Monday, August 20, 2007

Introduction to Meditation

Since I have been asked to co-moderate a group concentrating on meditation, I thought I may post my articles here as well.

The first is Introduction to Meditation

I suspect this group will deal with all facets and forms of meditation and its results. The way we all learn is by sharing, asking and answering, so don't hesitate if you have a comment, a question or an experience to share. We are all students and we are all teachers.

On the spiritual level, there is really no fundamental difference between meditation and prayer. People of all faiths, or no faith may practice meditation and benefit from it. There are many benefits of meditation including stress release and promoting physical healing. As you are aware, I follow my own path, on my own journey, but that does not conflict with any other path or journey.

Many of us set up a small personal area, with those things that have meaning to us, and follow a short ritual before meditation and after. This is simply a way to prepare the body and mind for the meditation to come. It separates the meditation from our daily chores, worries and life.

This is a quote from a friend that says it very well indeed. "Spirituality is a personal thing, and cannot be dictated. Meditation can enable us to find the path that leads us to higher realization and well-being."

2 comments:

Paul said...

I've always wished "contemplative prayer," in distinction from petitionary prayer - where you basically ask God for a special favor - hadn't been largely relegated to monasteries in the West. Asking favors seems to be more popular, but personally I've found contemplation more meaningful.

Zareba said...

Thanks for your comments, Paul. I am inclined to agree with you. Since I believe that the Creator knows what I need better than I do, I tend to leave my wellbeing in his capable hands. ...Z