But why is this the case? What could people possibly gain from such a seemingly simple and boring activity? These are the questions that lead me to explore meditation and how it could lead me to greater self understanding and happiness.

Many years ago I went to India and was exposed to Zen meditation while traveling around the southern part of the country. What I learned changed my life!

Although I have never been a monk and wasn’t that interested in Buddhism, I was desperate to know why people of all religious and cultural backgrounds seemed to be coming to India to learn to meditate. What could be gained by focusing for so long on my breath and why had people been doing it for thousands of years?

Answers that I found to my question of why meditate?, included vague notions such as “enlightenment,” to find my “true nature,” to find out “who I really am,” to find “God,” or to see my “Buddha-nature.”

This all sounded really great, but I couldn’t really figure out what it meant. Hearing these terms didn’t provide any lasting satisfaction to my need to know what learning to meditate could do for me and my life.

What I have learned since those early days through several years of meditation practice is that there really is something to be "found" or rather, "uncovered". The truth is that we are all able to see deeply into our very existence at its most fundamental level, but only once we have quieted the everyday dialogue going on in our minds. It is at that point where people have experienced enlightenment and the common essence of all religious traditions.

What I also found was that meditation is really the only way to make it happen. The fact is that the rewards come through experience following from dedication and effort, and not intellectual speculation and philosophy.

Furthermore, I learned that meditation is not just for monks and priests! The truth is that we can all benefit from:

• Having a daily meditation practice

• Joining a meditation or spiritual practice community

• Going on retreats

• Finding the right teachers, and

• Seeking out sources of inspiration

To really discover the happiness and insight that meditation can bring, we need to practice it into our everyday lives. Never before has there been so many resources available to help us accomplish our goals.

I invite you to explore this website where I hope you will find many valuable resources to get started with a rich and rewarding meditation practice!

Essential Meditation Information Are you wondering what meditation is, why people meditate and if it’s right for you? Here is some basic meditation information to help get you started…

Learn How to Meditate and awaken to your life's purpose Do you want to Learn How to Meditate? Here are some of the essentials you will need to get started on this immensely rewarding practice of self-actualization.

Enlightenment is Not Just for Monks and Yogis! What does enlightenment mean? The answer might surprise you! Would it also surprise you to know that anyone can experience it for themselves!

Religion and Enlightenment: What is the Difference? Meditation practices can help us understand the relationship between religion and enlightenment through direct experience.

Guided Meditation to Strengthen and Direct Your Meditation Practice Discover guided meditation instruction from the worlds leading teachers! Find the inspiration and support for your meditation practice.

Buddhist Meditation Perspectives Provide Wisdom from Centuries of Practice For thousands of years, Buddhist Meditation practices have lead countless individuals to enlightenment! Modern day Westerners share a great opportunity to benefit from these teachings!

Mindfulness Training for Everyday Life is Critical to Meditation Practice! Mindfulness in everyday life is about care and attention being placed in the present moment and our present activity. Learn how to focus your energies and transform your life!

Meditation books, audio, MP3s, audiobooks, cushions, and resources Shop from a collection of meditation books, audio, MP3s, audiobooks, cushions, supplies and resources recommended by You-Can-Meditate.com

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