Concentration and Meditation

I agree with the review by S.F. (New York). This and "Minding Mind" by Thomas Cleary are my two primary books on meditation.

I agree with the review by S.F. (New York). This and "Minding Mind" by Thomas Cleary are my two primary books on meditation. update 2010. I first bought and read the book in 2000. I just started reading it again. WOW!!! I forgot how great this book is! Humphreys may use Buddhism as a basis for his book but it is plane to see that his experience is far greater. It doesn't matter what your school of thought or religion is, this book will help. For those of you, like many of my friends, that have metaphysical interest this book may be a slap in the face. With the so many self proclaimed guru's in the world it is easy to get mislead. This book not only helps you recognize the honest from the arrogant (guru). It helps you repair any damage that they have done. If you're into "the secret" then you may have a problem with the book. Manifesting and psychic abilities are not considered wrong but the book warns against addiction. Diversions like these can prevent you from gaining more advanced level of meditation. This book is great at helping me keep on target.

Although many readers might find Humphreys dated in many respects, his knowledge of time proven meditation techniques is still both relevant and accurate. There is a very post-Victorian feel to this work; many of the references or social attitudes might seem quaint to the modern reader, but it is a remarkably soothing as well as informative read. The author comes from a Theosophical background and many of the references are colored by this (i.e. Blavatsky and other Theosophical masters.) But it is still basically Buddhist in approach. I first encountered this book over 20 years ago, and only recently reread it. Though I am well aquainted with Buddhist philosophy and meditation, I still find it refreshing. There is a quiet thoughtfulness not always evident in many more current works, and it has a distinctly western flavor in that the philosophy is not confused by Oriental cultural trappings. Buddhism is universal in spirit, and this presents it in a clear, functional, and direct manner easily apprehended by the occidental student. The emphasis is on practice (as it should be) rather than on mere information. Don't be put off by the "occult" warnings. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested either in Buddhist practice or meditation in general.