[Aditya Koirala]

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Mediation has existed in the Sanatan Dharma since a very long time. Many deities in Hinduism can be seen in the ancient temples, important archaeological sites and texts, deeply engaged in the  meditation practice. Meditation, known as Dhyana(ध्यान) in Sanskrit has been practised in India for ages. It means a state of the body when the mind is calm and reaches a point of high spiritual awareness.

Meditation highly relates to monks and ascetics because it plays a significant role in performing their spiritual practices. They are not engaged in the materialistic things and practices of the world, so a clear mind helps them achieve enlightenment. But the practice of meditation is not exclusive to them. It encompasses a diverse range of individuals.

Sanatan Dharma, with its vast and inclusive spiritual philosophy, encourages individuals from all walks of life to engage in meditation. The ancient scriptures, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, emphasise the universality of meditation, portraying it as a means for self-realisation and a path to connect with the divine.

While the monks and ascetics may dedicate intense timely meditation on a regular basis, it is not necessary that an individual need to spend hours meditating. Regular practice of meditation for about 30 to 15 minutes a day is very much enough for an individual to harness the benefits of it. With only a quiet place and the devotion into acquiring the immense clarity and peace of the mind, one can spare a certain time of the day and meditate.

Meditation has deeply rooted its presence into the Sanatani Practices. The performance of Pujas, a ritualistic worship ceremony performed to honour and connect with deities or divine forces, requires the person performing the Puja to enter a meditative state and focus deep into his mind, seeking blessings and spiritual guidance. Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, found enlightenment meditating under a tree.

Meditation has numerous benefits to the body and the mind. Early morning meditation helps a person remain mentally conscious and active throughout the day. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Human Brain is complex and can be rather distracting. Meditation has a positive effect on the brain, influencing areas related to attention, self regulation and self awareness. Studies show that meditation can lead to structural changes in the brain, thus enhancing cognitive functions performed by the brain.

 

There exists different kinds of meditation.

Mindfulness meditation 

It involves focusing on the present moment, observing thoughts and sensations without judgement.

Transcendental meditation

It involves chanting a mantra to reach a state of relaxed awareness.

Guided meditation

A teacher guides the individual to lead him through imagery and relaxation.

Chakra meditation

Sanatan Dharma believes in the existence of chakras. This meditation focuses on the body’s chakras for balance and alignment.

Body Scanning

This is a form of meditation where an individual, by paying attention to every part of the body gradually from the feet to the head, gains full awareness and calmness of his body.

 

The origin of meditation cannot be traced back to any religious group or a country. Meditation in its varied forms exists in different religions and countries. Some of the notable origins include Vedic traditions, Taoist China, Buddhist Tradition, Ancient Greece, Christian mysticism and Islamic Sufism.

 

Meditation is a practice of the Human mind then a religious practice. Every individual should engage themselves into the daily practice of meditation and take advantage. The compact life of people in the modern times has taken the form of various mental ill-health. Depression, mental instability, stress and anxiety, distraction and many more can grow up to be severe mental health challenges. These issues can gradually impact one’s well-being and degrade their quality of life. Adoption meditation can provide individuals with a proactive means of cultivating inner calm and addressing their mental well-being.

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