Wake Up Now

A Guide to the Journey of Spiritual Awakening

This book offers a detailed roadmap for the journey of self-realization, from the first glimmers of an alternative understanding of who we really are, through the stages of awakening to our true nature as timeless, boundariless awareness, to the lifelong process of embodying our realization in every moment of life. 

Wake Up Now features direct pointers back to our natural state of nondual presence, short and long guided meditations and self-inquiry exercises, and answers to frequently asked questions. Perfect for seekers who have read many books on spiritual awakening but still don’t have an overview of the journey, or a guidebook to help them determine where they are on the pathless path home to right now.

“ This book is one of the most concise guides to spiritual awakening I have read. Both profound and practical, it guides the reader through the intricacies of awakening as only someone who has walked the walk themselves can do. The clarity and compassion this book offers the sincere spiritual seeker is both rare and welcome. ”
— Adyashanti, author of The End of Your World and Emptiness Dancing
“ Many books talk about spiritual awakening, but Wake Up Now breaks new ground by providing a detailed roadmap to the complete awakening process. Profound yet accessible, precise yet jargon-free, this wise book leads you step by step on the direct path home to your radiant natural state, your innermost true self. ”
— Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within

Beyond Mindfulness

The Direct Approach to Lasting Peace, Happiness, and Love

For those who seek genuine spiritual realization, the practice of mindfulness may pose significant limitations. This book critiques the progressive approach of mindfulness meditation and offers powerful pointers and intimate, time-honored guidance for experiencing and resting right now in your natural state of awakened awareness, the ultimate source of lasting happiness and peace.

“ With his deep training in contemplative practice combined with a down-to-earth understanding of everyday life, Stephan Bodian helps us open to and rest in a natural presence and wakefulness that is our true home. His writing is so clear, warm, accessible, and helpful. A gem of a book! ”
— Rick Hanson, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of Buddha's Brain and Hardwiring Happiness
“ This provocative and profound book shines a light on how practicing meditation can reify the doer—the self who is being mindful.  With great lucidity and care, author Stephan Bodian introduces approaches drawn from non-dual wisdom traditions that allow us to relax back and realize the indivisible radiant awareness that is already and always here. ”
— Tara Brach, Ph.D., author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
“ Beyond Mindfulness may be the first of its kind – an insider’s critique of mindfulness meditation and teachings that is at once appreciative and challenging. Whether you are new to mindfulness teachings or are a seasoned meditator, you will enjoy this subtle, lucid and elegantly written invitation to recognize who you really are and to live from a radically different perspective. A wonderful and timely resource! ”
— John J. Prendergast, Ph.D., emeritus professor of psychology at CIIS, author of In Touch: How to Tune Into Your Body for Inner Guidance and Trust Yourself (2015)
“ Stephan Bodian takes us beyond mere words, ideas, and mental fabrications into the very heart of the matter. My own critique of and appreciation for mindfulness as currently taught in the western world is very much like his. I heartily recommend this excellent book to seekers of all kinds, especially those who have invested only in the gradual training of mindfulness and are unaware of more sudden, nondualistic approaches to awakening and enlightened living. ”
— Lama Surya Das, bestselling author of Awakening the Buddha Within and Awakening to the Sacred
“ For many people the practice of meditation plateaus out and fails to reach its intended goal of presencing pure awareness. In this book Stephan Bodian expertly reveals the direct approach that frees us from the psychological traps and spiritual limitations of technical forms of meditation. Everyone who senses that their meditation is conditioning them should engage with Stephan's profound exposition of the wisdom beyond all effort. ”
— Peter Fenner, Ph.D., Founder of Timeless Wisdom, author of Radiant Mind and Natural Awakening

Meditation for Dummies

Now in the 4th Edition, with Instructional Audio

This comprehensive, ground-breaking book was one of the first to bring mindfulness to the mainstream. Now in an updated fourth edition, it includes chapters on the history of meditation, mindfulness with challenging emotions and mind-states, meditation and spirituality, and new chapters on meditation research and meditation and happiness.

“ Meditation for Dummies is a smart idea whose time has come. If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow yet comprehensive introduction to the practice of meditation, you’ve definitely come to the right place. ”
— John Gray, author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
“ Meditation For Dummies is a poor title for such a brilliantly clear roadmap to your true home, your natural heart, your shining mind. Stephan Bodian speaks from long experience to share the path that ends suffering and frees the heart for flight. ”
— Stephen Levine, author of Healing into Life and Death
“ Stephan Bodian is a shining light in the fields of meditation, yoga and consciousness. Meditation for Dummies is a simple yet very rich compilation of the nitty-gritty information you need to begin or deepen a meditation practice that will work for you, bringing you enhanced creativity, peace of mind and healing. ”
— Joan Borysenko, Ph.D. author of A Woman's Book of Life
“ Meditation for Dummies is a useful guidebook filled with clear instructions and helpful hints to get you started and keep you on track. ”
— Deepak Chopra, author of God: A Story of Revelation
“ Stephan gives us all the basics: clear, simple ways to relax the body, quiet the mind, and open the heart. He shows how anyone can benefit from these time-honored practices. ”
— Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart
“ Stephan Bodian has given us an intelligent, humorous, and absolutely delightful entry into the world of meditative inquiry. His writing is jargon free, and his suggested exercises are clear, practical, and easily followed. Meditation for Dummies is a wonderful travel guide to inner space. Don't stay home without it. ”
— Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author of Accidental Grace
“ Meditation for Dummies is easy to read, yet it covers a lot of ground and goes deep. Stephan Bodian writes from experience and offers practical exercises you might enjoy. No matter how many other books on meditation there are, this may be just the one for you. ”
— Brother David Steindl-Rast O.S.B., author of The Way of Silence