|
For peace of mind one has to learn to meditate. It does not come as naturally as thinking, ruminating or contemplating. Meditation implies concentrated mental effort of a particular kind. It means focusing the mind deeply on a single subject. The philosopher who fell in a hole as he was walking along reflecting was not meditating. Had he been meditating he would have been sitting still. Movement disrupts meditation and distracts the mind. As in the case of the hole, sudden accidents and developments destroy the stillness that is a requisite for meditation. Similarly, concentration upon a single mathematical conundrum or literary question is not meditation. Although the academic might have great powers of concentration that keep his mind focused on a single issue, wrestling with a problem is not meditation because the peace and quiet factor is not present. The mind is likely to be stimulated and challenged but not stilled, as it is by meditation. Diverse religions use meditation as means of prosecuting their purposes. However, in itself the practice of meditation is not the preserve of any one religion. Religion and meditation may have the same outcomes but it is not necessary to subscribe to a particular religious dogma in order to learn how to meditate. Religion and meditation do have much in common. People in both spheres are seeking a higher state of being, particularly in the spiritual sphere. They often sacrifice physical pleasure in the interests of spiritual upliftment. Will power and discipline are usually important and often it is found useful to recite a mantra, or a prayer that helps to focus the mind. The words 'know thyself' have been found inscribed in ancient religious temples, particularly in Asia. This is something that is a possible outcome of meditation and is part of the peace and calm that is sought through the practice. In order to acquire such knowledge discipline must be exercised. It is well known that suffering and hardship season the soul. Meditation may have the same effect, but without damage. People who have practiced meditation for some time often begin to experience health benefits. This may not be so surprising in light of the fact that it probably helps to reduce stress by widening the individual perspective and helping him a person to get priorities in the right order. It is well known that stress is one of the prime reasons for ill health, so stress reduction and good health should fit together logically. It is not easy to learn to meditate. Time must be set aside for stillness and busy people do not always feel that sitting still and concentrating the mind on a single subject is something that they have time for. At first they may fret as they close themselves away from urgent demands upon their attention. It has to be understood that doing what may seem irrelevant does have long term significance as a time saving practice. Moreover, once the art of meditation has been learnt the daily session can becomes so satisfying that it may easily be accepted as a priority.
Related Articles -
learn, to, meditate,
| 
