Comprehensive Guide To Worldwide Meditation Techniques

There are as many types of meditation techniquesinvolves directly perceiving the fact of what is by
as there are wonderful flavors of ice cream. Thisacute observation of the thinking process. This is the
allow each person to find a flavor that is delicious toflavor that I enjoy best and I have explained it in
them. In this article series I will provide an overviewdetail in the The Silent Mind Meditations, which are
of many of the different meditation techniques thatpart of the Silent Mind Meditation Program. These
exist and hopefully this will help you find the stylemeditations are an extension of the teachings of
that is sweetest to you.Jiddu Krishnamurti.
Some meditation styles suit those of an intellectual2. Sound (Mantra) & Intention Meditation Techniques:
disposition, while others are more attractive to thoseThe meditations that fall under this category use the
who prefer the path of love and surrender. Stillscience of sound and thought vibrations (Naad Yoga),
others, with an active approach to life, may like thealong with rhythm and music (Laya Yoga) to purify
meditation techniques involving movement, whilethe heart and mind. These meditations have a wide
those with a strong mind would enjoy the approachrange of applications, from bestowing Enlightenment,
of visualization and concentration. Overall, there areto improving health, wealth, happiness, peace etc...
several broad categories under which we can captureA. Mantra Japa Meditation Technique: This meditation
most of these various meditation practices and inmethod uses the repetition of a mantra (a particular
Part 1 I will explore Insight Meditation Techniques andsound, word or phrase) verbally or mentally to create
Sound (Mantra) and Intention Meditation Techniques.the necessary conditions for purification, refinement
1. Insight Meditation Techniques: These are theor expansion to take place. Mantras are essentially
meditations of choice for the Gyan Yogis or thosekeys which allow one to tune into the individual
drawn to the intellectual path. It incorporates theenergy field or tune into the Universal Energy field to
advanced meditation techniques from the Zen schoolproduce certain desired results. Here is an example of
of Buddhism, the Advaita Vedanta school ofusing OM Mantra to activate the Third Eye Chakra.
Hinduism, certain schools of Western Religions amongB. Rhythm Meditation Technique: This form of
others.meditation uses the combination of rhythm, chanting,
A. WHO AM I Meditation Technique: This techniquesmusic and breath to calibrate and perfect the
comes from the school of Advaita Vedantasystem. The excellent Three Step Rhythmic
(Non-Dualism / End of Knowledge). The meditationBreathing (3srb) meditation technique of Sage
was popularized by Shri Ramana Maharishi and isPantanjali and many Kundalini Yoga meditations fall
based on negation of the false self in order to realizeunder this category, among others.
one's True Nature. Here is an example of myC. Meditation via Song: Most of the meditations from
experience with WHO AM I Meditation Practice.the path of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga) and Love,
B. Koan Meditation Technique: These meditationsdesigned to dissolve the ego belong in this category.
come from the Zen school of Buddhism and areThis is a path most dear to those who are emotional
designed to break down the ordinary pattern ofin nature and feel a deep love for the divine.
conceptual, dualistic thinking. By breaking down theChristianity, Gospel, Sufi Meditations, Hare Krishna
interference created by the thinking mechanism theMeditations, Kirtans and Bhajans are some examples
practitioner is brought to confront the non-dual realityof techniques in this category.
of "what is" directly and thus Awaken.D. Meditation via Prayer & Intention: All religions have
C. Contemplation Meditation Technique: Thesemeditations involving prayer and worship. The
meditations utilize introspection, self-study, reflection,meditations that also use the power of intention to
self-dialogue and contemplation to cut through themanifest desires fall under this category.
layers of false conditioning and false understandingSo you can see from above, these is a rich diversity
that deludes the mind. These meditations have theirto the Art of Meditation and certainly something for
roots in many Western Religions and are also a parteverybody. If one of the styles above does not
of Eastern philosophies.catch your fancy, not to worry, I will be serving up
D. Silent Mind Meditation Technique: This meditationmore tasty flavors in part 2 of this series.
technique is my contribution to this category and it