The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation (2nd Edition)

Budilovsky and Adamson have teamed up before with books on yoga and massage, as well as writing independently about holistic health.

They write that "meditation can teach you to live in the now, to know yourself--body, mind, and soul--better, and to find the life you need." They first explain how meditation reduces stress and helps in healing, then discuss how "meditation will lead you to a consideration of life's bigger questions. . ." before getting into the actual techniques for successful meditation.

They emphasize throughout the book that meditation does not conflict with any religious or spiritual beliefs.

Instructions start with how to prepare your mind and body for meditation, then explain the different seated, walking, and moving meditations. The authors discuss how to use mantras, mandalas, and visualization techniques to enhance meditation. They also review the basics of yoga, T'ai Chi, and QiGong as relaxation techniques.

Readers are taught how to adapt religious traditions to "create your own profound meditative exercises." They also learn how to perform "body scans" to determine what their bodies are telling them about their physical health.

Definitions of unfamiliar terms are included with the text, making it easy to understand the information presented. "Mindful Minutes," meditation trivia and anecdotes, are scattered throughout the book.

Budilovsky and Adamson say that with a "few simple techniques, you can harness the awesome power of your own mind-body." In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation, they show you exactly what those techniques are and how to apply them in your own life.


Concentrate - Then buy this easy to read, excellent book!   June 14, 1999
19 out of 20 found this review helpful

Is your life out of control? Are you stressed to the limit with family, job and social obligations? If your answer is yes... see a therapist immediately! For the rest of us who want to improve upon and take a break from, the everyday hassles of life, THIS IS OUR BOOK! No mumble, jumble, new age pie in the sky theories here, just a down-to-earth book introducing us to the ages old practice of meditation. History, terminology and easy to follow, step by step meditation techniques are explained in simple terms. You'll also be impressed with all the positive medical benefits associated with meditation. So, after thinking long and hard, if you want to improve the quality of your life, or want to get a taste of, or history of, meditation, you can't go wrong with this great book!


Best overall book on the subject   July 26, 1999
15 out of 16 found this review helpful

This book is one of the best books on the subject of meditation without the excessive religiousity that is often associated with books on this subject. The authors have presented the material in an organized fashion that is useful to the uninitiated and the experienced alike. It gives a good fundamental grasp of the subject in a modern day language emphasizing the scientific basis. It also gives explanation of different types of meditation. The benefits expected and nice little capsule summaries.


Excellent Down to Earth Beginner's Guide to Meditation   September 24, 2001
Charity Skelton (Versailles, MO USA)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

This book is definately not for idiots! It contains nearly everything that beginners would be interested in concerning meditation. There are lessons on different cultures and how they meditate, spiritual meditation practices (to reach for enlightenment) how and where to pick the perfect meditation sanctuary, poses and hand positions, moving meditation, and so much more. This manual is written in a down to earth style that makes you feel as though the author is sitting right there with you. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the broad and ever-expanding world of meditation!


Book and Reference Guide   February 18, 2005
Deborah O'Dooly (Canada)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

I checked this book out at the library and enjoyed it so much that I had to buy it for reference. It's packed with good information on all aspects of meditation, including myths, history, a wide variety of practicies and excercises for the beginner as well as the more experienced meditator. I recommend it especially for the beginner.