Meditation and Wikipedia:WikiProject Deletion sorting/Poetry/archive: Difference between pages

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Difference between pages)
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎Buddhism: Removed a passage containing 1st person pronouns "we" and "us" and containing no factual information
 
The wubbot (talk | contribs)
Bots
82,402 edits
m Archiving closed debates
 
Line 1: Line 1:
<noinclude>{{deletionlistarchive|Poetry}}</noinclude>
{{dablink|For other senses of this word, see [[Meditation (disambiguation)]].}}
[[Image:Sivakempfort.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A large statue in [[Bangalore]] depicting [[Shiva]] meditating]]
{{Mind-body interventions}}
'''Meditation ''' is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Meditation often involves turning [[attention]] to a single point of reference. It is recognized as a component of almost all religions, and has been practiced for over 5,000 years.<ref>The Bhagavad-Gita and Jivana Yoga By Ramnarayan Vyas</ref><ref name=Burley>Hatha Yoga: Its Context, Theory and Practice By Mikel Burley</ref><ref name=Knitter>Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By [[Heinrich Dumoulin]], James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter</ref> It is also practiced outside religious traditions. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which may emphasize different goals -- from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.


==Poetry==
The word ''meditation'' originally comes from the [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] root ''med-'', meaning "to measure."<ref>[http://www.takeourword.com/et_k-m.html#mediation Take Our Word For it Archive of Etymology Questions: Mediation]</ref><ref>[http://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/IE305.html American Heritage Dictionary: List of Indo European Roots]</ref> From the root ''med-'' are also derived the English words ''mete, medicine, modest,'' and ''moderate.'' It entered English as ''meditation'' through the [[Latin]] ''meditatio'', which originally indicated every type of physical or [[intellectual]] exercise, then later evolved into the more specific meaning "[[contemplation]]."


===Articles for Deletion===
[[Eastern culture|Eastern]] meditation techniques have been adapted and increasingly practiced in [[Western culture]]. <ref>{{cite journal|title=Adapting Eastern spiritual teachings to Western culture|author=Tart, C|journal=The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology 22|pages=pp. 149–166}}</ref>
<!-- add old AfD discussions at the top -->
* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Andrew Slattery|Andrew Slattery]] - (9449) - delete - <small>closed 19:30, 12 October 2008 (UTC)</small>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Oleg Korenfeld|Oleg Korenfeld]] - (3696) - delete - <small>closed 04:57, 6 October 2008 (UTC)</small>
== Forms of meditation ==
[[Image:BodhidharmaYoshitoshi1887.jpg|[[Bodhidharma]] practicing [[zazen]].|thumb|200px]]


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Geraldine Ryan-Lush|Geraldine Ryan-Lush]] - (3378) - delete - <small>closed 06:43, 5 October 2008 (UTC)</small>
Meditation has been defined as: "self regulation of attention, in the service of self-inquiry, in the here and now."<ref>{{cite journal
| last = Maison
| first = A.
| coauthors = Herbert, J.R.; Werheimer, M.d.; & Kabat-Zinn, J.
| title = Meditation, melatonin and breast/prostate cancer: hypothesis and preliminary data,
| journal = Medical Hypotheses
| volume = 44
| issue = 1
| pages = 39–46
|year=1995
| doi = 10.1016/0306-9877(95)90299-6}}</ref> The various techniques of meditation can be classified according to their focus. Some focus on the field or background perception and experience, also called "[[mindfulness]]"; others focus on a preselected specific object, and are called "concentrative" meditation. There are also techniques that shift between the field and the object.<ref name = Perez />


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Kumar Vishwas|Kumar Vishwas]] - (5191) - delete - <small>closed 13:05, 2 October 2008 (UTC)</small>
In ''mindfulness meditation'', the meditator sits comfortably and silently, centering attention by focusing awareness on an object or process (such as the breath; a sound like a mantra, koan or riddle-like question; a visualisation; or an exercise). The meditator is usually encouraged to maintain an open focus:


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Aleksandr Vladimirovich Kalenko|Aleksandr Vladimirovich Kalenko]] - (4777) - delete - <small>closed 14:19, 1 October 2008 (UTC)</small>
<blockquote>... shifting freely from one perception to the next clear your mind of all that bothers you no thoughts that can distract you from reality or your personal being... No thought, image or sensation is considered an intrusion. The meditator, with a 'no effort' attitude, is asked to remain in the here and now. Using the focus as an 'anchor'... brings the subject constantly back to the present, avoiding cognitive analysis or fantasy regarding the contents of awareness, and increasing tolerance and relaxation of secondary thought processes.<ref name = Perez/></blockquote>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/James Emanuel|James Emanuel]] - (9818) - keep - <small>closed 04:20, 28 September 2008 (UTC)</small>
''Concentration meditation'' is used in many religions and spiritual practices. Whereas in mindfulness meditation there is an open focus, in concentration meditation the meditator holds attention on a particular object (e.g., a repetitive prayer) while minimizing distractions; bringing the mind back to concentrate on the chosen object.<ref>{{cite web
* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/George Dickerson|George Dickerson]] - (8103) - keep - <small>closed 04:19, 28 September 2008 (UTC)</small>
| last = Spiritual Competency Resource Center
| first =
| title = Lesson 1: History of Meditation as a Clinical Intervention
| url=http://www.spiritualcompetency.com/meditat/lesson1.html
| accessdate = 2007-09-02 }}</ref> In some traditions, such as [[Vipassana]], mindfulness and concentration are combined.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Vipassana Fellowship
| title = Lesson 1: Chapter 14: Mindfulness Versus Concentration
| url=http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/mindfulness_in_plain_english_16.php
| accessdate = 2007-09-02 }}</ref>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Andrew Lundwall|Andrew Lundwall]] - (3832) - delete - <small>closed 14:05, 9 September 2008 (UTC)</small>
Meditation can be practiced while walking or doing simple repetitive tasks. Walking meditation helps to break down habitual automatic mental categories, "thus regaining the primary nature of perceptions and events, focusing attention on the process while disregarding its purpose or final outcome.{{Fact|this quote requires attribution||date=August 2008}}" In a form of meditation using visualization, such as Chinese [[Qi Gong]], the practitioner concentrates on flows of energy (Qi) in the body, starting in the abdomen and then circulating through the body, until dispersed.<ref name = Perez/> Some meditative traditions, such as [[yoga]] or [[tantra]], are common to several religions<ref name=Knitter /> or occur outside religious contexts.


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Pirani Ameena Begum (2nd nomination)|Pirani Ameena Begum (2nd nomination)]] - (53612) - no consensus, defaulting to keep. I would have !voted "strong delete" myself, but its clear there is no consensus in this AfD as-is - <small>closed 16:46, 23 August 2008 (UTC)</small>
===Hinduism===
* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Song of a Bard and Other Poems|Song of a Bard and Other Poems]] - (4396) - Delete - <small>closed 15:20, 23 August 2008 (UTC)</small>
{{details|Dhyana in Hinduism}}
Meditation originated from Vedic Hinduism which is the oldest religion that professes meditation as a spiritual and religious practice.{{Fact|date=August 2008}}


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Nicolò Giraud|Nicolò Giraud]] - (13365) - no consensus to delete, default to keep - <small>closed 18:03, 14 August 2008 (UTC)</small>
Evidence of the origins of meditation extends back to a time before recorded history. Archaeologists tell us the practice may have existed among the first Indian civilizations. Indian scriptures dating back 5000 years describe meditation techniques. From its ancient beginnings and over thousands of years, meditation has developed into a structured practice used today by millions of people worldwide of differing nationalities and religious beliefs


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Ray Liversidge|Ray Liversidge]] - (5333) - delete - <small>closed 18:38, 12 August 2008 (UTC)</small>
[[Yoga]] ([[Devanagari]]: योग) is one of the six schools of [[Hindu philosophy]], focusing on meditation. In India, Yoga is seen as a means to both physiological and spiritual mastery.


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Pirani Ameena Begum (2nd nomination)|Pirani Ameena Begum (2nd nomination)]] - (9915) - No consensus - <small>closed 08:39, 12 August 2008 (UTC)</small>
There are several types of meditation in Hinduism. Amongst these types are:
* [[Vedanta]], a form of [[Jnana Yoga]].
* [[Raja Yoga]] as outlined by [[Patanjali]], which describes eight "limbs" of spiritual practices, half of which might be classified as meditation. Underlying them is the assumption that a yogi should still the fluctuations of his or her mind: ''Yoga cittavrrti nirodha.''
* [[Surat shabd yoga]], or "sound and light meditation"
* [[Japa Yoga]], in which a [[mantra]] is repeated aloud or silently
* [[Bhakti Yoga]], the yoga of love and devotion, in which the seeker is focused on an object of devotion, eg [[Krishna]]
* [[Hatha Yoga]], in which postures and meditations are aimed at raising the spiritual energy, known as [[Kundalini]], which rises through energy centres known as [[chakras]]


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Harrisham Sonnet|Harrisham Sonnet]] - (3413) - delete - <small>closed 18:37, 10 August 2008 (UTC)</small>
The objective of meditation is to reach a calm state of mind. [[Patanjali]], in his [[Yoga Sutras]], described five different states of mind: Ksipta, Mudha, Viksipta, Ekagra and Nirodha.
* Ksipta defines a very agitated mind, unable to think, listen or remain quiet. It is jumping from one [[thought]] to another.
* In Mudha no information seems to reach the brain; the person is absentminded.
* Viksipta is a higher state where the mind receives information but is not able to process it. It moves from one thought to another, in a confused inner speech.
* Ekagra is the state of a calm mind but not asleep. The person is focused and can pay attention.
* Lastly Nirodha, when the mind is not disturbed by erratic thoughts, it is completely focused, as when you are meditating or totally centered in what you are doing.
The ultimate end of meditation according to Patanjali is the destruction of primal ignorance (avidya) and the realization of and establishment in the essential nature of the Self.


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/School of Quietude|School of Quietude]] - (6738) - redirect - <small>closed 17:38, 6 August 2008 (UTC)</small>
[[Swami Vivekananda]] describes meditation as follows:<ref>http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Complete_Works_of_Swami_Vivekananda/Volume_4/Lectures_and_Discourses/Meditation</ref>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Randall Williams|Randall Williams]] - (3818) - delete - <small>closed 03:31, 24 July 2008 (UTC)</small>
''"Meditation has been laid stress upon by all religions. The meditative state of mind is declared by the Yogis to be the highest state in which the mind exists. When the mind is studying the external object, it gets identified with it, loses itself. To use the simile of the old Indian philosopher: the soul of man is like a piece of crystal, but it takes the colour of whatever is near it. Whatever the soul touches ... it has to take its colour. That is the difficulty. That constitutes the bondage. The colour is so strong, the crystal forgets itself and identifies itself with the colour. Suppose a red flower is near the crystal and the crystal takes the colour and forgets itself, thinks it is red. We have taken the colour of the body and have forgotten what we are. All the difficulties that follow come from that one dead body. All our fears, all worries, anxieties, troubles, mistakes, weakness, evil, are from that one great blunder — that we are bodies. This is the ordinary person. It is the person taking the colour of the flower near to it. We are no more bodies than the crystal is the red flower.''


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Nanda Kishore Samal|Nanda Kishore Samal]] - (2924) - delete - <small>closed 14:04, 23 July 2008 (UTC)</small>
''The practice of meditation is pursued. The crystal knows what it is, takes its own colour. It is meditation that brings us nearer to truth than anything else. ..."''


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Portuguese epic poetry|Portuguese epic poetry]] - (6247) - delete - <small>closed 23:16, 20 July 2008 (UTC)</small>
The [[Bhagavad Gita]] stresses the importance of meditation. The Sixth Chapter of Bhagavad Gita - ''"The Yoga of Meditation"'' describes the technique of meditation, and the characteristics of the Yogi who is well established in meditation.<ref>[http://www.atmajyoti.org/med_krishna_teaches_meditation.asp ATMA JYOTI ASHRAM - Krishna Teaches Us How To Meditate<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>However, [[Swami Purushottamananda]] indicates that the instructions from the Bhagavad Gita must not be taken as it is and meditation must be learnt from a experienced guru </ref>. The Bhagavad Gita stresses the importance of meditation as follows ''"Make a habit of practising meditation and do not let your mind be distracted. In this way you will come finally to the Lord who is the light-giver, the highest of the high."''<ref>''Chapter 8 : The Way to the Eternal Brahman''</ref>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Rehan Qayoom (2nd nomination)|Rehan Qayoom (2nd nomination)]] - (5172) - [[WP:SNOW]] Delete --[[User:JForget|<font color = "orange"> - <small>closed 00:10, 1 July 2008 (UTC)</small>
===Buddhism===
[[Image:Buddha.jpg|thumb|left|Dynamic tranquilty: the Buddha in contemplation.]]
{{main|Buddhist meditation}}


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Imagery in poems from different cultures|Imagery in poems from different cultures]] - (3277) - Delete - <small>closed 00:08, 26 June 2008 (UTC)</small>
Meditation has always been central to Buddhism and considered a key tool in spiritual development. The [[Gautama Buddha|historical Buddha]] himself, Buddha Shakyamuni, was said to have achieved [[Bodhi|enlightenment]] while meditating under a [[Bodhi tree]]. There are countless Buddhas and all of them used meditation to make spiritual progress. Most forms of Buddhism distinguish between two classes of meditation practices, [[shamatha]] and [[vipassana]], both of which are necessary for attaining enlightenment. The former consists of practices aimed at developing the ability to focus the attention single-pointedly; the latter includes practices aimed at developing insight and wisdom through seeing the true nature of reality. The differentiation between the two types of meditation practices is not always clear cut, which is made obvious when studying practices such as [[Anapanasati]] which could be said to start off as a shamatha practice but that goes through a number of stages and ends up as a vipassana practice.


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Chidi Anthony Opara|Chidi Anthony Opara]] - (6194) - Delete - <small>closed 02:28, 18 June 2008 (UTC)</small>
[[Theravada]] Buddhism emphasizes the meditative development of [[mindfulness]] (''sati'', see for example the ''[[Satipatthana Sutta]]'') and concentration (''[[samadhi (Buddhism)|samadhi]]'', see ''[[kammatthana]]''), as part of the [[Noble Eightfold Path]], in the pursuit of ''[[Nirvana|Nibbana]]'' (Nirvana). Traditional popular meditation subjects include the breath (''[[anapana]]'') and loving-kindness (''[[mettā]]'').


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Paul Hullah|Paul Hullah]] - (10362) - Keep - <small>closed 19:52, 7 June 2008 (UTC)</small>
[[Image:Kodo Sawaki.jpg|thumb|right|Japanese Zen master Kodo Sawaki (1880-1965) in full lotus posture.]]
In Japanese [[Mahayana]] schools, [[Tendai]] (Tien-tai), concentration is cultivated through highly structured ritual. Especially in the Chinese [[Chán]] Buddhism school (which branched out into the Japanese [[Zen]], and Korean [[Seon]] schools), [[Zazen|ts'o ch'an]] meditation and [[koan]] meditation practices allow a practitioner to directly experience the true nature of [[reality]] (each of the names of these schools derives from the Sanskrit [[dhyana]], and translates into "meditation" in their respective languages). The [[esoteric]] [[Shingon]] sect shares many features with [[Tibetan Buddhism]].


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Solage (poetry)|Solage (poetry)]] - (4661) - delete - <small>closed 19:19, 4 June 2008 (UTC)</small>
[[Tibetan Buddhism]] ([[Vajrayana]]) emphasizes [[tantra]] for its senior practitioners; hence its alternate name of Tantrayana Buddhism. Many monks go through their day without "meditating" in a recognizable form, but are more likely to chant or participate in group liturgy. In this tradition, the purpose of meditation is to awaken the sky-like nature of mind, and to introduce practitioners to that which they really are: unchanging pure awareness, which underlies the whole of life and death.<ref name = Sogyal>Sogyal, Rinpoche (1994) ''The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.'' Patrick Gaffney and Andrew Harvey eds. New York: Harper Collins.</ref><ref>[http://www.mandala.hr/1/groundpathfruit.html Ground, Path, and Fruition: Mind-Nature Teachings Concerning the View, Meditation, and Action of Dzogpa Chenpo, the Innate Great Perfection]. Compiled by Surya Das with Nyoshul Khenpo. Retrieved on; [[August 25]], [[2007]].</ref>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Darwinian poetry|Darwinian poetry]] - (5832) - keep - <small>closed 15:06, 26 May 2008 (UTC)</small>
<blockquote>
''The gift of learning to meditate is the greatest gift you can give yourself in this life. For it is only through meditation that you can undertake the journey to discover your true nature, and so find the stability and confidence you will need to live, and die, well. Meditation is the road to enlightenment.''- [[Sogyal Rinpoche]], ''[[The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying]]''<ref name = Sogyal />
</blockquote>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Ananda Selah Osel|Ananda Selah Osel]] - (5500) - delete - <small>closed 03:03, 25 May 2008 (UTC)</small>
Most [[Schools of Buddhism|Buddhist traditions]] recognize that the path to [[bodhi|Enlightenment]] entails three types of [[Threefold training|training]]: virtue (''[[sīla]]''); meditation (''samadhi''); and, wisdom (''[[prajna|paññā]]'').<ref>For instance, from the [[Pali Canon]], see [[Majjhima Nikaya|MN]] 44 [http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.044.than.html (Thanissaro, 1998a)] and [[Anguttara Nikaya|AN]] 3:88 [http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an03/an03.088.than.html (Thanissaro, 1998b).] In Mahayana tradition, the [[Lotus Sutra]] lists the [[Paramita|Six Perfections]] (''paramita'') which echoes the threefold training with the inclusion of virtue (''[[Sila|śīla]]''), concentration (''[[Dhyana|dhyāna]]'') and wisdom (''[[Prajna|prajñā]]'').</ref> Thus, meditative prowess alone is not sufficient; it is but one part of the path. In other words, in Buddhism, in tandem with mental cultivation, ethical development and wise understanding are also necessary for the attainment of the highest goal.<ref>Dharmacarini Manishini, ''Western Buddhist Review.'' Accessed at http://www.westernbuddhistreview.com/vol4/kamma_in_context.html</ref>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/The CommonLine Project|The CommonLine Project]] - (3566) - delete. - <small>closed 06:09, 22 May 2008 (UTC)</small>
===Christianity===
{{main|Christian meditation}}
Christian traditions have various practices which can be identified as forms of "meditation." [[Monastic]] traditions are the basis for many of these practices. Practices such as the [[rosary]], the Adoration (focusing on the eucharist) in [[Catholicism]] or the [[hesychasm|hesychast]] tradition in [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], may be compared to forms of Eastern meditation that focus on an individual object. Christian meditation is considered a form of [[Prayer in Christianity|prayer]]. [[Hesychasm#Hesychastic practice|Hesychastic practice]], may involve recitation of the [[Jesus Prayer]], thus "through the grace of God and one's own effort, to concentrate the [[nous]] in the heart."<ref>Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos [http://www.pelagia.org/htm/b12.en.the_mind_of_the_orthodox_church.09.htm#s94c The Mind of the Orthodox Church]. IX. The “Synodikon of Orthodoxy,” 4c) Hesychasm. www.pelagia.org. Retrieved on: [[February 2]], [[2008]].</ref> [[Prayer]] as a form of meditation of the heart is described in the [[Philokalia]]—a practice that leads towards [[Theosis]] which ignores the senses and results in inner stillness.


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Neil Carpathios|Neil Carpathios]] - (4166) - delete. - <small>closed 20:08, 20 May 2008 (UTC)</small>
In 1975, the [[Benedictine]] monk, [[John Main]] introduced a form of meditation based on repetitive recitation of a prayer-phrase, traditionally the Aramaic phrase "[[Maranatha]]," meaning "Come, Oh Lord", as quoted at the end of both Corinthians and Revelation. The [[World Community for Christian Meditation]] was founded in 1991 to continue Main's work, which the Community describes as: "teaching Christian meditation as part of the great work of our time of restoring the contemplative dimension of Christian faith in the life of the church."<ref>[http://www.wccm.org/home.asp?pagestyle=home The World Community for Christian Meditation]. www.wccm.org/home. Retrieved on: [[February 2]], [[2008]].</ref>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/K. R. Tony|K. R. Tony]] - (3682) - delete - <small>closed 03:30, 16 May 2008 (UTC)</small>
The [[Old Testament]] book of [[Joshua]] sets out a form of meditation based on scriptures: "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it, then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:8). This is one of the reasons why bible verse memory is a practice among many [[evangelicalism|evangelical]] Christians.<ref>Ascension Mission [http://www.concentric.net/~Cosmas/prayer.htm Prayer and Meditation]. Retrieved on [[January 20]], [[2008]]</ref><ref>[http://www.subodhgupta.com/meditation/christian-meditation.html Christian Meditation]. Retrieved on [[January 20]], [[2008]]</ref>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Modern poetry|Modern poetry]] - (6982) - Delete - <small>closed 00:34, 15 May 2008 (UTC)</small>
The predominant form of worship among Quakers, or the [[Religious Society of Friends]], has historically been communal silent prayer or meditation which consists of focusing on the [[Inner Light]] of Christ, listening for and awaiting the movement of the "still, small voice within," which may or may not result in being moved to spoken ministry. This process would of course necessitate the quieting of the worldly mind and spiritual discernment as to what genuinely proceeds from the Light as opposed to one's own thoughts and feelings.


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Seyhan Kurt (2nd nomination)|Seyhan Kurt (2nd nomination)]] - (11106) - delete. - <small>closed 07:11, 10 May 2008 (UTC)</small>
===Islam===
* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Marc Smith|Marc Smith]] - (3880) - keep - <small>closed 13:38, 9 May 2008 (UTC)</small>
{{seealso|Muraqaba}}
Meditation in [[Islam]] is the core of its creed. A Muslim is obligated to pray five times a day (before dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and night). During those times of prayer, the Muslim is expected to focus and meditate on [[Allah]] through the recitation of [[Qur'an]] and [[dhikr]] in order to establish and strengthen the connection between Creator and creation. This, in turn, is meant to guide the soul to truth.
This meditation is intended to help Muslims maintain spiritual peace in spite of challenges they may experience in their work, social and family life. In this manner, the five daily times of peaceful prayer are meant to serve as a model for the Muslim's conduct during the whole day, transforming it into a single, sustained meditation. Even sleep is but another phase of that sustained meditation (3 Al Emran verses 189-194) (6 Al Anaam verses 160 to 163).


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Mohamed Korna|Mohamed Korna]] - (3001) - Delete - <small>closed 18:36, 22 April 2008 (UTC)</small>
Meditative quiescence is believed to have a quality of healing and creativity.<ref>Dwivedi, Kedar Nath. ''Review:Freedom from Self, Sufism, Meditation and Psychotherapy''. Group Analysis, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 434-436, December 1989</ref> The Muslim prophet [[Muhammad]], whose deeds devout Muslims follow, spent long periods in meditation and contemplation. It was during one such period of meditation that Muhammad began to receive [[Wahy|revelations]] of the Qur'an.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Nigosian
| first = S. A.
| title = Islam. Its History, Teaching, and Practices
| publisher = Indiana University Press
|year=2004
| location = Bloomington
| pages = 111
}}</ref>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/John Gallaher|John Gallaher]] - (18384) - keep - <small>closed 13:46, 19 April 2008 (UTC)</small>
Two more concepts or schools of meditation in Islam:


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Sean Horlor|Sean Horlor]] - (7667) - keep - <small>closed 22:20, 12 April 2008 (UTC)</small>
*''Tafakkur'' and ''[[Tadabbur]]'', literally meaning reflection upon the universe. Muslims feel this is a form of intellectual development which emanates from a higher level, i.e. from God. This intellectual process through the receiving of [[divine inspiration]] awakens and liberates the human mind, permitting man’s inner personality to develop and grow so that he may lead his life on a spiritual plane far above the mundane level. This is consistent with the global teachings of Islam, which views life as a test of our practice of submission to Allah, the one God.


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/The Paper Nautilus|The Paper Nautilus]] - (4288) - keep - <small>closed 23:17, 8 April 2008 (UTC)</small>
*The second form of meditation is the [[Sufi meditation]], it is largely based on mystical exercises. However, this method is controversial among Muslim scholars. One group of Ulama, [[Al-Ghazzali]], for instance, have accepted it, another group of Ulama, [[Ibn Taymiya]], for instance, have rejected it as a [[bid'ah]] (Arabic: بدعة‎) (religious innovation).


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Richard Tylman|Richard Tylman]] - (15096) - No consensus - <small>closed 21:41, 31 March 2008 (UTC)</small>
[[Sufism]] relies on a practice similar to Buddhist meditation, known as [[Muraqaba]] or [[Tamarkoz]] which is taught in the [[Oveyssi-Shahmaghsoudi]] Sufi order. Tamarkoz is a [[Persian language|Persian]] term that means ‘concentration,’ referring to the “concentration of abilities”. Consequently, the term concentration is synonymous to close attention, convergent, collection, compaction, and consolidation.


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Adriano Bulla|Adriano Bulla]] - (69971) - Delete - <small>archived 13:36, 8 February 2008 (UTC)</small>
===Jainism===
[[Image:Jain meditation.jpg|thumb|right|Jain [[sadhvi]]s meditating]]
The [[Jainism|Jains]] use the word [[Samayika]], a word in the [[Prakrit]] language derived from the word samay (time), to denote the practice of meditation. The aim of Samayika is to transcend the daily experiences of being a "constantly changing" human being, [[Jiva]], and allow for the identification with the "changeless" reality in the practitioner, the Atma. The practice of Samayika begins by achieving a balance in time. If the present moment of time is taken to be a point between the past and the future, Samayika means being fully aware, alert and conscious in that very moment, experiencing one's true nature, Atma, which is considered common to all living beings. The Samayika takes on special significance during [[Paryushana]], a special 8-day period practiced by the Jains.


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Great Minds Think Alike|Great Minds Think Alike]] - (3802) - delete - <small>archived 14:37, 24 January 2008 (UTC)</small>
Meditation techniques were available in ancient Jain scriptures that have been forgotten with time. A practice called [[preksha meditation]] is said to have been rediscovered by the 10th Head of Jain Swetamber Terapanth sect [[Acharya Mahaprajna]],<ref>[http://preksha.com/html/meditation.htm Preksha Meditation] preksha.com. Retrieved on: [[August 25]], [[2007]].</ref> and consists of the perception of the body, the psychic centres, breath and of contemplation processes which will initiate the process of personal transformation. It aims at reaching and purify the deeper levels of existence. Regular practice strengthens the immune system, builds up stamina to resist against aging process, pollution, chemical toxins, viruses, diseases, food adulteration etc. [[Jain Meditation]] is important to the daily lives of the religion's monks.<ref>J. Zaveri [http://www.jzaveri.com/what_is_preksha.htm What is Preksha?]. .jzaveri.com. Retrieved on: [[August 25]], [[2007]].</ref>
* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Richard Denner|Richard Denner]] - (3297) - Delete - <small>archived 14:37, 24 January 2008 (UTC)</small>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Postbeat Poets|Postbeat Poets]] - (13913) - Keep - <small>archived 11:48, 13 January 2008 (UTC)</small>
Acharya Mahaprajna says: <blockquote>
Soul is my god.
Renunciation is my prayer.
Amity is my devotion.
Self restraint is my strength.
Non-violence is my religion.<ref>Jain Vishwa Bharati [http://www.jvbhouston.org/preksha.htm Preksha Meditation—Overview]. jvbhouston.org. Retrieved on: [[August 25]], [[2007]].</ref>
</blockquote>


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Jim Cohn|Jim Cohn]] - (4574) - speedy deletion - <small>archived 11:26, 8 January 2008 (UTC)</small>
===Judaism===


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Fib (poetry)|Fib (poetry)]] - (3780) - keep - <small>archived 19:45, 20 December 2007 (UTC)</small>
{{main|Jewish meditation}}
* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/David Reid Poetry Translation Prize|David Reid Poetry Translation Prize]] - (5404) - Delete - <small>archived 19:45, 20 December 2007 (UTC)</small>
There is evidence that Judaism has had meditative practices that go back thousands of years.<ref name = Shapiro>Shapiro, R. [http://members.tripod.com/shulamit18/id65.htm#a_brief_introduction_to_jewish A Brief Introduction to Jewish Meditation]. tripod.com. Retrieved on: [[August 25]], [[2007]].</ref> For instance, in the [[Torah]], the patriarch [[Isaac]] is described as going "לשוח" (''lasuach'') in the field—a term understood by all commentators as some type of meditative practice ([[Genesis]] 24:63), probably prayer.


* [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Long Healing Prayer|Long Healing Prayer]] - (4626) - Keep/No consensus - <small>archived 14:04, 19 September 2007 (UTC)</small>
Similarly, there are indications throughout the [[Tanach]] (the Hebrew [[Bible]]) that meditation was central to the prophets.<ref name = Shapiro /> In the [[Old Testament]], there are two [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] words for meditation: ''hāgâ'' ({{lang-he|הגה}}), which means ''to sigh'' or ''murmur'', but also ''to meditate'', and ''{{unicode|sîḥâ}}'' ({{lang-he|שיחה}}), which means ''to muse'', or ''rehearse in one's mind''.


In modern Jewish practice, one of the best known meditative practices is called ''hitbodedut'' (התבודדות) or ''hisbodedus'' is explained in [[Kabbalah]] and [[Hassidic]] philosophy. The word ''hisbodedut'', which derives from the Hebrew word "boded", בודד (a state of being alone) and said to be related to the sfirah of Binah (lit. book of understanding), means the process of making oneself understand a concept well through analytical study.


<!-- end of old AfD discussions -->
Kabbalah is inherently a meditative field of study. Kabbalistic meditative practices construct a supernal realm which the soul navigates through in order to achieve certain ends. One of the most well known types of meditation is [[Merkabah]], from the root /R-K-B/ meaning "chariot"(of God).

===New Age===
{{main|New Age}}
[[Image:1979 Festival.jpg|thumb|right|255px|Meditation workshop at 1979 [[Nambassa]] in [[New Zealand]]]]
New Age meditations are often influenced by Eastern philosophy and mysticism such as Yoga, Hinduism and Buddhism, yet may contain some degree of Western influence. In the west meditation found its mainstream roots through the [[hippie]]- [[Counterculture of the 1960s|counterculture]] social revolution of the 1960s and 1970s when many of the youth of the day rebelled against traditional [[Religion|belief systems.]] <ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,899555-1,00.html The Hippies 1968-07]</ref>

===Sikhism===
{{main|Nām Japō}}
In [[Sikhism]], the practices of [[simran]] and [[Nām Japō]] encourage quiet meditation. This is focusing one's attention on the attributes of God. Sikhs believe that there are 10 'gates' to the body; 'gates' is another word for 'chakras' or energy centres. The top most energy level is the called the tenth gate or dasam dwar. When one reaches this stage through continuous practice meditation becomes a habit that continues whilst walking, talking, eating, awake and even sleeping. There is a distinct taste or flavour when a meditator reaches this lofty stage of meditation, as one experiences absolute peace and tranquility inside and outside the body.

Followers of the Sikh religion also believe that love comes through meditation on the lord's name since meditation only conjures up positive emotions in oneself which are portrayed through our actions. The first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached the equality of all humankind and stressed the importance of living a householder's life instead of wandering around jungles meditating, the latter of which being a popular practice at the time. The Guru preached that we can obtain liberation from life and death by living a totally normal family life and by spreading love amongst every human being regardless of religion.

In the Sikh religion, [[kirtan]], otherwise known as singing the hymns of God is seen as one of the most beneficial ways of aiding meditation, and it too in some ways is believed to be a meditation of one kind.

===Taoism===
[[Image:Stage1.gif|thumb|180px|right|"Gathering the Light", Taoist meditation from ''[[The Secret of the Golden Flower]]'']]
{{main|Taoism}}
Taoism includes a number of meditative and contemplative traditions. Originally said to have their principles described in the ''[[I Ching]]'', ''[[Tao Te Ching]]'', ''[[Chuang Tzu]]'' and ''[[Daozang|Tao Tsang]]'' among other texts; the multitude of schools relating to [[Qigong]], [[Neigong]], [[Tao Yin|Daoyin]] and [[Zhan zhuang]] are a large, diverse array of breath training practises in aid of meditation with much influence from later [[Chinese Buddhism]] and with much influence on [[traditional Chinese medicine]] and the [[Chinese martial arts|Chinese]] as well as some [[Japanese martial arts]]. The Chinese martial art [[T'ai Chi Ch'uan]] is named after the well-known focus for Taoist and [[Neo-Confucian]] meditation, the [[Taijitu|T'ai Chi T'u]], and is often referred to as “meditation in motion”.

Often [[Taoist]] [[Internal martial arts]], especially [[Tai Chi Chuan]] are thought of as moving meditation. A common phrase being, "movement in stillness" referring to energetic movement in passive Qigong and seated Taoist meditation; with the converse being "stillness in movement", a state of mental calm and meditation in the tai chi form.

===Bahá'í Faith===
The [[Bahá'í Faith]] teaches that meditation is necessary for spiritual growth, alongside obligatory prayer and fasting. [[`Abdu'l-Bahá]] is quoted as saying:

<blockquote>"Meditation is the key for opening the doors of mysteries to your mind. In that state man abstracts himself: in that state man withdraws himself from all outside objects; in that subjective mood he is immersed in the ocean of spiritual life and can unfold the secrets of things-in-themselves."<ref>{{cite book |author = `Abdu'l-Bahá |authorlink = `Abdu'l-Bahá |origyear = 1912 |year = 1995 |title = Paris Talks |pages = p. 175 |publisher = Bahá'í Distribution Service |id = ISBN 1870989570 |url = http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/PT/pt-55.html }}</ref></blockquote>

Although the founder of the Faith, [[Bahá'u'lláh]], never specified any particular forms of meditation, some Bahá'í practices are meditative. One of these is the daily repetition of the Arabic phrase Alláhu Abhá ([[Arabic]]: الله ابهى) (God is Most Glorious) 95 times preceded by [[ablution]]s. Abhá has the same root as Bahá' ([[Arabic]]: بهاء‎ "splendor" or "glory") which Bahá'ís consider to be the "Greatest Name of God".<ref>{{cite book |last = Smith |first = P. |year = 1999 |title = A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith |publisher = Oneworld Publications |location = Oxford, UK |id = ISBN 1851681841 |pages = p. 243 }}</ref>

=== Other ===
====Meditation according to Krishnamurti====
[[J Krishnamurti]] used the word meditation to mean something entirely different from the practice of any system or method to control the mind. He said, “Man, in order to escape his conflicts, has invented many forms of meditation. These have been based on desire, will, and the urge for achievement, and imply conflict and a struggle to arrive. This conscious, deliberate striving is always within the limits of a conditioned mind, and in this there is no freedom. All effort to meditate is the denial of meditation. Meditation is the ending of thought. It is only then that there is a different dimension which is beyond time.” For Krishnamurti, meditation was choiceless awareness in the present. He said "..When you learn about yourself, watch yourself, watch the way you walk, how you eat, what you say, the gossip, the hate, the jealousy - if you are aware of all that in yourself, without any choice, that is part of meditation."<ref>Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. [http://www.omalpha.com/jardin/krishnamurti-en.html Meditation]. From Chapter 15 of ''Freedom from the Known,'' J. Krishnamurti (1969) Harper and Row. ISBN 0-06-064808-2. Retrieved on: [[August 26]], [[2007]].</ref>

====Active/dynamic meditation====
[[Dynamic Meditation]] is the name of one of [[Osho]]'s popular [[Active Meditation]] techniques. However, in general active/dynamic meditation refers to any meditation technique which does not have one's body assuming a static posture. Such techniques are widely used in [[Karma Yoga]].{{Fact|date=December 2007}} An example of such activity could be [[Natya Yoga]] or a [[Shamanistic]] dance, such as described by [[Carlos Castaneda]] or simple exercises that focus on certain parts of the body "to give you the power to profoundly affect your mental and physical state directly and quickly".<ref name=Samara>
{{cite web
| last = Samara
| first = Tony
| title = Simple Meditations
| url = http://tonysamara.org/meds.htm
| accessdate = 2007-05-16 }}
</ref>

[[Osho]], earlier named [[Rajneesh]], introduced the meditation techniques which he termed [[Active Meditation]]s, which begin with a stage of activity — sometimes intense and physical — followed by a period of silence. He emphasized that meditation is ''not'' concentration. [[Dynamic Meditation]] involves a conscious catharsis where one can throw out all the repressions, express what is not easily expressible in society, and then easily go into silence. Some of his techniques also have a stage of spontaneous dance. He said that, "If people are innocent there is no need for [[Dynamic Meditation]]. But if people are repressed, psychologically are carrying a lot of burden, then they need catharsis. So Dynamic Meditation is just to help them clean the place. And then they can use any method ... It will not be difficult. If they, right now, directly try, they will fail." <ref>''The Last Testament'', Vol. 3, Chapter 19</ref>

[[Sri Aurobindo]] used to meditate while walking.

Also the [[Thai people|Thai]] [[bhikkhu|monk]] [[Luang Por Teean]] taught a (more conservative) form of active meditation which in Luang Por Teean's translated books is usually translated as 'Dynamic Meditation'. It involves the use of the hands and arms during sitting meditation. He also used walking meditation as a complementary method. His teaching was aimed at developing awareness of the movements of the arms, which are moved continuously in a certain pattern throughout the meditation. The awareness is, however, not limited to the arms but inclusive of the whole life-experience. This type of active meditation is a type of [[vipassana]] meditation, which originated in [[Burma]], but is becoming more well known in the western countries, too.

====Secular====
Forms of meditation which are devoid of mystical content have been developed in the west as a way of promoting physical and mental well being.

[[Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation]] was developed by American physician [[Edmund Jacobson]] in the early 1920s. Jacobson argued that since muscular tension accompanies anxiety, one can reduce anxiety by learning how to relax the muscular tension.

[[Autogenic training]] was developed by the German psychiatrist [[Johannes Schultz]] in 1932. Schultz emphasized parallels to techniques in yoga and meditation; however, autogenic training is devoid of any mysticism.

Australian psychiatrist [[Ainslie Meares|Dr Ainslie Meares]] published a groundbreaking work in the 1960s entitled ''Relief Without Drugs'', in which he recommended some simple, secular relaxation techniques based on Hindu practices as a means of combating anxiety, stress and chronic physical pain.

[[Herbert Benson]] M.D., of Harvard Medical School, conducted a series of clinical tests on meditators from various disciplines - mainly [[Transcendental meditation]] and [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. He first described the results in his 1975 book ''The Relaxation Response'' where he outlined a secular approach to achieving similar results.

[[Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche]] founded [[Shambhala Training]] in 1976, a secular program of meditation with a belief in basic goodness and teaching the path of bravery and gentleness. The 1984 book ''[[Shambhala]]: The Sacred Path of the Warrior'' contains student-edited versions of Trungpa's lectures and writings.

The book ''[[Sensual Meditation|Sensual Meditation (1980)]]'' which was written by the founder of the [[Raëlian Church|Raëlian movement]] outlines a sequence of non-ascetic meditation exercises which emphasize a [[Sensual Meditation]] involving a physical and sensual awareness connected with current knowledge of how the body and mind are organized.

The 1999 book ''The Calm Technique: Meditation Without Magic or Mysticism'' by Paul Wilson has a discussion and instruction in a form of secular meditation.

[[Biofeedback]] has been tried by many researchers since the 1950s as a way to enter deeper states of mind.<ref>[http://www.eaglelife.com/biofeedbackmeditation.html The Healing History of EEG Biofeedback] Eagle Life Communications Accessed March 2007 .</ref>

Primordial Sound Meditation is an ancient meditation technique with its origins in the Vedic tradition of India. It has been modernized and revitalized by Drs. [[Deepak Chopra]] and David Simon of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing.[http://www.chopra.com/] It is a silent mantra meditation that uses primordial sounds (sounds of nature) that are linguistically structured and used to bring awareness to more and more subtle levels of thought.

====Meditation using beads====

Many religions have their own prayer beads or rosary. A rosary consists of pearls or beads linked together by a thread. Catholics use a string of beads containing five sets with ten small beads. Each set of ten is separated by another bead. The Hindu and Buddhist rosary has 108 beads and the Muslim rosary 99 beads. Prayers and specific meditations of each religion are different and there are theological reasons for the number of beads. Rosaries may come in different colors, sizes and designs. However, the central purpose, which is to pray repetitively and to meditate, is the same across all religions that use them as a prayer tool.{{Fact|date=October 2007}}

==== Acoustic and photic ====

Newer forms of meditation are based on the results of [[EEG|EEG (electro-encephalogram)]] work in long-term meditators. Studies have demonstrated the presence of a [[frequency]]-following response to auditory and visual stimuli. This EEG activity was termed "frequency-following response" because its period (cycles per second) corresponds to the fundamental frequency of the stimulus. Stated plainly, if the stimulus is 5 [[Hz]] the resulting measured EEG will show a 5&nbsp;Hz frequency-following response using appropriate time-domain averaging protocols.<ref name="Atwater">
{{cite web
| last = Atwater
| first = F. Holmes
| title = Inducing States of Consciousness with a Binaural Beat Technology
| publisher = The Monroe Institute [http://www.monroeinstitute.com/]
| work = Research papers[http://www.monroeinstitute.com/content_summary.php?section=Research%20Papers]
|year=1997
| url = http://www.monroeinstitute.com/content.php?content_id=21
| accessdate = 2006-08-14 }}
</ref><ref name="Noton">
{{cite web
| last = Noton
| first = David
| title = PMS, EEG, AND PHOTIC STIMULATION
|year=1997
| url = http://www.elixa.com/mental/Noton.htm
| accessdate = 2006-08-14 }}
</ref> This is the justification behind such inventions as the [[Dreamachine]] and [[binaural beats]].

==Meditation in a Western context==

"Meditation" in its modern sense refers to Yogic meditation that originated in India. In the late nineteenth century, [[Theosophy|Theosophists]] adopted the word "meditation" to refer to various spiritual practices drawn from [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Sikhism]] and other [[Eastern religions]]. Thus the English word "meditation" does not exclusively translate to any single term or concept, and can be used to translate words such as the [[Sanskrit]] ''[[dhyana]]'', ''[[samadhi]]'' and ''[[bhavana]]''.

Meditation may be for a religious purpose, but even before being brought to the West it was used in secular contexts, such as the [[martial arts]]. Beginning with the Theosophists, though, meditation has been employed in the West by a number of religious and spiritual movements, such as [[Yoga]] , [[New Age]] and the [[New Thought]] movement, as well as limited use in Christianity.

Meditation techniques have also been used by Western theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Relaxation training works toward achieving mental and muscle relaxation to reduce daily stresses. Jacobson is credited with developing the initial progressive relaxation procedure. These techniques are used in conjunction with other behavioral techniques. Originally used with [[systematic desensitization]], relaxation techniques are now used with other clinical problems. Meditation, hypnosis and biofeedback-induced relaxation are a few of the techniques used with relaxation training. One of the eight essential phases of EMDR (developed by Shapiro), bringing adequate closure to the end of each session, also entails the use of relaxation techniques, including meditation. Multimodal therapy, a technically eclectic approach to behavioral therapy, also employs the use of meditation as a technique used in individual therapy.
<ref>{{cite book | last = Corey | first = G. | title = Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (6th ed.). | publisher =Wadsworth Publishing Co. | month =March | year =2000 | location =Belmont, CA | pages =550 | isbn =0534348238}}</ref>

From the point of view of [[psychology]] and [[physiology]], meditation can induce an [[altered state of consciousness]], and its goals in that context have been stated to achieving spiritual [[enlightenment]], to the transformation of attitudes, and to better [[cardiovascular]] health.

== Physical postures ==
{{main|Asana}}
[[Image:7BrahmanMH.jpg|thumb|Half-lotus position.]]

Different spiritual traditions, and different teachers within those traditions, prescribe or suggest different physical postures for meditation. Sitting, supine, and standing<ref name=Marshall>{{cite web | last = Marshall | first = Chris | title = Paradoxes of Standing Meditation | url = http://www.martialdevelopment.com/blog/four-paradoxes-of-standing-meditation/ | accessdate = 2007-10-23 }}</ref> postures are used. Most famous are the several cross-legged sitting postures, including the [[Lotus Position]].
=== Spine ===
Many meditative traditions teach that the [[vertebral column|spine]] should be kept "straight" (i.e. that the meditator should not slouch). Often this is explained as a way of encouraging the circulation of what some call "spiritual energy," the "vital breath", the "life force" (Sanskrit ''prana'', Chinese ''[[qi]]'', Latin ''spiritus'') or the [[Kundalini]]. In some traditions the meditator may sit on a chair, flat-footed (as in [[New Thought]]); sit on a stool (as in [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christianity]]); or walk in mindfulness (as in [[Theravada]] Buddhism). Some traditions suggest being [[barefoot]], for comfort, for convenience, or for spiritual reasons.

Other traditions, such as those related to [[kundalini yoga]], take a less formal approach. While the basic practice in these traditions is also to sit still quietly in a traditional posture, they emphasize the possibility of [[kriyas]] - spontaneous yogic postures, changes in breathing patterns or emotional states, or perhaps repetitive physical movements such as swaying, etc., which may naturally arise as the practitioner sits in meditation, and which should not be resisted but rather allowed to express themselves in order to enhance the natural flow of energy through the body. This is said to help purify the [[nadis]] and ultimately deepen one's meditative practice.

=== Mudra/Hand ===
[[Image:Walking meditation.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Bas-relief in [[Sukhothai]], [[Thailand]] depicting monks during walking meditation.]]
Various hand-gestures or [[mudra]]s may be prescribed. These can carry theological meaning or according to Yogic philosophy can actually affect consciousness. For example, a common Buddhist hand-position is with the right hand resting atop the left (like the Buddha's begging bowl), with the thumbs touching.

=== Eyes ===
In most meditative traditions, the eyes are closed. In some sects such as [[Zen]], the eyes are half-closed, half open and looking slightly downward. In others such as [[Brahma Kumaris]], the eyes are kept fully open.

Quiet is often held to be desirable, and some people use repetitive activities such as deep breathing, humming or chanting to help induce a meditative state.

In Sufism meditation (muraqaba) with eyes closed is called [[Varood]] while with open eyes is known as [[Shahood]] or [[Fa'tha]].

=== Focus and Gaze ===
Often such details are shared by more than one religion, even in cases where mutual influence seems unlikely. One example would be "navel-gazing," which is apparently attested within Eastern Orthodoxy as well as Chinese [[qigong]] practice. Another would be the practice of focusing on the breath, which is found in Orthodox Christianity, [[Sufism]], and numerous Indic traditions.

=== Cross-legged Sitting ===
Sitting cross-legged (or upon one's knees) for extended periods when one is not sufficiently limber, can result in a range of [[ergonomic]] complaints called "meditator's knee". Many meditative traditions do not require sitting cross legged.

== Health applications and clinical studies of meditation ==
{{main|Health applications and clinical studies of meditation}}

[[Image:Ss460-319-070-Buddha2-1.jpg|thumb|250px|Scenes of Inner Taksang, temple hall, built just above the cave where [[Padmasambhava]] meditated]]

In their review of scientific studies of meditation, published in the ''International Journal of Psychotherapy,'' Perez-De-Albeniz and Holmes<ref name = Perez>{{cite journal
| last = Perez-De-Albeniz
| first = Alberto
| coauthors = Jeremy Holmes
| title = Meditation: concepts, effects and uses in therapy
| journal = International Journal of Psychotherapy
| volume = 5
| issue = 1
| pages = 49–59
|month=March | year=2000
| url = http://onwww.net/trancenet.org/research/2000perezdealbeniz.shtml
| accessdate = 2007-08-23
| doi = 10.1080/13569080050020263}}</ref> identified the following behavioral components of meditation:
#relaxation,
#concentration,
#altered state of awareness,
#suspension of logical thought processes, and
#maintenance of self-observing attitude.

The [[medicine|medical]] community has studied the [[physiological]] effects of meditation<ref>Venkatesh S, Raju TR, Shivani Y, Tompkins G, Meti BL. (1997) ''A study of structure of phenomenology of consciousness in meditative and non-meditative states. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol.'' 1997 Apr;41(2): 149–53. [[PubMed]] Abstract PMID 9142560</ref><ref>Peng CK, Mietus JE, Liu Y, Khalsa G, Douglas PS, Benson H, Goldberger AL. (1999) ''Exaggerated heart rate oscillations during two meditation techniques. Int J Cardiol.'' 1999 Jul 31;70(2):101–7. [[PubMed]] Abstract PMID 10454297</ref><ref name = Lazar>Lazar, S.W.; Bush, G.; Gollub, R. L.; Fricchione, G. L.; Khalsa, G.; Benson, H. ''Functional brain mapping of the relaxation response and meditation" ''NeuroReport'': Volume 11(7) [[15 May]] [[2000]] pp. 1581–1585 [[PubMed]] abstract PMID 10841380</ref><ref>Carlson LE, Ursuliak Z, Goodey E, Angen M, Speca M. (2001) ''The effects of a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program on mood and symptoms of stress in cancer outpatients: 6-month follow-up''. Support Care Cancer. 2001 Mar;9(2):112-23.[[PubMed]] abstract PMID 11305069</ref> Many concepts of meditation have been applied to clinical settings in order to measure its effect on [[somatic motor function]] as well as [[cardiovascular]] and [[Respiration (physiology)|respiratory]] function. Also the [[hermeneutic]] and [[Phenomenology (psychology)|phenomenological]] aspects of meditation are areas of growing interest. Meditation has entered the mainstream of health care as a method of [[stress (medicine)|stress]] and [[pain]] reduction. In 1976, the Australian psychiatrist [[Ainslie Meares]], reported in the ''Medical Journal of Australia,'' the regression of cancer following intensive meditation. Meares wrote a number of books on the subject, including his best-seller ''Relief without Drugs.''

As a method of stress reduction, meditation is often used in hospitals in cases of chronic or terminal illness to reduce complications associated with increased stress including a depressed [[immune system]]. There is growing agreement in the medical community that mental factors such as stress significantly contribute to a lack of physical health, and there is a growing movement in mainstream science to fund research in this area (e.g. the establishment by the [[NIH]] in the U.S. of 5 research centers to research the mind-body aspects of disease.)

[[James H. Austin|Dr. James Austin]], a neurophysiologist at the [[University of Colorado at Boulder|University of Colorado]], reported that [[Zen]] meditation rewires the circuitry of the brain in his landmark book ''[[Zen and the Brain]]'' (Austin, 1999). This has been confirmed using [[functional MRI]] imaging which examines the activity of the brain.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Kaufman
| first = Mark
| title = Meditation Gives Brain a Charge, Study Finds
| publisher = The Washington Post Company
| date = [[January 3]], [[2005]]
| url = https://notes.utk.edu/Bio/greenberg.nsf/2745ad5462fa608e85256c70005adb08/703636b69f91fc5d85256fc7004f6333?OpenDocument
| accessdate = 2007-09-02 }}</ref>

Dr. [[Herbert Benson]] of the [[Mind Body Medical Institute|Mind-Body Medical Institute]], which is affiliated with [[Harvard]] and several [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] hospitals, reports that meditation induces a host of biochemical and physical changes in the body collectively referred to as the "[[relaxation response]]."<ref name = Lazar/> The relaxation response includes changes in metabolism, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and brain chemistry. Benson and his team have also done clinical studies at Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayan Mountains.

The MARC Center at UCLA [http://marc.ucla.edu/]founded by Susan Smalley, Phd [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-smalley] and Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., is currently conducting research on the effects of mindful meditation and its practical applications to daily life. They have also found some evidence to suggest that it can help in treating ADHD[http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1683069,00.html].

Research has been conducted on the effects of Sahaja Yoga meditation on asthma, ADHD, epilepsy, and hot flushes.[http://www.researchingmeditation.org/]

Other studies within this field include the research of [[Jon Kabat-Zinn]] and his colleagues at the University of Massachusetts who have studied the effects of [[mindfulness]] meditation on stress.<ref>{{cite journal
| last = Kabat-Zinn
| first = Jon
| coauthors = Lipworth L, Burney R.
| title = The clinical use of mindfulness meditation for the self-regulation of chronic pain
| journal = Journal of Behavioral Medicine
| volume = 8
| issue = 2
| pages = 163–190
|year=1985
| pmid = 3897551
| doi = 10.1007/BF00845519}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal
| last = Davidson
| first = Richard J.
| coauthors = Kabat-Zinn J, Schumacher J, Rosenkranz M, Muller D, Santorelli SF, Urbanowski F, Harrington A, Bonus K, Sheridan JF.
| title = Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation
| journal = Psychosomatic Medicine
| volume = 65
| issue = 4
| pages = 564–570
|date=2003 July-August
| pmid = 12883106
| doi = 10.1097/01.PSY.0000077505.67574.E3 }}</ref>

==Meditation in popular fiction==
{{main|Meditation in popular fiction}}

Various forms of meditation have been described in popular culture sources. In particular, [[science fiction]] stories such as [[Frank Herbert]]'s '[[Dune (novel)|''Dune'']]', [[Star Trek]], [[Artemis Fowl]], [[Star Wars]], [[Maskman]] and [[Stargate SG-1]] have featured characters who practice one form of meditation or another. Usually these practices are inspired by real-world meditation traditions, but sometimes they have very different methods and purposes.

==See also==
{{multicol}}
*[[Autosuggestion]]
*[[Dhammakaya]]
*[[Interior life (Catholic theology)|Interior life]]
*[[Jnana]]
*[[Kuji-in]]
{{multicol-break}}
*[[Passage meditation]]
*[[Samatha]]
*[[Samyama]]
*[[Satnam]]
*[[Satsang]]
{{multicol-break}}
*[[Trance]]
*[[Transcendental Meditation]]
*[[Vipassana]]
*[[Vivation]]
*[[Zazen]]
{{multicol-end}}

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

== References ==
<div class="references-small">
*American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
* Austin, James H. (1999) ''Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness'', Cambridge: MIT Press, 1999, ISBN 0-262-51109-6
* [[Azeemia|Azeemi]], Khawaja Shamsuddin Azeemi (2005) ''Muraqaba: The Art and Science of Sufi Meditation''. Houston: Plato, 2005, ISBN 0-9758875-4-8
* Bennett-Goleman, T. (2001) ''Emotional Alchemy: How the Mind Can Heal the Heart,'' Harmony Books, ISBN 0-609-60752-9
* Benson, Herbert and Miriam Z. Klipper. (2000 [1972]). The Relaxation Response. Expanded Updated edition. Harper. ISBN 0380815958
* Craven JL. (1989) ''Meditation and psychotherapy.'' Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Oct;34(7):648-53. [[PubMed]] abstract PMID 2680046
* Hayes SC, Strosahl KD, Wilson KG. (1999) ''Acceptance and Commitment Therapy''. New York: Guilford Press.
* Kutz I, Borysenko JZ, Benson H. (1985) ''Meditation and psychotherapy: a rationale for the integration of dynamic psychotherapy, the relaxation response, and mindfulness meditation''. American Journal of Psychiatry, Jan;142(1):1-8. [[PubMed]] abstract PMID 3881049
* Lazar, Sara W. (2005) "Mindfulness Research." In: Mindfulness and Psychotherapy. Germer C, Siegel RD, Fulton P (eds.) New York: Guildford Press.
* Lukoff, David; Lu Francis G. & Turner, Robert P. (1998) ''From Spiritual Emergency to Spiritual Problem: The Transpersonal Roots of the New DSM-IV Category''. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 38(2), 21-50
* {{cite journal
| author=Lutz, Antoine; [[Richard J. Davidson]]; ''et al''
| url = http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/101/46/16369
| title= Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice
| journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
| volume=101 | issue= November 16 | year=2004 | pages=16369
| doi = 10.1073/pnas.0407401101
| pmid= 15534199
}}
* Metzner R. (2005) Psychedelic, Psychoactive and Addictive Drugs and States of Consciousness. In ''Mind-Altering Drugs: The Science of Subjective Experience'', Chap. 2. Mitch Earlywine, ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
* MirAhmadi, As Sayed Nurjan Healing Power of Sufi Meditation The Healing Power of Sufi Meditation Paperback: 180 pages Publisher: Islamic Supreme Council of America (June 30, 2005) Language: English
* Nirmalananda Giri, Swami (2007) [http://www.atmajyoti.org/med_om_yoga_download_1.asp Om Yoga: It's Theory and Practice] In-depth study of the classical meditation method of the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and the Upanishads.
* Perez-De-Albeniz, Alberto & Holmes, Jeremy (2000) Meditation: Concepts, Effects And Uses In Therapy. International Journal of Psychotherapy, March 2000, Vol. 5 Issue 1, p49, 10p
* Shalif, I. et al. (1985) [http://www.etext.org/Psychology/Shalif/emotions ''Focusing on the Emotions of Daily Life''] (Tel-Aviv: Etext Archives, 1990)
* Shapiro DH Jr. (1992) ''Adverse effects of meditation: a preliminary investigation of long-term meditators''. Int. Journal of Psychosom. 39(1-4):62-7. [[PubMed]] abstract PMID 1428622
* [[Sogyal Rinpoche]], ''[[The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying]]'', ISBN 0-06-250834-2
*[[Charles Tart|Tart, Charles T.]], editor. ''Altered States of Consciousness'' (1969) ISBN 0-471-84560-4
* [[Chogyam Trungpa|Trungpa, C.]] (1973) ''Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism'', Shambhala South Asia Editions, Boston, Massachusetts.
* [[Chogyam Trungpa|Trungpa, C.]] (1984) ''Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior'', Shambhala Dragon Editions, Boston, Massachusetts.
* Erhard Vogel. (2001) ''Journey Into Your Center'', Nataraja Publications, ISBN 1-892484-05-6
* Wenner, Melinda. "Brain Scans Reveal Why Meditation Works." LiveScience.com. 30 June 2007. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20070630/sc_livescience/brainscansrevealwhymeditationworks]
* [http://www.esnips.com/web/JEEVAN-MRITUE/ Dying Mediataion technique in discource given in [[Hindi]] By [[Vivek ji]] ]
</div>

==Further reading==
* Cooper, David. A. ''The art of meditation: A Complete Guide''. ISBN 81-7992-164-6
* [[Eknath Easwaran|Easwaran, Eknath]]. ''Meditation''. ISBN 0-915132-66-4
* [[Jiddu Krishnamurti|Krishnamurti, Jiddu]]. ''This Light in Oneself: True Meditation'', 1999, Shambala Publications. ISBN 1-57062-442-9
* [[Barry Long|Long, Barry]]. ''Meditation: A Foundation Course — A Book of Ten Lessons''. ISBN 1-899-32400-3
* Meiche', Michele. ''Meditation for Everyday Living''. ISBN 09-710374-69
* [[Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda|Nithyananda, Paramahamsa Sri]]. ''Meditation is for You: An Introduction to the Science and Art of Meditation'', 2005, ISBN 8190243748

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Meditation}}
<!--==========================({{NoMoreLinks}})============================
| PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN ADDING MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. WIKIPEDIA |
| IS NOT A COLLECTION OF LINKS NOR SHOULD IT BE USED FOR ADVERTISING. |
| |
| Excessive or inappropriate links WILL BE DELETED. |
| See [[Wikipedia:External links]] & [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details. |
| |
| If there are already plentiful links, please propose additions or |
| replacements on this article's discussion page, or submit your link |
| to the relevant category at the Open Directory Project (dmoz.org) |
| and link back to that category using the {{dmoz}} template. |
=========================({{NoMoreLinks}})=============================-->
* {{dmoz|Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Meditation}}


{{Religion topics}}

[[Category:Meditation| ]]
[[Category:Mind-body interventions]]
[[Category:Self]]
[[Category:Spirituality]]
[[Category:Religion articles needing expert attention]]

[[af:Meditasie]]
[[als:Meditation]]
[[ca:Meditació]]
[[cs:Meditace]]
[[da:Meditation]]
[[de:Meditation]]
[[et:Meditatsioon]]
[[el:Διαλογισμός]]
[[es:Meditación]]
[[eo:Meditado]]
[[fa:مراقبه]]
[[fr:Méditation]]
[[fy:Meditaasje]]
[[gl:Meditación]]
[[hi:ध्यान]]
[[it:Meditazione]]
[[he:מדיטציה]]
[[sw:Sala ya moyo]]
[[lt:Meditacija]]
[[hu:Meditáció]]
[[mk:Медитација]]
[[nl:Meditatie]]
[[ja:瞑想]]
[[no:Meditasjon]]
[[nn:Meditasjon]]
[[pl:Medytacja]]
[[pt:Meditação]]
[[ro:Meditaţie]]
[[ru:Медитация]]
[[sq:Përsiatja]]
[[simple:Meditation]]
[[sk:Meditácia]]
[[sr:Медитација]]
[[fi:Meditaatio]]
[[sv:Meditation]]
[[tpi:Meditesen]]
[[tr:Meditasyon]]
[[zh:冥想]]

Revision as of 06:07, 13 October 2008

Deletion Sorting
Project

This page is an archive for closed deletion discussions relating to Poetry. For open discussions, see Wikipedia:WikiProject Deletion sorting/Poetry.


Poetry

Articles for Deletion

  • Kumar Vishwas - (5191) - delete - closed 13:05, 2 October 2008 (UTC)
  • Nicolò Giraud - (13365) - no consensus to delete, default to keep - closed 18:03, 14 August 2008 (UTC)
  • Paul Hullah - (10362) - Keep - closed 19:52, 7 June 2008 (UTC)
  • K. R. Tony - (3682) - delete - closed 03:30, 16 May 2008 (UTC)
  • Modern poetry - (6982) - Delete - closed 00:34, 15 May 2008 (UTC)
  • Mohamed Korna - (3001) - Delete - closed 18:36, 22 April 2008 (UTC)
  • John Gallaher - (18384) - keep - closed 13:46, 19 April 2008 (UTC)
  • Sean Horlor - (7667) - keep - closed 22:20, 12 April 2008 (UTC)
  • Richard Tylman - (15096) - No consensus - closed 21:41, 31 March 2008 (UTC)
  • Adriano Bulla - (69971) - Delete - archived 13:36, 8 February 2008 (UTC)
  • Postbeat Poets - (13913) - Keep - archived 11:48, 13 January 2008 (UTC)
  • Jim Cohn - (4574) - speedy deletion - archived 11:26, 8 January 2008 (UTC)


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Meditation&oldid=244933852"