Top 13 Gifts for Meditators (2026)

Among the many subjects proposed by the Church to us for mental prayer, there is none more profitable than the sublime mystery of Calvary. For even where everything is supremely holy-namely, in the actions of Him Who is the way, and the truth, and the life-the Passion is the culmination of sanctity, the highest exercise of virtue, the greatest cause of merit. Hence devout meditation on it produces most abundant fruit in souls, And for this reason, Saints and Doctors of the Church-those who are specially enlightened, those who spoke from experience, those who are our best guides in the spiritual life-with one accord praise and glorify it. For instance, St. Jerome says: " In the Passion all the other mysteries are contained." St. Augustine speaks as follows: "There is nothing more advantageous, nothing better adapted to ensure our eternal salvation, than daily to contemplate the sufferings which Jesus Christ bore for our sake." And St. Leo the Great expresses himself thus: "The cross of Christ is the source of every blessing, the fountain of all merit: to the faithful it gives strength from His weakness, glory from His shame, and life from His death." If at the present day countless human beings live as thoughtlessly and carelessly as if their souls had not been redeemed, as if they had not been bought at a great price, surely it becomes our duty to make reparation for their indifference and ingratitude. In proportion to the world's forgetfulness should be our remembrance. This solemn obligation rests on us all as Catholics. We must not be heedless, we who are familiar with the words: " In the cross is salvation; in the cross is life; in the cross is protection from thy enemies. In the cross is the infusion of heavenly sweetness; in the cross is strength of mind; in the cross is joy of spirit." It is hoped that they who love to contemplate and consider what the Word Incarnate suffered for their salvation will find this work useful. Here, in passing, we may say that the Meditation now presented to all was in its first shape designed and destined for private circulation only. A Member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, as Mistress of Novices for about thirty years, had gained great experience in the formation of religious as well as in the varied requirements of conventual life, proposed by means of this book to impart to her Sisters the fruit of her own reflections on the Passion, which one so spiritual and enlightened was exceptionally fitted to compile. As might have been anticipated, the excellence of the work, which she had intended for the use of her Sisters, in course of time became known to several persons, in one or other way connected with the Institute of the Blessed Virgin. And among them, some are of opinion that this treasure should no longer be allowed to remain almost hidden in the cloister. They have represented that outside the convents of the Institute there are many devout souls to whom the Meditation would be most acceptable. In accordance with their suggestion, and in compliance with their wish, it is now reprinted. But in order to increase its utility, so far as persons living in the world are concerned, many passages in the work, as it appeared at first, have been omitted-those, namely, which were addressed to nuns as such, also some other incidental clauses have been either omitted or else slightly changed. This remark will suffice to explain the difference which, as any person who compares them cannot fail to observe, exists here and there between the original and the revised edition. That the book may continue to be a help to advancement in the spiritual life, and become an abundant source of blessings to a still wider circle of readers, is the earnest desire of those who have had to do with its reissue.

Written in Greek, without any intention of publication, by the only Roman emperor who was also a philosopher, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180) offer a remarkable series of challenging spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the emperor struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Ranging from doubt and despair to conviction and exaltation, they cover such diverse topics as the nature of moral virtue, human rationality, divine providence, and Marcus' own emotions.

Ikebana and tea ceremony, karate and calligraphy-all traditional Japanese arts and practices share certain ideals and techniques to achieve the same goals: serenity, mind/body harmony, awareness, and a sense of connection to the universe. This collection of three complete books provides H. E. Davey's unique insights into the rich universe of these Japanese spiritual, artistic, and martial traditions while introducing the reader to practical examples of two Japanese forms of "moving meditation" that exemplify the union of art and spiritual growth.Living the Japanese Arts & Ways presents 45 essential principles-like wabi, "immovable mind," and "stillness in motion"-that are universal in the Japanese classic tradition. Revealing little-known, ancient, and powerful teachings that link all classic Japanese arts, it explains how they can beneficially transform your life. Living the Japanese Arts & Ways was the recipient of the Spirituality & Health magazine Best Spirituality Books Award.Brush Meditation introduces beginners and non-artists alike to Japanese calligraphy, and shows how even the most elemental stroke of ink and brush reveals your physical and mental state. It's packed with amazing examples of the author's award-winning Japanese calligraphy.The Japanese Way of the Flower examines practical methods for looking at nature and leads the reader through simple meditations as a prelude to learning how to create easy ikebana compositions.This anthology contains an all-new introduction by the author. The entire text is complemented by diagrams, drawings, and photographs, plus information, resources, and glossaries of Japanese terms.About the AuthorH. E. Davey is the Director of the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts (www.senninfoundation.com), offering instruction in Japanese yoga, martial arts, healing arts, and fine arts. His introduction to the arts of Japan came via traditional martial arts. Since the age of five, he's studied jujutsu in the USA and Japan. He received a seventh-degree black belt and the title of Kyoshi from the Kokusai Budoin, a Tokyo-based international federation. Kokusai Budoin defines Kyoshi as a "Master's Certificate." He also serves on the elite Board of Directors of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association (www.smaa-hq.com), which has granted him an eighth-degree black belt. In middle school, Mr. Davey began Shin-shin-toitsu-do, a system of Japanese yoga and meditation founded by Nakamura Tempu Sensei. He's the only member of Tempu-Kai, an organization established by Mr. Nakamura, who is a full-time professional instructor of Shin-shin-toitsu-do. He is also a member of the International Japanese Yoga Association in Kyoto and the Wakuwaku Honshin Juku in Osaka, and holds the highest level of teaching certification from these associations, which are devoted to meditation and the teachings of Mr. Nakamura. He's practiced in Japan and the USA under Nakamura Sensei's senior disciples, including Sawai Atsuhiro Sensei and Hashimoto Tetsuichi Sensei. Mr. Davey's also received extensive instruction in Nakamura Sensei's methods of bodywork and healing with ki ("life energy"), which he teaches. He's furthermore received training in Hatha yoga and Pranayama breathing exercises in the tradition of Indra Devi. Mr. Davey studied shodo, or Japanese brush writing and ink painting, for 20 years under the late Kobara Ranseki Sensei. Mr. Davey holds the top rank in Ranseki Sho Juku shodo and has exhibited on many occasions in Japan. He's received numerous honors in these exhibitions, including Jun Taisho ("Associate Grand Prize"). H. E. Davey's articles on Japanese arts and his artwork have appeared in numerous American and Japanese magazines and newspapers. He's the author of The Teachings of Tempu: Practical Meditation for Daily Life, Unlocking the Secrets of Aiki-jujutsu, Brush Meditation: A Japanese Way to Mind & Body Harmony, Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation, Living the Japanese Arts & Ways: 45 Paths to Meditation & Beauty, The Japanese Way of the Artist, and The Japanese Way of the Flower: Ikebana as Moving Meditation.

Six classic works of Stoic philosophyRediscover six enormously enduring, influential, and important works of stoic mindfulness and philosophy. The classic works from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca - works that even thousands of years after their original publication, continue to inspire readers to greater self-mastery and self-improvement.Meditations of Marcus Aurelius offer a remarkable series of challenging spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the emperor struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Aurelius' Meditations is one of the greatest works of Greek and philosophical literature.The Enchiridion or Handbook of Epictetus is a short manual, Enchiridion was well-known in the ancient world, and in the medieval period, it was specially adapted for use in Greek-speaking monasteries.The Stoic writings of the philosopher Seneca offer powerful insights into the art of living, the importance of reason and morality, and continue to provide profound guidance to many through their eloquence, lucidity and timeless wisdom. Seneca's 4 most famous essays included in this volume - On a Happy Life, On the Shortness of Life, On Peace of Mind, and On Providence.

I stand in the midst of creation's wheel And watch in wonder the quiet majesty of its turning. We are in the care of a love without limit or definition Under the protection of a love that never looks away. When the Spirit speaks to him in his daily prayers, Choctaw elder and spiritual explorer Steven Charleston takes a pen and writes down the messages. He then shares these thoughts with thousands on social media. In these musings, Charleston taps into the universal questions that draw us to prayer, no matter our spiritual background: Why am I here? Where do I belong? Where am I going? This stunning collection of more than two hundred meditations introduces us to the Spirit Wheel and the four directions that ground Native spirituality: tradition, kinship, vision, and balance. The life we inhabit together has been called many things by Indigenous people: the Spirit Wheel, the hoop of the nations, the great circle of existence, the medicine wheel. We are all on that ever-turning wheel, Charleston says--all of creation, people and animals, rocks and trees, the whole universe. Together we can turn toward the wisdom of our ancestors, kinship with all of Mother Earth's creatures, the vision of the Spirit, and mindful balance of life. We are all searching for belonging and a vision of the world that makes sense. We can meet those longings as we ponder the blessings of Spirit Wheel, in the breathtaking moments when insight becomes an invitation to wonder.

Improve your well-being with inspirational affirmations using this beautifully illustrated card deck from celebrated Yin Yoga instructor Kassandra Reinhardt from the popular YouTube channel Yoga with Kassandra. Featuring original illustrations and packaged in a keepsake box, this motivational card deck will help you strengthen the connection among your body, mind, and soul. This card deck invites you to nourish four different parts of yourself: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Use it daily to both enhance your yoga practice and boost your spirit whenever in need of a motivational affirmation, such as: I allow all parts of me to be expressed. I calm my nervous system by taking deep breaths. I fall asleep easily and wake up refreshed. My immune system is healthy and strong. I dedicate time each day to self-care. My self-esteem is growing day by day. I Radiate Joy is intended for anyone who desires to further their yoga journey and offers positive inspiration for any occasion. EXPERT GUIDANCE: Kassandra Reinhardt, host of the popular YouTube series "Yoga with Kassandra," shares her wisdom in daily affirmations that lift the soul and spirit INSPIRATIONAL AFFIRMATIONS: This deck is divided into four affirmation styles: (1) Get Physical, (2) Be Emotional, (3) Strengthen Your Mind, and (4) Stay Spiritual. Each set includes 16 affirmations to help ground and enhance your yoga practice GORGEOUS ILLUSTRATIONS: Each card features original and beautifully ornate illustrations to help motivate and energize BEAUTIFUL GIFT: The affirmation deck is packaged in a deluxe, keepsake box, perfect for the yoga enthusiast in your life COMPLETE YOUR YOGA SET: Deepen your yoga practice further with the My Yoga Journey: Guided Journal and Year of Yoga book by Yoga with KassandraAbout the AuthorYoga with Kassandra is the go-to YouTube channel for millions of viewers seeking to enhance their home practice. Ottawa-based Kassandra Reinhardt has taught yoga since 2013, and has completed both 200- and 300-hour yoga-teacher trainings, as well as yoga therapy. Reinhardt is the author of Yin Yoga, Year of Yoga, My Yoga Journey, and I Radiate Joy. Practice with her online at yogawithkassandra.com.

Library Journal's Best Books of 2013 selection"When something is bothering you-a person is bugging you, a situation is irritating you, or physical pain is bothering you-you must work with your mind, and that is done through meditation. Working with our mind is the only means through which we'll actually begin to feel happy and contented with the world that we live in."--Pema Chödrön Pema Chödrön is treasured around the world for her unique ability to transmit teachings and practices that bring peace, understanding, and compassion into our lives. With How to Meditate, the American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun presents her first book exploring in-depth what she considers the essentials for a lifelong practice. More and more people are beginning to recognize a profound inner longing for authenticity, connection, and aliveness. Meditation, Pema explains, gives us a golden key to address this yearning. This step-by-step guide shows readers how to honestly meet and openly relate with the mind, embrace the fullness of our experience, and live in a wholehearted way as we discover: The basics of meditation, from getting settled and the six points of posture to working with your breath and cultivating an attitude of unconditional friendliness- The Seven Delights--how moments of difficulty can become doorways to awakening and love- Shamatha (or calm abiding), the art of stabilizing the mind to remain present with whatever arises- Thoughts and emotions as "sheer delight"-instead of obstacles-in meditation"I think ultimately why we practice is so that we can become completely loving people, and this is what the world needs," writes Pema Chödrön. How to Meditate is a long-overdue book from this wise teacher to assist each one of us in this virtuous goal.About the AuthorPema Chödrön is a well-known and beloved American-born Buddhist nun and author of many spiritual classics. She serves as the resident teacher at Gampo Abbey Monastery in Nova Scotia and is a student of Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and the late Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. For more information, including a list of her published works, visit pemachodronfoundation.org.

Recommended by parents, school counselors, yoga teachers, and psychologists, the Mindfulness for Kids 1 curriculum has been implemented in schools in the USA, Europe, and Australia Noteworthy mentioning includes mentions alongside works by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thich Nhat Hanh, Daniel Goleman, John Gottman, and Amy Saltzman.Loved by children, recommended by parents and teachers, Mindfulness for Kids 1 serves as a great resource for home and school.It makes lesson and activities planning fast and easy, and saves you lots of time The seven lesson plans come with warm-up and follow-up exercises. From 5 min. to 60 min. and anything in between, each lesson is customizable to your needs Content: Each section is well organized and includes engaging creative arts activities, games, interesting conversation with writing prompts, and thoughtful meditation scripts. It is an ideal resource for teachers, therapists, and parents of children ages 6 - 12 years old. No more agonizing over what to teach and how to teach it Mindfulness for Kids 1 offers effective ways for children to: Better Cope with Stress and Anxiety. Increase Focus and Attention. Better Handle Difficult Emotions. Strengthen Resilience. Develop Creativity and Imagination. A Note from the Author: "May this book bring you peacefulness in this often fast-paced and stressful world. Sharing the practice of mindfulness with your child is a gift that can help nourish the body, mind, and spirit for a lifetime." - Dr. Nicola KlugeEditorial Reviews: "This is a GREAT book for walking a child through a mindfulness exercise. I use it in my therapy practice with kids around the age of 8-10 and they really love it They are able to acquire a place of calm during the practice and they all report how much they enjoyed the exercise afterward. These children always leave the session calm and relaxed and having a clear picture of what mindfulness exercise entails." - Amazon Reviewer Strstoutmom."My 8 year old daughter loves for me to read the meditation stories to her before bed. The stories send uplifting messages to young kids...and it helps settle me for sleep too " - Amazon Reviewer CW."I'm a teacher and I've used this book with my 3rd graders to teach them mindfulness and they love it They always cheer when we do "Mindfulness Monday" or any day we do the mindfulness exercises. They have wonderful pre-lesson activities that include questions and some hands on activities as well. I've usually done the questions because it builds up nicely to the mindfulness practice it's connected to, but I haven't done as many of the hands on activities. I think this is a wonderful book to expose kids to mindfulness and a great teaching tool " - Amazon Reviewer Audra HackettBenefits: This book offers effective ways for children to develop healthy responses to everyday stresses at school or at home. It is designed for children with diverse attention spans and learning styles, and can help children feel comforted in stressful situations.The activities in this book help children learn: Gentle Relaxation Calm Focus Feeling Peaceful Falling Asleep More Easily Increase Focus & Concentration Improve Relationships Through mindfulness practices, children learn powerful techniques to soothe themselves or focus when needed. Let this book be your guide and inspiration * The meditations included in this book are also available in audio version, CDs and MP3s, with soothing music and peaceful narration.Subject: Meditation for kids, Meditation for children, Childrens meditation, Sleep meditation for, Fun mindfulness exercises

You are about to embark on a journey of discovery. The practices of meditation and mindfulness found in this book ultimately lead to the awakening of wisdom and compassion. You have already started on the path by establishing the interest and motivation to explore these tried-and-true methods for cultivating the mindfulness skills needed to bring you happiness and well-being. Anyone can directly experience the healing benefits of these practices if applied consistently in daily life. This book presents an exploration of the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni. These teachings are summarized by three aspirations that we practice and uphold: 1) Cultivate excellent virtue in abundance, 2) Avoid wrongdoing and harmful actions, and 3) Completely tame your mind. This is the essence the teaching and the subject of our study. There are only two obstacles in attaining the happiness we seek; first, not starting on the path, and second, not continuing on the path to its destination. You are about to take an important step forward on the path to awakening!

In this book, Bhikkhu Analayo, scholar and meditation teacher, examines central aspects of Buddhist meditation as reflected in the early discourses of the Buddha, based on revised and reorganized material from previously published articles. The main topics he takes up are mindfulness, the path to awakening, absorption, and the brahmaviharas. He compares parallel versions of the discourses in a variety of languages which offers a window on the earliest stages in the development of these Buddhist teachings.About the AuthorBhikkhu Analayo is a bhikkhu (Buddhist monk), scholar and meditation teacher. He was born in Germany in 1962, and went forth in 1995 in Sri Lanka. He is best known for his comparative studies of early Buddhist texts as preserved by the various early Buddhist traditions.

St. Francis Borgia (1510-1572) was a member of a devout and influential family in Spain, served as the Duke of Gandia, and was a favorite of Charles V. He penned these pages as an exercise during a retreat prior to entering the Jesuits, but their riches quickly became known and widespread. Due to his humility, fervor, and leadership, St. Francis is referred to as "the second founder" of the Society of Jesus. In this spiritual treasure, he will guide you in imitating the sentiments and actions of Christ to repair for your sins, grow in union with our Lord, and share the benefits of this devotion with others. Moreover, he will teach you his overriding goal: to perform every good work that the Holy Spirit places on your heart, in communion with Christ, for the Father's glory -- while there is still time. To this end, he offers fruitful spiritual exercises to help your soul grow in the virtue of humility and sanctify your daily living. With this incomparable confessor, you will discover: What to ponder while getting dressed, praying, performing acts of charity, eating, and retiring Penetrating reflections on uniting your suffering to the sufferings of Christ The wedding garment with which you need to clothe yourself to enter the Eternal Banquet Three potent meditations to teach you how to grow in humility Profound meditations for Holy Communion to help you prepare to receive devoutly and thankfully Stirring meditations to help you grow in self-knowledge and gratitude to God In these absorbing pages, you will find guidance for your state in life and probing reflection questions to spur you on to more ardent faith. These exercises will touch your heart, enlighten your mind, and inspire your soul to aim for greater glory.About the AuthorFollowing his wife's death, St. Francis Borgia entered the Jesuits but remained in the world for a few years to provide for his children and settle his civic affairs. Renowned for his holiness, St. Francis became the third general of the Jesuit Order and expanded the Society to India and the Americas. He also helped in the establishment of what is now the Gregorian University in Rome and founded a dozen Catholic colleges in Spain. Although he served as the political and spiritual adviser to the emperor, amid numerous other tasks, he sought first and foremost intimacy with God.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is for people who lead active lives. Most of us begin TM for practical reasons: we want better physical and mental health, increased energy, less anxiety and tension, more fulfilling relationships, greater clarity of thought, or more success and fulfillment. Many individuals today experience the benefits of this highly effective meditation technique. We hear a lot about famous movie stars, business leaders, athletes, musicians, scientists, fashion models, and talk show hosts who all do TM. But thousands more--homemakers, teachers, bank clerks, farmers, small business persons, students of all ages, veterans, and people from every imaginable walk of life--are quietly and effortlessly practicing the TM program, benefiting from the proven release of stress, lowering high blood pressure, and increasing their success and happiness at work and at home.About the AuthorWallace, Robert Keith: - ROBERT KEITH WALLACE is a pioneering researcher on the physiology of consciousness. His work has inspired hundreds of studies on the benefits of meditation and other mind-body techniques. Dr. Wallace's findings have been published in Science, American Journal of Physiology, and Scientific American. He received his BS in physics and his PhD in physiology from UCLA, and he conducted postgraduate research at Harvard University. As the founding president of Maharishi University of Management (MUM) in Fairfield, Iowa, Dr. Wallace is currently Co-Dean of the College of Perfect Health, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Physiology and Health, and a Trustee of MUM.Norton, Lincoln Akin: - LINCOLN AKIN NORTON is an entrepreneur, writer, and teacher of Transcendental Meditation. He started TM in 1966 while at Harvard and became a teacher in 1969. Since then he has served in numerous roles within the TM organization, including hosting one of the first TM to Business conferences with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1976 at the Absolute Theory of Management Conference in Lausanne, Switzerland. In 1982, he founded and became the CEO and Chairman of HRSoft, Inc., the first company to automate the mission-critical business area of Succession Planning and Management Development for the PC. Lincoln Norton was also the Founder and Chairman of the Corporate University, Inc., a membership organization that evaluated the best of the best of development activities for managers and executives in large companies around the world. In addition, he was a Founding Partner and Chairman of the Architectural Review Committee at Hartley Farms in Harding Township, New Jersey, an environmentally sensitive residential development that has won national acclaim for its innovative use of open spaces, architectural guidelines, and historic preservation.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER - "Meditations offers a glimpse into [Marcus Aurelius's] mind, his habits, and his approach to life. . . . I think any reader would find something useful to take away from it."--James Clear, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Atomic Habits "To me, this is the greatest book ever written. . . . It is the definitive text on self-discipline, personal ethics, humility, self-actualization, and strength. . . . If you're going to read it, you absolutely have to go with the Gregory Hays translation."--Ryan Holiday, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Obstacle Is the Way "It is unbelievable to see how the emperor's words have stood the test of time. . . . Read a page or two anytime you feel like the world is too much."--Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Wall Street Journal Nearly two thousand years after it was written, Meditations remains profoundly relevant for anyone seeking to lead a meaningful life. Your ability to control your thoughts--treat it with respect. It's all that protects your mind from false perceptions--false to your nature, and that of all rational beings. A series of spiritual exercises filled with wisdom, practical guidance, and profound understanding of human behavior, Marcus Aurelius's Meditations remains one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. With bite-size insights and advice on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity and interacting with others, Meditations has become required reading not only for statesmen and philosophers alike, but also for generations of readers who responded to the straightforward intimacy of his style. In Gregory Hays's translation--the first in nearly four decades--Marcus's thoughts speak with a new immediacy. In fresh and unencumbered English, Hays vividly conveys the spareness and compression of the original Greek text. Never before have Marcus's insights been so directly and powerfully presented. With an Introduction that outlines Marcus's life and career, the essentials of Stoic doctrine, the style and construction of the Meditations, and the work's ongoing influence, this edition makes it possible to fully rediscover the thoughts of one of the most enlightened and intelligent leaders of any era.About the AuthorGregory Hays is associate professor of classics at the University of Virginia. He maintains an annotated bibliography of Fulgentius the Mythmaker.