Change Your Mind: A practical guide to Buddhist meditation

This book is a wonderful primer for anyone wanting to get started on a meditative practice. I've studied many different forms of meditation over the years, and tried teachers, books, etc... But this book has helped me stick with my practice in a way others haven't. There's no fluff. Every page truly has value.The book is wonderfully practical, and makes it very easy to learn and work the two starter meditations of Buddhism, and to gain value from them. The meditations it teaches are simple yet powerful, and I believe they can improve how people feel about themselves, and operate in the world.I bought this book several years ago, and still turn to it regularly to review the principles and practices it describes. If you're at all interested in practicing meditation, I'd strongly recommend it.

I've had this book for years. I bring it with me on extended meditation retreats and read/study parts of it as both a refresher and a resource. Got a problem with concentration or lack of focus during meditation? (that's a trick question; everyone does). This book goes through both the hinderances to meditation and straightforward methods to counter them. A true, straight forward, no-nonsense resource on how to set up and maintain a meditation practice. I highly recommend this book to anyone involved or interested in meditation.

This book is awesome. It really breaks down what you need to do for meditation, as well as understanding the fundamental idea of Mindfulness. It brings Buddhism into a western world understanding. The author also doesn't expect people to be buddhist monks. I love this book and it teaches you a lot about to connect with your inner-self. Haven't finished reading yet, but I'm about half way through. Can't wait to finish it.

A wonderful introduction and summary of meditation. It is also a short read, which is nice for easy review and to actually get up and practice meditation.The tone of the author is what I love so much. His relaxed and kind view of meditation helped me to see the practice as a labor of love rather than a daily chore.

I’ve been studying Swami Paramananda, one of India’s greatest saints. I bought this thinking it was by SP because the word “Paramananda” is written in huge letters on the cover. This is not Paramananda. I threw the book away. Why? Because if you have the gumption to call yourself Paramananda, you’re humility level is zero. I’m so tired of theses American / British guys taking names of great Indian saints. I also threw away another Paramananda book that turned out to be some American. Call yourself anything in the world except Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Paramananda.

good read

This book is not just a guide to Buddhist meditation. It also has applications to common shamatha meditation. I found it helpful.

This is a wonderful book. It has warmth and a sense of humor, and helps you realize that meditation is difficult, but worth the effort. It is extremely easy to read and has some great suggestions and tips. It is one of my "go to" books when things get rough.

This is a straightforward and practical book that gives you what you need to unclutter your mind and respond to life in a more measured and enlightened way. The fact that it is written so clearly and is not too long means that you can quickly start using the meditations suggested. I have meditated for years using the breath, which is one of the suggestions, and can attest that it is a wonderful way to clear the mind. But the meditation that radiates love out into the world is much more challenging. It is worth persevering with this if we want the world to be a happier and more sensible place to live, which it's not at present. A great book.

I did enjoy reading this but found it did not help me much as I can push out negative thoughts and turn off easily. I can float off and tune it all out, so did not really need the advice given. But I can recommend this for those who let things get to them, or anyone who finds their days stressful. This would be a perfect read for you if you have trouble switching off .

Saw this book recommended on the London Buddhist Centre's website so thought I would buy it to supplement the meditation course I had attended. Very worthwhile. Got some great tips and puts the meditation into context within Buddhism. There is a free download to go with this book on Free Buddhist Audio too which I would recommend.

lovely conversational style and warm inclusive narrative. I couldn't put it down. Written in Western idiom unlike many similar books. The author understands and empathises and you feel like you are getting advice from a friend

Very clear and practical guide. A good overview of Buddhist values is given but it is not intimidating or aimed only at people who want to become Buddhists. Very good writing style.