Meditation

Definition

Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. It's deeply rooted in various spiritual traditions and philosophies, especially in Hinduism, where it serves as a vital tool for self-realization and understanding the nature of reality. Meditation is often linked with profound concepts such as the ultimate reality in philosophical texts, techniques for spiritual discipline, and various approaches to achieving enlightenment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Meditation is essential in the Upanishads, where it is described as a means to understand the self (Atman) and its relationship to Brahman, the ultimate reality.
2. In Ashtanga Yoga, meditation forms the final limb, emphasizing that mental stillness is crucial for spiritual progress and achieving Samadhi, or blissful absorption.
3. Samkhya philosophy highlights meditation as a method for separating consciousness (Purusha) from matter (Prakriti), allowing for deeper insight into existence.
4. Vedanta teaches that through meditation, individuals can realize their non-dual relationship with Brahman, leading to liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
5. Both Hinduism and Jainism utilize meditation techniques as tools for inner transformation and achieving spiritual purity, reflecting their shared historical and philosophical roots.

Review Questions

• How does meditation function within the framework of the Upanishads and its teachings on self-realization?
  • Meditation in the Upanishads is portrayed as a crucial practice for understanding the true nature of the self (Atman) and its unity with Brahman. The texts suggest that through deep meditation, practitioners can transcend the distractions of the mind, leading to profound insights about existence and enlightenment. This process of self-inquiry through meditation helps individuals move beyond illusion (Maya) to experience ultimate reality.
• Discuss how meditation is integrated into the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and its significance in achieving spiritual goals.
  • In Ashtanga Yoga, meditation is integrated as the eighth limb known as Samadhi, which represents a state of deep concentration and blissful union with the object of meditation. This practice is essential because it not only cultivates mental discipline but also helps practitioners detach from worldly distractions. Achieving Samadhi is seen as a pinnacle of spiritual development where one experiences oneness with all existence, leading towards liberation.
• Evaluate the roles of meditation in both Samkhya and Vedanta philosophies and how they address the quest for enlightenment.
  • In both Samkhya and Vedanta philosophies, meditation plays a pivotal role in the quest for enlightenment. Samkhya emphasizes dualism, teaching that meditation aids individuals in distinguishing consciousness (Purusha) from material existence (Prakriti). In contrast, Vedanta promotes a non-dualistic perspective where meditation facilitates realizing one's oneness with Brahman. This distinction highlights different approaches to understanding reality but converges on meditation as an essential practice for achieving liberation from samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth).

Related terms

Dhyana: A form of meditation that emphasizes concentration and contemplation, crucial in the practice of yoga and various Hindu philosophies.

Brahman:

The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy, often experienced through meditation and self-realization.

Karma Yoga:

A path of selfless action in Hinduism that can be practiced alongside meditation to cultivate detachment from the fruits of one’s actions.