Buddhist Meditation

Sam Harris writes a great article on how to meditate, with an amusing explanation of why simple is not always easy.

The Insight Meditation Center explains different meditation postures, including sitting in a chair and lying down. 

Although they claim sitting on the floor is preferable to a chair, many other respected teachers say there is no difference between the two options. 

For a more comprehensive guide, try this  Introduction to Meditation by Gil Fronsdal.  It combines audio lectures, guided meditations and reflective activities to help you establish your practice. 

Thanissaro Bhikkhu's Basic Breath Meditation  varies from most instructions in that they advocate intentionally regulating the breath. This may be useful in your practice but it might not be the best place to begin.

"This book addresses the questions: why meditate and how to meditate? The guidance offered is relevant to all those who cultivate the inner life." Download the ebook in the format of your choice.

"The subject of this book is Vipassana meditation practice. Repeat, practice. This is a meditation manual, a nuts-and-bolts, step-by-step guide to Insight meditation. It is meant to be practical. It is meant for use." Read a preview of the book online.

"An inspiring and very accessible compilation of essays and edited talks on the Buddhist practice of mindfulness. As Gil Fronsdal states, 'the search for the issue at hand is the search for what is closest at hand, for what is directly seen, heard, smelled, tasted, felt, and cognized in the present.' Gil brings the practice of mindfulness not only to formal meditation but to all the varying aspects of everyday life." 

This is less of a manual and more of a guide to help you start a practice, meet common challenges, and understand basic Buddhist concepts. Read it online. Several formats and languages are available.