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)

Mantra Yoga Meditation (MYM, Mantra Yoga Meditation technique): Form of silent meditation introduced to the West by Swami Guru Devanand and promoted by the Dr. Guervaz Ayurveda Center, in New York City. MYM guides one toward experience with the innermost part of one's cosmic existence.

(See also: Mantra Yoga Meditation, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

mantra: (Sanskrit) "Mystic formula."

A sound, syllable, word or phrase endowed with special power, usually drawn from scripture. Mantras are chanted loudly during puja to invoke the Gods and establish a force field. Certain mantras are repeated softly or mentally for japa, the subtle tones quieting the mind, harmonizing the inner bodies and stimulating latent spiritual qualities. Hinduism's universal mantra is Aum. To be truly effective, such mantras must be given by the preceptor through initiation.

See: Aum, incantation, japa, puja, yajna, mantra, mantra yoga, meditation.

(See also: Mantra, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Meditation Experiences by Sarasvati Buhrman PhD - Part II

Sometime after 350 B.C. a great yogi sage wrote the "Yoga Sutra". This brief translation should wet your appetite. This describes the transformation of mind that will unfold over a course of sadhana (spiritual practice), focusing on the relationship between the mind and the object of meditation.

Read more here: » Meditation Experiences: Meditation Experiences According to the Ashtanga Yoga Tradition with Commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutra - Part II

Meditation Experiences by Sarasvati Buhrman PhD - Part I

Sometime after 350 B.C. a great yogi sage wrote the "Yoga Sutra". This brief translation should wet your appetite. This describes the transformation of mind that will unfold over a course of sadhana (spiritual practice), focusing on the relationship between the mind and the object of meditation.

Read more here: » Meditation: Meditation Experiences According to the Ashtanga Yoga Tradition with Commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutra

What is meditation?

Meditation can be considered a technique, or practice. It usually involves concentrating on an object, such as a flower, a candle, a sound or word, or the breath. Over time, the number of random thoughts occuring diminishes. More importantly, your attachment to these thoughts, and your identification with them, progressively become less.

Read more here: » Meditation: What is meditation?

How is meditation different from relaxation, thinking, concentration or self-hypnosis?

Relaxation: Relaxation is a common by-product of meditationÉ Thinking: Thoughts generally consume energy in the process of their formationÉ Concentration: Meditation begins with concentration, but after an initial period of concentration.. Self-hypnosis: Self-hypnosis, like meditation, involves at least an initial period of concentration on an objectÉ

Read more here: » Meditation: How is meditation different from relaxation, thinking, concentration or self-hypnosis?

Which is the "right" meditation technique right for me?

There is no "right" meditation technique for everybody. Some techniques work better for certain people while other techniques work better for other people. The important thing is to find what works for you.

Read more here: » Meditation: Which is the right meditation technique right for me?

What are the different meditation techniques?

Meditation involves concentrating on something to take our attention beyond the random thought activity that is usually going on in our heads. This can involve a solid object or picture, a mantra, breath, or guided visualization.

Read more here: » Meditation: What are the different meditation techniques?

What are the abc's of meditation?

There are a few recommended guidelines for meditation:

* It should be done every day, preferably at the same time

* It should preferably be done before a meal rather than after a meal

* A spot should be set aside for meditation, which should be a quiet place and used for nothing but meditation

* One should sit with the spine straight and vertical (a chair is ok to use)

Read more here: » Meditation: What are the abc's of meditation?

Is there any religious implication or affiliation with meditation?

Meditation has been and still is a central practice in eastern religions, for contacting "God" or one's higher Self. Christianity also has semblances of meditation, such as the biblical statement "The kingdom of heaven is within you".

Read more here: » Meditation: Is there any religious implication or affiliation with meditation?

Does meditation have any ethical implications?

In many traditions meditation practice is a means for reinforcing ethical qualities. In these traditions, calmness of mind, peacefulness and happiness are possible in meditation and in life generally only if they are accompanied by the observance of ethical norms of behaviour.

Read more here: » Meditation: Does meditation have any ethical implications?

What is the best time of day to meditate?

While meditation is beneficial at any time, most people who meditate agree that early morning is the best time to meditate. Part of the reason is that it is said that in early morning the hustle-and-bustle of the world has not yet begun and so it is easier to establish a meditative atmosphere. Having an early morning meditation also lets us carry some of the energy and peace of the meditation into our daily activities.

Read more here: » Meditation: What is the best time of day to meditate?

Why do some people use music while meditating?

Meditative music can help in establishing a meditative atmosphere. Also, some people find meditation relatively easy but find that the hard thing is to actually get themselves to sit down and start their meditation. Music can help make this easier. Some people use music quite often while others prefer silent meditation and never use it.

Read more here: » Meditation: Why do some people use music while meditating?

Should I meditate with my eyes open or with my eyes closed?

Different traditions give different answers. Closing your eyes may contribute to drowsiness and sleepiness--if that's the case for you then try opening them a little. Opening your eyes may be distracting. If that's the case try closing your eyes or direct your gaze on a blank wall (Zen-style).

Read more here: » Meditation: Should I meditate with my eyes open or with my eyes closed?

What are the physiological effects of meditation?

The most common physiological effects of meditation are reduced blood pressure, lower pulse rate, decreased metabolic rate and changes in the concentration of serum levels of various substances.

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When I meditate I experience physical pain in my body. What should I do?

Sensations (itching/aches/pains/etc.) can arise in the body when meditating for several reasons. Sometimes the cause is just an uncomfortable posture--make sure that your posture is comfortable under normal circumstances.

Other times the cause is that sensations in the body are more noticeable in meditation.

Read more here: » Meditation: When I meditate I experience physical pain in my body

How long time should I meditate?

When first learning meditation it is usually not possible to meditate for more than 10-15 minutes. After regular practice for awhile, one becomes able to meditate for longer periods of time. Many people meditate twice-daily for 20-30 minutes each time, but the right duration and frequency is for each individual to decide.

Read more here: » Meditation: How long time should I meditate?

It is theoretically possible to learn meditation from a book. However most people who teach and practice meditation agree that a teacher can be an invaluable aid in learning a meditation technique and making sure it is practiced correctly.

Read more here: » Meditation: Do I need a teacher to learn meditation?

Mantras & Yantras

Mantra meditation is often called " Mantra Yoga", considered to be a part of "Nada Yoga", which means the "yoga of sound". The great rishis, seers or saints of ancient India passed down these sacred sound vibrations for the benefit of all life but especially for human society for only in the human form of life can one obtain spiritual realisation. These sacred sound vibrations are known to promote healing on all levels, whilst, at the same time, awakening the chakras within our ethereal, or subtle, bodies.

Read more here: » Mantras