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What is meditation?

When defining meditation, the general answer is, calming the mind, physical stimulation, and the mind becomes stable. But this definition does not end there. The depth of the word 'meditation' is very vast. The intention behind this is that all ordinary beings should get some degree of peace of mind.

Human life is constantly full of ups and downs. Due to competition, stress, expectations, failure, success in the external world, a person loses peace of mind. At such times, meditation is an invaluable tool to keep the mind stable, identify oneself and achieve balance in life. Meditation is not just sitting with eyes closed, it is a deep inward journey. In this journey, we become one with our mind, breath, thoughts and finally with the soul. Becoming one with the soul is the last symptom of meditation, before that, concentrating the mind will be the first step of meditation.

Meditation is not just a religious or spiritual practice. It is equally beneficial for mental health, emotional balance, and physical well-being. In modern times, scientists have also conducted many experiments on the benefits of meditation and have acknowledged its effectiveness.

The concept of meditation

The word "meditation" comes from the Sanskrit language. 'Dh' means to hold, to concentrate, and 'yana' means to go or travel. This means that meditation is to concentrate the mind on one place, one thought or one truth and travel within it, to rein in or control the mind that is running around in various thoughts.

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Types of meditation

1. Meditation can be done in many ways. Meditation has been given different places in every tradition, religion and philosophy. Some of the important types are as follows 

   Breath Meditation:

   Breathing is the basic foundation of meditation. Focusing on the breath is the simplest and most effective method of meditation. Being aware of the breath going in and out is breathing meditation.

   Mantra Meditation:

   Continuously chanting a sacred word, mantra or sound and focusing on it. Such as “Om”, “Ram”, “Hari” etc. While the mind is becoming still, meditating on some name helps to stop the storm of thoughts arising in the mind.

   Trataka Meditation:

   Continuously looking at a point, light or image without taking your eyes off it. This stabilizes the mind. In this, all the mental states of the mind are concentrated and fixed on the point, concentrating the mind.

   Vipassana Meditation:

   Absolute observation of one's own thoughts, feelings, actions and reactions. This method was taught by Gautam Buddha.

   Dhyana Yoga:

   The meditation described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In this, the state of meditation comes after asana and pranayam

2. Why is meditation necessary?

   In today's fast-paced world, people are surrounded by many problems. Anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, irritability, weakness - all these problems have become an integral part of life. Meditation is a natural and effective solution to this.

   For mental health: Meditation reduces the rush of thoughts. It gives relief from negative thoughts.

   For emotional balance: Emotions like anger, hatred, jealousy remain under control.

   For physical health: Regular meditation keeps blood pressure under control, reduces stress in the brain and improves sleep.

   For spiritual growth: Through meditation, a person looks into his inner world and does self-reflection.

3. Simple method of meditation

   Meditation is not difficult, but consistency is important. Here is a simple method:

   Choose a quiet and clean place.

   Sit in a comfortable position or chair with your spine straight.

   Close your eyes.

   Breathe slowly and deeply.

   Do not forcefully stop your thoughts, just observe them as they come and go.

   Focus on your breathing.

   5 to 10 minutes is enough at first. Then gradually increase the time.

• Benefits of Meditation

  The benefits of meditation are not limited to spiritual limits but have also been scientifically proven.

  Memory and concentration increase.

  Anxiety and stress decrease.

  It has a positive effect on blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. The body becomes healthy by removing impurities from the body. Digestion improves.

  The quality of sleep improves.

  Creativity increases.

  Relationships improve because a person becomes more patient and understanding.

Scientific Perspective

Several studies have proven that during meditation, the activity of neurons in the brain changes. Alpha waves increase, which calms the mind. Experiments conducted on “Mindfulness Meditation” have shown that the brain of those who meditate regularly becomes more stable and positive. The negativity of the mind decreases and the mind becomes stable

Meditation in Indian Tradition

Meditation has a very important place in Indian culture. All traditions like Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Buddhism, Jainism have considered meditation as an essential part of life. In the Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that the mind cannot be stabilized without meditation. Buddha attained enlightenment through meditation. Saints showed the path of self-knowledge through meditation.

Problems faced while meditating

Initially, the mind wanders.

Our daily thoughts do not stop and we fall asleep. This happens because we are not in the habit of meditating. Concentration cannot be achieved.

The solution to this is patience and consistency. Meditate for a short time in the beginning and gradually increase the practice.

Meditation is a lifestyle

Meditation is not just an action, it is a lifestyle. When we walk, eat, talk, we do it consciously. For this, it feels convenient if we meditate by taking Naam. If meditation is not limited to a specific time but is made a part of daily life, then true peace of mind is achieved.

Conclusion

Meditation is a bridge that connects zero-self with our being. It takes a person from the noise of the external world to an inward journey. Mental peace, physical health, emotional balance and spiritual upliftment can all be achieved through meditation.

In today's time, meditation is not just a matter of spirituality, but a lifestyle essential for a healthy and happy life. Therefore, everyone should devote at least a few minutes a day to meditation.