| The word meditation is derived from Sanskrit word | | | | and a satisfying life. It helps people attain better |
| Medha which means wisdom. People have diverse | | | | concentration. And documentation of these effects |
| impressions about what meditation is. To some it | | | | are now available, with more than 1000 studies |
| refers to an activity monks do, sitting in far off lands, | | | | conducted by 200 universities, the prominent among |
| high up in the mountains. Yet there is a simple answer | | | | them being the University of Chicago, Harvard Medical |
| to the question what is meditation. It is a refined | | | | School and Stanford University. |
| approach to life. It is a way of leading life. Meditation is | | | | Back to Basics with Meditation |
| a practice that can help people cope with both medical | | | | To feel over worked and stressed is an obvious out |
| problems as emotional and other problems like stress, | | | | come of today's modern life style. This is often due to |
| fear and anxiety. | | | | unhappiness, impatience and frustration - all having a |
| Other important points to note about meditation are: | | | | slow and negative impact on ones health and well |
| 1) There is evidence to show that meditation has been | | | | being in general. |
| practiced by mankind for ages. And it goes beyond | | | | One may also feel that it's difficult to find the time to |
| the barriers of religion. For example, in Hinduism, | | | | learn and practice meditation. But in reality meditation, |
| meditation has been in existence for the past 5000 | | | | the practice leaves people with more time to devote |
| years. From this ancient origin, it has come a long way | | | | on the real positive issues in life, by clearing the mind |
| and its principals are practiced globally by millions of | | | | from unwanted negative thoughts. |
| people. | | | | A very simple breathing meditation can be very helpful |
| 2) In Buddhism, it has always been a central concept | | | | for beginners. This takes about fifteen minutes and has |
| for spiritual development. Gautam Buddha the founder | | | | magical effects on the body and soul, bringing about a |
| of Buddhism obtained enlightenment through meditation. | | | | positive change in a personality. |
| 3) In Christianity, mediation is at times associated with | | | | In fact, breathing meditation forms the foundation of a |
| prayer and the study of scriptures. It is deep rooted in | | | | higher stage of meditation which is called as |
| the Bible, asking followers to practice meditation | | | | transforming meditation. A place ideal for meditation |
| principles. | | | | has to be calm and quite. The person meditating can |
| 4) In Islam, a follower is expected to pray five times a | | | | be seated in the traditional cross legged manner or in |
| day. These prayers are a way to concentrate and | | | | any other fashion which is comfortable. Use of a chair |
| meditate on Allah the almighty. | | | | is also fine. It is important to be seated with the back |
| Thus, there are many types of meditation activities and | | | | straight, so that one is always alert and does not feel |
| hence many benefits from the meditation. Meditation | | | | sleepy. A slow deep breathing is done. The idea is to |
| has positive effects on body and mind. Plus there are | | | | concentrate just on breathing, and not to allow any |
| physical benefits including lower blood pressure and | | | | distractions that would make the mind and thoughts |
| better functionality of the lungs. Meditation also | | | | wander. |
| increases consciousness needed to live a meaningful | | | | |