Meditation is an ocean and its benefits will depend on the regularity and continuity you maintain, and on the depths to which you plumb in each practical session. The power of meditation is in its experience.

Meditation is not to be considered as an option in life. Whatever your age, vocation, or role in life, meditation must become a mandatory practice in your daily routine. Just as you brush and bathe each day, take time out to think of God. You owe your Creator a gift; that gift can be willing meditation. Try it and take to it! But meditation is better done without an attitude of expectancy.

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

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.

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Meditation like yoga originated in Vedic Hinduism many centuries ago, it was much later adopted into a wide variety of practices of religious and non-religious formats which emphasize mental activity or quiesscence. The English word comes from the Latin meditatio, which originally indicated every type of physical or intellectual exercise, but which later could perhaps be better translated as "contemplation." This usage is found in Christian spirituality, for example, when one "meditates" on the sufferings of Christ; as w ...

Including:

• Meditation - Overview
• Meditation - Types of meditation
• Meditation - Meditation in context
• Meditation - Physical postures
• Meditation - Frequency and duration
• Meditation - Purposes and effects of meditation
• Meditation - Metta meditation: the practice of loving-kindness
• Meditation - Health applications and clinical studies of meditation
• Meditation - Meditation and the brain
• Meditation - Meditation and EEG's
• Meditation - Adverse effects
• Meditation - Meditation and drugs

Read more here: » Meditation: Encyclopedia - Meditation

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)

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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?

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.

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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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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?

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?

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?

An FAQ on Meditation including:

What is meditation?

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

What are the different meditation techniques?

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

Is there any religious implication or affiliation with meditation?

Does meditation have any ethical implications?

What is the best time of day to meditate?

Why do some people use music while meditating?

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

What are the physiological effects of meditation?

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

How long should I meditate?

Do I need a teacher to learn meditation?

Read more here: » Meditation: Meditation FAQ

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?

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.

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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?

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

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 There are many misconceptions about "meditation." In fact, there are so many that you may not know if and when you are doing it. I point that out because most see meditation as a separate act, like sitting in the lotus position and chanting. Further, how you personally meditate may not be labeled or seen as meditation

Read more here: » Meditation: Meditation as a natural act of life

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.

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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?

Much of the world today confuses meditation with a lot many exercises that are geared to relaxing the mind or releasing stress. Meditation is not music therapy and nor is it rhythmical dancing, though these can and do have their own inherent benefits.

Simply put, as Paramahansa Yogananda described it, "meditation really is a scientific technique of concentration on God." And while there are paths and ways that take you into the sublime lake of meditation, once you get into it, meditation really can be the one golden Light that will dissolve the darkness of incarnations.

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