Awaken: Inside Yoga Meditation

I joined a yoga meditation group in my area and was told about this book by the instructor. It is great and very helpful when I am in my own home or traveling. It is always with me.

He addresses the why, where, what and how layers to establishing --or re-committing to -- a meditation practice. Accessible and practical. I'd also recommend his interpretation of Patanjali's Sutra as a companion read.

An excellent book for those new to mediation as well as those who wish to review or renew their practice.

Interested in awakening your heart, your energy, your compassion or your intellect? How about breaking down the barriers to sustained joy and happiness? If you answer "Yes" to either of these questions, please consider reading Awaken: Inside Yoga Meditation, a guidebook on the spiritual and functional practice of meditation. Reverend Jaganath Carrera's beautifully written book is for the reader with a burgeoning interest in yoga as well as the student who has deeply contemplated freedom from suffering. Reverend Carrera presents the philosophy and instruction for the practice of meditation with clarity and depth and without a hint of dogma. Reading this book ensured me that I was in good hands, learning lifelong meditation techniques from a Master. Reverend Carrera teaches the lessons passed on to him from his own Guru, Swami Satchidananda, and relays them with his own style and marked by his own experiences with awakened life. Similar to his first book, Inside the Yoga Sutras (another text I recommend), Awaken contains anecdotes and analogies filled with Reverend Carrera's signature sense of humor and devotion to serving others. It is informative as well as a pleasure to read. You can read the book from cover to cover to get the most from its teachings or use it to compliment your practice by going directly to the chapters that call to you the loudest. Whether it's directions for how, when, and where to sit for meditation or stories that provide inspiration and motivation for your continued practice, you will find it in Awaken: Inside Yoga Meditation. A multifaceted work from an experienced Soul. My copy sits on my night table as a gentle reminder that we all have the chance to wake up. Enjoy the journey!

If anyone has ever had the honor of sitting in any of Reverend Jaganath's discussions. Immediately, they will begin their journey of knowing their inner self, their true self. I purchased two copies of "Awaken: Inside Yoga Meditation" one for myself and one for someone most special to me. This special person wants to give something to her community and senses that meditation would be the core of a community center she would like to open. She has been studying the book and expresses that it has been most helpful to her, as I had no doubt it would.My thinking was if this individual was unable to meet and hear the words of someone most enlightened and authentic in person, then I will bring his words to her through his new book "Awaken: Inside Yoga Meditation".My home, family, and friends feel blessed in knowing of his teachings by sharing what I have heard and read.Much success in learning meditation and of its many benefits.

I have been wanting to deepen my meditation practice but until now I haven't found a meditation book which is suitable for my busy lifestyle and was getting dishearted about where my meditation practice was going and feeling that my life as a householder wasn't suited for that highest goal in life. Things changed since I met and became a follower of Sri Guruji Reverend Jaganath Carrera's teachings. The book 'Awaken' written from a master in meditation has opened my eyes and heart to a new uplifting approach to the wonders of meditation. This book is really a complete guide,...why?; where?; how?, obstacles in meditation; history and roots of Yoga meditation, the workings and science of the meditative brain,...so informative!I find this book very practical and useful, ...my meditation practice now is more joyous and deeper thanks to the compassionate, down to earth, and insightful instructions found in this book,...words are charged with the experience of a master.

For anyone interested in meditation, this book is a gem. It is broken out into nine segments which guides one easily through the practice as well as the pitfalls. The chapters are easy to read and digest. Sample meditations are given to get you started. For the seasoned practitioner, Awaken clarifies any questions or misperceptions one may have.Personally, I found the references to other spiritual texts extremely helpful as well as the last chapter entitled Explore More. The science of the brain and meditation is fascinating!Reverend Jaganath Carrera clearly is an experienced meditator who has benefitted deeply from the practice. The text exemplifies the clarity of his practice. This book is a must read for all who would like to open the door to their meditation practice and once opened, deepen it. Enjoy!

Rev. Jaganath's words are like a warm glass of hot cocoa after a snowstorm. The way he explains how to meditate and reminds us that the mind will wander and bounce around and that it is all right-- I'm so grateful for it. I loved his first book, Inside the Yoga Sutras and now I'm loving this one. I've also seen him speak several times and he is a brilliant storyteller. Lucky for us, he put his stories and teachings down on paper so we can refer to them as often as we want. I highly recommend this book for anyone practicing Yoga, from beginners to experts. For as Rev. Jaganath says, "Meditation theory and practice has been an integral part of Yoga since its inception."