The Quiet Mind: An Introduction to Meditation

By Desmond Gahan

Meditation is a practice where an individual operates or trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or for the mind to simply acknowledge its content without becoming identified with that content, or as an end in itself.

The term meditation refers to a broad variety of practices that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life force (qi, ki, prana, etc.) and develop compassion, love, patience, generosity, and forgiveness. A particularly ambitious form of meditation aims at effortlessly sustained single-pointed concentration meant to enable its practitioner to enjoy an indestructible sense of well-being while engaging in any life activity.

The word meditation carries different meanings in different contexts. Meditation has been practiced since antiquity as a component of numerous religious traditions and beliefs.Meditation often involves an internal effort to self-regulate the mind in some way. Meditation is often used to clear the mind and ease many health concerns, such as high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. It may be done sitting, or in an active way—for instance, Buddhist monks involve awareness in their day-to-day activities as a form of mind-training. Prayer beads or other ritual objects are commonly used during meditation in order to keep track of or remind the practitioner about some aspect of that training.

Meditation may involve generating an emotional state for the purpose of analyzing that state—such as anger, hatred, etc.—or cultivating a particular mental response to various phenomena, such as compassion. The term "meditation" can refer to the state itself, as well as to practices or techniques employed to cultivate the state. Meditation may also involve repeating a mantra and closing the eyes. The mantra is chosen based on its suitability to the individual meditator. Meditation has a calming effect and directs awareness inward until pure awareness is achieved, described as "being awake inside without being aware of anything except awareness itself." In brief, there are dozens of specific styles of meditation practice, and many different types of activity commonly referred to as meditative practices.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sepharial
• Release date: Jul 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386210276

Desmond Gahan

Desmond Gahan BA., (Dip. Applied Psychology) is the author and publisher of many non fiction books. His special area is psychology and psychopathology. He lives in Dublin Ireland.

Book preview

Introduction

Why have psychologists and psychiatrists become extremely busy these days? The answer is pretty simple.

Research has shown that a huge number of people find it extremely difficult to cope with the stress and strain of this highly demanding world.

When they cannot find a solution to various issues, they inevitably go to qualified professionals for help and that is exactly why they have become inundated with work.

Various studies have shown that seeking professional assistance makes a positive impact in the lives of a good number of people but it has not yet succeeded fully in improving the mental health of the people up to the desired levels. That is exactly where meditation steps in.

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The Universal Appeal Of Meditation

Various people process things differently. For example; eating habits of different people vary and other aspects like the way they understand information. Healing and restoring power of the people also differ with individuals.

Because of this aspect, medical practitioners and other related professionals working in the field of mental health cannot advocate the same method of treatment for all people.

In such a situation, the significance of meditation becomes all the more relevant and it can be said without any doubt that you can advocate meditation for each and every individual who suffers from stress.

It can be practiced by anybody irrespective of age or gender and and the recent trends indicate that the popularity of meditation has increased exponentially, especially in the last 10 years or so.

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What Makes Meditation Universally Appealing?

Meditation makes you mentally, as well as physically healthy. It influences your mind in a positive manner and when you persevere with practicing meditation, you will be blessed with clarity of