Stephen Batchelor's evocative photography invites even the most seasoned practitioner to see with new eyes. Martine Batchelor's writing—through a mix of anecdote, humor, and practical instruction—brings to bear her considerable experience as a meditation teacher as she explains the techniques of three major Buddhist traditions (Theravada, Tibetan, and Zen).

Meditation for Life shows that Buddhist meditation is not just for Buddhists, but for everyone with a desire to live life more fully. No matter who you are or what your goal-whether you want to start meditating, to revitalize your practice, or to find the perfect gift to share the joys of meditation with others—this splendid book is right for you. Each chapter contains a time-honored guided meditation on such themes as loving-kindness, equanimity, death—and even cooking! And nearly every page presents an evocative photograph from Stephen Batchelor, inviting us to see the world around us with new eyes.

Praise & Reviews "This exquisite book combines stories, instruction, and practical exercises from three Buddhist traditions: Zen, Theravadin, and Tibetan. Along with chapters on meditation, ethics, and many other aspects of the path, Batchelor has included chapters on inspiration, the role of a teacher, and bringing meditation into our daily lives. She has written this guide to basic and more advanced practices in language accessible to anyone, including non-Dharma practitioners. Complementing the text are photographs that help us discover the beauty of things as they are, by Martine's husband, Buddhist teacher and writer Stephen Batchelor. Highly recommended."—Turning Wheel "A good place to start is with Meditation for Life. A thoughtful, thorough book."—Spafinder magazine "Beautifully produced, Meditation for Life is a perfect primer for beginning meditations. Accessible and practical, each chapter presents three aspects of the nuts and bolts of meditation. .Lovely photographs by Stephen Batchelor appear throughout, enhancing the book's message by illuminating familiar objects in unfamiliar ways."—Inquiring Mind "Martine Batchelor shows how easy it is to make Buddhist meditation part of your everyday world. With anecdotes, humor, and instructions, she draws on her experiences in a Korean monastery and as a teacher of Buddhism in the West. Stephen Batchelor's photography illustrates directly that meditation is less about esoteric practice than noticing the depth and texture of every moment, and learning to see the world through new eyes."—Mandala "Complete with lush photographs by Batchelor's husband, Stephen, this practical guide shows how to use meditation to live more fully."—New Age "An accessible, attractive, and wide-ranging introduction to Buddhism. Guided meditations and practices are detailed, and Martine Batchelor's text is vivified with poems, quotes, and powerful photographic images in full color. This is a practical, readable, and enjoyable book for those who already meditate and for those who wish to explore the possibilities. Every other page features beautiful photographs of very diverse subjects. ...This beautiful book boasts supporting quotes on the back cover from Buddhism luminaries Jack Kornfield, Mark Esptein, Sylvia Boorstein and others, and it will strongly appeal to those who are given the opportunity to browse through it."—New Age Retailer "Beautifully presented, examines the three main Buddhist traditions and then explains the ideas behind the practices in a gentle and anecdotal style."—Time Out London "Among today's steady stream of new books on Buddhist meditation, most are easy to ignore. This one isn't. It offers simple, concrete instructions in meditation and the photographs are delicious eye candy. Author Martine Batchelor spent 10 years in a Korean monastery and presumably knows a lotus position when she sees one; she also has a sense of humor."—Psychology Today "This introduction to meditation is as wise as it is beautiful. From her own deep experience, Martine offers rich, practical and trustworthy guidance for the journey of a meditative life."—Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart "This is truly a lovely work. Graceful, elegant, clear, helpful and wise; Meditation for Life demystifies meditation while making it available to all who need it. A treasure."—Mark Epstein, author of Thoughts without a Thinker "Avoiding dogma, doctrine and mysterious beliefs, she shows how meditation can be the heart of anyone's life."—Susan Blackmore, author of The Meme Machine "A wise and inviting introduction to meditation. Martine's wisdom and humor shine through."—Joseph Goldstein, author of Insight Meditation: The Path of Freedom "This beautiful book will reward those who skim, savor, or study. Batchelor offers helpful, even essential insights from Buddhism on an amazing range of topics and life issues. Her stunning clarity is leavened with bright wit; at its heart, her book exemplifies the wisdom she elucidates so sensibly."—Kate Wheeler, author of Not Where I Started From "Graceful, simply-stated, and beautiful. Meditation for Life will inspire the novice and experienced meditator alike."—Sylvia Boorstein, author of Don't Just Do Something, Sit There "Accessible to even the busiest among us."—Christina Feldman, author of Principles of Meditation "Martine Batchelor knows Buddhist meditation— its practice and its value— through and through. In this book she shares her profound understanding in a way that is beautifully clear, practical and enticing."—Guy Claxton, author of Hare Brain/Tortoise Mind "Meditation for Life is a refreshing new look at the practice of Buddhist meditation of value not only to beginners but also to 'old hands' needing encouragement and clear insights. Martine Batchelor combines careful attention to themes of great relevance in lay practice with touching anecdotes from her own training as a nun with a fine Korean Master. Thoughtfully enriched by the Zen photography of her husband Stephen, the book also provides short and highly practical exercises for the reader's personal exploration. A work of wisdom for our time."—John Crook, The Evolution of Human Consciousness "Batchelor writes with the authority gained from having lived in Korea as a Buddhist nun for a full decade. As a nun, she meditated for 10 hours a day; here, she helps readers apply meditation techniques to everyday experiences such as cooking, conversing, housecleaning or sitting at a computer. She does not favor one particular Buddhist school over another (though her own training is in the Zen tradition), and tells readers that they do not have to become Buddhist to gain insight from meditation practice. Batchelor mixes inspiring passion with down-to-earth pragmatism, offering meditation as a tool 'to develop quietness and clarity, which in turn will enable you to become more creatively aware.' Her husband Stephen (author of Buddhism Without Beliefs) provides the provocative photographs."—Publishers Weekly "A straightforward guide for those who want to understand how to meditate and how meditation can enrich their lives."—The Good Book Guide "Batchelor's book is excellent."—The Guardian "Recommended."—Money Week "A great new guide to different relaxation, breathing, and meditation methods."—NOW "One of the best new books on the subject."—Evening Standard "This glossy, coffee-table paperback is clearly and beautifully designed. Combining a book on meditation with photographs by Stephen Batchelor works well— as I let my eyes wander over the images, the teachings reverberate and link with an inner world of colours, shapes and intimations. The geometrically bold, almost abstract detail of a golden autumn leaf enhances the attitude of zestful 'enquiry' described by the writer. Each chapter is divided into three— firstly, the introduction of a basic teaching; secondly, practical explanations of meditation and its application in daily life; thirdly, a guided meditation. The bite-size format and down-to-earth style (obviously grounded in Batchelor's own practice) makes the material easy to understand. This mixture of teachings and practices from different traditions could interest open-minded practitioners of any path."—DharmaLife

Martine Batchelor, Author Martine Batchelor spent ten years in a Korean monastery studying Zen Buddhism. She works as a lecturer and spiritual advisor, and her books include Principles of Zen, Walking on Lotus Flowers, and Buddhism and Ecology. She lives in the South of France. Stephen Batchelor, Photographs Stephen Batchelor has been taking photographs throughout the world for the past thirty years. He is the best-selling author and translator of many books, including Buddhism Without Beliefs, Verses from the Center, and The Tibet Guide. He lives in the South of France.