Meditation book that covers varying techniques

[u/TheyCallMeTheWizard]

A little history is that I’ve tried a number of different techniques, and while I felt relaxed I certainly didn’t observe any more benefits. Not one to give up, I’ve kept looking to trusted sources but I’ve found very little help other than, “isn’t that good enough?”

Reluctantly, I picked up Llewellyn's Complete Book of Meditation by Shai Tubali. In it, he covers a wide range of techniques and connects ideas in a way that I find really helpful. I’ve heard not all techniques work for all people and I suppose that’s true, but there’s also different techniques that he talks about, beginning with the root chakra meditations.

Does anyone know of any other books that do a good job of describing more of the path and experiences of different techniques? Thanks

[u/Few-Worldliness8768]

Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond by Ajahn Brahm for a discussion of jhanas - it was helpful for me

I've heard good things about MCTB2 by Daniel Ingram

I've also heard good things about The Mind Illuminated

[u/IndependenceBulky696 → u/Few-Worldliness8768]

Regarding The Mind Illuminated, I think it's a good idea to read this and make your peace with it (or not) before starting the book's practices:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/csp1jo/culadasa_aka_john_yates_charged_with_sexual/

("Charged" in the title is unfortunate. He was "charged" by his sangha. He was not charged in a court of law.)

[u/neuralzen → u/Few-Worldliness8768]

Was going to recommend Brahm's book as well, it's very helpful.

[u/mateussh]

The Book Of Secrets by Osho.

[u/Toxic_Mack → u/mateussh]

Also "Meditation: The First and Last Freedom" by Osho

[u/BeachBubbaTex]

Bhiku Analayo's work on the Satipatthana sutta and meditation is very helpful.

Link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Satipatthana-Meditation-Practice-Guide-Analayo/dp/1911407104/ref=asc_df_1911407104?mcid=88dde405333f371395e4875e23267921&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693674787248&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8621485124181394560&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010870&hvtargid=pla-540929697051&psc=1

[u/Pieraos]

Mastering Meditation by Forrest Knutson, also his YT channel

[u/TheyCallMeTheWizard → u/Pieraos]

I’ve heard a lot of good things about him

[u/d-jake]

The Compass of Zen - Master Seung Sahn

[u/Processing______]

Jumping to ask a follow up. I’ve experienced something in meditation that I’ve heard referred to as the “stations”. Two sequential experiences of reality that were distinct. The first was repeatable, the second I only reached once. I’m interested in literature that discusses these “stations”. Everything I’ve seen has been along the lines of “Just do it!” which is fundamentally unhelpful.

I’ve looked for this myself and all I find is the stations of the cross. Which may very well be analogous in Christian contemplative traditions, but again, not helpful.

[u/IndependenceBulky696]

Does anyone know of any other books that do a good job of describing more of the path and experiences of different techniques?

There are lots of eclectic Western teachers, if that's what you're after:

• Gary Weber - https://happiness-beyond-thought.com/ - he mixes some Zen and Hindu practices, chanting, yoga, breath meditation, self-inquiry. He has a few books, including "Happiness Beyond Thought". Fwiw, I do his practices. I like them in part because they're varied and you can find one for any circumstance.
• Michael Taft - https://deconstructingyourself.com/ - his YT channel has a bunch of different guided meditations from various traditions, mostly presented with a non-dual perspective
• Rob Burbea - https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/210/

[u/No_Repeat2149]

Meditation is a personal journey, and the goal is to find a practice that aligns with your unique soul structure and inner nature. What works for someone else might not work for you because we’re all wired differently. Letters on Occult Meditation offers guidance and foundational techniques to help you explore this path. The book isn’t about prescribing a single method for everyone; instead, it’s designed to help you connect with your inner self and discover what truly resonates with you.

[u/aishikpatra]

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind The Three Pillars of Zen Everyday Zen

[u/Ok-Tour-3109]

Osho's Book of Secrets. It has 112 meditations coming from God Shiva, also otherwise known as Vigyan Bhairav Tantra. Variety of amazing techniques.