Types of Meditation – II

Namaste!!

This is in continuation of the previous blog – https://shikti.com/spiritual/meditation-types/ .

After some comments and request I’m writing the extension of previous blog and addition plus reorganization should help the readers. Thanks for being with me, lets now explore.

(8) Yoga Meditation:

Yoga means “union”, so in the yoga tradition several meditation types are taught. Tradition goes as far as 1700 B.C, and has as its highest goal spiritual purification and Self-Knowledge. Classical Yoga divides the practice into rules of conduct (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and contemplative practices of meditation (pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi).
Yoga is a very rich tradition, with different lineages, so there are many different techniques. Below are some main and well-known types of meditation practiced in Yoga (others are more specific or complex)-

1. 1. • Pranayam,
      • Kundalini Meditation,
      • Chakra Meditation,
      • Third eye Meditation,
      • Sound Meditation (Nada Yoga),
      • Yoga Nidra.

(9) Christian Meditation:

In Eastern traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Daoism) meditation is usually practiced with the purpose of transcending the mind and attaining enlightenment. On the other hand, in the Christian tradition the goal of contemplative practices is, one may say, moral purification and deeper understanding of the Bible; or a closer intimacy with God/Christ, for the more mystic stream of the tradition.

Below are some forms of Christian contemplative practice:

1. 1. • Contemplative prayer – usually involves the silent repetition of sacred words or sentences, with focus and devotion.
      • Contemplative reading – or simply “contemplation”, which involves thinking deeply about the teachings and events in the Bible.
      • “Sitting with God” — a silent meditation, usually preceded by contemplation or reading, in which we focus all our mind, heart and soul on the presence of God.

(10) Self Focus:

An important goal of meditation is to know oneself. This “I” (or “ego”) is the center of our universe, somehow it is there behind all your thoughts, emotions, memories, and perceptions. Yet we are not clear about what this “I” is – about who we truly are, in essence – and confuse it with our body, our mind, our roles, our labels. We try & claim to understand different people, technology, about many things but outside us but knowing oneself is yet one of biggest mystery for us.

With Self-inquiry, the question “Who I am?” is asked within yourself. You must reject any verbal answers that may come, and use this question simply as a tool to fix your attention in the subjective feeling of “I” or “I am”. Become one with it, go deep into it. This will then reveal your true “I”, your real self as pure consciousness, beyond all limitation.

(11) Tantra Meditation:

Tantra is a very different branch of Spirituality which focus on spiritual development through the union of body, mind and spirit. Hence, this is completely unique in its way but at one side this a fastest path to development while on the other hand, it’s also the fastest path too. Though it would have variant but most common one is through combination of 2 complementing energies, i:e. male energy and female energy together and Lord Shiva’s “Ardh-narishwar” form in Hinduism is the typical example of it.

(12) Guided Meditation:

Guided meditation usually comes in the form of audio (file, podcast, CD), and sometimes audio and video. You will find that any guided meditation will fall in one of below categories (with some overlap, obviously). part from the guided audio it can also have- guided imagery, affirmations, binaural beats. Its a good way to start for newbies, a modern way that fits into the modern civilization.

(13) Dynamic (active) Meditation:

Dynamic or Active meditation is about the meditation using the movements, while most other forms of meditation would focus on being idle and observing.  The dynamic form of meditation starts with movements to create the energies that would help activating chakras faster and to go deeper sooner. It was advocated and made famous by the Indian mystic guru Shree Rajneesh, later known as Osho. He believed that a meditation style that involved physical activity was more practical for the modern world. Active meditation is practiced in stages and it can help to calm the mind and create better awareness of the world. It evolved into many types, but there are some guidelines that can be followed overall. Its principal is to bring out all suppressed emotions through physical activity, tire the body and then enter into deep state through relaxation.

(14) Tibetan Meditation:

In these meditations, you develop an attitude of openness toward suffering, let go of negativity, practice giving and receiving, and cultivate compassion and empathy through the breath, visualization, and intention—for ourselves and others. The practice can be done in any comfortable position, whether seated or reclined.

(15) Chinese Meditation:

1. 1. • Taoist Meditation : A Chinese philosophy and religion, dating back to Lao Tzu (or Laozi). It emphasizes living in harmony with Nature (called Tao) and it’s main text is the Tao Te Ching, dating back to 6th century B.C. Later on some lineages of Taoism were also influenced by Buddhist meditation practices brought from India, especially on the 8th century C.E.The chief characteristic of this type of meditation is the generation, transformation, and circulation of inner energy. The purpose is to quieten the body and mind, unify body and spirit, find inner peace, and harmonize with the Tao. Some styles of Taoist Meditation are specifically focused on improving health and giving longevity.
      • Qigong (Chi Kung): Qigong (also spelled chi kung, or chi gung) is a Chinese word that means “life energy cultivation”, and is a body-mind exercise for health, meditation, and martial arts training. It typically involves slow body movement, inner focus, and regulated breathing. Traditionally it was practiced and taught in secrecy in the Chinese Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist traditions. There are thousands of different Qigong exercises cataloged, involving over 80 different types of breathing. Some are specific to martial arts (to energize and strengthen the body); others are for health (to nourish body functions or cure diseases); and others for meditation and spiritual cultivation. Qigong can be practiced in a static position (seated or standing), or through a dynamic set of movements.

I hope this guide would be useful for you to get an understanding of Meditation, different ways of doing meditation, find out what’s best for you and where to look for more information on a particular meditation. If you need any help, I would be glad to help.

The 1st part of the blog is available at – Types of Meditation – I

If you want to learn or practice meditation or any sort of guidance, please feel free to reach me at –info@shikti.com, drsantkj@gmail.com, or using Contact us page.

Thanks, be Blessed

– Dr Sant KJ