Meditation is a discipline in which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. It often involves turning attention to a single point of reference. Meditation is recognized as a component of almost all religions, and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. It is also practiced outside religious traditions. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which may emphasize different goals -- from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.

The word meditation originally comes from the Indo-European root med-, meaning "to measure. From the root med- are also derived the English words mete, medicine, modest, and moderate. It entered English as meditation through the Latin meditatio, which originally indicated every type of physical or intellectual exercise, then later evolved into the more specific meaning "contemplation.".

Principles of Meditation

The basic points to be kept in mind in practicing meditation are :

• Have a special place and specific time for meditation. Try doing it daily.

• Choose a time when your mind is not clouded with worries.

• Sit up straight with your back, neck and head in one line. Facing north or east.

• Condition your mind such so as to remain quiet for the duration of your meditation session.

• Regulate your breathing. Start with 5 minutes of deep breathing. Then gradually slow it down.

• Follow a rhythmic breathing pattern - inhale and exhale.

• Initially let your mind wander. It grows more restless if you force to concentrate.

• Then slowly bring it to rest on the focal point of your choice.

• Hold your object of concentration at this focal point throughout your session.

• Meditation happens when you reach a state of pure thought. Even while retaining an awareness of duel self.

Followed diligently you will soon be able to attain a super-conscious state.

Tips on Concentration

• At the outset, it is hard to keep your attention to keep focussed on one object.

• So it is better to start off by limiting your field of concentration to a category of objects.

• Choose your objects with care e.g. any four flowers, fruits, trees...etc. You must feel at ease with what you choose.

• After concentrating on one, you can move on to the next, if & when your mind starts wandering.

This style of meditative exercise will help you control your mind down to a finer focus, teaching you the principle of single point concentration