meditation Essay -- essays research papers

Meditation is defined as a mind-body technique, which practices awareness, and induces tranquility in order to connect the mind and the body. It is also described as â€Å"mental fasting,† implying clearing and cleansing of the mind by the absence of distractions and negative emotions (Leikin, 2003). It has shown to benefit its users psychologically, physically, as well as spiritually. Meditation works by bringing about a relaxed and healthy state by physiologically and biochemically altering the body. It is characterized as a state of rest, while allowing the body to become more alert. This is accomplished through a dramatic decrease in metabolism, in turn, relaxing breathing patterns, and thus slowing activity within the nervous system. Upon completion of meditation one is more likely to show faster reactions to certain stimuli, a greater level of creativity, and a more conscious understanding and comprehension (ICBS Inc., 2004). Vast health and spiritual benefits can be ob served, as well. This paper will describe and discuss how meditation came about, the context in which it was used in the past, reasons for its use as compared to modern uses, as well as, ways in which meditating can heal the body and soul. It will also compare different forms of meditation, including; what each method entails, examples of postures to achieve each method, and results that can be achieved. Meditation was originally practiced spirituality in many ancient religions, including Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and most commonly, Buddhism. The founder of Buddhism, Siddharta Gotama became the master of the art of meditation and went on to teach it to his followers. He became known as â€Å"Buddha,† (â€Å"Enlightened or Awakened One.†) (Saunders, 2000). Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest and largest religions, starting over 2500 years ago. With Buddha as their leader (not as their God), followers learn the Four Noble Truths; First, â€Å"all existence is suffering,† secondly, â€Å"there is a cause for this suffering,† third, â€Å"the cause may be brought to an end,† and fourth, â€Å"the discipline necessary to bring it to an end is enlightenment (also known as, Buddhism)† (Saunders, 2000). Buddhists basic beliefs entail interconnectedness with everyone and everything, there is no beginning and no end (which involves the concept of reincarnation), and the law of â€Å"cause and effect,† or kharma. (Saunders, 200... ...ing From Within. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 1980 Leikin, Jerrold B. American Medical Association Complete Medical Encyclopedia: Meditation. New York: Random House Reference. 2003. Leikin, Jerrold B. American Medical Association Complete Medical Encyclopedia: Transcendental Meditation. New York: Random House Reference. 2003 Lukoff, David. History of Meditation as a Clinical Intervention. 2002. www.virtualcs.com Saunders, E. Dale. Encyclopedia Americana International Edition: Buddha and Buddhism. Volume 4. Connecticut: Grolier Inc. 2000. Smith, Dr. Joseph F. Medical Library: Meditation. October 13, 2004. www.chclibrary.org/micromed/00056320 The Institute for Applied Meditation, Inc. Heart Rhythm Practice. 2004. www.appliedmeditation.org/Heart_Rhythm_Practice.shtml Trivieri, Jr., Larry. The American Holistic Medical Association Guide To Holistic Health: Healing Therapies For Optimal Wellness. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2001.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   White, Charles S. J. Encyclopedia Americana International Edition: Mantra. Volume 18. Connecticut: Grolier Inc. 2000. Zen Mind International. Meditation. 2004. www.zenmind.com/meditation.html