The original site this came from is long gone, so this has been rescued from the Wayback Machine.
The views here are those of the author, and are presented for archival purposes.
I have made layout changes, but otherwise left the grammer alone. ~Sphynx
WHAT IS MEDITATION?
The basic idea generally associated with why
people meditate is that during our day we are constantly subjected to sensory
input and our minds are always active in the process of thinking. We read
the newspaper, study books, write reports, engage in conversation, solve problems,
etc. etc. Typically, as we do these normal activities we engage in a constant
mental commentary, sort of an inner "The Drama of Me." Usually people
aren't fully aware of all the mental thought activity that we are constantly
engaged in.
Meditation allows all this activity to settle down, and often results in
the mind becoming more peaceful, calm and focused. In essence, meditation
allows the awareness to become 'rejuvenated'.
Meditation can be considered a technique, or practice. It usually involves
concentrating on an object, such as a flower, a candle, a sound or word, or
the breath. Over time, the number of random thoughts occurring diminishes.
More importantly, your attachment to these thoughts, and your identification
with them, progressively become less. The meditator may get caught up in a
thought pattern, but once he/she becomes aware of this, attention is gently
brought back to the object of concentration. Meditation can also be objectless,
for example consisting of just sitting.
Experiences during meditation probably vary significantly from one individual
to another, or at least if different techniques are involved. Relaxation,
increased awareness, mental focus and clarity, and a sense of peace are the
most common byproducts of meditation. While much has been written about the
benefits of meditation, the best attitude is not to have any expectations
when practicing. Having a sense of expectation of (positive) results is likely
to create unnecessary strain in the practice.
As well, since meditation involves becoming more aware and more sensitive
to what is within you, facing unpleasant parts of oneself may well be part
of meditation. Regardless of the experience, the meditator should try to be
aware of the experience and of any attachment to it.
Failure to experience silence, peace of mind, mental clarity, bliss, or other
promoted benefit of meditation is not in itself a sign of incorrect practice
or that one can't concentrate properly or concentrate enough to be good at
meditation. Whether one experiences peace or bliss is not what is important.
What is generally considered important in meditation is that one is regular
with their meditation -every day- and that one make a reasonable effort, but
not strain, to remain with the object of concentration during the practice.
With regular practice one inevitably acquires an increased understanding of
and proficiency with the particular meditation technique.
Some people use the formal concentrative meditation as a preliminary step
to practicing a mindfulness meditation during the day where one tries to maintain
a calm but increased awareness of one's thoughts and actions during the day.
For some people, meditation is primarily a spiritual practice, and in some
cases the meditation practice may be closely tied to the practice of a religion
such as, for example, Hinduism or Buddhism.
HOW IS MEDITATION DEFERENT FROM
RELAXATION, THINKING, CONCENTRATION OR SELF-HYPNOSIS?
Relaxation
Relaxation is a common byproduct of meditation. Relaxation itself
can assume many forms, such as taking a hot bath or reclining in the Lazy-boy
and watching TV, etc. Meditation is an active process where the meditator
remains fully aware of what the awareness is doing. It also attempts to transcend
the thought process whereas many forms of relaxation still engage the thought
process. Meditation allows the body to relax and can offset the effects of
stress both mentally and physically to a potentially much greater degree than
passive relaxation.
Thinking
Thoughts generally consume energy in the process of their formation.
Constant thought-activity, especially of random nature, can tire the mind
and even bring on headache. Meditation attempts to transcend this crude level
of thought activity. Through regular practice one becomes aware that they
are not their thoughts but that there is an awareness that exists independent
of thought. Descartes ("I think, therefore I am") obviously was
not a regular meditator!
Concentration
Meditation begins with concentration, but after an initial period
of concentration, thought activity decreases and keeping the awareness focused
becomes more spontaneous. At this point the person may or may not continue
to employ the object of concentration.
Self-hypnosis
Self-hypnosis, like meditation, involves at least an initial period
of concentration on an object. However in hypnosis one does not try to maintain
an awareness of the here-and-now, or to stay conscious of the process. Instead
one essentially enters a sort of semiconscious trance.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT MEDITATION
TECHNIQUES ?
Meditation involves concentrating on something to take our attention beyond
the random thought activity that is usually going on in our heads. This can
involve a solid object or picture, a mantra, breath, or guided visualization.
Typical objects employed include a candle flame or a flower. Some people
use pictures, such as a mandala - a highly colored symmetric painting - or
a picture of a spiritual teacher in a high meditative state. Mantras are sounds
which have a flowing, meditative quality and may be repeated out loud or inwardly.
The breath is also a common focal point. Finally, guided visualization is
also considered by some to be a form of meditation. A guided visualization
can help to bring one into a meditative state; also, visualization may be
used once a meditative state has been reached to produce various results.
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR ME?
There is no "right" meditation technique for everybody. Some techniques
work better for certain people while other techniques work better for other
people. The important thing is to find what works for you.
WHAT ARE THE ABC'S OF MEDITATION?
There are a few recommended guidelines for meditation:
- It should be done every day, preferably at the same time
- It should preferably be done before a meal rather than after a meal
- A spot should be set aside for meditation, which should be a quiet place
and used for nothing but meditation
- One should sit with the spine straight and vertical (a chair is OK to
use)
IS THERE ANY RELIGIOUS IMPLICATION
OR AFFILIATION WITH MEDITATION?
Meditation has been and still is a central practice in eastern religions,
for contacting "God" or one's higher Self. Christianity also has
semblances of meditation, such as the biblical statement "The kingdom
of heaven is within you". Churches have a meditative atmosphere.
Meditation deals with contacting something within us that is peaceful, calm,
rejuvenating, and meaningful. Whether one calls this something "God"
or "soul" or "the inner child" or "theta-wave activity"
or "peace" or "silence" is not important. It is there
and anyone can benefit from it regardless of what they believe.
Most people in the world have already meditated. If you have relaxed looking
at a beautiful sunset, allowing your thoughts to quiet down, this is close
to meditation. If you have been reading a book for awhile, then put it down
to take a break and just sat there quietly and peacefully for a few minutes
without thinking, this is close to meditation.
DOES MEDITATION HAVE ANY ETHICAL
IMPLICATIONS?
In many traditions meditation practice is a means for reinforcing ethical
qualities. In these traditions, calmness of mind, peacefulness and happiness
are possible in meditation and in life generally only if they are accompanied
by the observance of ethical norms of behaviour.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO MEDITATE?
While meditation is beneficial at any time, most people who meditate agree
that early morning is the best time to meditate. Part of the reason is that
it is said that in early morning the hustle-and-bustle of the world has not
yet begun and so it is easier to establish a meditative atmosphere. Having
an early morning meditation also lets us carry some of the energy and peace
of the meditation into our daily activities.
Many people also meditate either before dinner or later in the evening. Others
also meditate at noon. A short meditation at these times allows one to throw
off some of the accumulated stress of the workday and become rejuvenated for
further activity. An important consideration is when your schedule will allow
you to meditate. Having a time of the day set aside for meditation helps in
maintaining regularity.
WHY DO SOME PEOPLE USE MUSIC
WHEN MEDITATING?
Meditative music (not rock-n-roll !) can help in establishing a meditative
atmosphere. Also, some people find meditation relatively easy but find that
the hard thing is to actually get themselves to sit down and start their meditation.
Music can help make this easier. Some people use music quite often while others
prefer silent meditation and never use it.
SHOULD I MEDITATE WITH MY EYES
OPEN OR CLOSED?
Different traditions give different answers. Closing your eyes may contribute
to drowsiness and sleepiness--if that's the case for you then try opening
them a little. Opening your eyes may be distracting. If that's the case try
closing your eyes or direct your gaze on a blank wall (Zen-style). Or try
with the eyes open halfway or a bit more, the gaze unfocussed and directed
downward, but keeping the head erect with the chin slightly tucked in. Sometimes
meditators experience headaches from focussing on a spot too close to the
eyes (perhaps closer than three feet). Whether focussed or unfocussed, the
gaze should be relaxed in order to prevent eyestrain or headache.
Experiment and see what works for you and then stick with your choice of
technique. If you are using a candle, flower, or other visual object in your
meditation then here the technique itself requires your eyes to be at least
partly open.
WHAT ARE THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
OF MEDITATION?
The most common physiological effects of meditation are reduced blood pressure,
lower pulse rate, decreased metabolic rate and changes in the concentration
of serum levels of various substances.
WHEN I MEDITATE I EXPERIENCE
PHYSICAL PAIN IN MY BODY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Sensations (itching/aches/pains/etc.) can arise in the body when meditating
for several reasons. Sometimes the cause is just an uncomfortable posture--make
sure that your posture is comfortable under normal circumstances. Other times
the cause is that sensations in the body are more noticeable in meditation.
The body and mind are calmer and you are able to notice more details in your
bodily experience. It is often interesting to simply observe these sensations
in your body : to use them as the objects of meditation. Sometimes these sensations
just go away without your having to move or change your posture. Remember
that a quiet body contributes to a quiet mind.
HOW LONG SHOULD I MEDITATE?
When first learning meditation it is usually not possible to meditate for
more than 10-15 minutes. After regular practice for awhile, one becomes able
to meditate for longer periods of time. Many people meditate twice-daily for
20-30 minutes each time, but the right duration and frequency is for each
individual to decide.
DO I NEED A TEACHER?
It is theoretically possible to learn meditation from a book. However most
people who teach and practice meditation agree that a teacher can be an invaluable
aid in learning a meditation technique and making sure it is practiced correctly.
The beginner will usually have several questions which a teacher will be able
to answer. Also, learning with a group of people, e.g. a meditation class,
allows you to experience the benefit of meditating with a group of people.
Most people find that they have some of their best meditations while meditating
in a group, because there is a collective energy and focus present.
Various individuals and groups teach meditation. Some charge and some do
not. Many different techniques are taught, some more spiritual in nature and
others mainly concerned with stress-reduction and gaining a little peace of
mind. As always, the important thing is finding what works for you.
This article is presented as part of an ongoing effort to present other views outside of, as well as within, the online vampire community. Those of us who consider ourselves vampiric don't always look at things from the same viewpoint due to our life experiences. As such, the views and opinions contained in this article are entirely those of the author(s), and may not necessarily be shared by SphynxCatVP. The webmaster is not under obligation to update or otherwise keep current the contents of this article. Most importantly, only you can decide for yourself whether this article or any of the author(s) other views are useful or applicable to you - you are responsible for using your own reasoning and judgement, so judge wisely.
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