Wanting Serenity Learn To Meditate |
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| By Allan Ryckman |
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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. When the mind is quietened and yet focused a feeling of peace and well being results. This emotional state is often associated with religious experience but is not necessarily religious. Inner peace and quiet may be emotional and even spiritual without fitting into the category of religious experience. 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. The health benefits of meditation may not be scientifically well documented, but that goes for many aspects of health. Doctors are often slow to talk about the role of stress in health issues but it is common knowledge that various kinds of stress do play significant roles in disease and health afflictions. It seems to be a logical assumption that if stress can be reduced simply through the force of the mind and will there will be health benefits. 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. |
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| Article Source: http://interpret.zar.vg | ||||
| About The Author Learn to meditate and live a peaceful life. You can get tips on how to meditate on our website at www.meditationgeneration.com now. |
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