The question "what is meditation?" is an easy yet somewhat complicated question to answer. The descriptive terms most people are familiar with are words like focused, centered, relaxed, insight, and trance-like. All of which describe either meditative states or benefits of incorporating this practice into daily life.
Achievement of these meditative states can be accomplished through a variety of techniques. Some of these techniques include the use of prayer, chanting, bells, breathing, music, and binaural beats, also known as brain entrainment. I personally use a combination of all of these methods for entering meditative states.
Dictionary Definition's of Meditation
Depending on which dictionary you consult, you are likely to find very different definitions for this term as evidenced below.
For instance, the Merriam-Webster dictionary describes it as "a discourse intended to express its author's reflections or to guide others in contemplation."
Dictionary.com uses several definitions to define meditation. Two of the more appropriate ones, at least for this discussion; are:
- Continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation.
- Devout religious contemplation or spiritual introspection.
Another dictionary, The Soka Gakkai Dictionary of Buddhism, provides yet another definition. They define the term meditation as:
"The practice of focusing the mind on one point in order to purify the spirit, eradicate illusions, and perceive the truth."
Meditative Focal Points
For my tastes, I think the last definition above is probably the most applicable for the purpose of this discussion. I would add though that when the definition says "focusing the mind on one point" it doesn't necessarily mean an external point like a Buddha or Blessed Mother statue or some other religious or spiritual picture or object. No, these external focal points can also include a candle flame, incense smoke, a picture of someone, or whatever YOU choose to focus on.
Meditative focal points are not limited to external objects. They can also include internal objects of focus and often do. For instance: focusing on your own breath while meditating is a very common practice. Other internal focal points can include: a thought you might be having, a prayer, a person you might be praying for or thinking about, a mantra etc.
Remember: this is your practice and your spirituality. Modify and customize it to meet your particular needs.
In Summary...
The truth is every major and probably all the minor world religions, have some type of meditative or contemplative component in their practice. So, whether you're a Christian, Muslim, Wiccan, or Jew, you have probably been or currently are exposed to some form of meditation.
And for the lay practitioner, reaching a meditation stage can be more easily achieved through the use of various audio CD's and other devices. Binaural beats / brain entrainment, and other "meditation assistance" type programs like:
- The Silva Method - includes The Silva Life System and The Silva Mind Power Center
- Nightingale Conant - carries a number of meditation and other life transformation titles
- Centerpointe Holosync Technology
...are all very reputable self-help programs that have aided users in improving their meditation practice and other areas of life. I haven't actually used any of the Silva Method CD's, but I have heard and read many good things about their programs.
So, defining "what is meditation?" as I previously stated, is an easy and at the same time complicated concept to describe. As with anything, the results will vary from person to person. Your meditative achievements will be directly influenced by the amount of effort you put in.
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