A straightforward practical course of instruction in ten lessons. It takes you in easy stages from the basics to the point where you'll be able to practise on your own, knowing exactly what you are doing and why. The approach is relevant and contemporary. The exercises in each lesson provide a basis for regular practice and bring about a greater sense of wellbeing and freedom from anxiety. Learning to meditate is often recognised as a turning point, when life takes on new meaning and purpose. 'Meditation: A Foundation Course' has opened the way for many thousands of people in its previous English editions and translations. Barry Long's no-nonsense approach appeals to a wide readership. Originally published over 25 years ago, this was one of the first books of its kind. It has a steady sales record year after year and is frequently recommended by its readers.
Barry Long (1926-2003) was a writer and spiritual teacher with an original and challenging way of communicating age-old truths.
Born and raised in Australia he started out as a junior journalist and became the youngest-ever editor of a Sydney Sunday tabloid, somewhat prophetically called 'Truth'. At that time spiritual truth was far from his mind, but in his early 30s, the ambitious and successful family man began to question all his values. For some years his inner pain and suffering increased. Eventually, in 1965, he fled Australia and went to India. After many adventures, alone in the Himalayas he experienced what he called a 'mystic death', or the realization of immortality. This was the real beginning of his journey towards 'the unfathomable mystery of God or Life and that other divine mystery of true love between man and woman'.
He wrote of his insights and realizations and for thirty years gave talks and seminars in many countries. He inspired and guided many thousands of men and women without wanting to create a big organization or attract personal fame. He was concerned with the individual, not society. He taught that the way to truth and the reality of love is through direct experience, not belief or imagination; and that freedom comes from taking responsibility for one's own life. He was fulfilled by the prospect that one day someone might hear the truth from him and be able to live it. Evidently very many did. His legacy may be seen in their lives and in the work of some of those he inspired, including other teachers, notably Eckhart Tolle.
