The beginner will usually have several questions that only a teacher will be able to answer. Also, learning with other people in a meditation class gives the experience of group meditation, resulting in exceptional meditations for some people. There are many individuals and groups teaching meditation. Different techniques are available, some more spiritual in nature and others mainly concerned with stress-reduction and gaining peace of mind. To find the best one for you, sample a variety of approaches and teachers until you find one that works and is comfortable.
Many instructors allow prospective students to visit a class without charge or for a small fee.
Audio and video tapes are available that teach and perfect all levels of meditation. A list of some recommended tapes is in the reference section. Two books which have proved helpful to persons wanting to use meditation to lower heart disease risk are Jon Kabat-Zinn's Full Catastrophe Living and Dean Ornish's Program for Reducing Heart Disease. Each devote over 100 pages to meditation skills that can be learned and practiced at home.