What is meditation? A simple question with a simple and complex answer. 40 years of practice and the art of meditation remains both simple and complex. It would be cumbersome to look at all types and approaches to meditation in one article.

This article will deal with the most common styles of meditation. Meditation can be found in almost all religions and spiritual practices.

MEDITATION: A basic definition: A private or group mental exercise in which absorption and reflection techniques are used to reach a heighten level of spiritual awareness through contemplation and concentration

The key to understanding meditation is to practice it.

The language of words can't substitute for the perception meditation practice gives.

The art of meditation has existed in most religions since ancient times. Meditation techniques frequently vary from region to region and group to group.

The common link between most forms of meditation is that they slow or halt the intense mental tape that runs through our minds (example: how to I pay the bills, what is for dinner and get stress relief from emotional situations in life).

What is not commonly realized is that the mental tape or thoughts doesn't usually instantly go away. Like all forms of exercise it takes practice and even meditators with many years of experience frequently need to slow the tape before the mind clears.

It can take a few minutes or an hour or more depending on the state you were in when you started to meditate. So if you find you are still having thoughts during meditation it isn't a failure at all. The mental cleanse is a necessary part of meditation and often solutions present themselves during meditation as situations flow through the mind from our subconscious.

Try distracting the senses by keeping the senses busy. Try a chanting meditation preferably with a mudra (scared hand position) to focus on and perhaps eye candy in the form of a mandala (sacred eye candy). Focus your mind on the breath. If you can control the breath you can control the mind. Think about it. Excited you breath quickly. A slow deep even breath can make a huge difference in your mental state.

Meditation allows the breath and the mind to calm and heal your body mind and spirit. It is a peaceful center point within the mind that is ever expanding..

What are the goals of meditation? Another good question! In prayer we talk to the creator and the creative forces of the universe. In meditation we strive to allow the universe without and within to speak taking the practitioner to an elevated state of awareness or consciousness.

The sound current is an expanded radio like frequency or vibration that is both transmitted and received. It is the "Word" that formed creation and resonates through all things. This sound current frequency is utilized while listening to the universe or chanting. It fills the practitioner with a new and effective input. It finds the unstruck sound outside the confines of the mind. Mantra makes a path between the seen and unseen world.

I traced the basics of meditation in this brief explanation and a few common meditation exercises to explore are given.

It is helpful when meditating to do light physical exercise before meditating. Yoga warm ups or light stretching would also be very helpful and are my personal preference.

The reasons exercise is helpful in meditation preparation is another article. I know people who have successfully prepare for meditation with aerobics, running, walking, mountain climbing and exercise programs on TV geared to their age group and fitness level. Please take into account your age and fitness level before exercising.

MANTRA Sacred Sounds

INCENSE: Sacred Scents

MANDALA: Sacred Circles

MALAS OR PRAYER BEADSMUDRAS: Sacred beads

That about covers the basics of meditation.

Still work in progress I will be adding meditations to try. Breathwork and more.

I wrote this article in response to being asked several times what is meditation.

Find more things to try on the links page.

Sat Nam, Namaste and Blessings to All,

Dayakaur