What Type of Meditation Is Best For You?

Meditation – The Most Practiced Types

Vipassana or Buddhist Meditation

The objective is gain insight into the subject being meditated upon. The traditional subject is the impermanence of the world and the nature of suffering. The mind has to be stilled in preparation for Vipassana meditation. For many people Vipassana meditation and the many forms with which is practised is the most easily available of all the practices. There is a tradition of the teachings being provided for free and the early stages of the practices can be accomplished alone.

Taoist Meditation

This form of meditation originates in China and is much more involved with the world in which we live. Instead of observing the impermanence of all things it looks at the energy flows within us and how we move through this world. If you are looking for meditation as part of sequence of physical movements then this is where you need to study. The majority of students who practice Taoist meditation will do so in a class setting and you can expect the majority of these classes to be fee paying.

Zen Meditation

Primarily Japanese in origin the aim of Zen meditation is the cessation of thinking and the insights or sartori which will then follow. Traditionally there are three steps to achieve this. The first step is to develop concentration and the usual method is by following the breath. After this comes koan introspection. A koan is basically a riddle with no logical answer, for example listening to the sound of one hand clapping. Finally comes just sitting and observing the world go by. This is called Zazen. It would be very unusual to take up the study of Zen meditation other than within a class structure and attending a retreat is probably the best way for a serious student to study Zen.

Transcendental Meditation

This was developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during the 1950’s. Transcendental meditation involves the repetition of certain sounds or mantras whilst seated and with the eyes closed. Each session need only last for 20 minutes. Although this form of meditation appears to be the one best suited to our busy lives it is also the most commercial one and any serious student should expect to pay what can be substantial sums to authorised practitioners.

Conclusion

There are many choices open to a student who is starting down the path of meditation. Some will require working closely within a class setting and could even involve taking time away for a retreat. The costs can vary as well but at the end of it all they all have the same goal in mind, the quietening of the mind.

Article written by Mike Holly.Mike has been writing about Carcassonne.