More and more people are turning to techniques how to meditate for peace and inner satisfaction. However, with so many different forms to choose from, one is often at a loss as to which technique to follow. Most people think that New Age Meditation types are the right thing to follow. However, what most people do not know is that this is a derivative of either the Hinduism based or Zen based forms of meditation. In fact, most of the meditative techniques followed by people today are based on either of these two forms.
New names are the only thing that is new about these new age meditation techniques. So now, one has to choose the technique that is suitable for him or her. Instead of following what everybody is gong in for, it is best to judge and decide the best technique for yourself.
In Hinduism based or concentrative meditation, a person is required to focus on the breath, an image, or a mantra. This is said to increase awareness, make the mind still, and clear. Another form of concentrative meditation is Transcendental Meditation, derived from the older Hindu practice of yoga japa. Propagated by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during the'60's, this soon became the preferred form of meditation for many. Also known as yoga nidra, the ultimate aim of this meditation is detachment of the mind.
Transcendental Meditation or yoga nidra, practiced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is also a type of concentrative meditation where the focus is on breathing in an out.
In Zen based meditation, one is expected to be conscious of everything in their vicinity. The practitioner has to sit in a quiet place and consciously observe thoughts, situations, memories, images or worries and so on. Sensations sounds and smells are experienced here without any emotional involvement. A person gains clarity and becomes calm. France's Thich Nhat Hanh`s vipassana, a Zen based technique, teaches a person to concentrate on the present. One is taught to do this by observing the breath and the sensations in the body. This helps one attain perfect concentration, blocking out outside distractions. - 31856
New names are the only thing that is new about these new age meditation techniques. So now, one has to choose the technique that is suitable for him or her. Instead of following what everybody is gong in for, it is best to judge and decide the best technique for yourself.
In Hinduism based or concentrative meditation, a person is required to focus on the breath, an image, or a mantra. This is said to increase awareness, make the mind still, and clear. Another form of concentrative meditation is Transcendental Meditation, derived from the older Hindu practice of yoga japa. Propagated by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during the'60's, this soon became the preferred form of meditation for many. Also known as yoga nidra, the ultimate aim of this meditation is detachment of the mind.
Transcendental Meditation or yoga nidra, practiced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is also a type of concentrative meditation where the focus is on breathing in an out.
In Zen based meditation, one is expected to be conscious of everything in their vicinity. The practitioner has to sit in a quiet place and consciously observe thoughts, situations, memories, images or worries and so on. Sensations sounds and smells are experienced here without any emotional involvement. A person gains clarity and becomes calm. France's Thich Nhat Hanh`s vipassana, a Zen based technique, teaches a person to concentrate on the present. One is taught to do this by observing the breath and the sensations in the body. This helps one attain perfect concentration, blocking out outside distractions. - 31856
