Embark on an extraordinary journey through time and consciousness with "Zen and Now: The Meditation Time Machine." This captivating exploration of meditation's rich history will transport you from the misty origins of ancient practices to the cutting-edge frontiers of modern wellness. Have you ever wondered how a practice that began in prehistoric caves has become a global phenomenon, embraced by millions seeking peace in our frantic digital age? This book is your ticket to unraveling that mystery. Dive deep into the roots of meditation, where shamanic rituals and early yogic practices laid the foundation for a revolution in human consciousness. Witness the birth of Eastern traditions that would shape the spiritual landscape for millennia, from the banks of the Ganges to the mountain monasteries of Tibet. But the journey doesn't stop there. Watch as meditation transcends cultural boundaries, influencing Western philosophy and spawning contemplative practices in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Experience the moment when ancient Eastern wisdom collides with Western scientific inquiry, sparking a renaissance of interest in the power of the mind. "Zen and Now" isn't just a history lesson—it's a vibrant, living narrative that connects you to the countless individuals who have sat in silence, seeking wisdom and peace. From Buddha to modern-day mindfulness pioneers, you'll meet the key figures who have shaped our understanding of meditation and its potential to transform lives. Key highlights of this meditation time machine include: - The surprising prehistoric evidence of meditative practices - How meditation influenced major world religions and philosophies - The science behind meditation's effects on the brain and body - The role of meditation in healthcare, education, and the corporate world - The future of meditation in the age of AI and virtual reality What sets "Zen and Now" apart is its unique blend of historical depth and contemporary relevance. As you journey through the ages, you'll gain insights into how these ancient practices can be applied to modern-day challenges. Stress, anxiety, and the constant bombardment of information—discover how the wisdom of the ages can help you navigate the complexities of contemporary life. This book doesn't just tell you about meditation—it shows you how to integrate these timeless practices into your own life. With practical exercises drawn from diverse traditions, you'll have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of meditation firsthand. Whether you're a seasoned meditator, a curious beginner, or a skeptic intrigued by the hype, "Zen and Now" offers something for everyone. It's a comprehensive guide that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, between spiritual insight and practical well-being. As you turn the final page, you'll be equipped with a deep understanding of meditation's past, present, and future. But more than that, you'll be inspired to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and inner peace. Are you ready to step into the meditation time machine? To explore the practices that have shaped human consciousness for thousands of years? To discover how the simple act of sitting in silence has the power to transform your life and the world around you? Open "Zen and Now: The Meditation Time Machine" and begin your journey through the ages of mindfulness, yoga, and spiritual growth. From ancient caves to modern apps, from spiritual seekers to scientific researchers, this book will change the way you think about meditation—and perhaps the way you think about yourself. Don't just read about history—become part of it. Your adventure in consciousness starts now. Are you ready to press play on the meditation time machine?

Never-before-published commentaries and personal reflections of the great Zen master on living in stillness and timelessness Thich Nhat Hanh shares the essence of his lifetime of spiritual seeking in this intimate and poetic work, inspired by the classic text Being Time by thirteenth-century Japanese Master Dogen. Inside the Now begins with an autobiographical reflection in which we hear the voice of the young monk, poet, and community-builder struggling in war-torn Vietnam to develop a Buddhism relevant to the suffering of his time. These early experiences lay the groundwork for Thich Nhat Hanh’s insights into the nature of time and interbeing. In part two, we hear the clear, direct voice of the Zen master challenging us to open our hearts, seize the moment, and touch the now. A beautifully designed and personal book that will be cherished for generations, Inside the Now is interspersed with poetry from other Zen masters as well as the author’s own verse and calligraphy.

Michael A. Singer, author of The Untethered Soul, tells the extraordinary story of what happened when, after a deep spiritual awakening, he decided to let go of his personal preferences and simply let life call the shots. As Singer takes you on this great experiment and journey into life's perfection, the events that transpire will both challenge your deepest assumptions about life and inspire you to look at your own life in a radically different way. Spirituality is meant to bring about harmony and peace. But the diversity of our philosophies, beliefs, concepts, and views about the soul often leads to confusion. To reconcile the noise that clouds spirituality, Michael Singer combines accounts of his own life journey to enlightenment - from his years as a hippie-loner to his success as a computer program engineer to his work in spiritual and humanitarian efforts - with lessons on how to put aside conflicting beliefs, let go of worries, and transform misdirected desires. Singer provides a road map to a new way of living not in the moment, but to exist in a state of perpetual happiness.

The Mind Illuminated is a comprehensive, accessible and - above all - effective book on meditation, providing a nuts-and-bolts stage-based system that helps all levels of meditators establish and deepen their practice. Providing step-by-step guidance for every stage of the meditation path, this uniquely comprehensive guide for a Western audience combines the wisdom from the teachings of the Buddha with the latest research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Clear and friendly, this in-depth practice manual builds on the nine-stage model of meditation originally articulated by the ancient Indian sage Asanga, crystallizing the entire meditative journey into 10 clearly-defined stages. The book also introduces a new and fascinating model of how the mind works, and uses illustrations and charts to help the reader work through each stage. This manual is an essential read for the beginner to the seasoned veteran of meditation.

Enlightenment—is it a myth or is it real? Across time and culture, inner explorers have discovered that the liberated state is a natural experience, as real as the sensations you are having right now. Few teachers achieve clarity with the application of scientific inquiry to these states of consciousness like Shinzen Young. Now in paperback, The Science of Enlightenment makes Young’s essential insights available to readers everywhere. The Science of Enlightenment merges scientific precision, Young’s grasp of the source-language teachings of many spiritual traditions, and his rare gift for sparking insight upon insight through original analogies and illustrations. The result: an uncommonly lucid "Aha, now I get it!" guide to mindfulness meditation—how it works and how to use it to enhance our cognitive capacities, compassion, and experience of happiness independent of conditions. For meditators of all levels and lineages, this multifaceted wisdom gem will be sure to surprise, provoke, illuminate, and inspire.

Mindfulness is now all the rage. From endorsements by celebrities, to monks, neuroscientists, and meditation coaches rubbing shoulders with CEOs at the World Economic Forum in Davos, it is clear that mindfulness has gone mainstream. Some have called it a revolution. The evangelical promotion of mindfulness as a panacea for all that ails us has begun to give way to a backlash, with questions arising whether its claims for achieving happiness, wellbeing and career success have been over-sold. Expanding on his influential essay Beyond McMindfulness, Ronald Purser debunks the so-called ñmindfulness revolutionî, arguing its proponents have reduced mindfulness to a self-help technique that fits snugly into a consumerist culture complicit with Western materialistic values. In a lively and razor-sharp critique of mindfulness as it has been enthusiastically co-opted by corporations, public schools, and the U.S. military, Purser explains why such programs inevitably fall short of their revolutionary potential. Simply paying attention to the present moment while resting snugly in our private bubbles is no mindfulness revolution. Mindfulness has become the new capitalist spirituality, a disciplined myopia, that mindlessly ignores the need for social and political change.

“A must-read for anyone interested in incorporating meditation into their lifestyle.” ––Sanjay Gupta, MD, chief medical correspondent for CNN Heartfulness is an ideal, a spiritual way of living by and from the heart that is inclusive of all ideologies, beliefs, and religions. In this heart-centered book, a student in conversation with his teacher, Kamlesh D. Patel—affectionately known as Daaji, the fourth and current spiritual guide of the century-old Heartfulness tradition—present a unique method of meditation with the power to facilitate an immediate, tangible spiritual experience, irrespective of a person’s faith. Our modern, fast-paced world can be an overwhelming place. Every day, we’re bombarded with messages telling us that in order to be happy, fulfilled, and worthy, we must be better, do more, and accumulate as much material wealth as possible. Most of us move through our busy lives with our minds full of these ideas, multitasking as we strive to navigate the responsibilities and expectations we must meet just to make it through the day. But what if there is another way? What if, rather than letting the busyness of life overtake our minds, we learn to be heartful instead? Based on Daaji’s own combination of approaches and practices for the modern seeker—which draws from the teachings of Sahaj Marg, meaning “Natural Path”—Heartfulness is a contemporized version of the ancient Indian practice of Raja Yoga, a tradition that enables the practitioner to realize the higher Self within. While many books describe refined states of being, The Heartfulness Way goes further, providing a pragmatic course to experience those states for oneself, which, per the book’s guiding principle, is “greater than knowledge.” Heartfulness meditation consists of four elements—relaxation, meditation, cleaning, and prayer—and illuminates the ancient, defining feature of yogic transmission (or pranahuti), the utilization of divine energy for spiritual growth and transformation. Using the method, detailed practices, tips, and practical philosophy offered in this book, you’ll reach new levels of attainment and learn to live a life more deeply connected to the values of the Heartfulness way—with acceptance, humility, compassion, empathy, and love.