Meditation

From TinWiki.org

Meditation

Meditation is a mental discipline in which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Meditation usually involves turning attention to a single point of reference.

It is recognized as a component of almost all religions, practiced for over 5,000 years. It is also practiced outside of religious traditions. Different disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which emphasize different goals. Those goals include achievement of a higher state of consciousness, a greater focus, creativity, self-awareness, and a more relaxed, peaceful frame of mind.

1 Forms of Meditation
2 Western Context
3 Physical Postures
4 Health Applications
5 External Links
6 Relevant discussion threads on AboveTopSecret.com

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Forms of Meditation

Meditation is defined as:

Self regulation of attention, in the service of self-inquiry, in the here and the now

The various techniques can be classified according to their focus.

Mindfulness Meditation
- Focuses on the field or background perception and experience
- Meditator sits comfortably and silently
- Centers attention by focusing awareness on an object or process
- Meditator encouraged to maintain an open focus

Concentrative Meditation
- Focuses on a preselected specific object
- Used in many religions and spiritual practices
- Meditator holds attention on a particular object or process while minimizing distractions

Meditation can be practiced while walking or doing simple repetitive tasks. In meditation using visualization, the practitioner concentrates on flows of energy in the body. Some meditative traditions, such as yoga or tantra, are common to several religions or occur outside religious contexts.

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Western Context

Meditation, in its modern sense, refers to Yogic meditation that originated in India. The English word meditation does not exclusively refer to any single term or concept.

Meditation may be for a religious purpose, but it is used more in secular contexts.

Meditation techniques have also been used by Western theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Relaxation training works toward achieving mental and muscle relaxation to reduce daily stress. From the point of view of psychology and physiology, meditation can be used to induce an altered state of consciousness with the goals of achieving spiritual enlightenment, transforming attitudes, and bettering cardiovascular health.

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Physical Postures

Different spiritual traditions prescribe or suggest different postures for meditation.

Spine
- Many traditions teach that the spine should be kept straight
  - Encourages circulation of spiritual energy or "life force"

Mudra/Hand
- Many hand gestures or mudras can be prescribed
- Carry theological meaning that can affect consciousness

Eyes
- In most traditions, the eyes are closed
- In some, the eyes are half-closed, half-open and looking slightly downward

Focus & Gaze
- Naval gazing
- Focusing on the breath

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Health Applications

Behavioral Component of Meditation

Relaxation
Concentration
Altered state of awareness
Suspension of logical thought processes
Maintenance of self-observing attitude

Effects of Medical Meditation

Method of stress reduction
Method of pain management and reduction
Used to improve cardiovascular and respiratory function
Studies have shown that Zen meditation rewires the circuitry of the brain
Meditation to induce the "Relaxation Response":
- Changes in metabolism
- Changes in heart rate
- Changes in respiration
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes in brain chemistry
Can help in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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