In this complete guide to you will learn everything you need to know about meditation including: what meditation is, where it came from, benefits to meditating, there are different types of meditation techniques, how to meditate, how to create a meditation space, and some tips and tricks to successful meditation.
WHAT IS MEDITATION?
Meditation is the practice in which one goes beyond the conscious thinking mind and enters a state of deep relaxation and awareness. While meditation is prominent in many regions, it is actively practiced both inside and outside of religious context.
HISTORY OF MEDITATION
Prehistoric. The word “meditate” is derived from the latin root ”meditatum” which means to ponder. Meditative practices are rooted in religious context where ancient civilizations used repetitive, rhythmic chants, and offerings to appease their respective gods. In moderns times we call these chants mantras. Mantras are still used in several meditation techniques.
Antiquity. Some of the earliest written records recognize the meditation practices steeped in the Hindu traditions of Vedantism in 1,500 BC. Slowly other forms of meditation came to light such as in the Buddhist culture of India and the Taoist culture of China in later centuries. The exact origins of any type of meditation is up for debate although many believe that meditation began in Eastern Asia and was introduced to other cultures via the Silk Road.
Middle Ages. Japanese Buddhism continued to grow from the introduction of Chinese Buddhism. This attributed to the growth of Japanese Zen. Jewish meditation was also growing and changing during this time period to include the Hasidic variations and the Kabbalistic practices. The Byzantine era lead to Eastern Christian meditative practice of repeating a specific mantra while in one pose. Western Christian meditation contradicts this because it involves neither a specific mantra nor pose.
Modern Times. Buddhism became well known and accepted in western cultures while yoga schools popped-up all over. Instead of focusing on religion, meditation is known for relaxation, stress reduction, and self-actualization.
WHAT IS MEDITATION?
Meditation is the practice in which one goes beyond the conscious thinking mind and enters a state of deep relaxation and awareness. While meditation is prominent in many regions, it is actively practiced both inside and outside of religious context.
HISTORY OF MEDITATION
Prehistoric. The word “meditate” is derived from the latin root ”meditatum” which means to ponder. Meditative practices are rooted in religious context where ancient civilizations used repetitive, rhythmic chants, and offerings to appease their respective gods. In moderns times we call these chants mantras. Mantras are still used in several meditation techniques.
Antiquity. Some of the earliest written records recognize the meditation practices steeped in the Hindu traditions of Vedantism in 1,500 BC. Slowly other forms of meditation came to light such as in the Buddhist culture of India and the Taoist culture of China in later centuries. The exact origins of any type of meditation is up for debate although many believe that meditation began in Eastern Asia and was introduced to other cultures via the Silk Road.
Middle Ages. Japanese Buddhism continued to grow from the introduction of Chinese Buddhism. This attributed to the growth of Japanese Zen. Jewish meditation was also growing and changing during this time period to include the Hasidic variations and the Kabbalistic practices. The Byzantine era lead to Eastern Christian meditative practice of repeating a specific mantra while in one pose. Western Christian meditation contradicts this because it involves neither a specific mantra nor pose.
Modern Times. Buddhism became well known and accepted in western cultures while yoga schools popped-up all over. Instead of focusing on religion, meditation is known for relaxation, stress reduction, and self-actualization.
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