Part of the ancient tradition of Buddhists and Tibetan monks, meditation is increasingly becoming a component of modern science and health and well-being regimens for millions. The Meditation Society of America defines meditation as ôàa process that leads to a state of consciousness that brings serenity, clarity, and blissö (What p. 1). One of the principle aims of meditation is to raise consciousness in the meditating individual, in order for connection of body and mind to the ultimate connectedness of all things in the universe to occur. Long shunned by the health professions as an ancient practice with little therapeutic value, modern science is rapidly growing to accept meditation for a number of proven health benefits. Debra Rubin notes that recent findings have shown that ôàthe regular practice of meditation changes the brain, in ways that foster a more positive emotional response to thingsö (p. 26).
This research will discuss a few different types of meditation and practice, including techniques and purposes of each. A following section will discuss a number of benefits that accrue from practicing meditation, including some significant new research findings that verify its beneficial properties. A conclusion will address the significance of meditation in contemporary society.
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different types of meditation and practice techniques, from food meditations in which each morsel is savored to mindfulness meditations designed to both refresh and reframe thinking. The Meditation Society of America relies upon a three step process of meditation that includes concentration, meditation, and contemplation. The normal mind is known to Buddhists as the ômonkey mind,ö because it is cluttered by random thoughts that keep us focused on past regrets, current worries, and fears of the future (Kalb p. 52). In short, this mind is too busy and not disciplined enough to concen...