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'''Meditation''' is a technique for producing an altered state of [[consciousness]]. It usually involves sitting still for a period during which consciousness might be relaxed and focused by means of a word repeated silently in the [[mind]], or by the visualization of an image of some sort. The ''Vipassana'', or [[insight]], meditation practiced by [[Buddhism|Buddhists]] initially stresses observation of what takes place in the mind and body ([[breathing]] and sensations) during meditation.

'''Meditation''' is a technique for producing an altered state of [[consciousness]]. It usually involves sitting still for a period during which consciousness might be relaxed and focused by means of a word repeated silently in the [[mind]], or by the visualization of an image of some sort. The ''Vipassana'', or [[insight]], meditation practiced by [[Buddhism|Buddhists]] initially stresses observation of what takes place in the mind and body ([[breathing]] and sensations) during meditation.

==Christian Meditation - Contemplation==

==Christian meditation - Contemplation==

Meditation in the [[Bible]] goes back to the book of [[Genesis]] and appears periodically throughout.  Focus is not on a word, but on a [[thought]] or [[concept]].  An example of a verse on meditation is found in [[Psalms]] 1:2

Meditation in the [[Bible]] goes back to the book of [[Genesis]] and appears periodically throughout.  Focus is not on a word, but on a [[thought]] or [[concept]].  An example of a verse on meditation is found in [[Psalms]] 1:2

[[Christian]] meditation is a form of silent, contemplative [[prayer]] that uses a [[prayer]]-word, which is rooted in the [[gospel]] and the letters of [[St. Paul]], and originated with the early [[desert]] fathers of the fourth century. It is a daily personal [[discipline]], a practice of stillness and [[simplicity]], not a substitute for all the other forms of prayer, but as a center for them.<ref>[http://www.houstoncontemplative.org/christian_meditation.htm Christian meditation @ HoustonContempltive.org]</ref>

[[Christian]] meditation is a form of silent, contemplative [[prayer]] that uses a [[prayer]]-word, which is rooted in the [[gospel]] and the letters of [[St. Paul]], and originated with the early [[desert]] fathers of the fourth century. It is a daily personal [[discipline]], a practice of stillness and [[simplicity]], not a substitute for all the other forms of prayer, but as a center for them.<ref>[http://www.houstoncontemplative.org/christian_meditation.htm Christian meditation @ HoustonContempltive.org]</ref>

==Buddhist Meditation - Contemplation==

==Buddhist meditation - Contemplation==

Meditation or [[contemplation]] is the fifth of the "Ten Perfections of the [[Altruism|Altruistic]] Attitude" according to [[Buddhist]] practice:

Meditation or [[contemplation]] is the fifth of the "Ten Perfections of the [[Altruism|Altruistic]] Attitude" according to [[Buddhist]] practice:

# '''[[Generosity]]''' ([[Charity]]-[[Philanthropy]]- [[Benevolence]]: "Benefit others more than yourself.")

# '''[[Generosity]]''' ([[Charity]]-[[Philanthropy]]- [[Benevolence]]: "Benefit others more than yourself.")

Depending on the [[sect]] of [[Buddhism]], many [[tradition]]s of Buddhist meditation teach the [[discipline]] of relaxed focused contemplation and awareness of [[virtue]] through regular daily [[reflection]] on the above Ten Perfections. All forms of Buddhism stress that success in meditation is impossible without first cultivating one's 1. Generosity, 2. Morality, 3. Patience, and 4. Joyful Perseverance (requires understanding, awareness and development of [[Qi]]-[[Prana]].

Depending on the [[sect]] of [[Buddhism]], many [[tradition]]s of Buddhist meditation teach the [[discipline]] of relaxed focused contemplation and awareness of [[virtue]] through regular daily [[reflection]] on the above Ten Perfections. All forms of Buddhism stress that success in meditation is impossible without first cultivating one's 1. Generosity, 2. Morality, 3. Patience, and 4. Joyful Perseverance (requires understanding, awareness and development of [[Qi]]-[[Prana]].

==Focus in Meditation==

==Focus in meditation==

[[Focus]] in [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] meditation means [[concentration|concentrating]] the [[mind]] selectively on a single aspect of one's thoughts or images while [[renunciation|letting go]] of all other things until the mind become "single-pointed" ("[[samadhi]]") through [[relaxation|relaxed]] focused [[awareness]] ("[[shamatha]]"). According to Buddhism, focus is related to the "[[fire]] element" of the mind and nervous system.

[[Focus]] in [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] meditation means [[concentration|concentrating]] the [[mind]] selectively on a single aspect of one's thoughts or images while [[renunciation|letting go]] of all other things until the mind become "single-pointed" ("[[samadhi]]") through [[relaxation|relaxed]] focused [[awareness]] ("[[shamatha]]"). According to Buddhism, focus is related to the "[[fire]] element" of the mind and nervous system.

==See Also==

==See also==

* [[Yoga]]

* [[Yoga]]

* [[Alois P. Swoboda]]

* [[Alois P. Swoboda]]

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[[Category:Psychology]]

[[Category:Psychology]]