The Mind Illuminated

A revolutionary, science-based approach to meditation from a neuroscientist turned meditation master, The Mind Illuminated is an accessible, step-by-step toolkit for anyone looking to start—or improve—their daily meditation practice.

The book that bestselling meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg raves “brings the path of meditation to life,” The Mind Illuminated is the first how-to meditation guide from a neuroscientist who is also an acclaimed meditation master. This innovative book offers a 10-stage program that is both deeply grounded in ancient spiritual teachings about mindfulness and holistic health, and also draws from the latest brain science to provide a roadmap for anyone interested in achieving the benefits of mindfulness. Dr. John Yates offers a new and fascinating model of how the mind works, including steps to overcome mind wandering and dullness, extending your attention span while meditating, and subduing subtle distractions.

This groundbreaking manual provides illustrations and charts to help you work through each stage of the process, offering tools that work across all types of meditation practices. The Mind Illuminated is an essential read, whether you are a beginner wanting to establish your practice or a seasoned veteran ready to master the deepest state of peace and mindfulness.

A systematic, hands-on manual, "The Mind Illuminated" will be a great help to anyone who wants to completely fathom the process of meditative development in all its stages. Culadasa gives us the full conceptual framework together with complete instructions for putting it into play. In largely Western language, with help from wonderful images and diagrams, this book brings the path of meditation to life.

-- (Sharon Salzberg, author, Real Happiness)

Culadasa (John Yates, PhD), is the director of Dharma Treasure Buddhist Sangha in Tucson, Arizona and was a teacher of physiology and neuroscience. He has been ordained as an Upasaka (dedicated lay-practitioner) and has received ordination in the International Order of Buddhist ministers in Rosemead, California. He lives in Pearce, Arizona. Matthew Immergut, PhD is an associate professor of sociology. He is a longtime meditator and a dedicated student of Culadasa. He lives in Woodstock, New York. Jeremy Graves is a student of Culadasa and has accumulated roughly a year-and-a-half of extended retreat time under his teacher’s mentorship. His approach to Buddhist practice combines the insights of science, art, and devotional practice. He lives in Laguna Beach, California.

This book is a rare and valuable treasure, providing a detailed, step-by-step account of how meditation practice progresses. Culadasa is the real deal, a living adept with decades of experience.

-- (Shinzen Young, author, Beginner s Guide to Meditation)