Meditation practices

[sjr]

Meditation mapped in monks

Scientists investigating the effect of the meditative state on Buddhist monk's brains have found that portions of the organ previously active became quiet, whilst pacified areas become stimulated.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/1847442.stm

"Perhaps that[spiritual] sense of reality is more acurate than our scientific everyday sense of reality"

Dr Newberg

 

[ISFP]

i've always wanted to lean how to meditate. my big mistake was assuming there was only one way to do it- sit on the floor, cross one's legs into the lotus position, calm the mind, watch one's thoughts. i could never do this, and i still can't.

i do gratefulness meditation, and i really enjoy that. essentially i find a quiet place to sit and consciously reflect on all the people and moments that brought cause for gratitude during the day.

 

[Vajradhara]

i've always wanted to lean how to meditate. my big mistake was assuming there was only one way to do it- sit on the floor, cross one's legs into the lotus position, calm the mind, watch one's thoughts. i could never do this, and i still can't.

i do gratefulness meditation, and i really enjoy that. essentially i find a quiet place to sit and consciously reflect on all the people and moments that brought cause for gratitude during the day.

Namaste ISFP,

thank you for the post.

there are several physical postures that you can use to meditate and it sort of depends on what you use to sit on. the normal "lotus" and "full lotus" postures are used when sitting on a zabuton and zafu (big and small cushion) though you can sit cross-legged as well. you can try kneeling with a seiza bench, which supports your buttox... this is a position that is frequently used by folks that have a hard time bending their ankles and kness. you can also simply sit in a chair, feet flat on the ground.

then of course, there are the objects of the meditation itself

 

[Zenda71]

Scientists investigating the effect of the meditative state on Buddhist monk's brains have found that portions of the organ previously active became quiet, whilst pacified areas become stimulated.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/1847442.stm

"Perhaps that[spiritual] sense of reality is more acurate than our scientific everyday sense of reality"

Dr Newberg

Hello sjr.

Are you familiar with The Mind & Life Institute at the University of Wisconsin?

http://www.mindandlife.org/history.html

I find it all fascinating ...

With metta,
Zenda

 

[Avinash]

Namaskar,

I realise that meditation is now essentially widespread as a tool and practice - but as I lean towards believing it began and developed in the East as a direct companion to the study and practices of Eastern philosophies, then I'll pose my question here.

Firstly, how does a person actually meditate?

In order to do meditation you will have to learn some techniques and some of the more advanced techniques (like e.g. special breathing techniques) should be done with professional guidance from experienced teachers because they are powerful and can otherwise be dangerous to mental health.

The best posture is where the energy of the body is "closed" to minimise feedback from the senses. Lotus posture with closed eyes and upright spine is best but adjustments can be used if this is (still) difficult.

Secondly, how many different types of meditation are there, that have very real traditional roots?

I know only something about tantra-yoga meditation and a little about Buddhist and tantric Buddhist meditation techniques. They differ somewhat but the basis of trying to turn away from the senses, from the awareness of the body and from random thinking is similar. To keep the mind fixed in a certain ideation mode, mantras can be used and in Tantra emotions can be used to help surrender the I-feeling towards the desired goal after concentration is achieved.

But basic in the meditation I use is the development of love. Without such love it is hard to progress. So how you relate to your surroundings will also influence your ability to progress in meditation.

Thirdly, how would a person find a technique that best suits them?

I think most religions and paths have adopted their own techniques, some taken from other paths like e.g. with Zen techniques used in Christianity. Although simple techniques can be practised on an individual basis, it is said that advanced meditation should best be done under proper guidance.