The Philosopher
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 Number of posts : 320
Age : 80
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Registration date : 2008-11-21
 | Subject: What is Meditation ??  Fri Nov 21, 2008 11:36 pm | |
| Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Meditation often involves turning attention to a single point of reference. It is recognized as a component of almost all religions, and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. It is also practiced outside religious traditions. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which may emphasize different goals -- from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.
Meditation has been defined as: "self regulation of attention, in the service of self-inquiry, in the here and now." The various techniques of meditation can be classified according to their focus. Some focus on the field or background perception and experience, referred to by some as "mindfulness"; others focus on a preselected specific object, and are called "concentrative" meditation. There are also techniques that shift between the field and the object.
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.
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Last edited by The Philosopher on Mon May 18, 2009 5:00 am; edited 1 time in total | |
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