Meditation is not just about spiritual enlightenment
YOGA, zen, vipassana – meditation techniques are an increasingly important part of many people’s lives. But for individuals interested in meditating, there might initially be some confusion as to which techniques are best.
Traditionally, meditation has a spiritual origin, but certain approaches, like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR), have little to do with spirituality.
“This is a good starting point for people who are uninterested in spirituality,” says Professor Peter Sedlmeier, who specialises in the scientific benefits of meditation.
Through his research, Prof Sedlmeier has often observed devout meditators looking for spiritual meaning through the activity, but meditation also works without that component, he emphasises.
Mindfulness meditation involves focusing attention on oneself.
People who suffer from depression or are anxious might find this approach difficult. It is also a hard technique to learn, Prof Sedlmeier explains.
Another option to consider is mantra meditation. This requires practitioners to repeat a syllable continuously.
Healthy individuals should test out several different approaches and choose the option they feel comfortable with.
Techniques will vary depending on the meditator’s ultimate goal – although “it is always ultimately about increasing consciousness”, Prof Sedlmeier says.
Hindu concepts, such as yoga, tend to focus on finding your authentic self, while Buddhists use meditation to help themselves realise that nothing is permanent.