|
 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.
The word meditation originally comes from the
Indo-European root med-, meaning "to measure." From
the root med are also derived the English words
mete, medicine, modest, and moderate. It entered
English as meditation through the Latin meditatio,
which originally indicated every type of physical or
intellectual exercise, then later evolved into the
more specific meaning "contemplation."
Eastern meditation techniques have been adapted and
increasingly practiced in Western culture.
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,
also called "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.
In mindfulness meditation, the mediator sits
comfortably and silently, centering attention by
focusing awareness on an object or process (such as
the breath; a sound like a mantra, koan or
riddle-like question; a visualization; or an
exercise). The meditator is usually encouraged to
maintain an open focus.
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