Crazy Wisdom Newspaper/Calendar January 2002
"The book is really exceptional. You could single-handedly shift the consciousness of Ann Arbor if enough people read it."


Crazy Wisdom Review/Calendar January 2002
The book is exceptional. It's taken alot of information and depth of knowledge and put in a concise, readable format.


Book Description
This book can be used by both beginning students who want to learn about the theory and practice of meditation as well as by individuals who have had experience with meditation and breathing techniques and would like to refine or deepen their practice. · People with specific physical illnesses or mental health concerns can also use this book if they are interested in using meditation and breathing techniques as part of their treatment plan. · There is an overview of the goals of meditation. We explore the question of why we practice meditation, and look at what it means to attain expanded states of consciousness. · Different forms of meditation are described from both Eastern and Western perspectives. · Misconceptions about meditation are clarified, and there is a discussion of the differences between meditation and concentration, contemplation, and prayer. We explore emotional, psychological, and spiritual benefits of meditation as well as the similarities between meditation and psychotherapy. · Personal qualities that we must cultivate to begin the process of meditation and to sustain an ongoing practice are detailed, including openness, curiosity, effort, persistence, simplicity, tranquility, and mindfulness. · We discuss the importance of applying the principles and approaches of meditation to daily activity. · We explore medical research on the benefits of meditation in such areas as decreasing levels of hormones related to the stress response, controlling high blood pressure, and helping depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The mechanism of the stress response is outlined, followed by a detailed description of how meditation and breathing techniques help us better control the autonomic nervous system and other brain functions. Another section in the book deals with the underlying concepts of the philosophical systems Tantra, Samkhya, and Vedanta. These great schools of thought form the theoretical basis and provide the actual techniques for the type of meditation presented in this book. · The five components of the mind that are presented are thoughts, the sensory-integration component, the sense of self, decision making, and memory. These aspects of the mind are all strengthened by the practice of meditation. · The system of raja yoga is described in detail because the form of meditation presented in this book closely follows the eight steps on this path. This includes five restraints on behavior and five observances to prepare us mentally for meditation, the postures and practices of hatha yoga, breathing exercises, withdrawal of the senses to deeper states of awareness, concentration techniques, sustained concentration (the actual definition of meditation), and absorption with the highest states of consciousness. · In order to deepen meditation, we must have an object on which to concentrate. These objects, which need to have the inherent ability to guide the practitioner to expanded levels of awareness, are generally chakras (energy centers in the body), mantras (subtle inner vibrations), yantras (geometric shapes that reflect a condensation of the seen and unseen universe), and the breath (control of energy or prana within the body). Several sections in this book focus on these powerful objects of concentration. Since the form of meditation presented in this book uses concentration techniques focused on the chakras, a detailed, colored image of the chakras appears on the front cover of this book. · Later in this book we focus on the techniques used to prepare the body, breath, and mind for meditation. We analyze the relationship between hatha yoga and meditation. Hatha yoga postures are useful not only to improve flexibility, but also to strengthen the spine so the practitioner can sit for longer meditations. · In the next chapter, there are descriptions of several sitting postures used during meditation. Breathing techniques (pranayama) are discussed in detail because these breathing exercises have many important functions in the process of meditation. They have positive effects on the body and mind, helping such health related concerns as sinus problems, hypertension, thyroid disease, and anxiety. Pranayama also is very important in helping to focus the mind for deeper meditation, and there are specific techniques that help to activate latent energy in the body (kundalini). · The following chapter explores the idea of kundalini, or latent energy that is stored in the first chakra, located in the lowest part of the spine. This primal force is activated and moved upwards to the higher chakras during meditation, and as it moves through the seven major chakras, physical, psychological, and spiritual transformations occur. The final part of the book describes the preparations necessary to begin a meditation practice as well as the specific meditation technique itself. · The actual meditation technique is divided into several phases so that readers can systematically and slowly develop their own practice at their own speed. It is designed so that a person can choose to practice simple diaphragmatic breathing and breath awareness to relax and focus his/her thoughts. The reader can also choose the greater complexity of using mantras and concentrating on moving energy through the chakras with the goal of experiencing more expanded states of consciousness. · The final chapter briefly describes meditation techniques that can be practiced by more advanced students who are working closely with an experienced teacher. Audio CDs that systematically lead the practitioner through the various phases of the meditation described in this book are also available. They can be used in conjunction with and also separately without reference to the book. World famous drummer Muruga Booker accompanies Dr. Chernin in the tracks that prepare the student for meditation.


From the Publisher
The art and science of meditation have become very popular in recent years as people are looking for ways to deal with the effects of stress as well as to learn how to focus their minds so they can become more efficient and productive. Books written on this subject are generally incomplete, use too many difficult to understand foreign terms in their descriptions, or are not systematic enough when presenting the practice of meditation. Often the actual techniques of meditation are not described in enough detail, leaving the reader with some theory but without the practical tools to establish a practice. Few books on this subject are as easy to read yet give the readers such a wealth of information on he subject of meditation as How to Meditate Using Chakras, Mantras, and Breath. In a clear and detailed way, this book describes both the theory and philosophy of meditation and the practical tools necessary to establish a consistent and meaningful meditation practice. There are many sidebars, charts, and pictures that enable the reader to more fully appreciate the full scope of meditation.


From the Author
Meditation has been a source of inspiration and comfort for me over the years. Our common interest in meditation philosophy and practice has always been important for my wife Jan and me. I have experienced the wonders of the birth and growth of my children, Abe, Ethan, and Ari and meditation has helped me stay focused and present, always trying to provide them with love and moral guidance. After the death of our son Nathaniel in 1981 to SIDS, meditation gave me moments of refuge and peace during those sad, dark early days. I have experienced periods when my meditation seemed stagnant and also have had moments of great inspiration and creative insight. I have had experiences when my body would spontaneously assume different yoga postures and other times when I would automatically do advanced breathing exercises, indicating the activation and release of inner, latent energy within my body. I have also had visual and auditory ex- periences that I can only describe! as inspiring, joyful, and at times blissful. I have also had to face conscious and unconscious anxieties and fears that sometimes arise during meditation. I have been consistent with my practice at times and have gotten dis- couraged or lazy and avoided meditation on occasion. Through it all, meditation has provided me with strength and courage to understand my past, enjoy the present, and prepare for the future.


From the Inside Flap
This book offers the student of meditation a concise and thorough analysis of the theory and practice of meditation. The physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits are outlined in a clear manner. There is an excellent step-by-step guide on how to meditate using chakras (energy centers in the body), mantras (subtle vibrations), yantras (geometric forms), light, and the breath. The system presented here is based on the ancient teachings of Tantra, Vedanta, and Samkhya philosophies and has been handed down from teacher to student for thousands of years. Dennis K. Chernin, M.D., M.P.H. has actively practiced and taught meditation and breathing techniques for thirty years. His teachers were trained in the Himalayan Mountains in India, Nepal, and Tibet. Currently, he practices holistic and family medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he offers patients and students individualized instruction on meditation using chakras, mantras, and the breath. He is also the medical director of two county health departments and is a lecturer at the University of Michigan Medical School in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine program. Dr. Chernin received his B.A. and the Phi Beta Kappa honorary from Northwestern University and his M.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Michigan. He did residencies in psychiatry and preventive medicine and is board certified in preventive medicine. His other publications include the books Health: A Holistic Approach and Homeopathic Remedies. He has also written an interactive CD ROM called Homeopathic Resource.


About the Author
Dennis K. Chernin, M.D., M.P.H. has actively practiced and taught meditation and breathing techniques for thirty years. His teachers were trained in the Himalayan Mountains in India, Nepal, and Tibet. Currently, he practices holistic and family medi- cine in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he offers patients and students individualized instruction on meditation using chakras, mantras, and the breath. He is also the medical director of two county health departments and is a lecturer at the University of Michigan Medical School in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine program. Dr. Chernin received his B.A. and the Phi Beta Kappa honorary from Northwestern University where he graduated with honors in cultural anthropology. He received his M.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Michigan. He did residencies in psychiatry and preventive medicine and is board certified in preventive medicine. He has taught many medical students, residents, and physicians over the years and has lectured at many prestigious medical schools and hospitals, including the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin, Michigan State University, Northwestern University, the Medical College of Ohio, Henry Ford Hospital, and Oakwood Hospital. He has appeared on many television and radio shows over the years, including the Phil Donohue Show and the Sonya Friedman Show. He is a noted author and has been writing books for many years. The Himalayan Publishers, a branch of the Himalayan International Institute, first published his book Homeopathic Remedies for Health Professionals and Laypeople in 1979. This book is still in publication and is considered a classic in the field of Homeopathy. He also wrote the book Health: A Holistic Approach, which was first published in 1984 by Quest Books, a subsidiary. This was one of the first books integrating the philosophy and practice of Eastern and Western forms of medicine. He has also written an interactive CD ROM called Homeopathic Resource, published by Think Publishing. This integrated medical guide has over 3000 pages of highly useful information and was the winner of the 1997 Health Information Awards and the 1997 Communicator Awards.


Excerpted from How to Meditate Using Chakras, Mantras, and Breath (with two CDs included) by Dennis K. Chernin. Copyright © 2002. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
. Definition and Goals Meditation is sustained and uninterrupted concentration that leads to a highly focused mind. Meditation begins with concentration, which helps make our mind steady. When prolonged concentration leads to the continuous flow of the mind towards one object, this becomes meditation. To maintain and deepen meditation, the mind must have something to focus on. These objects of concentration not only focus the mind but also have the inherent ability to lead the student to more expanded states of awareness. The objects typically used are sounds (mantras), visual images (yantras or chakras), light, breath, or specific types of prayer. Because of their great importance to the form of meditation presented in this book, chakras, mantras, and yantras will be discussed more thoroughly in Part III. There are several specific goals of meditation. The first is to liberate the mind from disturbing and distracting emotions, thoughts, and desires. The mind is transformed from a state of unrest and disharmony to a state of calmness and equilibrium. Another important goal of meditation is to bring the unconscious mind into conscious awareness in order to gain greater control over thought processes and emotions. The ultimate goal is to attain expanded states of consciousness in which we not only have in- creased awareness of previously unconscious thoughts and feel- ings, but also awareness of more subtle and universal principles, and comprehension of the world in a more complex and integrated way. In this state, we can experience great joy and inner peace. Neutral and nonjudgmental observation of the content and experiences of the mind should accompany the process of meditation. It is important to avoid being attached to the contents of the mind during meditation because the desire to attain something or to have certain types of experiences distracts the mind from its focus and will interfere with continued concen- tration. This can lead to losing the calmness and contentment that normally characterize the steady mind. As the power of concentration develops through the practice of meditation, our physical and mental abilities may also increase. It is important not to use these abilities for selfish purposes because this would interfere with the development of compassion and humility, which are very important qualities that arise from deep meditative practices. Self-indulgence and the need for self-gratification limit us to the narrow confines of our own individual mind and inhibit the experience of expanded states of awareness. The technique of meditation is actually quite simple and systematic. When practicing meditation, we sit on a chair or on the floor with a straight spine and with hands placed comfortably on the lap, thighs, or knees. The eyes are closed gently. Using our mind, we relax each body part, beginning at the head and ending at the feet. We then regulate breathing by using the abdomen and diaphragm to move air in and out of the lungs. During inhalation the upper part of the abdomen moves out, away from the body, and on exhalation the abdomen moves back towards the body. Next, we adjust our breathing rhythm to become efficient, smooth, deep, and without pauses or hesitations. We then withdraw our senses from the outside world and direct all attention inwards. We follow this by concentrating on a sound (mantra) and also on specific energy centers within the body (chakras). There is a more detailed explanation of this form of meditation in chapter 24, The Techni- que of Meditation. During meditation, when thoughts, emotions, or desires arise, we observe the nature and content of these mental pheno- mena. We do not force our thinking to stop but instead we allow our thoughts to cease on their own. We simply return our focus to the object of concentration, such as our mantra. As thoughts arise, they are allowed to gently come into the mind and then to pass effortlessly out. We calmly bring our focus back to the object of concentration. Slowly, the process of letting go and refocusing becomes easier and is accomplished more quickly and meditation deepens naturally. With persistent practice, the mind gradually becomes identified with the object of concentration. This allows the individual to experience deeper and more highly refined states of consciousness. Meditation has three key components: the person who is meditating, the technique of meditation, and the object of concentration during meditation. As the practice deepens, aware- ness of the technique is gradually eliminated. This occurs because as focus on the object of concentration becomes steady and automatic, awareness of the process diminishes until finally we cease to be conscious of it at all. Next, we lose awareness of ourselves as the mind identifies completely with the object of concentration. Finally, the object of concentration itself disappears as the mind becomes completely permeated with the object by its constant association with it. After all three components have disappeared, there is no awareness of our separateness and we experience a state of expanded consciousness.1

FROM THE PUBLISHER