Modern living takes a massive toll on the humans of today. Many among us, in a bid to restore some of that calm, are now moving towards meditative practice. With an ever wandering mind, increased stress and anxiety, most of us have either started meditation or are contemplating it. However, easy as it may sound, practicing meditation every day can be really challenging to sustain in the long run.
When you get into meditation, its usually your own mind which challenges you the most. As much as you try to remain in the moment and focus on your breathing, you tend to wander away at every possible thought. Some of these thoughts are unpleasant, generating even more stress and anxiety.
While it is frustrating to not be able to rest your mind and slip into your meditative practice with ease, we suggest you do not give up yet. As a beginner, you may not know the ‘how and why’ of meditation. It is here that an appropriate book on the subject helps immensely in doing the practice correctly, proving to be a guiding light.
Here we discuss about 5 books that can prove to be excellent companions in overcoming the challenges faced during meditation. They are sure to help you stride forward in this wonderful practice.
This book is ‘a masterpiece’. If you are a beginner, this is a must read since it covers everything about meditation, especially ‘why to do it’ and ‘how to do it’ in everyday life. Bhante Gunaratana, a renowned meditation master and a Sri Lankan monk, busts myths, opens doors to realities and chronicles the benefits of meditation in this book, albeit step by step.
He also describes the practice of mindfulness in detail. The book is remarkable and is written in a clear and lucid tone. It can be considered a practical guide to begin one’s meditation practice. Recommended by scientists and teachers as well, this gem on meditation introduces the beginners to mindfulness, kindness and living with peace. If you have decided to make meditation an essential part of your routine, ‘Mindfulness in Plain English’ may turn out to be your guiding light.
Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese Buddhist Zen master who was revered the world over for his simple yet effective spiritual teachings.
When you get into meditation, it’s your own mind which challenges you the most. As much as you try to remain in the moment and focus on breathing, your mind wanders away at every possible thought, and gives rise to a few unpleasant ones too, generating stress and anxiety.
‘Mindfulness in Plain English’ by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is considered a ‘masterpiece’ by experts.
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