The word meditation is used in many ways. Some people mistakenly use the word meditate for thinking or contemplating, or use it for daydreaming or fantasizing. However, meditation is none of the above.
Meditation is a specific technique for resting the mind and attaining a state of consciousness that is totally different from the normal waking state. The root of the word meditation is similar to that for medical or medication. The root of all these words implies the sense of ‘’attending to‘’ or ‘’paying attention to” something. In meditation you pay attention to dimensions of yourself which are seldom known – your deepest, innermost levels. Meditation involves a type of inner attention that is quiet, concentrated, and at the same time relaxed. Meditation is a process that is restful for the mind.
Meditation is the simple technique of learning how to pay attention to and understand the various levels of yourself – the body, the breath and the mind. Positive results you will enjoy as time progresses include increased joyfulness, clarity, awareness. Your body will be more relaxed, your mind will become more creative and focussed, and you may even notice significant improvements in your health and relationships.
Meditation is therapeutic from the beginning. It helps relax muscular tension and autonomic nervous system and provides freedom from mental stress. Furthermore, people attain a tranquil mind and meditation helps the immune system by limiting its reaction to stress and strain. It will also decrease your need for sleep and energize your body and mind.
The highest of all joys that can ever be experienced can be attained through meditation. This is not an exaggeration; it is simply stating a truth supported by the long line of great sages.
Meditation is simply a quiet, effortless, one-pointed focus of attention and awareness.
In order to meditate, you will need to learn:
How to relax the body
How to sit in a comfortable steady position for meditation
How to calmly witness the objects travelling in the train of your mind
How to inspect the quality of your thoughts and learn to promote those which are positive and helpful to your growth
How to remain centered and undisturbed in any situation
Source: Meditation and Its Practice, Swami Rama
