Meditation Works in the Daoist, Buddhist and Hindu Traditions

By: Livia Kohn

Narrated by: Tracy Hundley

Based on extensive cultural studies and long years of practice, Livia Kohn creates a new typology of meditation, based on six distinct ways of accessing the subconscious. In a special chapter on each type, she outlines the physiology, world view, and traditional practice as well as its modern medical adaptations and organizational settings. Providing a thorough theoretical framework combined with a comprehensive, analytical overview, the book greatly advances our understanding of meditation.

The book is published by University of Hawai‘i Press and Three Pines Press.

©2008 Livia Kohn (P)2012 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"In a masterful way, this book highlights the concepts and practices of Daoist, Buddhist, and Hindu meditation. Supported by personal practice, scientific research, and years of study of classical texts in each tradition, Professor Kohn provides a clear explanation of the similarities and differences between these ancient approaches to self-cultivation and spiritual growth." (Don Davis, Old Dominion University and Tidewater Tai Chi Center)

Actually, the narration was just fine.

What made the experience of listening to Meditation Works in the Daoist, Buddhist and Hindu Traditions the most enjoyable?

I enjoy the subject matter and the information was clearly set out. The author has a good grasp of the traditions she writes about. The narration is clear and easy to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

This really isn't a "story." It's a nonfiction book about all aspects of meditation.

Which scene was your favorite?

See above. This was a nonfiction work.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

I'm not sure why another reviewer had such a strong reaction to the narrator. She says words carefully but correctly. I can't see why the book would be ruined for anyone because of this.

An aside for Audible: This format doesn't work very well for nonfiction.

Great Overview of Meditation History and Practice

I learned a ton from this book. Many of my questions were answered and I am grateful for what this book gave me. Well organized and researched. Audio performance is excellent.

A note from the narrator

Any additional comments?

As the narrator of this book, I'm aghast to read in the previous review that there are mispronunciations throughout. Because I pride myself on attention to detail when narrating books, I think it's important readers know the mispronunciations aren't due to a lack of diligence. I accepted the job after being assured I need not be a subject matter expert (on Hindu, Chinese, Japanese, etc.) and would get all the help I needed on foreign pronunciations. I spent many hours researching pronunciations online. Then I spent several hours in phone conversations with the author to confirm that the pronunciations I found were correct, and to get pronunciations for those words I couldn’t find online.

Excellent Subject Matter - Horrible Narration

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A different narrator familiar enough with the subject matter to pronounce things correctly (see comments below)

What was one of the most memorable moments of Meditation Works in the Daoist, Buddhist and Hindu Traditions?

The subject matter was very good throughout.

Would you be willing to try another one of Tracy Hundley’s performances?

No way. Especially not if there are any foreign or hard to pronounce words involved!

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Meditation Works in the Daoist, Buddhist and Hindu Traditions?

Nothing. The subject matter is very good.

Any additional comments?

This book has very good subject matter, but this is more than offset by narration that is rife with mispronunciations. Tracy Hundley's voice is pleasant enough, but what a mess she makes attempting to pronounce important names and words. As a few examples, if you are familiar with the subject and know Thich Nhat Hanh and Milarepa you could probably sort this all out.... but if you are new to the topic, good luck researching "Tittnahon" and "Meal-a-rape-a" which is the way their names are pronounced in the audiobook. The audio is chock full of these vocal aberrations. I would highly recommend that the publisher re-do this audiobook with a narrator that can correctly pronounce the words it contains. It is a shame that such a good book has been ruined by a bad narrator.