Types of Meditation

To divulge into the types of meditation and to describe them is like to dive into a deep sea and to describe the taste of water in various parts-at the bottom, at the top, in the middle, and elsewhere! Though the taste would be same at all places, but still the pressure and other parameters of the underwater would make the experience different. As for almost all things of this world, different types of meditation would appeal to different people across the world, who come from different walks of life, have different interests, capabilities, understanding level, and different spiritual aptitude! It is well said that the spiritual hunger in one person may be entirely different than in other person, though the goal of all the spiritual aspirations remains the same-realization of the self, which is the real!

In this article, we will deal with two widely-practiced types of meditation-light meditation or lamp meditation, and meditation with music.

Light meditation or lamp meditation

This is the most used meditation technique across the world and famous in all cultures of the globe-the simplicity and the efficacy of this technique has made itself a favorite among the starters, and also person who have attained considerable control in the practice.

Lamp meditation or light meditation, as clear from the name itself, incorporates the use of a source of light-a candle, a lamp, or any source of light, which can give soft and steady light visible to the eyes of person who is meditating. Generally, a candle or lamp is preferred for this practice. The person starts by concentrating on the light and tries to free the mind from all other thoughts and vagaries-this is most important for any sort of meditation that you need to keep your mind steady at the source on which you are concentrating. After some days, when the person gets some control over the mind, the closing of eyes and imagining the light in the middle of eyes is done-this is place where the person can get most concentration. Some schools of thought believe that this is the place of third eye for the humans, and we watch the flame with this eye, though both our eyes are closed. Then the person lowers the flame into the heart, where it is supposed to spread its light, thus enlightening the heart of the person-the origin of bliss, which is the prime motive of meditation. This process is repeated unless the person becomes apt in doing it continuously and at will!
Meditation by Music

This technique is also very popular and especially in Western countries. The sole aim of any object used for concentration is to make the mind free of all other thoughts, and music can be pretty handy in this, as it has a very soothing effect and there is big science behind the healing effects on human body and mind!

A tape or CD of music is placed with eyes closed and freeing the mind from all the thoughts, but concentrating on the theme of the music-the quality of the music and its efficiency in providing the soothing effect, plays a huge role in this technique! All the notes of music have a direct relation with the various parts of spinal cord, and therefore, careful selection of the music is needed for meditation. This technique is very successful for the persons who have some liking to classical or slow forms of music, as they can feel the effect better and concentrate more with it.

Concluding Remarks

Whatever may be the path, we must understand and know the aim of our meditation-if we are not clear for what we are meditating, then we may not be able to gain the results of meditation to their full potential. Highest aim of meditation is believed to be the realization of the self and communion with God; however, there are many other benefits and objectives of meditation in between. There is nothing inferior or superior in them, and they are just a part of a process, which culminates at the top-revealing the identity of self with the Universal Self!

© 2006, Davis Virtual Assistance. This article may not be reprinted or copied on any type of media either in part or in whole.

Vivek Kumar is an experienced writer of non-fiction and poetry who especially enjoys writing about spirituality topics.