A good introduction to meditation, which shows the relationship between practices in Western and Eastern religions and cultures. This approach is not for the impatient. The Swami teaches a five step approach to meditation, beginning with "practical idealism," roughly defined as a "philosophy to guide one's life." Given the fact that some people come to meditation out of a deep need to make sense of things, this is probably putting the cart before the horse.

None-the-less, there is much common sense advice here. For example, this discussion on the purpose of the mantra (japa): "Continuous repetition of a sound-form helps to tap mental energy and focus it into the subconscious in order to plant and stimulate a spiritual idea therein. This is the basic purpose of japa. To call it a transcendental exercise is to indulge in hyperbole."

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URL: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/meditation/medguide.htm

A refereed electronic journal dedicated to supporting the interdisciplinary
exploration of the nature of consciousness and its relation to the brain. Publishes material relevant to consciousness from the perspectives of cognitive science, philosophy, psychology, physics, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. Includes many interdisciplinary discussions.

This site is mind candy for anyone interested in reading about the mysteries of the human brain. Though they require a basic knowledge of brain anatomy and mental processes, the articles are generally well written and accessible to the layperson. There are links to the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness, the parent organization.

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URL: http://psyche.cs.monash.edu.au/

The first journal in the "new field" of consciousness studies. Includes a good selection of on-line articles, including one from the latest issue.

The site is best described with the following self-assessment, which appears to be humble and accurate: "The field of consciousness studies is at a very early stage, characterized by crude theories, most of which are unlikely to stand the test of time. We prefer a broad, diverse and open conceptualization - including political consciousness, and ecological consciousness (for example in the sense of Bateson's ``ecology of mind''), but we do not wish to define for our authors exactly what any of these terms mean. We seek to provoke a spirited debate by actively seeking serious opposing views, for example from cognitive science, biology and philosophy."

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URL: http://www.imprint.co.uk/Welcome.html

Vipassana is experiencing one's own reality in the objective observation of the manifestations of being within the self. This is achieved through "mindfulness meditation." Although this Web site doesn't explain the mindfulness state as well as some others, it does a good job of discussing the problems and normal human suffering and the dynamics associated with unconscious reactions and looking to externalities for satisfaction. The site includes a description of a 10-day Vipassana meditation course. "There are no charges for the courses - not even to cover the cost of food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from people who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the opportunity to also benefit."

As taught by students of Mr. S.N. Goenka, Vipassana meditation practice is an extremely disciplined program, requiring strict adherence to a code of conduct that includes sexual abstinence for the period of instruction. It is primarily listed here to provide information on an extreme form of practice that will be attractive to people wanting a total commitment to meditation. Because of the strictness, it is well that the school warns that meditation is not a cure for mental illness.

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URL: http://www.dhamma.org/art.htm

This Buddhism site in the National Capital of Canada contains an introduction to Theravada Buddhist teachings, including mindfulness meditation.

The practice of meditation as discussed here is aimed at developing mindfulness and concentration. The site includes instructions in breathing, walking and kindness meditations, instructions for using a "noting" technique, instructions on the development of Kindness by Jack Kornfield, the Buddha's instructions on mindfulness of Body, Feelings, Mind and Mental Objects including the "7 factors of awakening," and drawings of sitting meditation postures. Also includes a fine essay on SATI or mindfulness which provides an intellectual explanation of a concept the experience of which is virtual impossible to explain.

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URL: http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/dharma/introduction/meditation.html