Gesture of Balance

Gesture of Balance
Tarthang Tulku
Dharma Publishing
ISBN: 0-913546-16-X
Non-Fiction, Spirituality, Meditation
Reviewed by Dr. Tami Brady

Years ago, when I first started learning about meditation, I read every book I could get my hands on about the process. I would read the text and become excited that I had found the “right” way to practice. Immediately, I would follow the instructions as best I could. Without fail, I would get frustrated when I couldn’t sustain the right pose or hold my tongue in the proper way as I tried to breathe correctly. Inevitably, throughout the whole exercise I worried that I couldn’t stop my thoughts.
Over time, I have learned exactly what Gesture of Balance provides for those wanting to try meditation: that meditation focused on “a right way”, particular goals, or the desire for special powers ultimately leads to frustration. In fact, that is the purpose of the practice. True meditation is not about doing or practicing, it is about letting go of all expectations and just experiencing. Meditation isn’t something we undertake to impress others or to prove our value. It is an extremely personal process that asks us to question and examine everything we think, feel, or believe.
I wish I had come across this book years ago. Its guidance would have been even more valuable. Today, it reminds me of the path I’ve travelled and the journey I continue to experience. Gesture of Balance will definitely have a permanent place on my bookshelf of favourites.