OurColony.net

Well thought out but overpriced.

Customer Rating:
12 lectures and 12 guided meditations with artful study guide. Very impressively packaged. Probably originally formated for 12 cassette tapes. All the sessions are 30-45 minutes long (enough for one side of a cassette tape). Goldstein's lectures are the most interesting. Salzberg's are to me, rather simplistic. If I had it to do over, I would have paid no more that $75.

Not only for begginers

Customer Rating:
I have to admit that the way the meditation techniques and guidelines are presented in that course is unique, rarely found in other publications, including premium Buddhist authors. I found it very "enlightening", even having previous experience in Buddhist meditation practice. The presentation is done in a thorough, non sectarian way, eminently suitable to "western mind". The presentation of every technique or aspect is followed by several exercises and guided meditations which help to integrate it properly. The course, because it consists of several interesting topics, also helps to establish regular practice which is probably as important as the proper meditation technique. "It's not difficult to be mindful. It's difficult to remember to be mindful"- Joseph Goldstein

Buddhism 101

Customer Rating:
I've been searching for materials on the fundamentals of Buddhism, and discovered that most resources are too esoteric for a neophyte Westerner such as myself. This "kit" is simple, yet comprehensive. Structured in a very easy to understand manner, it is unpretentious and free of cheesy gimmicks like similar items I have seen in stores. I like that it combines text, CDs and cards for a more complete multi-media experience. The CDs don't have any distracting new-age music, and the speakers' voices are calm and down to earth. They also do not talk excessively, but give just enough guidance along the way. The book provides a thorough overview without being too complicated, and the quotes sprinkled throughout offer ways to reflect on concepts in bite size bits of wisdom. This is a perfect primer for anyone beginning a journey into learning about Buddhism.

Insight Meditation - a beginner's view

Customer Rating:
Each of the 12 lessons includes two dics of 40-50 minutes. The introduction discs seem thorough and set for the lesson objectives very well. The disc containing the guided meditation is easy to follow and is consistent with the introduction. I have allowed three weeks time for each lesson which will allow for course completion and some lesson reviews within the one year course period. I have enrolled with the Dharma Foundation and have been assigned an advisor. The advisor has been extremely helpful. One disc was defective and I called Sound True who immediately made arrangements to replace it. In summary, the course is exceeding my expectations.

It will change your life...

Customer Rating:
I purchased this meditation kit over a year ago. Previous to this course I could not get a good sense of direction in terms of meditation. I read some books, and got bits and peces here and there.
This course is complete. It has everything you need to meditate... except something to sit on. The tapes are great. They start of really basic and gradually build on one another. One side of a tape is a teaching and the second is a guided meditation. It really makes you feel like you are there sitting with the instructor. I did an average of one course a month. With this I completed all the exercises in the book and wrote to my correspondence instructor every month. Most of the correspondence is pre-written but some is actual text from a live instructor. I had some problems/concerns and I wrote to the instructor. He answered all my question and was very attentive.
This is NOT something you can do in one weekend. This is a lengthy but very rewarding experience. You need to spend an average of 45 minutes a day on this. To complete this course I meditated 3-5 times a week, 45 minutes at a time for over a year.
The course really changed my life. I continue to meditate today. The way you look at the world will never be the same. I am more relaxed, I can control my emotions a lot easier, I fall asleep within 2 minutes or less etc. etc.
I highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a little peace in this crazy world.