Types Of Meditation
could you please write types of meditation techniques with detail ie procedure , purpose , precaustions ….?
sorry .. precautions
A) Definition of Meditation:
Meditation is a discipline in which the mind is focused on an object of thought or awareness. It usually involves turning attention to a single point of reference. The practice may engender a higher state of consciousness. Meditation is recognized as a component of almost all religions, and has been practiced for over 5,000 years.
The 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.”
B) Forms of Meditation:
1) Mindfulness Meditation:
The meditator sits comfortably and silently, centering attention by focusing awareness on an object or process (either the breath, a sound: a mantra, koan or riddle evoking questions; a visualisation, or an exercise).
2) Concentration Meditation:
It is used in most religions and spiritual practices. Whereas in mindfulness meditation there is an open focus, in concentration meditation the meditator holds attention on a particular object (e.g., a repetitive prayer) while minimizing distractions; bringing the mind back to concentrate on the chosen object. In some traditions, such as Vipassana, mindfulness and concentration are combined.
3) Transcendental Meditation:
TM is the trademarked name of a meditation technique introduced in 1958 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1917-2008). The technique, practiced for twenty minutes twice a day while sitting with one’s eyes closed, does not involve concentration or contemplation.
C) Types of Meditation :
Meditation originated from Vedic Hinduism which is the oldest religion that professes meditation as a spiritual and religious practice.
Evidence of the origins of meditation extends back to a time before recorded history. Archaeologists tell us the practice may have existed among the first Indian civilisations. Indian scriptures dating back 5000 years describe meditation techniques. From its ancient beginnings and over thousands of years, meditation has developed into a structured practice used today by millions of people worldwide of differing nationalities and religious beliefs.
Yoga (Devanagari: योग) is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy, focusing on meditation. In India, Yoga is seen as a means to both physiological and spiritual mastery.
There are several types of meditation in Hinduism. Amongst these types are:
1) Vedanta, a form of Jnana Yoga.
2) Raja Yoga as outlined by Patanjali, which describes eight “limbs” of spiritual practices, half of which might be classified as meditation. Underlying them is the assumption that a yogi should still the fluctuations of his or her mind: Yoga cittavrrti nirodha.
3) Surat shabd yoga, or “sound and light meditation”
4) Japa Yoga, in which a mantra is repeated aloud or silently
5) Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love and devotion, in which the seeker is focused on an object of devotion, eg Krishna.
6) Hatha Yoga, in which postures and meditations are aimed at raising the spiritual energy, known as Kundalini, which rises through energy centres known as chakras.
The objective of meditation is to reach a calm state of mind. Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, described five different states of mind: Ksipta, Mudha, Viksipta, Ekagra and Nirodha.
Ksipta defines a very agitated mind, unable to think, listen or remain quiet. It is jumping from one thought to another. In Mudha no information seems to reach the brain; the person is absentminded. Viksipta is a higher state where the mind receives information but is not able to process it. It moves from one thought to another, in a confused inner speech. Ekagra is the state of a calm mind but not asleep. The person is focused and can pay attention. Lastly Nirodha, when the mind is not disturbed by erratic thoughts, it is completely focused, as when you are meditating or totally centered in what you are doing. The ultimate end of meditation according to Patanjali is the destruction of primal ignorance (avidya) and the realization of and establishment in the essential nature of the Self.
D) Meditation – Physical postures:
Different spiritual traditions, and different teachers within those traditions, prescribe or suggest different physical postures for meditation. Most famous are the several cross-legged postures, including the so-called Lotus Position. For example, the Dalai Lama recommends the Seven Points of Vairocana in which
the legs are crossed in either the Lotus Positon (here called the vajra position) or the other way, “Indian” or “tailor” fashion (here called the bodhisattva position)
the eyes are kept open (thus affirming the world)
the back is kept straight (like “an arrow” or “a stack of coins”)
the shoulders are kept even and relaxed
the gaze is kept at a medium level—too low and one becomes drowsy; too high and one becomes restless
the mouth is kept slightly open
the tongue touches the roof of the mouth
Many meditative traditions teach that the spine should be kept “straight” (i.e. that the meditator should not slouch). Often this is explained as a way of encouraging the circulation of what we might call “spiritual energy,” the “vital breath”, or the “life force” (Sanskrit pranha, Chinese qi, Latin spiritus). In some traditions the meditator may sit on a Western chair, flat-footed (as in New Thought); sit on a stool (as in Orthodox Christianity); or walk in mindfulness (as in Theravada Buddhism).
Various hand-gestures or mudras may be prescribed. These can carry theological meaning or according to Yogic philosophy can actually affect consiousness. For example, a common Buddhist hand-position is with the right hand resting atop the left (like the Buddha’s begging bowl), with the thumbs touching.
E) Meditation – Adverse effects:
Predominantly, studies of meditation report positive effects. However, some studies report that meditation may have adverse effects in certain circumstances.
If practiced improperly or too intensely, meditation can lead to considerable psychological and physiological problems, such as the symptoms of Kundalini syndrome, Shamanic illness, Tumo or Qi-gong-related problems . Serious, and credible teachers of meditation usually warn their students about the possible pitfalls of a contemplative path.
Stories of unguided practitioners or inexpertly guided students developing chronic mental and physical health problems as a result of their attempts at meditation training are not uncommon.
Since the practice of meditation might include a powerful confrontation with existential questions, it is not considered wise to engage in intense meditation techniques without an extended period of psychological preparation, preferably in contact with a credible teacher.
Types Of Meditation
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