Significance of Meditation practice
Meditation practice, according to the provided texts, is a multifaceted concept. It is often described as a discipline involving focused mental concentration, mindfulness, and introspection. Practices range from techniques for calming the mind, reducing stress, and enhancing mental clarity to spiritual exercises aimed at achieving deeper self-awareness, insight, and a connection with higher consciousness or the divine. The texts highlight its role in various religious, philosophical, and health contexts, emphasizing its potential for spiritual growth, improved well-being, and the cultivation of inner peace.
Synonyms: Mindfulness practice, Contemplative practice, Reflective practice, Mindfulness exercise, Spiritual practice
In Dutch: Meditatie oefening; In Finnish: Meditaatioharjoitus; In Spanish: Práctica de meditación; In German: Meditationspraxis; In Malay: Amalan meditasi; In Swedish: Meditationsövning; In French: Pratique de la méditation; In Dutch: Meditatiebeoefening; In Italian: Pratica di meditazione; In Portugese: Prática de meditação; In Polish: Praktyka medytacji; In Dutch: Meditatieoefening
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Meditation practice'
Meditation practice in Buddhism is a disciplined mental process cultivating mindfulness, insight, and clarity. It involves focusing the mind through various techniques to understand one's true nature, overcome attachments, and achieve spiritual growth. This practice, central to enlightenment, complements study and contemplation.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The activity undertaken by the young monk, which involves focusing the mind to gain insight and overcome attachments.[1] (2) Techniques applied in Buddhism to develop mindfulness, concentration, and insight into the nature of reality.[2] (3) The process through which novice monk Pandita disciplined his mind after observing the actions of skilled workers.[3] (4) Spiritual exercises aimed at achieving mental clarity and insight.[4] (5) The act of focusing the mind, which the young monks struggled to maintain due to Padhanikatissa's ineffective teaching approach.[5]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) This is described as something Bhikkhus engage in for several hours after stopping their walking cankama, after which they stop and rest.[6] (2) Meditation practice is a time when the Acariya would think of the tiger to rouse his citta, and the text describes how this practice helped him achieve calmness and develop metta.[7] (3) Venerable Acharn Mun contemplated for a long time before he started eating as if he were doing a meditation practice.[8] (4) Meditation practice is not good for Dhutanga Bhikkhus who are very rich because they are sluggish and tired, and those who aim for the "shore" of Nibbana are very careful, watchful and strict with themselves and are not thinking only of their mouths and stomachs, nor how difficult and hard it is.[9] (5) This is the act of focusing the mind on a specific object or concept to cultivate awareness and insight, in two methods.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Through this practice, concentration gets stronger, hindrances fall off, and defilements are quelled, leading to pure and effective faculties.[11] (2) The monk Gotama is one who has given up meditation practices. At the time when the monk Gotama was engaged in meditation practices in Uruvelia Forest.[12] (3) A discipline Venerable Meghiya desired to engage in, which the Buddha initially prohibited due to his lack of maturity in understanding.[13] (4) The discipline encouraged among bhikkhus to focus on the unpleasant nature of existence, leading to spiritual development and enlightenment.[14] (5) The methods and techniques that a noble bhikkhu should develop, including aspects of observing precepts.[15]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) An exercise undertaken to enhance mindfulness and concentration, allowing deeper insights into the nature of mental events.[16]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) This was performed by the acarya, and it played a role in his spiritual journey, as he sought to understand the Ultimate Essence.[17] (2) Techniques and routines used to focus the mind, typically involving stillness and contemplation, for spiritual development.[18] (3) A crucial aspect of the spiritual path that rin chen mgon dedicated himself to extensively.[19] (4) The systematic approach to cultivating mindfulness and concentration, which was central to dus gsum mkhyen pa's spiritual journey.[20] (5) A disciplined approach to achieve mental clarity and spiritual insight, emphasized by dam pa to kun dga’.[21]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) The act of focusing the mind through various techniques to attain clarity, insight, and a deeper understanding of reality.[22]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Support your meditation practice with a form practice, a practice which includes visualizing a form of the Buddha such as Shakyamuni, Manjushri, Tara, Avalokiteshvara, or any other.[23] (2) The disciplined approach to developing mindfulness and insight, seen as crucial for attaining enlightenment.[24] (3) The practice of meditation as explained by Tsoknyi Rinpoche, emphasizing how to use the 'Bodhisattva-caryavatara' text for personal development.[25] (4) A spiritual exercise aimed at achieving clarity and insight through awareness and renunciation.[26] (5) An essential component that complements study and contemplation, leading to liberation and deeper understanding of teachings.[27]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The act of engaging in meditation with the aim of realizing the imperturbability of the Essence of Mind and achieving clarity and peace in one's mind.[28]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Techniques that cultivate mindfulness and insight, essential for the realization of truth and the abandonment of suffering.[29]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The technique advocated in the Pratyutpannabuddha-sammukhavasthitasamadhisutra for focusing the mind and experiencing visions of the Buddhas through a concentrated session of meditation.[30]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Methods through which the Bodhisattva attains right remembrance and understanding, leading to realization of truths beyond worldly perspectives.[31]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) The text mentions meditation practices in Tibetan and Chinese Chan manuscripts from Dunhuang, analyzing these texts and concluding about the overlap between the texts.[32] (2) This refers to the practice that is being analyzed, and is not necessarily an individual practice performed in solitude, but 'meditative experiences' can reveal important information on the practitioner.[33] (3) This is the practice that caught the fancy of Americans in the fifties, as it directed individuals to be aware of what goes on in the mind, and Beat figures saw it as a technology for producing positive changes within American society.[34] (4) This phrase refers to teaching that is a largely modern phenomenon, which is commodified and marketed.[35]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) Ajahn Chah practiced meditation under the guidance of local Meditation Masters, highlighting the importance of meditation in his training.[36] (2) The application of various techniques to quiet the mind and increase awareness, including breath watching and posture management.[37]
Hindu concept of 'Meditation practice'
In Hinduism, meditation is a multifaceted practice. It encompasses techniques like mantra chanting, mindfulness, and focused contemplation, aiding in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and spiritual development. It's seen as a path to connect with the divine, reduce stress, and achieve higher states of consciousness through disciplined mental focus.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Meditation practices are a component of Yoga, and each school or type of Yoga has its own distinct emphasis regarding the relative content of meditation practices that create awareness and ultimately more profound states of consciousness.[38] (2) These are techniques that primarily affect the functions of the autonomic nervous system, serving as the connection between the brain and the body, according to the text.[39] (3) Meditation, including meditation on the Manipur Chakra, and “Aum” chanting, are recommended for a minimum duration of 10 minutes or more.[40] (4) The regular act of focusing the mind, leading to the calming of the sympathetic nervous system, the balancing of the endocrine system, and the strengthening of the immune system.[41] (5) Meditation practice is a component of yoga techniques and can promote sleep quality. Mindfulness Meditation, Nadanusandhana, and OM Chanting are examples of meditation practices.[42]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) The act of training the mind to focus and achieve a state of mental clarity. Shirodhara appears to evoke the relaxation response even without formal meditation practice.[43] (2) Focusing the mind and achieving a state of deep concentration or mindfulness, shown to reduce the physiological stress response.[44] (3) Engaging in this really aids the mother in preserving her composure and inner serenity, which benefits the spiritual well-being of the child.[45] (4) This is the practice of meditation that can induce a state of meditation, and can include the popular OM japa and ajapa japa, and is very important.[46] (5) This is a self-cultivating method that helps in releasing the mental stress of Gen Z pupils and is seen as an effective way to release mental stress, which involves effortless awareness of things in and around.[47]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Techniques and disciplines that cultivate mindfulness and concentration, vital in the pursuit of spiritual development in Buddhism.[48]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) The text discusses the clinical utility of meditation practice, emphasizing the need for in-depth studies to understand the effects of meditation on the brain.[49]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Meditation practices must be done in a specific order, which is shown by the word 'atha', because of the text that is provided.[50] (2) The act of engaging in meditation, which is suggested to be different from attaining Brahman-knowledge.[51] (3) An act of focusing the mind, often used as a spiritual discipline in an attempt to achieve a deeper understanding or connection with Brahman.[52] (4) The method through which one engages in focused contemplation on Brahman, influencing the outcomes in one's life.[53] (5) A method directed by Scripture that may lead to the attainment of the conditioned Brahman, but not to Brahman-knowledge.[54]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) Spiritual exercises designed to purify the mind and intellect, aiding in the attainment of higher knowledge.[55] (2) Spiritual techniques and exercises aimed at achieving introspection and realization of the Self.[56] (3) Refers to the efforts one undertakes to transcend create experiences and connect with the Absolute; it highlights the obstacles of desire and thinking.[57]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The discipline of focusing the mind in order to reach a deeper understanding or realization of Brahman.[58]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Regular engagement in meditation techniques, as instructed for achieving higher states of consciousness and purity.[59]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The various spiritual exercises undertaken by devotees aiming for understanding and connection with Brahman.[60]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The disciplined effort undertaken to quiet the mind and connect with higher consciousness.[61]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The methods and processes involved in concentrating one's mind towards spiritual enlightenment, such as focusing on the Self and the Divine.[62]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The act of using focused mental concentration, often aided by breath control, to enhance awareness and mental clarity.[63] (2) The act of regularly engaging in meditation to develop skills in posture and focus, leading to deeper states of awareness and tranquility.[64] (3) The act of focusing the mind and cultivating awareness, which plays a crucial role in achieving higher states of consciousness.[65] (4) Meditation practices encompass the various techniques and exercises that are foundational for the neophyte Yogi, with a focus on developing the qualities of Inclination, Energy, Memory, Meditation, and Discernment.[66]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The formal, scientific approach to meditation in raja yoga which encompasses various techniques for spiritual advancement.[67]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The disciplined effort a Yogi must engage in to avoid attachments and achieve higher states of consciousness.[68]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Spiritual exercises, such as standing in water or keeping the eyes closed, aimed at achieving self-discipline and mental focus.[69] (2) Spiritual exercises that individuals with a preponderating quality of Sattva engage in to attain the position of 'Brahman.'[70]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Techniques such as listening, reflecting, and constant contemplation aimed at achieving spiritual insight.[71]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The act of focusing one's mind for a period of time, often for religious or spiritual purposes, referred to as 'dhyanam' in the text.[72]
Jain concept of 'Meditation practice'
In Jainism, meditation is a discipline for spiritual focus and enlightenment, exemplified by Vajranabha. It cultivates concentration and mindfulness, which are hindered by sexual activity. This practice leads to steadfastness and other positive outcomes for the practitioner.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A spiritual exercise aimed at fostering concentration and mindfulness, which is compromised by sexual relationships.[73]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The discipline through which Vajranabha engaged in spiritual focus and enlightenment.[74]
The concept of Meditation practice in local and regional sources
Meditation practice encompasses diverse methods. It includes achieving mental clarity, managing stress, and enhancing well-being through focused thought. It also involves spiritual connection, cultivating inner peace, and fostering awareness. Moreover, meditation can facilitate dis-identification and, in some practices, involves reflecting on the body.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A prescribed daily activity meant to cultivate inner peace and spiritual awareness, emphasized in Meher's guidelines for conduct.[75] (2) The process by which individuals engage in focused thought to enhance mental control and personal well-being.[76] (3) Various techniques of meditation emphasized in the book to enhance spiritual and mental health.[77] (4) A systematic approach to attain mental clarity and peace, often recognized as beneficial in modern society dealing with stress.[78] (5) A discipline often employed in religious contexts, including Buddhism, aimed at enhancing awareness and mindfulness.[79]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a practice that is done by one kuti patient, so he has more time to stay inside the room, according to Ashtavaidyan Ravi Mooss.[80] (2) A practice described as being aimed at deconstructing the body by reflecting on its impurities, involving dissection and a clinical examination of the body.[81]
The concept of Meditation practice in scientific sources
Meditation practice encompasses various techniques to cultivate awareness, focus, and relaxation. It aims to reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being. Integral to yoga and Ayurveda, meditation fosters self-awareness, inner peace, and can even support physical health.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Meditation practice is not sustainable without both wisdom and compassion, and legally MAID is acceptable if wisdom and compassion are involved.[82] (2) The text mentions meditation practices and the new normal created by these practices, emphasizing the conflict between the new normal and old normal in neuroscientific reasoning.[83] (3) Insights were to be stabilized with regular religious or these to “permeate all of life”.[84] (4) All the monk‑like meditating figures painted in Cave 20 are depicted spraying fire and water, as well as with halos, which seem to emphasize the efficacy of meditation practices in the pursuit of gaining magical power and spiritual advancement.[85] (5) "Meditation practice" is considered in relation to early Pali Buddhadhamma and transcendental phenomenology, which indicates an examination of meditative techniques and their philosophical underpinnings within a Buddhist context.[86]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Meditation practices are performed using the Mindfulness Coach application intervention, and the app tracks usage and records the practice log and duration spent on each meditation session, promoting mindfulness and stress reduction.[87] (2) Meditation practices involve techniques to focus the mind and promote relaxation, often used in mindfulness-based interventions to reduce stress and improve well-being.[88] (3) Meditation practice leads to outcome changes in daily life, and more studies are required to address the underlying mechanisms that elucidate how this practice impacts individuals.[89] (4) According to the text, meditation practices (e.g., body scan and breathing techniques) to be the ones more easily transferred to daily life in the mid-term.[90] (5) The process of engaging in mental exercises to develop a balanced mind, often involving attentional and emotional regulation techniques.[91]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) The text discusses meditation practices and their neural correlates, based on a review of structural and functional MRI studies.[92] (2) Regular engagement in focused mental exercises that can mitigate the impacts of stress and trauma, reducing the likelihood of developing unhealthy coping mechanisms and fostering emotional resilience.[93]