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Different Ways of Meditating

Different Ways of Meditating

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One description for meditation is an approach in training our minds just like physical fitness exercise which is meant to condition our bodies. Modern Yoga and meditation are common spiritual practices which were influenced to a great extent by Hinduism. Spiritual Meditation is described as complete absorption or assimilation of the Inner Self. The Lord Krishna indicates steps to be followed for a successful practice. It begins with the physical posture to control sense organs up to the mental balance of forces that should be achieved.

Mantra Meditation

One popular method of meditation is called Mantra which refers to the ancient power word
repeated over and over again as a method of focusing the mind. Mantras are part of Hindu
rituals or customs. Some people describe Mantra as OM Meditation. One devotion-oriented
mantra is Japa wherein the person who meditates repeats holy words like the name of deities
with love. An individual who meditates sits upright with eyes fully closed and repeats the
mantra silently during the entire Yoga session.

Repetition of the mantra produces a vibration in the mind so it can experience unfathomable
levels of consciousness. As one meditates, the mantra turns out to become more
indistinguishable and intangible until the person reaches absolute consciousness from which
the vibration came. The mantra is considered a vehicle to support the ritual of meditation.
According to published articles, some of the more popular mantras in Hindu tradition include
the following:

  • OM
  • SO-HAM
  • OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
  • OM MANI PADME HUM
  • HAM
  • YAM
  • RAM

Meditation using a mantra can make it easier to incorporate your meditative condition into your day to day routine.

Transcendental Meditation

Another popular and more specific mode of Mantra Meditation is Transcendental Meditation.
The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced this concept in 1955. Reports claim this practice has
more than 5 million followers all over the world. Maharishi explained the objective of this
particular form of meditation is to reach the so-called “State of Enlightenment.” In other words,
we experience an inner peace or tranquility even if we are vigorously full of activity.

Yoga Meditation

What about Yoga Meditation? Yoga means Union with the lofty objective of Self-Knowledge as
well as Spiritual Cleansing. Traditional Yoga segregates the practice into:

  •  Rules of Conduct or Set of Rules (YAMAS AND NIYAMAS)
  • Breathing Exercises (PRANAYAMA)
  • Reflective Practice of Meditation (DHARANA, SAMADHI, DHYANA, and PRATYAHARA)

Among the most prevalent and universal form of Yoga and considered Universal is Third-Eye Meditation. Third-Eye concentrates on the area between the eyebrows which is the person’s third eye (AINA CHAKRA). The individual’s attention is refocused continuously towards this spot to quiet your mind. Other forms of Yoga are Chakra, Gazing Meditation, Kundalini, Kria, Tantra, and Sound Meditation.

What is appropriate for you?

With various kinds of meditations, it is not difficult to find the right one for you. You can always seek the advice of someone who has been engaged in this practice for suitable recommendations.

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