Customer Reviews

Active Meditation: The Western Tradition

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I picked up a copy of Active Meditation about six years ago, thinking it would be a good way to "relax". Instead I found out what meditation is really for - contacting and integrating the "Life of Spirit" into our lives. Since then I have read many other books and essays by the authors. They are among the best works available on these topics. One reviewer gave it a poor rating and claimed that the authors "can't handle mainstream religion". In fact, the authors have transcended mainstream religion. The views they provide are no different from those of great mystics such as Saint Teresa of Avila. They clearly point out the best principles that all religions are based on - but do not hesitate to point out the narrow-minded interpretations, distortions or faulty logic. That same reviewer also implied that these ideas were based on "unvalidated claims and assumptions". They may have been "unvalidated" by him, but in fact all the claims in Active Meditation can be validated. But we must develop "the eyes to see" and try these ideas ourselves. Highly recommended!

I read the only review of this book and was "inspired" to give my view. I liked this book. It gave me things to think about as I went through the day. I am not an idiot. I do not believe there needs to be an exacting formula to do "it" well or correctly. It is more than relaxation, which this book explains very well. It gave me a way to understand meditation and how to integrate the ideas of the practice in our society. This is why it is called "Active Meditation". I have other books also that are not so "Western friendly". It is certainly good for another look at things. Take it out of the library for a test. I have a feeling that if I talked to the other interviewer about this, there would be quite a backlash! Ironic. I keep this one around for reference. Their sense of humor makes the topic less intense than others. But this is not a wishy washy book. Helped me. In any case, I would say to each his or her own.

I bought this book four years ago but didn't quite understand what the authors are trying to communicate. Until recently, when I read it again, it seemed that I have been stricked by lightening and everything seems so clear. If you already own the book either you have already gotten it or just not ready like I was before. Be patient, you will know when you are ready.....I love you HERMAN

Behind a rather dull looking cover is an extraordinary book. It really has little to do with meditation as we think of it with the breathing exercises and such, but it tries to go beyond these techniques to awaken us to something far richer. The authors are very honest about what it takes to grow in awareness. These ideas will not appeal to those who desire immediate spiritual experiences and change. However, with proper motivation, discipline and patience, one can discover real change as the integration of the personality and God, through the higher self, begins to unfold. This book is not perfect, but it can serve as a very important launching point to those serious about increasing their awareness level in life and are not just after a quick feel-good spiritual experience.

I say this because I was fooled by the subtitle about "the most complete explanation." I was very curious about meditation, so I tried to buy a comprehensive text. I will never buy a book that hasn't been reviewed yet.

Basically this book is comprised of all of the semi-mystical babbling spouted by people who would otherwise be priests but can't handle mainstream religion. There is no mention of any truthful backing (except from a few transcribed conversations with an androgynous "guardian angel") to any claims within the book, only opinions which are expected to be taken as prima facie facts.

If you feel that you may be missing out on something by not reading this volume, just thing back upon all unvalidated claims and assumptions you have ever heard in your life, write them down, and then read them to yourself. Just don't publish it, or it would be plagiarsim.

I consider myself a fairly open minded individual, but a reasoning individual has to draw the line somewhere. And this text is WELL beyond that line.

If you're looking for a volume on improving one's mind through introspective meditation, read "The Einstein Factor" and practice its techniques, and leave this one alone.

The only positive thing I can say about it is that it is very well printed. If it wasn't utter nonsense, it would be a respectable volume to have on one's bookshelf. The spine is well glued and bound; the paper is smooth, thick, and not at all glossy; and the fonts of both the heading and body are both easily read and wonderfully printed. Kudos to Ariel Press; research your clietel next time.