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles_in_India Overview: Wikipedia’s page about the Beatles 1968 trip to India.
BOOKS
Author: Bhante Henepola Gunaratana Title: Mindfulness in Plain English Publication Year: 2011 Overview: Extremely popular book dedicated to mindfulness and meditation. A great introductory read for new meditators. CHAPTER 2 The Scientific & Spiritual Reasons to Meditate
WEBSITES
Website: CNN Article: Can meditation really slow aging? Author: Jo Marchant URL: http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/10/health/can-meditation- really-slow-aging/ Overview: Very interesting article that highlights the affects meditation has on the aging process. The work of Elizabeth Blackburn is explored.
Website: Harvard Gazette Article: Eight weeks to a better brain Author: Sue McGreevey URL: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2011/01/eight-weeks- to-a-better-brain/ Overview: An attention-grabing article that illuminates the scientific findings of Sara Lazar and other Harvard researchers.
Website: Johns Hopkins Medicine Article: Meditation for Anxiety and Depression URL: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/ meditation_for_anxiety_and_depression Overview: Press release about a 2013 meta-analysis carried out by Johns Hopkins University doctors who wanted to determine the effectiveness meditation has treating anxiety and depression.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Buddhism URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Overview: Wikipedia’s page devoted to Buddhism. Website: Wikipedia Article: Hinduism URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Overview: Wikipedia’s page dedicated to Hinduism.
OTHER
Type of Source: Documentary Film Title: The Dhamma Brothers Director: Jenny Phillips Release Date: 2007 Website: https://www.dhammabrothers.com Overview: Captivating documentary about the first meditation course ever to be held within a United States correctional facility.
CHAPTER 3 Fundamental Guidelines for Your Practice
WEBSITES
Website: Zen Mountain Monastery Article: Zazen Instructions URL: https://zmm.mro.org/teachings/meditation-instructions/ Overview: Nice article that looks at a variety of seated meditation postures with instructions and pictures.
BOOKS
Author: Yongey Mingyur Rincpoche Title: The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secrets and Science of Happiness Publication Year: 2008 Overview: Wonderful book that looks at how spiritual practices increase our levels of happiness while also providing scientific data to back up the claim.
CHAPTER 4 Thich Nhat Hanh
WEBSITES
Website: Elephant Journal Article: Martin Luther King Jr. & Buddhism Author: Daniel Scharpenburg URL: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/01/martin-luther-king- jr-buddhism/ Overview: Article looking at the relationship between Thich Nhat Hanh and Martin Luther King Jr. The nomination letter that MLK sent to the Nobel Prize Committee, recommending Hanh for the 1967 Peace Prize, can be found here.
Website: Katinka Hesselink Article: Thich Nhat Hanh URL: http://www.katinkahesselink.net/tibet/Thich-Nhat-Hanh.html Overview: Nicely written Thich Nhat Hanh biography.
Website: Kirkville Article: Just Sitting: The Zen Practice of Shikantaza Author: Kirk McElhearn URL: http://www.mcelhearn.com/just-sitting-the-zen-practice-of- shikantaza/ Overview: An article that discusses the practice of Shikantaza Meditation.
Website: Lion’s Roar Article: How to Practice Zazen Author: Jules Shuzen Harris URL: http://www.lionsroar.com/how-to-practice-zazen/ Overview: An article written by meditation teacher Jules Shuzen Harris who offers instructions for how to practice Zazen.
Website: Plum Village Article: Numerous articles from the website were consulted URL: http://plumvillage.org/ Overview: The website for Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village monastery. Many article about Hanh, meditation and mindfulness can be found here. A great resource for those interested in Zen Buddhism.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Engaged Buddhism URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engaged_Buddhism Overview: Wikipedia’s page looking at Engaged Buddhism.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Shikantaza URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikantaza Overview: Wikipedia’s page examining Shikantaza Meditation.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Thich Nhat Hanh URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%ADch_Nhất_Hạnh Overview: Wikipedia’s page dedicated to Thich Nhat Hanh.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Zazen URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zazen Overview: Wikipedia’s page for the practice of Zazen Meditation.
BOOKS
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh Title: Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life Publication Year: 1991 Overview: A wonderful book that explains how to bring mindfulness into our everyday activities. Especially useful for those dealing with challenging life circumstances.
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh Title: The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation Publication Year: 1999 Overview: One of Thich Nhat Hanh’s most celebrated books which discusses the benefits of mindful living and can be used as a good introductory resource for new meditators.
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh Title: Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life Publication Year: 2010 Overview: Thich Nhat Hanh tells us how we can bring mindfulness into the kitchen while we’re eating and cooking, and change our relationship with food, in this book.
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh Title: Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm Publication Year: 2012 Overview: A nice book that shows how to move beyond the stormy mental and emotional weather we’ll inevitably deal with at some point.
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh Title: The Art of Communicating Publication Year: 2013 Overview: This book illuminates the importance of communicating mindfully with others and offers a variety of relational practices to help us speak with love and listen with compassion.
OTHER
Type of Source: Picture Title: Thay Shambala 2006 Website: Mindfulness Pugent Sound URL: http://mindfulnesspugetsound.org/wp-content/ uploads/2014/03/Thay-Shambala-2006-larger.jpg Overview: Chapter profile picture for Thich Nhat Hanh.
CHAPTER 5 Paramahansa Yogananda
WEBSITES
Website: Ananda Sangha Worldwide Article: Numerous articles from the website were consulted. URL: https://www.ananda.org Overview: An organization dedicated to sharing the teachings of Yogananda. There is plenty of good information on this website about Kriya Yoga and the great Hindu Swami.
Website: Ananda Sangha Worldwide Article: The Hong-Sau Technique of Concentration URL: https://www.ananda.org/meditation/meditation-support/ meditation-techniques/the-hong-sau-technique-of-concentration/ Overview: A short video providing instructions for the Hong-Sau Mantra Meditation technique.
Website: Expanding Light Article: Kriya Yoga Introduction URL: http://www.expandinglight.org/meditation/kriya-yoga/ Overview: Another organization dedicated to spreading the teachings of Yogananda. This particular article provides an introduction to the practice of Kriya Yoga.
Website: Paramahansa Yogananda Article: Numerous articles from the website were consulted. URL: http://www.yogananda.com.au/index.html Overview: Excellent resource with information about the Self- Realization Fellowship, Yogananda and Kriya Yoga. This website offers in-depth analysis about everything Yoganandya and is highly recommended to visit.
Website: Self-Realization Fellowship Article: Numerous articles from the website were consulted. URL: http://www.yogananda-srf.org Overview: The website for Yogananda’s Self-Realization Fellowship program. Here, there is tons of good information about the life of Yogananda, the meditation techniques he taught and the self-realization fellowship program he founded.
Website: Yoga Journal Article: Why Parmahansa Yogananda was a Man Before His Time Author: Shannon Sexton URL: http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/sneak-preview-awake- life-yogananda/ Overview: Nice slideshow examining Yogananda’s life and featuring some really fascinating pictures.
Website: Yogananda Harmony Association Article: A Short History of Hong-Sau, the Energization Exercises, and the Aum-Technique URL: http://yoganandaharmony.com/yogananda-history-chapter-5 Overview: An article that looks at the three introductory meditation techniques of the Self-Realization Fellowship program.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Kriya Yoga URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriya_Yoga Overview: Wikipedia’s page dedicated to the path of Kriya Yoga
Website: Wikipedia Article: Paramahansa Yogananda URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramahansa_Yogananda Overview: Wikipedia’s page dedicated to the life of Paramahansa Yogananda
Website: Wikipedia Article: Self-Realization Fellowship URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-Realization_Fellowship Overview: Wikipedia’s page dedicated to Yogananda’s Self-Realization Fellowship.
BOOKS
Author: Paramahansa Yogananda Title: Kriya Yoga by Swami Yogananda: Art of Super-Realization Publication Year: 1930 Overview: One of Yogananda’s earliest books about Kriya Yoga which shows how the practice was first taught in America.
Author: Paramahansa Yogananda Title: Autobiography of a Yogi Publication Year: 1946 Overview: One of the most important spirituality books ever be published. Yogananda’s autobiography certainly doesn’t disappoint and has sold over four million copies. An absolute must read for any spiritual seeker.
Author: Paramahansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda Title: The Essence of Self-Realization: The Wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda Publication Year: 2009 Overview: A nice book that is based upon the journals kept by one of Yogananda’s disciple, Swami Kriyananda, who was tasked with writing down what Yogananda said informally during the last two years of his life. The manuscript illuminates the enlightening conversations Yogananda had with others on a regular basis. OTHER
Type of Source: Documentary Film Title: Awake: The Life of Yogananda Directors: Paola di Florio, Lisa Leeman Release Date: 2014 Website: http://www.awaketheyoganandamovie.com Overview: A watch worthy documentary that looks at the life of Yogananda. Features interviews with a wide variety of influential people including celebrities, scholars and neuroscientists.
CHAPTER 6 S.N. Goenka
WEBSITES
Website: Biohack Yourself Article: The 10-Day (Goenka) Vipassana Meditation Retreat Author: Winslow Strong URL: http://biohackyourself.com/the-10-day-goenka-vipassana- meditation-retreat/ Overview: A nice article that looks at the globally acclaimed 10-day meditation course taught in the lineage of S.N. Goenka.
Website: First Post Article: Remembering SN Goenka, the man who brought Vipassana back to India Author: Sulekha Nair URL: http://www.firstpost.com/business/remembering-sn-goenka-the- man-who-brought-vipassana-back-to-india-1142861.html Overview: A remembrance article looking at the life of S.N. Goenka that was written after he passed away in 2013. Website: Huffington Post Article: S.N. Goenka: The Man who Taught the World to Meditate Author: Jay Michaelson URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-michaelson/sn-goenka- dead_b_4016374.html Overview: A second article written in remembrance of Goenka after his passing.
Website: Lion’s Roar Article: How to Practice Vipassana Insight Meditation Author: Sayadaw U Pandita URL: http://www.lionsroar.com/how-to-practice-vipassana-insight- meditation/ Overview: This article offers step-by-step instructions for those of you looking for more information about the practice of Vipassana Meditation.
Website: Vipassana Fellowship Article: Numerous articles were consulted. URL: http://www.vipassana.com Overview: This website offers information about Vipassana Meditation but is not directly related to S.N. Goenka. There is information about Buddhist scriptures, useful resources and an Online Vipassana Meditation course.
Website: Vipassana Meditation (As taught by S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin) Article: Numerous articles were consulted URL: https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index Overview: This is the website for the organization that was set up by S.N. Goenka. You can find information about Goenka, Vipassana Meditation and retreats that are held free of charge throughout the world.
Website: Wildmind Buddhist Meditation Article: Interview with S.N. Goenka URL: http://www.wildmind.org/blogs/news/interview-with-sn-goenka Overview: This is a transcript of an interview between S.N. Goenka and The Indian Express Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta that took place in 2010.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Global Vipassana Pagoda URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Vipassana_Pagoda Overview: Wikipedia’s page looking at the Global Vipassana Pagoda Monument in India.
Website: Wikipedia Article: S.N. Goenka URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._N._Goenka Overview: Wikipedia’s page dedicated to S.N. Goenka.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Vipassana URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vipassana Overview: Wikipedia’s page examining Vipassana Meditation.
BOOKS
Author: S.N. Goenka Title: Meditation Now: Inner Peace through Inner Wisdom Publication Year: 2003 Overview: A nice book containing various S.N. Goenka essays, interviews and lectures about Vipassana Meditation and Buddhist teachings.
Author: S.N. Goenka, Virginia Hamilton Title: The Art of Dying Publication Year: 2014 Overview: A wonderful book that examines death from the lens of S.N. Goenka’s teachings. Author: William Hart Title: The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation Publication Year: 2009 Overview: This book offers an in depth look at S.N. Goenka’s teachings on Vipassana Meditation and Buddhism. A highly recommend read for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of the ancient meditation technique.
CHAPTER 7 Ramana Maharshi
WEBSITES
Website: Arunachala & Bhagavan Article: Numerous articles were consulted. URL: http://www.arunachala-ramana.org Overview: A website dedicated to Ramana Maharshi and the Arunachala Hill. You can also find information about traveling to Sri Ramanasramam Ashram here.
Website: Bliss Music Article: Learn Ramana Maharshi’s Self Inquiry Meditation Technique URL: http://www.bliss-music.com/meditation_technique_ramana_ maharshi.htm#.V32DLVe7mRt Overview: Instructions for Self-Inquiry Meditation.
Website: Hridaya Yoga Article: The Self-Enquiry Method of Ramana Maharshi URL: http://hridaya-yoga.com/meditation-retreats/what-is-hridaya- meditation/the-self-inquiry-method-of-ramana-maharshi/ Overview: An article that examines the various instructional components of Maharshi’s Self-Inquiry Meditation technique.
Website: Om Guru Article: Ramana Maharshi URL: http://www.om-guru.com/html/saints/maharshi.html Overview: A nice biography of Ramana Maharshi. This website also contains biographies for numerous other Hindu sages, seers and gurus.
Website: Sri Ramanasramam Article: Numerous articles were consulted. URL: http://www.sriramanamaharshi.org Overview: This is the web page for the Sri Ramanasramam Ashram which was built in honor of Ramana Maharshi on the Arunachala Hill. There is relevant information about Maharshi and his teachings here, as well as information about the Ashram itself.
Website: Sri Ramanasramam Article: Who am I? Meditation (PDF) URL: http://www.sriramanamaharshi.org/wp-content/ uploads/2012/12/who_am_I.pdf Overview: The Sri Ramanasramam Ashram website offers a free PDF containing the answers that Maharshi gave to Sri Pillai when he came to seek guidance in 1902. These wisdom filled words will forever remain the foundational instructions for Self-Inquiry Meditation.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Ramana Maharshi URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramana_Maharshi Overview: Wikipedia’s page dedicated to Ramana Maharshi.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Self Enquiry (Ramana Maharshi) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-enquiry_(Ramana_Maharshi) Overview: Wikipedia’s page dedicated to Maharshi’s Self-Inquiry Meditation technique.
Website: Yoga in Daily Life Article: Self-Inquiry Meditation URL: http://www.yogaindailylife.org/system/en/self-inquiry- meditation Overview: A nice article that examines Self-Inquiry Meditation.
BOOKS
Author: Arthur Osborne Title: The Teachings of Ramana Maharshi in His Own Words Publication Year: 1962 Overview: A wonderful book, written by one of Maharshi’s most loyal followers, that illuminates Maharshi’s teachings.
Author: David Frawley Title: Vedantic Meditation Publication Year: 2000 Overview: American Hindu teacher David Frawley discusses many Hindu spiritual practices in this book including Self-Inquiry Meditation.
CHAPTER 8 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
WEBSITES
Website: Biography Article: Dalai Lama URL: http://www.biography.com/people/dalai-lama-9264833 Overview: A concise biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Website: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Article: Numerous articles were consulted. URL: www.dalailama.com Overview: This is the official website for the Dalai Lama. Here you can find great content about His Holiness and his current whereabouts. There is also information about his upbringing and wisdom filled teachings. Website: Homepage of Miriam E. Cameron Article: Tonglen Meditation URL: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~camer008/meditation.tonglen.html Overview: An article that examines the practice of Tonglen Meditation.
Website: Wikipedia Article: 14th Dalai Lama URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_Dalai_Lama Overview: Wikipedia’s page dedicated to the 14th Dalai Lama.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Dalai Lama URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalai_Lama Overview: Wikipedia’s page examining the history of the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism.
Website: Wikipedia Article: Tonglen URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonglen Overview: Wikipedia’s page for the practice of Tonglen Meditation.
BOOKS
Author: Daniel Goleman Title: A Force for Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for the Future Publication Year: 2015 Overview: Renowned Psychologist Daniel Goleman’s book which outlines the Dalai Lama’s vision for the future of humanity.
Author: Howard C. Cutler, the 14th Dalai Lama Title: The Art of Happiness Publication Year: 1998 Overview: One of the Dalai Lama’s most celebrated books which contains priceless advice for bringing more happiness into our lives.
Author: The 14th Dalai Lama Title: Stages of Meditation Publication Year: 2001 Overview: A wonderful book that outlines various Buddhist meditation concepts and practice strategies.
Author: The 14th Dalai Lama Title: How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life Publication Year: 2002 Overview: Another one of His Holiness’ most celebrated titles which outlines steps we can take to bring meaning into our lives.
OTHER
Type of Source: Picture Title: Dalai Lama Website: Wikimedia Photographer: Christopher Michel URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Dalailama1_20121014_4639.jpg Overview: Chapter profile picture for the 14th Dalai Lama.