Buddhist meditation originated when the Buddha "sat alone, accompanied merely by his own deep honesty and awareness, and refused to move until the barriers to truth were shattered". Only by focusing his attention inward, ignoring the stimuli of the outside world, was he able to achieve enlightenment.

The author first gives an overview of meditation, likening it to "waking up as if from a dream". She explains specific techniques, such as counting breaths and walking meditation, in addition to providing helpful illustrations of postures and sitting styles. St. Ruth emphasizes that through the regular practice of Buddhist meditation a person can come to know "the way of liberation from suffering and the realization of genuine happiness".