Why We Meditate

The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion

By: Daniel Goleman, Tsoknyi Rinpoche

Narrated by: Adam Barr, Francois Chau

This “rare and exquisite exploration of the art, science, and practice of meditation” (Roshni Joan Halifax, author of Standing at the Edge) offers a much-needed antidote to the forces of stress that overwhelm so many of us—from New York Times bestselling author Daniel Goleman and renowned meditation teacher Tsoknyi Rinpoche.

We all experience negative emotions from time to time. But in a world with as much frenzy and pressure as ours, it’s incredibly easy for these same emotions to become destructive. Now, by blending Eastern tradition with Western science, Why We Meditate effortlessly helps you embrace and understand meditation as never before with advice that is “fresh, accessible, and profound” (Pema Chödrön, author of When Things Fall Apart).

Based on groundbreaking neuroscience, Why We Meditate is a guidebook that will help you not only break free from negative patterns of thought and behavior but radically embrace your very being. Revolutionize your health, relationships, and soul with this book that is perfect for both serious meditators and those new to the practice.

Very helpful, practical teachings

Sometimes the contrast between the two readers was a little jarring. But overall it was excellent to hear both points of view.

Simple teachings for profound change

This is a great book, reframing Buddhist teachings in a way that may be more accessible to many readers.

A Very Engaging & Helpful Book

I've been reading books about meditation for about 15 years now, and it never ceases to amaze me how I can always learn something new. And here's yet another. This rather short book is full of great teachings.

One thing that makes this book so unique is its structure. Each chapter is divided into three parts: 1) the explanation 2) the practice & 3) the science. The buddhist teacher, Tsoknyi Rinphoche writes the first two parts on 'explanation' and 'practice' while Daniel Goleman writes the concluding 'science.' This is my first book by Tsoknyi Rinpoche and I really enjoyed learning his approach to meditation, as he starts first with physical breath-work and then moves into mindfulness and cognitive exercises. This was my second book by Goleman. I love his work with Richard Davidson, 'Altered Traits,' and have read that book twice. Goleman's scientific explanations don't contain too much new information from what he's already written--but it is refreshing to read it in this new context of Tsoknyi Rinphoche's teaching.

This book is small but it packs a wallop. I read it within a couple of days on my Winter Break--I kept turning the pages wanting to learn more. However, I know in my speed I've likely missed a lot. No doubt I'll return to this book in the future.

Tsoknyi Rinphoche's teaching is very accessible, honest, inspiring and helpful. I learned a lot from it.

For the Audible version, I was sad that the book was not narrated by the authors, but the narrators do a good job of reading clearly. I enjoyed the listen along with the read. If you'd like to hear the author's speak about the book in their own voices, I recommend listening to their interview with Dan Harris on his podcast '10% Happier.' That is how I originally learned about this book.

Thank you Tsoknyi Rinphoche & Daniel Goleman!

Helpful

Started using the techniques offered in this book in my meditation practice and in life right away.

Practical and profound.

The teachings are practical and powerful, and the insight from both authors adds a unique dimension to the book.