Active Meditation: The Western Tradition

I picked up a copy of Active Meditation about six years ago, thinking it would be a good way to "relax". Instead I found out what meditation is really for - contacting and integrating the "Life of Spirit" into our lives. Since then I have read many other books and essays by the authors. They are among the best works available on these topics. One reviewer gave it a poor rating and claimed that the authors "can't handle mainstream religion". In fact, the authors have transcended mainstream religion. The views they provide are no different from those of great mystics such as Saint Teresa of Avila. They clearly point out the best principles that all religions are based on - but do not hesitate to point out the narrow-minded interpretations, distortions or faulty logic. That same reviewer also implied that these ideas were based on "unvalidated claims and assumptions". They may have been "unvalidated" by him, but in fact all the claims in Active Meditation can be validated. But we must develop "the eyes to see" and try these ideas ourselves. Highly recommended!

I bought this book four years ago but didn't quite understand what the authors are trying to communicate. Until recently, when I read it again, it seemed that I have been stricked by lightening and everything seems so clear. If you already own the book either you have already gotten it or just not ready like I was before. Be patient, you will know when you are ready.....I love you HERMAN

I read the only review of this book and was "inspired" to give my view. I liked this book. It gave me things to think about as I went through the day. I am not an idiot. I do not believe there needs to be an exacting formula to do "it" well or correctly. It is more than relaxation, which this book explains very well. It gave me a way to understand meditation and how to integrate the ideas of the practice in our society. This is why it is called "Active Meditation". I have other books also that are not so "Western friendly". It is certainly good for another look at things. Take it out of the library for a test. I have a feeling that if I talked to the other interviewer about this, there would be quite a backlash! Ironic. I keep this one around for reference. Their sense of humor makes the topic less intense than others. But this is not a wishy washy book. Helped me. In any case, I would say to each his or her own.