The Most Widely Practiced Types of Meditation

The Most Widely Practiced Types of Meditation

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There is a considerable number and types of meditation practices available for public consumption. Though there might be slight differences in the unique style associated with each type of meditation practice, the fundamental principles of meditation remain the same for all these meditation techniques.

Indeed, all types of meditation practices are associated with physical, emotional, mental, psychological, and spiritual benefits in varying degrees. Some of these types of meditation practices are more powerful than others, in terms of the scale and depth of benefits they are capable of offering to practitioners.

Beyond the obvious multiple health benefits of various types of meditation or meditation in general, many people are interested in conducting serious inquiries about existence; such as the nature of their Divine-self, how to explore and understand the mysteries of the universe, the nature of God and how to get in touch with the Supreme Divine Power of the universe.

Yet again, meditation can make it possible for people to obtain practical and experiential answers to these bewildering questions. It is not enough for someone to tell you that you have a soul. They must provide a method; through which you can objectively validate their statement.

Once you have confirmed that to yourself, what the person told you ceases to be a belief, and becomes a self-testimonial personal experience. All beliefs must be validated through personal experience, for them to win our hearts, minds, and souls. It is not enough for someone to tell you that there is life after death; you must prove it to yourself. As the saying goes, seeing is believing.

Certain powerful types of meditation have made it possible for people to explore the mysteries of the universe, thus finding satisfactory answers to perplexing questions, for which they had never been able to obtain a persuasive answer.



Related: How to Meditate for Developing Strength and Endurance?



The following are the most widely recognized types of meditation across the world.

Types of Meditation #1: The Quan Yin Method of Meditation

This is a very powerful type of meditation that entails contemplating the Inner Divine Light and the Inner Divine Sound. Creative cosmic energy manifests itself in the form of light and sound. Indeed, Light and sound are the primary expressions of creation.

Therefore, this type of meditation enables one to tune in to the highest cosmic creative and healing essence. This method of meditation incredibly empowers the brain, develops the mind, and elevates the soul.

Apart from bringing about excellent physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, this form of meditation also enables the practitioner to cleanse unpleasant karma. With the Quan Yin form or type of Meditation, you can be liberated from the monotonous cycles of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) in this lifetime.

Types of Meditation #2: Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a kind of technique whereby an individual remains mentally focused, while passively noticing the thoughts appearing in the mind. The individual must be acutely alert and fully aware of all the thoughts and emotions that arise in the mind. Or, the individual simply observes these thoughts and takes note of their patterns, without getting involved with them.

The individual must be detached and maintain a non-judgmental attitude towards these thoughts. The practice blends the qualities of awareness and concentration. This technique holds the individual’s attention on the events of the moment, devoid of all distractions. This type of meditation enables the individual to develop the powers of concentration, awareness, and focus.

Types of Meditation #3: Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental Meditation is a type of meditation practice, whereby the practitioner is assigned a mantra, a word, a specific sound, or a phrase. The practitioner then closes the eyes and repeats that assigned mantra or word in a particular way. The practitioner engages in a 20-minute meditation session, twice daily.

The practice aims to help the practitioner reach a deep state of relaxation and awareness, to achieve inner peace. This is a rather structured form of meditation.

Types of Meditation #4: Yoga Meditation

Yoga Meditation is an ancient wellness art, that had been practiced since time immemorial. Though there are various branches and styles of yoga, all of them are unified by the principle of conducting a series of bodily postures and controlled breathing exercises, all designed to achieve a relaxed calm state of mind and physical flexibility. Hatha Yoga is the most widely practiced type of yoga across the world.

Types of Meditation #5: Loving-Kindness Meditation

Loving-Kindness Meditation also referred to as Metta Meditation, is the practice of deliberately directing well-wishes toward others. Practitioners recite specific words and phrases, intended to evoke warm-hearted feelings. It is typically practiced while sitting in a comfortable, relaxed position.

After a few deep breaths, the practitioner slowly and steadily repeats the following words. May I be happy? May I be well? Or, May I be safe? May I be peaceful and at ease. After a period of directing this loving-kindness toward oneself, the practitioner may decide to direct these good wishes to a friend or family member, by repeating the mantra, but replacing I with the name of the friend or family member, to whom well wishes are being directed.

Loving-kindness Meditation is used to strengthen feelings of compassion, kindness, and acceptance of oneself and others. Considering that this form of meditation is designed to foster compassion and loving-kindness, it is particularly suitable for those who habitually harbor feelings of resentment towards others.

Types of Meditation #6: Visualization Meditation

In this type of meditation, the practitioner is encouraged to form or visualize mental images of any positive and comfortable scenes that can induce a state of relaxation. This technique is designed to help the practitioner achieve a state of inner peace, relaxation, and serenity.

The practice encourages practitioners to visualize the chosen scene with great vividness and to add as much detail to the scene as possible.  Many people use visualization meditation to enhance their mood, lessen stress levels, and foster inner peace.

Types of Meditation #7: Breath Awareness Meditation

In this type of meditation, the practitioner is encouraged to mindfully focus on observing their breathing process. They are expected to engage in a repetitive cycle of slow and deep breaths, possibly counting the breaths or intensively focusing on these breathing cycles. Practitioners are expected to only focus on their breath and to ignore thoughts emerging in the mind.

The benefits of this type of meditation include reduced stress, anxiety, and depression; and, increased concentration and relaxation.

Types of Meditation #8: Zen Meditation

Zen Meditation, often also referred to as Zazen, is a form of meditation that involves focused mindful observance of one’s breath or thoughts, in a non-judgmental manner. Though this type of meditation is similar to mindfulness, it involves additional steps and details, which require the supervision of a competent teacher. The method can help practitioners achieve both relaxation and spiritual development.

Types of Meditation #9: Chakra Meditation

Chakra Meditation is designed to enable the practitioner to engage in several relaxation and visualization techniques, intended to bring about balance and wellbeing in the chakras. Some people might decide to utilize crystals or color-coding during this type of meditation.

Since each chakra is associated with a particular color, the different colors of crystals used during the exercise, are intended to harmonize with the colors of the respective chakras.

Types of Meditation #10: Vipassana Meditation

Vipassana Meditation is a practice whereby the practitioner focuses attention on the physical sensation on the body, to establish a profound connection between the body and the mind. The meditation aims to achieve self-transformation through self-awareness.

According to experts of this technique, the sustained deep connection between the mind and the body can give rise to a balanced mind-body relationship.



Mindful Meditation?

Mindfulness meditation is a kind of technique whereby an individual remains mentally focused, while passively noticing the thoughts appearing in the mind. The individual must be acutely alert and fully aware of all the thoughts and emotions that arise in the mind.



How to Meditate Properly?

Please read here: How to Meditate: A Complete Meditation Guide for Beginners



Different Types of Meditation?

There are ten most widely used and practiced types of meditation, which are as follows:

  • The Quan Yin Method of Meditation
  • Mindfulness Meditation
  • Transcendental Meditation
  • Yoga Meditation
  • Loving-Kindness Meditation
  • Visualization Meditation
  • Breath Awareness Meditation
  • Zen Meditation
  • Chakra Meditation
  • Vipassana Meditation


What is the Purpose of Meditation?

  • Meditation can help you develop calmness, sharp awareness, and mental clarity.
  • Meditation can also increase the production of gamma waves, which are associated with loving-kindness, compassion, and sympathy. This can improve interpersonal work-related relationships in the workplace, giving rise to highly motivated and productive teams.
  • Meditation also increases the overall performance of the brain. This gives rise to better judgment, perceptual sharpness, and enhanced decision-making skills. The Alpha waves responsible for inducing creativity, increase during meditation. This can help employees find creative solutions to work-related matters.


Guided Meditation for Beginners

Please refer to this article: Top Meditation Tips for Beginners



FAQs

Types of Mindfulness?

Types of Mindfulness are as follows:

  • Meditation. Meditation is often the core mindfulness practice.
  • Mindful breathing.
  • Visualization.
  • Body scan.
  • Mindful movement.
  • Journaling.
  • Sensory exercises.

Where Does Meditation Come from?

The solemn practice of meditation had existed since the dawn of time. Meditation had been practiced even before the era of documented history. The oldest surviving evidence of meditation is 5000-year-old wall art that was discovered in India.

Around 1500 century BC, The Vedas, an extensive body of religious texts, referred to meditation in some of its scriptures. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali summarized The Eight Limbs of Yoga between 400-100 BCE.

Is Yoga a Form of Meditation?

Yoga Meditation is an ancient wellness art, that had been practiced since time immemorial. Though there are various branches and styles of yoga, all of them are unified by the principle of conducting a series of bodily postures and controlled breathing exercises, all designed to achieve a relaxed calm state of mind and physical flexibility. Hatha Yoga is the most widely practiced type of yoga across the world.



Also Read: Which Type of Meditation Is Right for You? The Options for Meditation Practice


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