The Breslov movement of Hasidic Judaism was founded by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810), who was the great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism. Breslover Hasidim usually refer to him as "Rebbe Nachman" or "Rabbenu" (rah-BAY-noo, meaning "our teacher") or simply "the Rebbe". The name of Breslov itself comes from the town of Bratslav (which was known among the Jews as "Breslov"), where Rebbe Nachman spent most of the last eight years of his life. Bratslav is a small town in the Ukrainian Republic, located o ...

Including:

• Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Breslov approach
• Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Breslov forms of meditation
• Breslov Hasidic dynasty - The Rosh Hashana kibbutz
• Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Additional pilgrimages
• Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Main Books of the Breslov Sect

Read more here: » Breslov Hasidic dynasty: Encyclopedia - Breslov Hasidic dynasty

See also:

Breslov Hasidic dynasty, Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Breslov approach, Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Breslov forms of meditation, Breslov Hasidic dynasty - The Rosh Hashana kibbutz, Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Additional pilgrimages, Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Main Books of the Breslov Sect

Read more here: » Breslov Hasidic dynasty: Encyclopedia II - Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Breslov forms of meditation

The Breslov approach places great stress on serving God through the sincerity of the heart, with much joy and living life as intensely as possible. Breslover Hasidism is most unusual in that it has no living rebbe, and has not had one for almost two hundred years. Rabbi Nachman was adamant that he did not want to found a dynasty, and appointed no successor. In 1810, upon Rabbi Nachman's death, it was decided not to select a new leader for the movement, but rather, to study the teachings which the Rebbe left behind. For this reason, Br ...

See also:

Breslov Hasidic dynasty, Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Breslov approach, Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Breslov forms of meditation, Breslov Hasidic dynasty - The Rosh Hashana kibbutz, Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Additional pilgrimages, Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Main Books of the Breslov Sect

Read more here: » Breslov Hasidic dynasty: Encyclopedia II - Breslov Hasidic dynasty - Breslov approach

Meditation is an intensely personal and spiritual experience. The desired purpose of each meditation technique is to channel our awareness into a more positive direction by totally transforming one's state of mind. To meditate is to turn inwards, to concentrate on the inner self.
There are many forms of meditation, such as chakra meditation, yantra meditation, vipassana meditation and mantra meditation. While the forms of meditation vary, they all use concentration techniques, which help us to becoming a witness of our thoughts. The idea is that when the mind is calm, like a lake without any ripples, we experience total peace and empowerment.

Read more here: » Meditation: What is meditation?

Meditation and Breath

Meditation is the practice of turning the attention from outer awareness to inner concentration. In the practice of Kundalini Maha Yoga, meditation is much more than a relaxation technique. It is a way of easing resistance to the ascent of the Kundalini energy by quieting the fluctuations of the mind. Of all the forms of meditation, meditation through attention on the breath is the simplest and most direct way to Self-realization.

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We begin the process of Meditation as propogated by Swami Vishvas Ji.

Meditation is the natural, simplest and original form of meditation, very secular in nature. It is the most easy form, beyond all self efforts- a direct approach to the mind. We all have been blessed with the third eye or the Shiv Netra to look within directly. On closing the outer eyes, 80 percent of your energy is accumulated within, your awareness turns inwards and the inner eye starts looking within, automatically.

(See also: Meditation for Beginners, Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

The Transcendental Meditation technique, or TM, is a form of meditation that originates from the Vedic tradition of masters that includes Guru Dev and the venerated Shankara, a part of the long history of India. It was introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a disciple of Guru Dev, fifty years ago. It has become a worldwide movement, with more than five million people having learned the technique. The TM organization has founded an accredited university Maharishi International University, and at one point even had a political part ...

Including:

• Transcendental meditation - History
• Transcendental meditation - Effects of TM
• Transcendental meditation - Procedures and theory
• Transcendental meditation - Pure consciousness
• Transcendental meditation - Stress
• Transcendental meditation - Mantra
• Transcendental meditation - TM and religion
• Transcendental meditation - Criticisms and controversies
• Transcendental meditation - Possible negative side effects
• Transcendental meditation - TM-Sidhi Program and Maharishi Effect
• Transcendental meditation - Publications on Maharishi's technologies
• Transcendental meditation - Political activities of the TM organization
• Transcendental meditation - Sexism and the TM organization
• Transcendental meditation - Coercive methods
• Transcendental meditation - Notable practitioners
• Transcendental meditation - Reference

Read more here: » Transcendental meditation: Encyclopedia - Transcendental meditation

Christian meditation is a form of quiet (but not necessarily silent) contemplation often associated with prayer or scripture study. It is rooted in the Bible, which directs its readers to meditate. In Joshua 1:8, God commands his people to meditate on his word day and night to instill obedience. The psalmist says that "his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2). The Bible ...

Including:

• Christian meditation - History
• Christian meditation - Theology of Christian meditation
• Christian meditation - Christian meditation: many strands

Read more here: » Christian meditation: Encyclopedia - Christian meditation

The world over, many have confused meditation with concentration and relaxation with meditation. Techniques using music, dance, other forms of creative expression, an array of therapies (both physical and mental), have all been synchronised into one basket - Meditation!

But truly speaking, many of these work more at the intellectual level while others are only channels for relaxation and prepare you for the more serious stages of true meditation. From the point of view of the advanced Yogis, meditation really is a scientific technique for communion with God, and is the seventh step (dhyanai) in Patanjali's eightfold path. To a host of new age and other spiritualists, however, techniques that encourage you to manifest mindfulness and be aware also fall under the gamut of meditation.

(See also: Meditation Techniques, Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

About different forms of obstacles in meditation.

From "Easy Steps to Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda.

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In order to understand the approach and significance of Meditation, one must first understand what health signifies. Complete health is a symphony of both physical and mental well being. Considering physical health alone as one's sole purpose is the highest form of ignorance, for it is very temporary. At the first instance of any adverse situation, if you are not mentally strong to face it, you will readily fall prey to stress that comes along with it and then, even all the physical health gained, will be lost.

(See also: Meditation for Beginners, Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

This meditation is a unique combination of breathing, looking, letting go and witnessing. Looking at the light with soft gaze is so relaxing, your fragmented energies are integrated.

This technique, for the night time, consists of four stages of fifteen minutes each. The first two stages are a preparation for the spontaneous Latihan (Latihan is a name of eastern meditation which means moving the body effortlessly in a "let go " state) of the third stage.

If the breathing is done correctly in the first stage, the carbon dioxide formed in the bloodstream will make you feel as high as the Himalayan peak, Gourishankar.

(See also: Meditation Techniques, Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

The best form of visualisation is when you try and affirm your oneness with the Divine Spirit. Sit, relaxed and comfortable, in a chair with your spine straight, or on a mattress in the meditative/cross-legged posture. Focus your gaze on the area of the third eye in between your eyebrows.

This in yogic terms is the seat of concentration and will power. Fill your heart and your mind with the joy of God or any other happy feeling that you are able to relate with. Know yourself to be a being of light. Forget the heaviness of the body. See yourself surrounded by this ball of light. It is immersing you in its warmth and permeates you into the space around. This light is the presence and consciousness of God.

(See also: Meditation and Visualisation, Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

Everything in the universe is impermanent. Like the waves in the sea that ascend and descend, so to creation is made up of electromagnetic and subtler forces that are seemingly being created and then dissipating. The manifest existence as we know it, finds one level of its source in the molecular structure nourished by God's love where change is not so clearly obvious. However, on the more perceptible plane, humans change, our thoughts change, our desires change, seasons change, our relationships change, as also do the forms of inanimate objects: vehicles that break down, walls that crack, stones that break; not to mention the shapes of the clouds in the sky and the positions of the planets and the stars.

(See also: Meditation Techniques, Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

Meditation is a good stress-reliever. It calms the senses, making the mind inactive and the body, passive. Meditation usually involves concentrating on an object - a flower, a burning candle, a circle, a sound or word, or even one’s own rhythm of breath. Over time, random thoughts peter off. Meditation could also be objectless - just sitting, doing nothing.

Most forms of meditation involve turning your attention inward, away from your usual preoccupations and activities. In the process, you make a simple but significant shift from thinking and doing, to just being. With repeated practice the mind begins to settle down and your breathing slows, and you get into a relaxed, peaceful, harmonious state.

(See also: Meditation, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

The practice of Christian meditation dates back to the beginning of Christianity; its objective is to daily 'empty the self' to experience the fullness of God. It is consonant with Jesus's invitation to his disciples to take up their cross daily and follow him. It is central to Easter celebrations, 'dying' to rise to a New Life.

The way of meditation is the way of silence. Silencing the ceaseless chatter of a mind buzzing with thoughts is not easy. The way to silence is the way of the mantra. Choosing a sacred word and repeating it from the beginning to the end of the period of meditation forms part of the essential teaching of Christian meditation. It is advisable to choose a word of four syllables and pronounce them with equal length. The recommended word in the Christian Tradition is Ma-ra-na-tha. In Aramaic, the language of Jesus's time, it means 'The Lord comes'.

(See also: Christian Meditation, Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

The Purpose of Buddhist Prayer

Buddhist prayer is a practice to awaken our inherent inner capacities of strength, compassion and wisdom rather than to petition external forces based on fear, idolizing, and worldly and/or heavenly gain. Buddhist prayer is a form of meditation; it is a practice of inner reconditioning. Buddhist prayer replaces the negative with the virtuous and points us to the blessings of Life.

Read more here: » Prayers in Buddhism: The Purpose of Buddhist Prayer

It is commonly believed that Buddhism involves long hours of meditation and is devoid of elaborative pujas (prayers) and ceremonies associated with prayer-offerings. People also think that Gautam Buddha was against an organised religion and propounded Buddhism minus the offerings and ceremonies to undermine the priestly class who exploited the common masses with religious superstitions. But the fact is Buddhism has elaborate ceremonial prayer offerings, especially its Mahayana and Vajrayana forms.

Read more here: » Buddhism: Prayers In Buddhism

Hatha Yoga

Physical Yoga or the Yoga of postures is known as Hatha Yoga. It is the most popular form of yoga practiced in the West. This form of yoga consists of many different styles. The different styles of Hatha Yoga have common roots. The founders of three of the most popular styles, Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga were all students of Krishnamacharya, a famous teacher at the Yoga Institute at the Mysore Palace in India . This form of yoga brings together Pranayama and Meditation with physical poses in its aim to promote positive energy and good health of the body.

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Maha Mudra, Maha Bandha and Maha Vedha form one group. They are something like three stages of one exercise. Similarly Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha form another group. Mula Bandha is practised during Puraka, Kumbhaka, Rechaka and during meditation and Japa also. Uddiyana Bandha is practised during Rechaka and Jalandhara Bandha during Kumbhaka.

From "Kundalini Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Mudras And Bandhas: Instructions On Mudras And Bandhas