Finding the Still Point (Book and CD): A Beginner's Guide to Zen Meditation (Dharma Communications)

I have been a lifetime student and instructor of numerous martial arts (Judo Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Kenjutsu, Tai Chi, Qigong etc.) for more than fifty years. My search for martial arts knowledge has led me to also study various Asian philosophical systems such as Zen, Taoism, and many other kinds of meditation practices. Even though I have read numerous books on Zen meditation, I picked up this excellent book (Finding the Still Point: A beginner’s guide to Zen meditation by John Daido Loori) at a bargain price on Amazon.Even though I am no beginner when it comes to meditation methods and techniques; nevertheless, I found this 112 page hardcover book, which includes a CD with guided instructions, a pure joy to read. The combination of the book and CD provides anyone who is interested in learning how to meditate a clear and simple to follow guide. Like any how-to-book, the most effective way to learn is through a hands-on instructor in combination with reading the text. This volume is organized into to two parts. The first part covers “the practice of Zen meditation” which includes an explanation of all the basic procedures to follow in order to properly practice Zen meditation. There are several photographs showing how to sit, hold your hands and breathe when practicing meditation. Part two has a Dharma discourse explaining some of the important principles in the practice of Zen. It also has a glossary and suggested reading list.If you are a beginner and are curious about Zen Meditation this book, (along with several other beginner meditation books I have reviewed lately) is an excellent place start your research. It is written clearly and the instructions are easy to follow.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Haiku Moments: How to read, write and enjoy haiku).

Nice little book. It is a small quick read. Good if you don't know about meditation or zen. But if you have read other books by Loori this probably doesn't have any info that isn't contained elsewhere.

I thought this book was okay, and does indeed give an introduction to Zazen... but with that said, if you don't have tons of extra cash laying around just Google "How to sit Zazen" and you will find more information on the first few web pages than in this book. You also won't need to reference to this book for more than a couple days at most (if you're actually trying to practice and not just read up on it).The decision is up to you and the book really isn't bad at all, but I thought I'd help those a little more financially strapped.

This is a really small and short book. about 100 pages but many of the pages are blank (end of chapter) or pictures. Otherwise this is a beginner intro to "meditation" (mindfulness, count breaths, posture).

For anyone looking to begin a zen practice, this is the book. Written in an easy-to-understand format, it is concise regarding the "how to" technique. Makes matters of undertaking zen meditation very easy, and you can get started right away. I would recommend this book to those looking to begin this ancient practice.

This book arrived without the CD but the seller mad it right. However I love this book as a beginner of meditation and yoga this has been a tremendous help.

The book was in very good condition but the CD is missing.

I found the book useful, but too short. It is more in the way of motivational as opposed to a the theory of meditation.

This is a good beginners guide to meditation in the zen tradition. It is explained clearly (the only bit that was not clear is the instruction for sitting on a chair while meditating. It says: "Sit on the forward third of the cushion..." However, the photograph shows the cushion between the upright back of the person and backrest of the chair. However, I still found it a good book and John Daido Loori's rich, deep and naturally genuine voice comes over well on the CD.

A small book but nicely set out and illustrated. The CD that comes with it reinforces the instructions given in the book and the two complement each other very well. The author has a quiet soothing voice which is very helpful - some instructional CDs can be very irritating. All in all, a good jumping off point for anyone interested in meditation.

At first, I was disappointed by the small size of this book for the price. But don't be put off - the content is pure gold, and it contains a CD as well!

The cd includes 40 minutes of silence. The book's neat packaging and light words don't make up for the dreadful CD

Introductory book. Enjoyable read.