Forms of Meditation
Meditation is a method by which a person probes into the deeper state of awareness and relaxation. It is a mental discipline. It involves focusing the attention to or concentrating on a single point of reference. It aims at self regulation of attention. Almost all religions that are practiced have meditation as one of their components. Mediation is practiced within and beyond religious realms. Meditation has been practiced for more than around 5000years. There are different forms of meditation such as
Hinduism: The oldest religion that professes meditation is Vedic Hinduism. According to Vedic Hinduism meditation is a religious and spiritual practice. According to Hindu philosophy, Yoga is one of the six schools and it concentrates on meditation. In Hinduism there are several types of meditation such as Vedanta, Raja Yoga, Surat Shabd Yoga, Japa Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Hatah Yoga. The final goal of meditation is going through the five different states namely Mudha, Ksipta, Ekagra, Viksipta and Nirodha and finally achieving the state of mind where the eternal calmness prevails.
Buddhism: In Buddhism prime importance is given to Meditation. It is considered the bridge to spiritual development. The Shamatha and Vipassana are the two classes of meditation that are practiced in Buddhism. Shamathan is related to development of the ability to concentrate while Vipassana is with reference to development of wisdom and insight. In Buddhism, meditation has been influenced by the local traditions and cultures. The meditative development of concentration and mindfulness is emphasized in Theravada Buddhism. On the other hand the Tibetan Buddhism is also called Tantrayana Buddhism because it emphasizes on tantra.
Christianity: There are various forms of meditation in Christianity. The basis of these form are found in the Monastic traditions. Rosary and the Adoration are the most common meditative practices among the Christians. In Christianity Meditation is usually linked with the prayer and how you pray at home or in the church. The Old Testament as well as the New Testament highlights the importance of meditation.
Islam: In Islam praying 5 times a day which is also called as “offering Namaz 5 times a day” is a type of meditation. During the Namaz one has to recite the verses of Qur’an Sharif and Dhikr and at the same time meditate and focus on Allah. The Qur’an Sharif is considered to be the revelations received by Prophet Muhammad when he was meditating.
Jainism: Among the Jains, the practice of meditation is denoted by the word Samayika. The Goal of Samayika is to identify the constant reality in life that is called Atma or soul.
Meditation in one form or another is practiced even in other faiths such as Judaism, Sikhism, Taoism, and even Bahá’í Faith.
