A Beginner's Buddhist Meditation Top Five

I have been studying, practising, and teaching Buddhist meditation for nearly twenty years, and this is the list of books that I would recommend to someone who wants to start practising Buddhist-style meditation.

-Ken

	Seeking the Heart of Wisdom by Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield The authors went to the East and practised intensely for many years. They returned to the West and have spent the ensuing decades adapting and teaching the essence of the Buddha’s teachings for modern society. With lots of stories, meditations, and insights, this book covers all of the basics. I especially value the description of vipassana in chapter four.
	Lovingkindness by Sharon Salzberg Sharon describes how to practise and live the four brahmaviharas: loving kindess, equanimity, compassion, and sympathetic joy. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough.
	The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh Written by a Vietnamese Zen monk/poet, this simple and beautifully written volume describes how to mindfully enjoy each moment.
	Embracing Uncertainty by Susan Jeffers Susan Jeffers points us toward finding happiness and even joy in the face of change, difficulty, and uncertainty. It is easy to read and contains forty-two exercises to help change your mind.
	Living in the Light of Death by Larry Rosenberg This "bass note" of the list covers what is traditionally known as the four messengers: aging, illness, death, and cause and effect. There will probably be some resistance to picking this book up but it will act, if applied as an antidote to many of your fears.

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