When it comes to meditation, how do you know which type will work the best for you? Even Western doctors these days are recommending meditation to their patients, as it will help to increase general health: nutrition for the soul, as it were. Six different types of meditation will be outlined in this article with suggestions on how to employ these practices in your daily life.
Vipassana meditation has roots in Buddhist traditions, and is also known as mindfulness meditation. It is likely the most well-known and popular type of meditation in the western world. It is based on awareness of breath and a detachment from all thoughts. Do not attempt to limit your thoughts nor control your breath, rather simply notice your breathing patterns and practice detaching from each thought as it arises.
Zazen (or perhaps better known simply as Zen) meditation is another form of traditional Buddhist meditation, and is commonly known as "just sitting." Minimal in form, Zen meditation is practiced for long periods of time while seated with correct posture and otherwise contains little guidance. Developed for a monastic setting, the lengthy involvement of Zen meditation can seem difficult to study.
Transcendental meditation is similar to Zen meditation, however it comes from a Hindu tradition. Also practiced by sitting in the Lotus or half-Lotus posture with your back straightened out, a sacred word or chosen mantra is mentally repeated again and again. The purpose is to rise above all that is impermanent, in hopes to eventually achieve an out-of-body experience. Focus on breath is also important.
Kundalini is another form of Hindu meditation, and the purpose of this type of meditation is to become aware of the rising stream of energy that exists in the human being, typically through the energy centers (or chakras) in the body. Awareness of breath is also a focus here, as each breath is used to move the energy upward in the body towards the crown chakra at the top of the head.
Heart-rhythm meditation attempts to focus and align breath and the heartbeat, to make both rich, balanced, full and deep. The purpose is to align oneself with the heart and make that the center of your energetic system, which will eventually increase your sensitivity, compassion and power.
Another type of meditation popular in the Western world is guided visualization. Concentration and focus are placed upon certain, specific imagery or an imagined peaceful environment. This particular type of meditation has no established roots in one spiritual tradition, and it is often accompanied by a guided meditation recording.
With practice of each of these different types of meditation, you will eventually discover which one works the best for you. Remember that consistent practice is the best and only way to achieve true results.
Vipassana meditation has roots in Buddhist traditions, and is also known as mindfulness meditation. It is likely the most well-known and popular type of meditation in the western world. It is based on awareness of breath and a detachment from all thoughts. Do not attempt to limit your thoughts nor control your breath, rather simply notice your breathing patterns and practice detaching from each thought as it arises.
Zazen (or perhaps better known simply as Zen) meditation is another form of traditional Buddhist meditation, and is commonly known as "just sitting." Minimal in form, Zen meditation is practiced for long periods of time while seated with correct posture and otherwise contains little guidance. Developed for a monastic setting, the lengthy involvement of Zen meditation can seem difficult to study.
Transcendental meditation is similar to Zen meditation, however it comes from a Hindu tradition. Also practiced by sitting in the Lotus or half-Lotus posture with your back straightened out, a sacred word or chosen mantra is mentally repeated again and again. The purpose is to rise above all that is impermanent, in hopes to eventually achieve an out-of-body experience. Focus on breath is also important.
Kundalini is another form of Hindu meditation, and the purpose of this type of meditation is to become aware of the rising stream of energy that exists in the human being, typically through the energy centers (or chakras) in the body. Awareness of breath is also a focus here, as each breath is used to move the energy upward in the body towards the crown chakra at the top of the head.
Heart-rhythm meditation attempts to focus and align breath and the heartbeat, to make both rich, balanced, full and deep. The purpose is to align oneself with the heart and make that the center of your energetic system, which will eventually increase your sensitivity, compassion and power.
Another type of meditation popular in the Western world is guided visualization. Concentration and focus are placed upon certain, specific imagery or an imagined peaceful environment. This particular type of meditation has no established roots in one spiritual tradition, and it is often accompanied by a guided meditation recording.
With practice of each of these different types of meditation, you will eventually discover which one works the best for you. Remember that consistent practice is the best and only way to achieve true results.
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