I want to learn how to meditate

So i would like to learn how to meditate. Does anyone have any reconmendations on websites or books on how to learn to meditate?


Thanks alot

-Mr. Fancy Pants

 

http://www.wildmind.org/ this is the best site i've come across so far i hope it helps. it's really good for people starting off, some really good reads enjoy!

 

thanks very much!!! i appreciate it! ill tell you how it works out

 

good stuff!! some of the guided meditations on there were such a big help for me glad i could help

 

I can't stress highly enough the importance of finding a teacher to learn from. If at all possible I recommend you start with a short retreat or at the very least find a reputeable meditation centre or group.

It's also essential you read some basic dharma (the teachings of Buddhism) beforehand so you actually understand why you are meditating and how to get the most out of it.

This site i've found to be excellent;

http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/meditation_practice.html

This site has a huge database of centres and retreats (and a general wealth of resources):

http://www.buddhanet.net/worlddir.htm

As for books, you can't really go wrong with The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche. Anything by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is also recommended.

But please bear in mind this;
"I would strongly advise everyone to start with a serious course in meditation in a centre or group under the guidance of an experienced teacher, preferably at least with a few days in silence. This should give you a genuine feeling of the effect that meditation can have on the mind. Many people try to teach themselves meditation by reading books etc., but I can't remember ever meeting an enthusiastic self-taught meditator."

It's highly unlikely self-taught meditation will have a significant impact on yourself. Get yourself a teacher!

Best of luck

Petexx

 

Check into Ammachi. She teaches meditation for free and her organization while full of mystics and pundits still isn't half as bad as most Hindu gurus in the West. http://www.ammachi.org/tours/amma-tours/n_america.html
Others like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and his 'Art of Living.'
http://www.artofliving.org/centers/main.htm
Still others like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his thousand dollar mantras.
You can search for him if you like.
Still others are into Buddhist stuff. Now there are many tyoes of Buddhism and their attendent meditation techniques. Jhana, Shamatha, Vipassana, Tantra, Mahamudra, Dzogchen, etc....
Good Luck.

Myself, I would recommend a more easy meditation practice as a beginner such as one might get from Ammachi.