Don’t begin to meditate with an objective in mind because this is against the very spirit of meditation. Meditation is non-doing. Most actions are goal directed and a goal implies a desire. A desire to achieve something through meditation works as an obstacle in attaining the state of meditation. In fact, liberation which is the culmination of meditation is understood as annihilation of all desires – including the desire to be liberated.
The Tao Te Ching (the classical text of Taoism) mentions, “Don’t desire and be still, and the world under the sky will stabilize itself”. This means that in a state of desirelessness, one will find desire to be merely like a cloud while the inner sky of consciousness will shine forth clearly.
However a rational mind always grapples for a cause and a motive. Researchers have gotten interested in finding out more on meditation; its benefits and its effect on physiology and psychology. One may want to know about these before undertaking meditation. It is suggested that further reading on these topics may be taken up to satisfy ones curiosity and resolve doubts. The article does not claim enumerated benefits to be conclusive.
It is observed that meditation increases the intuitive capacity of the individual. Intuition simply means the power to sense and perceive things instantly and more rapidly. If one is more intuitive, it obviously means that the person is in a better position to take a grasp of situations and understand people faster and in a better way. Thus acceptance of situations and people become possible at ease.
Meditation also increases the fight or flight response in the meditator. This makes one a less-reactive person. One is in a better position to handle an urgent or emergency situation leading to less chaos in demanding circumstances, relationships and life.
Ancient truths about effect of meditation on brain are being verified with the use of EEG (electroencephalogram) and fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Studies suggest that meditation leads to the increase in the size of the physical brain. Also it activates specific areas of the brain which in a non-meditator remain passive. This implies that a meditator not only has improved memory but also becomes the reservoir of qualities like compassion, self-awareness and intelligence. Meditation allows an increased connection between the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere of the brain. This makes him/her emotionally more balanced and mentally steadier.
Meditation is found to be beneficial also in treating stress, anxiety, depression and psychological disorders like OCD (Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder), ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). It increases the immunity of the body to fight against any disease. Some studies suggest that the curative effect of meditation is as conspicuous as the effect of antidepressants on patients.
Having said this, one should not start meditation with too high hopes. Especially one is cautioned against unrealistic expectations, unwarranted imaginations and illusory visions. Progress in meditation is assured when the approach towards it is simple, direct and honest. Any attainment is only for one’s own experience and not for making any propaganda. Meditation works best when practiced for ones on healing and spiritual growth.
Nilesh P Megnani is a professor of philosophy who teaches not just the academics of his subject but the purpose of it to his students. He writes whenever he feel inspired and believes life is workable hypothesis and love, the elusive potion that might transform humanity Connect with on neelvijayalaxmi@gmail.com