I found this book 5 years ago and have really not found another book which is better at describing complete path with such clarity, and richness. I think this book is extremely helpful for all meditators who are interested in seeing where they are on the path. For without a map, it is extremely easy for any meditator to become lost and not make any real progress. This book in my opinion can also be used to assess the presence of authentic teachers, someone who has traversed at least 4 levels of absorption, have seen validity attachment in cause of suffering, have begun purification of their bodies as well as their minds, and have experienced true emptiness and not fallen into attachment afterwards.
Good overall book of meditation. Goleman makes the distinction between the two major types of meditation: Concentration and Mindfulness. He also gives a pretty thorough description of the Visuddhimagga mind maps. He goes on to describe Hindu Bhaki, Jewish Kabblah, Christian Hesychasm, Sufism, TM, Ashtanga, Tantra and Kundalini Yoga, Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, Gurdjeiff and Krishnamurti
