How to Meditate

In this hectic pace of life, more and more people are turning to meditation as a way to relax and reduce stress. Fortunately, research shows there are actual benefits to meditation which show up in brain scans. So for the skeptical, there is evidence that meditation produces desirable results. Stress reduction is a number one basis for good health.

How to Meditate

The big question for many is how to meditate. Terms such as mindful meditation, guided meditation and other meditation techniques abound. Scripture is a good reference for a starting point in understanding meditation.

Using Strong's Concordance of the King James Version of the bible, meditation means:

Hebrew 1902. higgayown, hig-gaw-yone; intens. from Hebrew 1897;
a murmuring sound, a musical notation (prob. similar to the modern affettuoso
to indicate solemnity of movement); a machination, device, meditation, solemn sound
Reflection - concentration of the mind, careful consideration
Deliberate - to take careful thought, to consult with another in reaching a decision,
ponder, premeditated

Mindful Meditation

From these descriptive terms, we can see what is called mindful meditation, which is concentration of the mind. In mindful meditation, one concentrates on calmness and at the same time, notices thoughts but takes no action with the thoughts. These thoughts are dismissed because they are the result of what some call the monkey mind, which is a very busy mind. Mindful meditation can also be practiced all day long as one goes about their duty.

Guided Meditation

Guided meditations are usually considered a practice of listening to music or someone leading a meditation. One could also say that mindful meditation is guided because as thoughts arise, the mediator guides the focus to silence and past thoughts.

Meditation Techniques

From Vedic scriptures, we learn about mantras which are spoken and sung. Again, from the Hebrew word for meditation above, "solemn sound"could easily be a mantra. Some other meditation techniques are to focus on a sacred symbol or ones breathing. All of these techniques are to bring the mind into what is called one-pointed focus, which requires concentration.

One-pointed Focus

This one-pointed focus eventually produces a silent mind which results a clearer mind and peace. Scriptures indicate there is a peace that passeth understanding and once meditation is mastered, this is the result because the mind is at rest as testified by inmates at a prison in Alabama. Prison officials state they see behavior problems reduced by those inmates who take part in the meditation program.

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Sources:

New York Times
Strong's Concordance