Varieties of Meditation: #2 in a Series

Second Article on where meditation came from, and the many varieties accessible today.

Varieties of Meditation

Different people have different ideas about meditation. Is it a religious practice? Is it part of a non-traditional lifestyle? Most assume that it is an East Asian or Indian practice. There are western medicine practitioners who prescribe it as a part of a traditional treatment plan.

Why are there so many different concepts about meditation? The main reason is that there are so many varieties of meditation. Remember that meditation itself is a subjective practice. Because of that, variety is a given. Each of us is so different. Our experience and conception of meditation is bound to be different.

Meditation in its most general form requires the practitioner to find an object of focus. This helps to clear the mind of distractions. Most forms of meditation focus on the breath. This is an automatic function of the living human body. We do not need to think of it, or control it, except in certain specific instances. Focusing on the breath is a foundation practice for all the many varieties of meditation.

We all breathe in and out. We all do it. It is free. It is portable. It is with us all the time. All people (and mammals!) do it. It is a perfect universal for underlying all forms of meditation.

There are also external points of focus: the flame of a candle is an example. In your imagination, picture a practitioner, seated in a darkened room, with a single flickering candle placed before him. That becomes the focal point. By concentrating on the candle flame, all other distractions in the room fade into the background.

Perhaps there is a vase with a single exquisite bloom placed on a low table before the meditator. Its beauty, intricacy and symbolism draw the focus of the practitioner.

Many Eastern practitioners use a Mandala to aid their focus. This intricate, symmetrical piece of art draws the focus deeper into its pattern, until the distractions of the world slip away. This circular construction has been so strongly linked to meditation that it often signals to an observer or visitor that there is someone in the home or environment that practices meditation.

Some meditation instructors use mantras to help beginners practice meditation. A mantra is a short phrase repeated over and over. Its purpose is to help focus attention and to set an intention for the practitioner.

Mental visualizations can assist the practitioner to close out distractions and relax into the stillness of the mind. Scenes chosen for visualization are tranquil, peaceful, and positive. A meadow bathed in sunlight and filled with wildflowers, the shady stillness of a redwood grove, the sun glimmering on the glassy surface of a lake, or the image of a single peaceful place could be an individual’s idea of a visualization.

In the same way that all focal points might help meditation, a single abstract thought such a love, peace or other concept, might become a focus. Proponents of abstract thought visualization feel that this way of meditating draws more of that thought’s positive energy into our universe and environment.

Spiritual practice often involves meditation. Buddhists use meditation to reach a closer relationship with enlightenment and loving-kindness. They feel practicing meditation increases their concentration, clarity, emotional positivity and enhances their ability to see the true nature of things they encounter in the world.

Christian meditation is also centuries old and mentioned in many books of the Bible. A general description of Christian meditation is that it is a peaceful focus on God. Prayer and quiet “meditation” have long been a big part of the Christian tradition.

Meditation may originally date back to Hinduism, but it is a part of every religion in recorded history. Its Sanskrit root means to contemplate or “meditate”. Prayer in any religion focuses on calm, peaceful reflection and contemplation. Meditation ties to prayer in that it is an internal, individual, and subjective conscious activity.

Yoga and meditation are often linked. Both are stress reduction practices and require focus and contemplation. Yoga has gained immense popularity in modern culture for its physical and mental benefits. The closing pose of most Yoga sessions is Shavasana.

This pose involves lying on ones back, eyes closed, breathing deeply and clearing the mind. Sounds like meditation doesn’t it? It is, and as such means the practice of meditation is widespread and commonly accessible in modern culture. No wonder Yoga has gained such popularity. It offers the Yoga participant the opportunity to enhance their physical flexibility, expand their awareness through Shavasana which quiets the mind (and body) and helps bring forward a quiet, meditative state amid the stress and chaos of the modern world.

Examining Yoga as an exposure to meditation brings us to the many opportunities for guided meditations. Yoga is led by Yogis—persons trained in the intricacies and proper applications of Yoga poses. Their guidance and soothing voices lead their students through warm up poses, classical stretches and then meditation.

In a similar way, guided meditations are available to those interested. There are specific classes where participants expand their meditative abilities under the guidance of an experienced meditator or trained teacher. In today’s technological world there are meditative sessions available on YouTube, internet websites, and even cell phone apps. Tapes and DVDs are available. Retreats and conferences add depth and enhance experiences. Books detail methods and give inspiration to anyone exploring the practice.

When you explore meditation, you will run into others whose experiences and exposure differ from your own. This is to be expected. Meditation is subjective and individual. There are many different types and approaches. Find what works for you, relax, and enjoy.

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Article#1 in this series is about what meditation is, and how to do it. It is available on this blog. If you have questions, read it. The address is Karenmac1999.wixsite.com/website-1 Then click BLOG and select “Meditation: #1 in a Series”

If you have additions or comments about meditation, they are welcome! Please email me at Karenmac1999@hotmail.com.

A Place for the Eye to Rest: A collection of articles that encourage thought and contemplation about a variety of subjects.