Significance of Meditation practices
Meditation practice is central to various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and others, focusing on techniques that enhance mindfulness and awareness. In Buddhism, it involves methods such as breath-watching and posture management to promote mental clarity and spiritual growth. Jainism views meditation as a means to achieve concentration, while Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes solitary practices for enlightenment. Across all traditions, meditation serves as a disciplined approach to gaining insight and understanding, fostering personal development and spiritual discipline.
Synonyms: Mindfulness practice, Contemplative practice, Spiritual practice
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 practices'
Meditation practice in Buddhism encompasses disciplined techniques for mental focus, mindfulness, and insight, facilitating spiritual development and enlightenment, as emphasized by prominent figures, serving as a central aspect of training for practitioners.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Techniques applied in Buddhism to develop mindfulness, concentration, and insight into the nature of reality.[1] (2) The process through which novice monk Pandita disciplined his mind after observing the actions of skilled workers.[2] (3) Spiritual exercises aimed at achieving mental clarity and insight.[3] (4) The act of focusing the mind, which the young monks struggled to maintain due to Padhanikatissa's ineffective teaching approach.[4] (5) The act of contemplative practice that the monks were engaged in, aimed at achieving mindfulness and tranquility.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A discipline Venerable Meghiya desired to engage in, which the Buddha initially prohibited due to his lack of maturity in understanding.[6] (2) The discipline encouraged among bhikkhus to focus on the unpleasant nature of existence, leading to spiritual development and enlightenment.[7] (3) The methods and techniques that a noble bhikkhu should develop, including aspects of observing precepts.[8] (4) A method taught by the Buddha aimed at eradicating defilements and leading to higher spiritual attainment.[9]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) An exercise undertaken to enhance mindfulness and concentration, allowing deeper insights into the nature of mental events.[10]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) A disciplined process of focusing the mind and cultivating awareness, central to the spiritual journeys of the Bhikkhus.[11]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Techniques and routines used to focus the mind, typically involving stillness and contemplation, for spiritual development.[12] (2) A crucial aspect of the spiritual path that rin chen mgon dedicated himself to extensively.[13] (3) The systematic approach to cultivating mindfulness and concentration, which was central to dus gsum mkhyen pa's spiritual journey.[14] (4) A disciplined approach to achieve mental clarity and spiritual insight, emphasized by dam pa to kun dga’.[15] (5) A key aspect of Buddhist cultivation involving the development of focused attention and mental clarity.[16]
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.[17]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The disciplined approach to developing mindfulness and insight, seen as crucial for attaining enlightenment.[18] (2) The practice of meditation as explained by Tsoknyi Rinpoche, emphasizing how to use the 'Bodhisattva-caryavatara' text for personal development.[19] (3) A spiritual exercise aimed at achieving clarity and insight through awareness and renunciation.[20] (4) An essential component that complements study and contemplation, leading to liberation and deeper understanding of teachings.[21]
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.[22]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Techniques that cultivate mindfulness and insight, essential for the realization of truth and the abandonment of suffering.[23]
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.[24]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Methods through which the Bodhisattva attains right remembrance and understanding, leading to realization of truths beyond worldly perspectives.[25]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) Ajahn Chah practiced meditation under the guidance of local Meditation Masters, highlighting the importance of meditation in his training.[26] (2) The application of various techniques to quiet the mind and increase awareness, including breath watching and posture management.[27]
Hindu concept of 'Meditation practices'
Meditation practice in Hinduism involves spiritual exercises aimed at purifying the mind, achieving higher consciousness, fostering self-awareness, and connecting with the divine, facilitating personal growth and insight into the nature of Brahman.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The act of engaging in meditation, which is suggested to be different from attaining Brahman-knowledge.[28] (2) An act of focusing the mind, often used as a spiritual discipline in an attempt to achieve a deeper understanding or connection with Brahman.[29] (3) The method through which one engages in focused contemplation on Brahman, influencing the outcomes in one's life.[30] (4) A method directed by Scripture that may lead to the attainment of the conditioned Brahman, but not to Brahman-knowledge.[31]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) Spiritual exercises designed to purify the mind and intellect, aiding in the attainment of higher knowledge.[32] (2) Spiritual techniques and exercises aimed at achieving introspection and realization of the Self.[33] (3) Refers to the efforts one undertakes to transcend create experiences and connect with the Absolute; it highlights the obstacles of desire and thinking.[34]
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.[35]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Regular engagement in meditation techniques, as instructed for achieving higher states of consciousness and purity.[36]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The various spiritual exercises undertaken by devotees aiming for understanding and connection with Brahman.[37]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A spiritual practice recommended by Atri for Agnisharman to attain wisdom and redemption.[38] (2) Conducting sincere meditation is equated to witnessing the Goddess, leading to personal growth and divine connection.[39]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The disciplined effort undertaken to quiet the mind and connect with higher consciousness.[40]
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.[41]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Focused mental exercises intended to deepen spiritual experience.[42]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The disciplined focus of the mind on the eternal Purusha and the principles involving yoga.[43]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Spiritual exercises for mental discipline, focused on achieving tranquility and self-awareness.[44]
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.[45] (2) The act of regularly engaging in meditation to develop skills in posture and focus, leading to deeper states of awareness and tranquility.[46] (3) The act of focusing the mind and cultivating awareness, which plays a crucial role in achieving higher states of consciousness.[47] (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.[48]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The formal, scientific approach to meditation in raja yoga which encompasses various techniques for spiritual advancement.[49]
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.[50]
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.[51] (2) Spiritual exercises that individuals with a preponderating quality of Sattva engage in to attain the position of 'Brahman.'[52]
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.[53]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The contemplative technique that aids in gaining insight into the flow and passing of events in life.[54]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Techniques and disciplines that cultivate mindfulness and concentration, vital in the pursuit of spiritual development in Buddhism.[55]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Techniques such as listening, reflecting, and constant contemplation aimed at achieving spiritual insight.[56]
Jain concept of 'Meditation practices'
In Jainism, Meditation practice is a disciplined spiritual exercise that promotes concentration and mindfulness, enhancing steadfastness and enlightenment, while also suggesting that sexual relationships can hinder these spiritual pursuits.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Meditation practice leads to the achievement of steadfastness and other results for the aspirant.[57]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A spiritual exercise aimed at fostering concentration and mindfulness, which is compromised by sexual relationships.[58]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The discipline through which Vajranabha engaged in spiritual focus and enlightenment.[59]
The concept of Meditation practices in local and regional sources
Meditation practice serves as a vital means to connect body and soul, enhance mindfulness, promote mental clarity, and foster dis-identification from thoughts, contributing to spiritual freedom and well-being in modern, stress-filled societies.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The process by which individuals engage in focused thought to enhance mental control and personal well-being.[60] (2) Various techniques of meditation emphasized in the book to enhance spiritual and mental health.[61] (3) A systematic approach to attain mental clarity and peace, often recognized as beneficial in modern society dealing with stress.[62] (4) A discipline often employed in religious contexts, including Buddhism, aimed at enhancing awareness and mindfulness.[63] (5) A method that can facilitate dis-identification from personal thoughts and feelings, contributing to spiritual freedom.[64]
From: Folk Tradition of Bengal (and Rabindranath Tagore)
(1) A necessary activity for achieving the connection between body and soul, as stated by the Bauls.[65]
The concept of Meditation practices in scientific sources
Meditation practices involve techniques that calm the mind and connect with the Manipur Chakra, while promoting spiritual growth and self-awareness through the realization of the Thuriya state, fostering deeper inner peace and understanding.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Meditation practice in Yoga involves techniques that promote mental clarity and spiritual growth, acting as a vital aspect of the holistic health approach.[66] (2) Meditation practices include techniques aimed at fostering awareness, focus, and mental clarity, which are essential for improving mental health and achieving a peaceful state of mind.[67] (3) Techniques used to clear and balance the mind and energy centers, contributing to overall wellness.[68] (4) Techniques focusing the mind to promote relaxation and mental clarity, reducing stress that may trigger migraines.[69]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine
(1) Spiritual practices aimed at realizing the Thuriya state and achieving self-awareness.[70] (2) Techniques utilized to calm the mind and facilitate an inner connection with the Manipur Chakra and the energies it influences.[71]