There are many ways to meditate, including some that would say there are as many ways to meditate as there are people who meditate. However, we can make an effort to identify the different types of meditation, even if there is no exact amount and different sources do not list the same options.
Meditation is an intimate prayer, prayer, or reflection that is generally practiced silently on a spiritual or transcendent subject.
- Today.
- The definition should be even broader.
- As it also includes non-religious and spiritual lands.
- In any case.
- It is a personal and intimate moment characterized by reflection.
The different forms of meditation are directly related to the purpose of meditation. Depending on the objective, the most suitable meditation will also vary. It is difficult to identify an exact number of types of meditation, although we can define some of the main ones.
Different types of meditation are often associated with religious currents such as Buddhism. This religion has a multitude of forms of manifestation, which are clearly reflected in different types of meditation.
The Buddha himself recommended getting close to nature to meditate: sitting on the ground on a pillow or in a quiet space in nature provides the perfect environment to start meditating. In this type of meditation, the first step is to allow a state of maximum attention and tranquility.
Although there are several types of Buddhist meditation, they all agree on the contemplative technique, which aims to achieve true understanding or nirvana.
This type of meditation is based on a minimalist principle that allows tranquility. In the rooms or places where this type of meditation is taught and practiced, there are no objects, the walls are neutral and silence reigns over everything.
For Zen meditation, posture and breathing are very important. The spine must be straight when we are sitting on a chair, cushion or bench. The legs should be crossed, preferably. Hands should be on top of each other.
Finally, we practice relaxed and natural breathing. Although it may seem very simple, Zen meditation is complex to master because it involves complete control over the body and mind.
Transcendental Meditation is not tied to religious beliefs, nor does it require a specific posture, state of mind, or mantra. It is simply a matter of staying calm for a time that usually lasts about 20 minutes. People who practice transcendental meditation usually do it twice a day.
This meditation technique is one of the oldest in India. It is considered to be a self-purifying process, so it requires a concentration that is directed first to the breath and then to the body to understand the universal truths of impermanence, suffering and the absence of the ego.
In Taoist meditation, the goal is to use chi energy, feel it, and work with it. Many times, the practice of this meditation involves paying attention and feeling this energy throughout our body.
It is one of the modern forms of meditation and can be found in specialized centers, but also on social networks, applications and platforms such as YouTube or Spotify. The main premise of guided meditation is precisely the presence of a spiritual guide. This person helps us overcome the difficulties of meditation, especially when we start this journey.
This modern type of meditation puts all the emphasis on awareness. In a world where we perform many activities unconsciously or without much attention, it is necessary to value the practices that require our full attention and concentration.
Most yoga practices include meditation. They usually start or end with this practice, which is a great addition to any yoga class. Indeed, it allows to find a very beneficial state of tranquility for the practice of asanas.
There are many types of meditations, even more so if the traditional forms and their modern interpretations are considered. It is important to choose the one that best suits your needs, because depending on our physical and mental activity, we will need one or the other.