by Robert Altobello. It's an excellent cross-cultural comparison study of meditation theory and practices. The book presents a scholarly analysis of traditional Asian religions ("psychologies of happiness") and their meditation practices, and is also accessible to nonscholars.

"The story here is one of self-transformation and transcendence." hey, I can't quarrel with that!

 Beyond the theory, Altobello also describes various meditation practices the reader can try out. This is an integration of theory and practice, for scholars and nonscholars. The idea is to demystify mediation.

Altobello is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at SUNY.

 Peter Lang Publishing; First printing edition (August 1, 2009) ISBN-10: 1433106922; ISBN-13: 978-1433106927