Preface

In Norway, this book has sold the most copies of any book on meditation for decades. It has been translated into Swedish, Danish, Dutch, Spanish and Chinese, but not, until now, into English. This is an updated version, based on views in later developments of the understanding and teaching of Acem. Major contributors to this book are Halvor Eifring, Øyvind Ellingsen, Ole Gjems-Onstad, Carl Henrik Grøndahl, Torbjørn Hobbel and Vibeke Videm, in addition to Are Holen.

The name ‘Acem’ (as in Acem Meditation and in the name of the organization) is an invention. Acem is neither an acronym nor an abbreviation. It is pronounced ah-kem. The aim of the organization is to foster human growth by means of meditation, interpersonal reflecting processes and cultural activities. Acem is a non-profit organization. For decades, it has been the biggest meditation organization in Norway, and more recently, it has spread to several other countries worldwide.

The first chapter of this book is a narrative about a meditator. The reader follows his experiences, phases and stages and thus gets acquainted with some of the influences and hurdles that practising meditation may entail. The reader will learn how this person slowly establishes himself as a regular meditator over several years.

Following this story, the chapters recount the basic principles and psychological processes related to this form of meditation. Some chapters deal with the results, including the effects it has on health. Another chapter sheds light on the relationship between the modern approach to meditation and key cultural and philosophical debates in European history. The book ends with two short chapters addressing the qualities of silence in both meditation and nature.

All chapters have undergone some change, while the chapters titled ‘Diversity of Meditation Techniques’ and ‘Meditative process’ are completely new. Finally, the appendix provides information about Acem and how to learn Acem Meditation.