what is meditation ?

Answer 1

The English word meditation comes from the Latin meditatio, which originally indicated every type of physical or intellectual exercise, then later evolved into the more specific meaning "contemplation." This usage is found in Christian spirituality, for example, "meditations on the sufferings of Christ"; as well as Western philosophy, as in Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy, a set of six mental exercises which systematically analyze the nature of reality.

However, "meditation" in its modern sense also refers to a separate practice unrelated to Christian meditations. In the late nineteenth century, Theosophists adopted the word "meditation" to refer to various spiritual practices drawn from Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions. Thus the English word "meditation" does not exclusively translate any single term or concept, and can be used to translate words such as the Sanskrit dhyana, samadhi, or pranayama.

Meditation is usually defined as one of the following:

a state that is experienced when the mind dissolves and is free of all thoughts
focusing the mind on a single object (such as a religious statue, or one's breath, or a mantra)
a mental "opening up" to the divine, invoking the guidance of a higher power
reasoned analysis of religious teachings (such as impermanence, for Buddhists).
Its ritual and contemplative qualities are similar to prayer in Western religions, but prayer emphasizes communication with a higher being, whereas meditation focuses on developing oneself[citation needed].

Meditation may be for a religious purpose, but even before being brought to the West it was used in secular contexts, such as the martial arts. Beginning with the Theosophists, though, meditation has been employed by a number of religious and spiritual movements, such as Yoga and the New Age movement, as well as limited use in Christianity. It has been suggested that the recent popularity of "meditation" as a religious practice in the West signals some discomfort with more traditional Christian and Jewish practices such as prayer. Others see meditation and prayer as harmonious: Edgar Cayce taught that "Through prayer we speak to God. In meditation, God speaks to us."

From the point of view of psychology, meditation can induce an altered state of consciousness. However, many religious people would challenge the assumption that such mental states (or any other visible result) are the "goal" of meditation. The goals of meditation are varied, and range from spiritual enlightenment, to the transformation of attitudes, to better cardiovascular health.

Answer 2

Meditation is learning how to control the mind.

Therev are several stages, and the first is perhaps the most difficult.
In stage 1 we are trying to get the mind to concentrate on one thing only, mand to avoid the monkey mind constantly introducing new ideas.

This is a good way to start

Sit in a comfortable position, with a straight spine, and the eyes either closed, or out of focus.

This is a good one to teach our mind to concentrate, called the twenty-four second meditation. It involves picturing numbers made up of dots as shown on large digital displays. We commence by picturing the digits 24. When we can clearly visualise each dot which makes each of the two digits two and four, then we move to 23, and 22. The concentration on the dots helps to eliminate other thoughts from the mind, and with a little practice over a few days, we are able to move from 24 down through all the digits to 0. If another thought enters our mind during this process, then we must start again. This is why it takes a few days before we are able to succeed Once we can succeed then we are achieving an alpha state of mind, which is relaxed, and free of the linear thought process. This is the state of mind required for deep meditation, which we discuss later.

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Answer 3

That's actually a good question. For some it is simply a calm period of quite reflection.

However there have been studies that have shown that endorphines can be released during true deep trance or meditation that can alter the mind.

What's really amazing is that these states of mind can produce similar hallucinations and thought patterns. Studies have shown that whether people enter a trance through chant, dance, some types of drugs, or focused thought, they will often have similar themes. Most noticeably is the Serpent or Snake and Portals to other "dimensions".

This has been pictured in some ancient art and still continues today in certain tribes in Africa.

Time for a little Peyote!

Answer 4

In the first phase of meditation, the objective is to put a full stop to all our thought process. In this stage our conscious mind comes to a complete standstill position.

Once the conscious mind is free of all thoughts, in phase 2 the meditator activates the subconscious mind which is more power full than the conscious mind.

unlike the conscious mind, the subconscious mind is completely unbiased and the judgements are done in a very realistic and accurate method. Whereas in conscious mind most of the judgements are made basis our past experience. For example if you simply do not like a person, your conscious mind will always think wrong about everything that person does even when he is right.

Whereas the subconscious mind does not have this kind of bias. It always makes truthful judgements.

This is the very reason people meditate when they want a 100% right solution to any problem.

I hope I have answered your question dear.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Meditation is a means of transforming the mind. Bhavishyahub meditation practices are techniques that encourage and develop concentration, clarity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things. As a result of meditation we can obtain a apparent state of mind this is the solution of sensation a true interior peace.it also has overall health advantages.

Answer 7

The term Meditation describes a variety of practices with a variety of goals. It usually involves turning our attention inward to the mind itself. Meditation is often recognized as a component of Eastern religions, originating in Vedic Hinduism. [citation needed] It has also become more mainstream in Western culture. It encompasses any of a wide variety of spiritual practices which emphasize mental activity or quiescence. Meditation can also be used for personal development, such as the exercises of Hatha yoga. Many practice meditation in order to achieve eternal peace, while others do it in order to become healthier
The English word meditation comes from the Latin meditatio, which originally indicated every type of physical or intellectual exercise, then later evolved into the more specific meaning "contemplation." This usage is found in Christian spirituality, for example, "meditations on the sufferings of Christ"; as well as Western philosophy, as in Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy, a set of six mental exercises which systematically analyze the nature of reality.

Answer 8

Meditation = Pause to always revolving mind.
Lot of relief in few minutes.
Blood Pressure comes down first.
Better results If you can concentrate on an auspicious object like God in pleasing form.

Answer 9

An ordinary person may consider meditation as a worship or prayer. But it is not so. Meditation means awareness. Whatever you do with awareness is meditation. "Watching your breath" is meditation; listening to the birds is meditation. As long as these activities are free from any other distraction to the mind, it is effective meditation

An ordinary person may consider meditation as a worship or prayer. But it is not so. Meditation means awareness. Whatever you do with awareness is meditation. "Watching your breath" is meditation; listening to the birds is meditation. As long as these activities are free from any other distraction to the mind, it is effective meditation

Answer 10

The best way of making ur mind peaceful is meditation.

MEDITATION is the process of making ur mind explore the true positive attitude of ur self.It is the way in which u can rejuvenate ur self.Ur having rebirth with meditation into fresh world where u c every thing in a positive way and hopeful manner.