How to Meditate Using Chakras, Mantras, and Breath

by Dennis K. Chernin

2003

Description

This book offers both beginning and more experienced students a concise and thorough analysis of the theory and practice of meditation. There is an excellent step-by-step guide on how to meditate using objects of concentration including charkas, mantras, yantras, light, and breath. The system presented here is based on the ancient teachings of Tantra, Vedanta, and Samkhya philosophies and has been handed down from teacher to student for thousands of years. Two companion audio CDs complement the book and systematically lead the practitioner through various phases of the meditation described in the book. (THINK Publishing, L.L.C., 2002).

Library's review

This book offers both beginning and more experienced students a concise and thorough analysis of the theory and practice of meditation. The physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits of meditaton are outlined in a clear manner. There is an excellent step-by-step guide on how to meditate

using several objects of concentration including chakras (energy centers in the body), mantras (subtle vibrations), yantras (geometric forms, light and breath. The system presented here is based on the ancient teachings of Tantra, Vedanta, and Samkhya (yoga) philosophies and has been handed down from teacher to student for thousands of years.

Dennis K. Chernin, M.D. M.P.H. has practiced meditation and breathing techniques for thirty years. His teachers were trained in the Himalayan Mountains in India, Nepal, and Tibet. Currently, he practices holistic and family medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is also the medical director of two county health departments. Dr. Chernin received his M.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Michigan and did residencies in psychiatry and preventive medicine. HIs other publications include the books Health: A Holistic Approach and Homeopathic Remedies. He has also written an interactive CD ROM called Homeopathy Resource.

Contents

Preface
Introduction
Part I What is meditation?
1 Definition and goasl
2 Higher states of consciousness
3 Different forms of meditation
4 Misconceptions
5 The benefits
6 Qualities necessary to practice meditation
7 Application to daily living: Meditation in action
Part II Meditation and health
8 Medical research on health benefits
9 Effects on the stress response
10 The brain and the nervous system
11 When close supervision is suggested
Part III Meditation theory and philosophy
12 The mind
13 Raja yoga: The integrated path of meditation
14 Prana and the nadis
15 Chakras
16 Mantras
17 Yantras
18 Koshas: The five levels of consciousness and holistic medicine
Part IV Preparing for meditation
19 Hatha yoga
20 Sitting postures for meditation
21 Pranayama and the breath
22 Kundalini
Part V How to meditate
23 Creating the environment for meditation
24 The technique of meditation
Phase I Awareness of body and breath
Phase II Awareness of the sixth chakra (third eye)
Phase III Awareness of the sixth chakra with mantra
Phase IV Awareness of the seventh chakra (crown chakra)
Phase V Awareness of the first chakra and kundalini
Phase VI Awareness of all the chakras
Phase VII Awareness of all chakra colors: The complete meditation
25 Advanced meditation techniques
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index

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