There are many methods and types of meditation. And some of the most frequently asked questions are:
- what is the difference between many types, methods and programs of meditations;
- which meditation to choose for practice? In this article, we will review some popular types (but the list, of course, is not exhaustive). Remember that there is no best or worst kind. The best meditation is the one that you will enjoy practicing regularly. Therefore, we recommend trying different meditative techniques for yourself and see which one suits you best. So, all types can be divided into two massive groups: by the direction of consciousness and the method of practice.
Depending on the direction of consciousness
- Meditations focused on fixing attention on a specific object/feeling/sensation/breath The goal of such meditations is to develop the ability to hold attention on the chosen object and not be distracted by external factors, as well as subjective factors (internal dialogue, thoughts). Examples include Buddhist samatha meditation, some forms of zazen, chakra meditation, Kundalini meditation , sound meditation, mantra meditation, pranayama, some forms of qigong and many others.
- Meditation of “open observation” or “open presence” In these meditation techniques, attention is not focused on any one object, but is directed to observing the ongoing experience, without judgment or attachment. That is, the goal of the meditations of this group is the perception of everything that is happening (external experience - sounds, smell, etc., and internal - thoughts, feelings, memory, etc.), without immersion in them. Examples include: Vipassanā, mindfulness meditation, as well as some types of Taoist meditation.
- Meditations of pure presence Meditations belonging to this group are not aimed at concentration or observation in principle, but imply the totality of the meditation process itself and its result - free consciousness, “pure” being. Examples include transcendental meditation of Ramana Maharshi, Mahamudra, some forms of Taoist meditation and some advanced forms of Raja Yoga.
Depending on the method of meditation practice
- Dynamic meditations are physical actions/controls. Popular examples include Osho meditations, the practice of which is based on concentration on the performed movement. At the same time, thoughts go away, and the mind becomes liberated. This group also includes tantra, qigong, tai chi and yoga in general ( yoga poses ).
- Passive meditations constitute the main core of all meditative techniques. Poses for meditations are mostly static, usually sitting (lotus/half-lotus, siddha-yoni asana, siddhasana, etc.) or lying down.
Michael
In order to get out of meditation on time, I often set an alarm clock to pull me out of the meditative state. Since I have already achieved the skill of complete detachment from the outside world, I recommend beginners (and not only) to bring themselves out of a state of complete meditation with a sharp sound, otherwise it can be fraught with consequences. Marina 11.01.2018 at 09:40 Michael, thank you for sharing your experience. But I would like to warn beginners against such a sharp awakening from practice. Such a method, like a loud alarm clock, can be very stressful for a purposefully relaxed body and mind, and can cause harm. We, on the contrary, would recommend getting out of practice smoothly, to pleasant music that would differ from the background music (if you use it).
Marina
Michael, thank you for sharing your experience. But I would like to warn beginners against such a sharp awakening from practice. Such a method, like a loud alarm clock, can be very stressful for a purposefully relaxed body and mind, and can cause harm. We, on the contrary, would recommend getting out of practice smoothly, to pleasant music that would differ from the background music (if you use it).
Krupkina Galina Mikhailovna
I like passive meditations, namely the classic lotus pose, when harmonious sounds of the Universe penetrate your consciousness.
Antonia
I often practice passive meditation when I am nervous or something worries me. For the object of focus, I chose the navel. I often meditate to the sounds of nature, for example, birdsong or the sound of water. Marina 11.01.2018 at 10:38 Antonia, the choice of such an object for meditation is not accidental - Taoists believe that the navel is the source of the energy “qi” (“ki”) - the original life energy. Such meditation can bestow not only calming from anxieties, but also activate the movement of life-giving energy.
Marina
Antonia, the choice of such an object for meditation is not accidental - Taoists believe that the navel is the source of the energy “qi” (“ki”) - the original life energy. Such meditation can bestow not only calming from anxieties, but also activate the movement of life-giving energy.