Change Your Mind: a practical guide to Buddhist meditation

Buddhism is based on the truth that, with effort, we can change the way we are. But how? Among the many methods Buddhism has to offer, meditation is the most direct. It is the art of getting to know one's own mind and learning to encourage what is best in us.

This straightforward and imaginative book focuses on two Buddhist meditation practices - Mindfulness of Breathing, the bedrock of all meditation practice, and Metta Bhavana, which gradually nurtures in us an unshakeable confidence and a warm concern for the welfare of others. It deals fully with the practical aspects of meditation, including how to maintain a regular practice and how to deal with any difficulties that arise.

This is an accessible and thorough guide, based on traditional material but written in a light and modern style. Colourfully illustrated with anecdotes and tips from the author's experience as a meditator and teacher, it also offers refreshing inspiration to seasoned meditators.

To take up meditation is to introduce a powerful force for change into your life. If you change your mind then the world changes too. Meditation can be the beginning of life's greatest adventure.

INTRODUCTION
The Door
What is Meditation?

THE BODY
The Diamond Throne
Principles of Posture
Body Meditation
Body Meditation: a led practice

THE MINDFULNESS OF BREATHING
Mindfulness
The Mindfulness of Breathing
The Mindfulness of Breathing: a led practice
A New World

LOVING KINDNESS
The Metta Bhavana
Approaches to Cultivating Metta
The Metta Bhavana: a led practice

BIG MIND
The Brahma-Viharas
Inner Light, Outer Light

KEEPING MEDITATION ALIVE
Intention
Balanced Effort

BALANCING ENERGY IN MEDITATION
Thoughts
Emotion
The Body

THE FIVE HINDRANCES
Hatred or Ill Will
Desire for Sense Experience
Restlessness and Anxiety
Sloth and Torpor
Doubt and Indecision
The Five Hindrances as Basic Emotional Tendancies

WORKING WITH THE HINDRANCES
Acknowledgements
Sky-like Attitude
Cultivating the Opposite
Considering the Consequences
Suppression
Going for Refuge
The Challenge of Meditation

THE POSITIVE FACTORS
Initial and Sustained Thought
Rapture
Bliss
One-pointedness

INSIGHT

SETTING UP AND MAINTAINING
YOUR PRACTICE
Setting up your Practice
Maintaining your Practice

MEDITATION AND ETHICS

WHY MEDITATE?

Conclusion
Index