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. While the forms of meditation vary, they all use concentration techniques, which help us to becoming a witness of our thoughts. Indulge in the articles on this site and you will find the path that is just right for you.
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Meditation and Concentration (Dhayana), Meditation and Relaxation, Meditation and Visualisation, Meditation and Stress
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Archives on Meditation
What is meditation?
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.
The tradition of meditation dates back to the begining of human history. Thousands of years ago, Patanjali, an Indian Sage of legend, described the process by which the capacity to meditate is actualised. He called it "Self Realisation" since, in the state of meditation, he experienced an absolute awareness of his "Self".
The mechanism by which "Self Realisation" occured was a closely kept secret that was handed down from a Guru to his disciple after long penences, discipline and purification.
In the 14 th century the great saint Gyaneshwara of Central India took permission from his Guru to translate the secret texts written in Sanskrit into the popular vernacular.Thus the tradition of mysticism and meditation began within the populace in India.
The process of meditation
The entire process of meditation usually entails the three stages of concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and enlightenment or absorption (samadhi). The individual preparing to meditate usually starts off by harnessing his awareness, such as focussing his mind onto a certain object. Once attention gets engaged, concentration turns into meditation or dhyana. And through continuous meditation, the meditator merges with the object of concentration, which might either be the present moment or the Divine Entity.
In some branches of Indian philosopohy, direct perception from the inner self (mana) together with perception that is filtered through the five senses (pancha indriya) form a part of their valid epistemology (pratyaksha jnana). And this self-realization or self-awareness (as popularized by Paramahansa Yogananda), is nothing but the knowledge of the "pure being"—the Self.
Meditation in modern society
Humanity is increasingly turning towards various meditative techniques in order to cope with the increasing stress of modern-day lifestyles. Unable to locate stability in the outside world, people have directed their gaze inwards in a bid to attain peace of mind. Modern psychotherapists have begun to discover various therapeutic benefits of meditation practices. The state of relaxation and the altered state of consciousness—both induced by meditation—are especially effective in psychotherapy.
But more than anything else, meditation is being used as a personal growth device these days—for inculcating a more positive attitude towards life at large.
Meditation as a universal tool
Meditation is not necessarily a religious practice, but because of its spiritual element it forms an integral part of most religions. And even though the basic objective of most meditation styles remain the same and are performed in a state of inner and outer stillness, they all vary according to the specific religious framework within which they are placed. Preparation, posture, length of period of meditation, particular verbal or visual elements—all contribute to the various forms of meditation. Some of the more popular methods are, Transcendental Meditation, yoga nidra, vipassana and mindfulness meditation.
Topics within Meditation
Sub topics
Meditation for beginners, Meditation Techniques, Meditation and Health, Meditation Obstacles
Meditation and Concentration (Dhayana), Meditation and Relaxation, Meditation and Visualisation
Meditation describes a quiet, alert, powerfully concentrated state wherein new knowledge and insights are awakened from within as awareness focuses one-pointedly on an object or specific line of thought.
See: internalized worship, raja yoga, Satchidananda, mantra, mantra yoga.
(See
also: Meditation ,
Hinduism,
Body Mind and Soul)
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 ...
Meditation is used to calm the "voices" of modern, hectic life so that the practitioner can better hear his or her guide. Meditation often includes the breathing practices of Buddist meditation (ÄnÄpÄnasati) and may also include the idea of chakras.
The Spiritualist may also focus on the tenets of their chosen religion to help them attain a higher existence. These may include standard prayers (Hail Mary, Shema Yisrael or Salah etc.), focusing on the name of God (Jesus, YHWH or All ...
Your thoughts create your reality. Science has been studying the correlation between what we think and its effects on physical, emotional, and spiritual well being. There is now a large volume of scientific evidence that our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions produce powerful biochemical that create striking physiological changes in us.
Meditation is simply a form of consciously relaxing. Taking a few minutes each day to "choose to relax", with a little practice you can learn to consciously relax during your daily activities.
(See
also: Practising Law of Attraction , BZ Riger-Hull , Law of Attraction, Practising
Law of Attraction, Law of Attraction for Prosperity, Law of Attraction for
Love, Law of Attraction - Obstacles)
In the recent years there has been a growing interest within the medical community to study the physiological effects of meditation (Venkatesh et al., 1997; Peng et al., 1999; Lazar et al., 2000; Carlson et.al, 2001). Many concepts of meditation have been applied to clinical settings in order to measure its effect on somatic motor function as well as cardiovascular and respiratory function. Also the hermeneutic and phenomenological aspects of meditation are areas of growing interest. Meditation has entered the mainstream of health care as a ...
Vipassana Meditation: The practice of the sound current in Vipassana meditation, also known as the divine sound, is a foundational practice of linking directly with the soul and I AM Presence. It comes from the Himalayan masters of ancient India, and is a foundation for the practice of nada yoga, sahaj yoga, Babaji’s kriya yoga, as well as Sikh practices like shabda yoga.
In the recent years there has been a growing interest within the medical community to study the physiological effects of meditation (Venkatesh et al., 1997; Peng et al., 1999; Lazar et al., 2000; Carlson et.al, 2001). Many concepts of meditation have been applied to clinical settings in order to measure its effect on somatic motor function as well as cardiovascular and respiratory function. Also the hermeneutic and phenomenological aspects of meditation are areas of growing interest. Meditation has entered the mainstream of health care as a ...
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.
The teaching which is written on paper is not the true teaching. Written teaching is a kind of food for your brain. Of course, it is necessary to take some kind of food for your brain, but it is more important to be yourself by practicing the right kind of life.
Shunryu Suzuki
In the 'modern' era, eating has become a sensual activity. We eat more for pleasure than to keep our body temples healthy. Living to eat rather than eating to live has become the norm. Judicious use of colours, fragrances, and aromatic ingredients in food has only encouraged restless minds to move even further away from the truth inherent in creation.
(See also: Essence of Meditation , Meditation,
Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)
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)
A technique of mind control that leads to inner feelings of calm and peacefulness and may result in experiences of transcendental awareness and self-realization. The two main types of meditation are
(1) the focusing type, similar to self-hypnosis, in which the meditator focuses on a repetitive sound or chant, an image, or pattern of breathing;
(2) the "opening-up" type which emphasizes the detached observation of mental events as they occur.
(See also: Meditation , New Age
Spirituality, Body
Mind and Soul)
Everything in creation is influenced by the law of magnetism (also called Law of Attraction). The law of magnetism teaches us that whatever we concentrate upon, we draw to ourselves. If we focus on goodness, our life can be a garden of happiness; if we concentrate on wealth, we will draw wealth to ourselves.
Success in life presupposes the power of concentration. Just as a magnet draws to itself iron filings and not rice grains, so too, the quality of our focused thoughts will create a dynamic but silent power within that will find us placed in situations akin to the nature of our thoughts. If we think ' good health ' and with faith and belief embed this deeply within our minds over a sustained period of time, we will gradually create for ourselves situations and an environment, which will be conducive to good health .
(See also: Law of Attraction , Meditation,
Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)
You can meditate at bedtime lying down, making it more comfortable than sitting meditation, especially for those who are not in the best physical shape. Simply close your eyes and watch your mind. If thoughts arise, let them go. Don't let them engage you. Don't judge them. Don't identify with them. Just be a non doer and watch your mind.
(See also: Meditation for Beginners , Meditation,
Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)
Understanding a few quick steps of Chair meditation will make Vishvas Meditation even more accessible for you to practice daily at work, school, college, home or even at your kitchen table. A few minutes session in your lunch break will do wonders for your work time.
Meditation in sitting posture may not be feasible in every situation like in school or at work but that does not mean that you deny yourself its benefits. On the contrary, it makes work much more enjoyable and enhances your performance tremendously, if you devote a few minutes to Vishvas Meditation, suitably during work breaks, school breaks, or short breaks. Chair meditation is ideal in these situations.
(See also: Meditation Techniques , Meditation,
Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)
Men of great success have been men of great concentration. Success does not come from outside. It is right within your brain. When a brilliant thought /idea strikes you, it needs to be nurtured and reared with patience, will, focus, and determined action. Only then will the tiny seed of an idea truly flower into a vibrant plant. The entire basis of the flowering is the mind and its powers.
Concentration involves a honing in of the attention so that one's entire field of attention is thrown into whatever it is that one is doing. Concentration entails a focusing of energy-the energy that influences all our actions in life.
(See also: Meditation and Concentration , Meditation,
Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)
Kundalini is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning either coiled up or coiling like a snake. It is a term in yoga, referring to a reservoir of psychic energy at the base of the spine. Kundalini is curled up in the back part of the root chakra in three and one-half turns.
"Kundalini is the energy of the Divine as it is experienced in the individual. Kundalini binds us when we project its energy into the world and yet, kundalini liberates us when we return this energy to its divine origin.
This video is a good attempt to get a feeling of the Kundalini rising:"
Spiritual Awakening and Enlightenment is the primary goal of almost all spiritual practices, traditions and religions and for any spiritual seeker. There are many names for this awakened state of Consciousness depending on what culture and tradition we belong to. This page will be continuously updated with information and personal experiences about Spiritual Awakening and Enlightenment.
Spiritual Practices exist in all traditions and cultures. The techniques are different but the goal is usually the same: to calm the mind and integrate the higer aspects of our being (higher self, Soul, Spirit) into our lower self (ego, personality, body).
Postures, breathing exercises, chanting, prayers, rituals, ceremonies, exercises, diet are all examples of ways of doing spiritual practices.
The ancient Yogis recognised long ago that in order to accomplish the highest stage of yoga, which is the realisation of the self, or God consciousness, a healthy physical body is essential. For when we are sick, our attention is seldom free enough to contemplate the larger reality, or to muster the energy for practice.
The masters of yoga also teach us that personal growth is possible only when we fully accept our embodiment and when we truly understand that the body is not merely skin and bones but a finely balanced system of energies.
