Ⓒ
In this world of technology and constant
stress, meditation is a great way to relax, unwind and a chance to focus
inward. Ancient civilizations around the world recognized the importance of
meditation and devised several techniques that are designed to heal the mind
and spirit. Whether you are feeling down or lethargic or simply want a break
from all the chaos around you, try one of these meditation techniques and feel
your spirits lift
The Buddhist Samatha Meditation
The
word ‘Samatha’ means serenity or tranquillity and the objective of this
meditation is to calm your inner self. The Buddhist meditation techniques share
several similarities with other techniques from South Asian religions such as
Jainism and Hinduism. These techniques are designed to help alleviate anger and
improve concentration, insight and mindfulness.
For this technique, sit quietly in a room devoid of any
sounds or interruptions. Make sure you do not have any cell phones, televisions
or speakers on. Slowly concentrate inward on your breath and count the number
of breaths you take. When you release a breath, feel the worries and tensions
drain away from your body. You can also choose to meditate in front of an
inanimate object such as a statue or flower pot. Concentrating on a single spot
on the object allows your mind to relax and prevents
excessive visual and cognitive distractions.
The Samatha meditation provides great inner peace in the
short term and when performed periodically over a period allows you to achieve
greater control over your thoughts and provides tranquillity in times of
stress. Ultimately, the goal of Samatha is to help achieve nirvana or
enlightenment. So, what are you waiting for. Grab your yoga mat and head down
to quiet and peace.
New
Age Hindu Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental meditation or TM is an ancient
technique from the Hindu Upanishads that was brought to the west by Maharishi
Mahesh Yogi in 1959. It is perhaps the most well-known technique in the west
with several hundred researchers publishing studies that suggest TM can help
with stress, anxiety and improving brain function. The TM technique involves
repeating a specific mantra accompanied by rhythmic breathing.
TM teachers claim that it is an effortless
technique that can be practiced by both sceptics and believers. It currently
has over six million followers worldwide and has helped several soldiers deal with
post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.
Although transcendental meditation has
several advocates, critics argue that the benefits achieved through
transcendental meditation can also be achieved through other meditation
techniques. Besides, since TM is taught by accredited teachers, the cost for TM
may be as high as $960 making it a stressful way to relieve stress. However, if
you are looking for a meditation technique that is endorsed by the likes of
Hugh Jackman, then head on over to your nearest TM centre and learn how to
achieve inner peace.
Inner
Transformation through Taoist Meditation
Taoism or Daoism a Chinese religion that
dates back to several hundred centuries; This type of meditation teaches that
the power to control your mind and body exists within yourself and the best way
to achieve inner peace is by harnessing this power and spirit. One of the key
benefits of being able to control and unify the mind and body is to help
achieve longevity.
There are several methods of performing
Taoist meditation but emptiness meditation is the most commonly used technique.
In this method, a person is supposed to remove all thoughts and feelings from
their mind. They need to ‘forget about everything’ or empty their mind to
achieve inner quiet. When this state is achieved, the spirit or the vital force
within the body is able to gain back its strength and replenish it. This is one
of the toughest forms of meditation for absolute beginners because a true state
of emptiness is almost impossible to achieve even for experienced meditators.
So now that you have learnt some of the most
commonly studied and learned meditation techniques, what are you waiting for?
Go forth and conquer yourself.
No comments:
Post a Comment