Concentration and Meditation: A Manual of Mind Development (Paperback)

by Christmas Humphreys (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The fourth revised edition of the handbook to spiritual development which provides an explanation of the difference between concentration, a content-free technique of mind control, and meditation, which embraces the profound content. Plenty of practical advice for meditation is offered for both the beginner and the experienced.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Element Books Ltd; 4th edition (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1862042608
• ISBN-13: 978-1862042605
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #793,849 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A practical meditation guide for Westerners, March 29, 2000

By	S.F. (New York) - See all my reviews

Although many readers might find Humphreys dated in many respects, his knowledge of time proven meditation techniques is still both relevant and accurate. There is a very post-Victorian feel to this work; many of the references or social attitudes might seem quaint to the modern reader, but it is a remarkably soothing as well as informative read. The author comes from a Theosophical background and many of the references are colored by this (i.e. Blavatsky and other Theosophical masters.) But it is still basically Buddhist in approach. I first encountered this book over 20 years ago, and only recently reread it. Though I am well aquainted with Buddhist philosophy and meditation, I still find it refreshing. There is a quiet thoughtfulness not always evident in many more current works, and it has a distinctly western flavor in that the philosophy is not confused by Oriental cultural trappings. Buddhism is universal in spirit, and this presents it in a clear, functional, and direct manner easily apprehended by the occidental student. The emphasis is on practice (as it should be) rather than on mere information. Don't be put off by the "occult" warnings. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested either in Buddhist practice or meditation in general.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the core of my library, September 7, 2006

By	Paul B. (sailboat, east coast, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Concentration and Meditation: A Manual of Mind Development (Element Classic Editions) (Paperback)

I agree with the review by S.F. (New York). This and "Minding Mind" by Thomas Cleary are my two primary books on meditation.