“Meditation is not a means to an end. It is both the means and the end.”
Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895,1986), Indian theosophist.
Meditation is the practice of focusing attention. Generally, it involves turning the attention inward to a particular point of reference. People meditate to develop awareness and gain more control of physical and mental processes.
Meditation describes a state of rigorous concentration on some entity of thought or consciousness. It is self regulation of attention in the service of self-inquiry.
Meditation is to reveal mysteries in your mind; man abstracts himself and extracts himself from external world. In meditation, man unfolds the top secrets of things-in-themselves. It is the way to bring us back to ourselves, where we can really feel and experience our full being, beyond all everyday patterns of material life.
Meditation is acknowledged as a central element of Eastern religions, where it has been practiced for over 5,000 years.
“When you learn about yourself, watch yourself, watch the way you walk, how you eat, what you say, the gossip, the hate, the jealousy – if you are aware of all that in yourself, without any choice, that is part of meditation.”
Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895,1986), Indian theosophist.
Techniques
Vipassana is where mindfulness and concentration are shared. Mindfulness is to sit silently and comfortably, focusing on an object or process Always keep away from cognitive analysis or desires regarding the contents of consciousness, and increase tolerance.
Concentration is to hold attention on a particular object while decreasing diversions bringing the mind back to focus on the selected object
Yoga is seen as a means to gain both spiritual and physiological control through a set of breathing exercises and positions derived from Hindu scriptures.
Dynamic Meditation involves a conscious catharsis where one can throw away all the repressed emotions, complexes, what is not easily expressible in society, and then easily analyze in silence.
Tafakkur is reflection upon the universe. It is a form of intellectual development which emanates from God.
Sufi meditation is largely based on mystical experiences.
Transcendental Meditation emphasizes on intuition
Effects
* Meditation has lasting effects such as improving mental and physical health and reducing stress.
* Relaxation: slowed pulse and breathing.
* concentration and awareness
* altered state of consciousness,
* Maintenance of self-observing attitude.
* Suspension of logical thought
* A means of combating chronic physical pain, stress, depression and anxiety.
