Meditation

dharmaIn the field of metaphysics, meditation has been the preferred tool since the beginning of time. Contemplation over the principles of reality transcending those of any particular science, eventually led to higher levels of awareness. Subsequently, mystics created religions and agnostics created philosophies in their quest for answering the basic questions: what is reality and how do I relate to it?.

The focus of this page is on meditation from the mystical perspective without religious agenda though. Because meditation transcends religions. Or otherwise, it is part of any known religion: Buddhism has meditation at its core, similarly for Hinduism yoga, Christian rosary prayer, Jewish Kabbalah, and Muslim Tafakkur (Tadabbur), Chinese Taoism and the Japanese Zen, to name a few.

For the more scientifically inclined check Neuroscience.

The ultimate goal of classical meditation is enlightenment. Leave aside enlightenment, you have less esoteric benefits that translate in better health for mind and body as substantiated by scientifically research conducted by serious institutions. This is the reason, meditation gains more and more popularity. From Fortune 500 businessmen to sport and film celebrities, more and more people embrace meditation as an alternative to drugs or delusional entertainment (Ref. Fortune 500).

Meditation can be classified as concentration meditation and mindfulness meditation.

The practice of concentration meditation involves focusing on a single object. Breath, a phrase (mantra), a movement pattern, all qualify as objects of focus. When thoughts or emotions divert the focus of attention, the meditator gently redirects the mind back to the original object of concentration.

In the mindfulness meditation the attention is focused on awareness: thoughts, feelings, sensations as they arise in every moment. The goal is to quiet the mind.

Most of the meditation techniques involve both concentration and mindfulness meditations. The meditation techniques mentioned on these pages, qualify as the most efficient, in our experience.

The most popular meditation technique for westerners is Transcendental Meditation (TM). It involves sitting, eyes closed for twenty minutes, twice a day, focused on a mantra.



Meditation upheaval Print E-mail
Monday, 16 June 2008

Meditation is the method of choice for spiritual practice in many religions. The benefits of meditation don't stop at this level though. Your mind and body benefit immensely from meditation . There are few drawbacks though, one should be aware before taking up meditation.

The problem is ... within us. We all carry a baggage of traumas buried deep down in our subconscious minds. These are unpleasant events, consequence of our own or other people actions that affected us. Our minds try to protect us by covering up these experiences. In other words, we forget. Or do we? Keep on reading to find out ...
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 August 2008 )
Click to continue... [Meditation upheaval]
 
How to meditate Print E-mail
Tuesday, 10 June 2008

The key ingredient in any meditation technique is to focus your mind on a single thought. It can be a mantra, an object, a feeling, or even a spiritual symbol or person. This is not a simple task in the beginning. You will eventually loose that focus and find your mind wandering in the past or the future. The goal of meditation is to keep you in the present and this is what "the power of now" (reference Eckhart Tolle's book) is all about.

One of the simplest still highly efficient way to meditate is breathing meditation. This is the meditation technique Buddha chose for his own meditation practice. Breathing can be both conscious and unconscious. So focusing on breathing may help us transcend our consciousness into the realm of peace and happiness beyond our thoughts hence making breathing meditation very effective in calming and focusing our mind. Keep on reading to find out how to perform this meditation.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 July 2008 )
Click to continue... [How to meditate]
 
Benefits of meditation Print E-mail
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Meditation is the method of choice for one’s spiritual evolution but this is not the benefit discussed in this article. Rather the focus is on meditation immediate benefits for your mind and body. These benefits are easier to quantify by science.

There is not only anecdotal but also scientifical evidence that meditation has a benefic effect on both mind and body in a synergistic way: your mindset influences the body and at the same time your body, the host of your mind, helps your mind go further on its quest for evolution. Is this true? Keep on reading ...
Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 July 2008 )
Click to continue... [Benefits of meditation]
 
Autobiography of a Yogi Print E-mail
Tuesday, 29 April 2008

 

Autobiography of a Yogi

Autobiography of a Yogi

It’s a classic. Most people inclined to eastern religions consider it so.Yogananda is one of the most famous Hindu representatives in the West. He introduced to the Westerners kriya yoga, a form of meditation that has its roots in the many millennia of Eastern Indian wisdom. Like Maharishi, he brought into the Western Spirituality a different perspective. Also an alternative for many to the rigid dogmas of the more consecrated religions.This book is about Yogananda’s path to spiritual evolution. He shares his experiences and feelings starting with his early years to his passing. It is also a compelling insight into Indian culture, religion mysticism and spirituality. There is a perennial truth that springs out from Yogananda’s autobiography: spirituality, and the divine is personal experience. Some may emphasize the role of the organized religions, scriptures, gurus and priests, still, only the burning desire of going beyond the apparent truth can lead one to a higher purpose in life. Something to notice through out the book is also Yogananda’s desire to accommodate the other religions. Many quotes from other holy books, either the Christian Bible, the Islamic Koran or the Hebrew Tanakh. For example, talking about the essence of meditation, a focused and still mind, he quotes from the Bible “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.

 
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 July 2008 )
 
More...
[ Back ]