[Summary] Jack Kornfield's book, "Meditation for Beginners,”provides a basic guide to mindfulness meditation, a practice rooted in Buddhist traditions. The text explains why meditation is beneficial, outlining its potential to develop awareness, compassion, and presence. It then presents eight different meditation exercises, focusing on various aspects of experience, including breath, body sensations, emotions, and thoughts. Additionally, it explores the concepts of forgiveness and loving-kindness as integral parts of meditation practice. The text emphasizes the importance of a daily practice and provides suggestions for cultivating a routine, including finding a quiet space, setting aside time, and seeking out a group for support. It concludes by discussing the role of meditation in social responsibility, advocating for its use in understanding and addressing the root causes of suffering and injustice in the world.
