Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture
What is Meditation?
It should be somewhat considered that meditation involves a set of practices that typically include mental and physical techniques, which can help focus or empty the mind. This may involve a variety of practices that can range from focusing on an object to repeating a phrase to maintaining special awareness of the breath. Depending on the type of meditation, it may actually be used for relaxation, the reduction of anxiety, for better handling of stress, and for promoting general well being. Some examples include mindfulness meditation, which tries to center the individual on the present moment, and transcendental meditation, which employs particular mantras. Other people employ meditation with the intention of contributing to health related goals, like quitting tobacco products or coping with chronic pain. Meditation in itself has been a part of numerous cultures for thousands of years and emanates from Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, among other practices. Although meditation emanates from ancient times, modern science has only now begun, assisted by new technological tools and an upsurge of interest in its possible benefits, to study the subject in great detail.
Scientific Insights
In its superficial appearance, a person who meditates simply breathes or pronounces a mantra, but on surface appearance, modern methods of diagnosis and imaging, like electroencephalography scans and functional magnetic resonance imaging, show that deeper changes are actually produced in the brain of the person. According to research studies, meditation is supposed to induce structural and functional changes in the brain. It has been associated with gray matter density in attention, emotion regulation, and self awareness. Meditation works on strengthening interrelationships among different parts of the brain, which is conducive to various cognitive functions such as enhancement of memory and enhancement of learning ability. It further alters the pattern of brain waves, increases alpha and theta waves that are associated with states of relaxation. Meditation has been found to shrink the size of the amygdala associated with stress response while increasing the volume of the hippocampus responsible for memory. Such changes are complemented by an increased level of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which are linked to better mood and a reduction in anxiety. All in all, meditation changes brain structure, function, and chemistry all factors that may underlie its positive effects on mental health.
Is Meditation a Religious Practice?
Meditation is not confined to religious practices, though it has roots in various ancient philosophies and world religions. Some prominent forms include,
Buddhist Meditation: Encompasses Theravadan, Zen, and Tibetan practices from regions like India, China, and Tibet.
Christian Meditation: Focuses on contemplation or prayer centered on religious concepts or deities.
Guided Meditation: A secular practice used in therapy and counseling.
Osho Meditation: Originates from Hinduism in India, known for its dynamic breathing exercises.
Sufi Meditation: Aims at spiritual growth within Islam.
Taoist Meditation: Comes from Taoism in China, influenced by Laozi’s teachings.
Transcendental Meditation: Uses mantras and originates from India.
Yoga: Combines physical exercise with meditation, with both religious and secular variations.
Benefits of Meditation
Meditation can take many forms, such as body centered, contemplation, emotion centered, mantra, movement, mindfulness, and visual based techniques. Every technique gives unique benefits associated with reduced anxiety, improved concentration, and better emotional management. The physical health benefits may be the improved sleep pattern, reduced blood pressure, and efficiency of heart functions. Various studies have identified that regular meditation can significantly alter structural changes in the brain by increasing its density, with a strong interconnection between neurons, thus possibly enhancing cognitive and emotional functioning. Some Clinical psychologists say mindfulness based practices raise awareness about one's surroundings and cognitively reappraise their anxious thoughts. Meditation generally includes placing oneself in a quiet position, taking a comfortable pose, directing attention, and adopting an open attitude.
