Meditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce [1][2][3] a mode of consciousness to realize

some benefit. Meditation is generally an inwardly oriented, personal practice, which individuals do by themselves. Prayer beads or other ritual objects are commonly used during meditation. Meditation may involve invoking or cultivating a feeling or internal state, such as compassion, or attending to a specific focal point. The term can refer to the state itself, as well as to practices or techniques [4] employed to cultivate the state. There are dozens of specific styles of meditation practice; the word meditation may carry different meanings in different contexts. Meditation has been practiced since antiquity as a component of numerous religious traditions. A 2007 study by the U.S. government found that nearly 9.4% of U.S. adults (over 20 million) had [5] practiced meditation within the past 12 months, up from 7.6% (more than 15 million people) in 2002. Since the 1960s, meditation has been the focus of increasing scientific research of uneven rigor and [6] quality. In over 1,000 published research studies, various methods of meditation have been linked to [7][8] changes in metabolism, blood pressure, brain activation, and other bodily processes. Meditation [9][10] has been used in clinical settings as a method of stress and pain reduction.
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History of mediation
The history of meditation is intimately bound up with the religious context within which it was [20] practiced. Even in prehistoric times civilizations used repetitive, rhythmic chants and offerings to [21] appease the gods. Some authors have even suggested the hypothesis that the emergence of the [22] capacity for focused attention, an element of many methods of meditation, may have contributed to [23] the final phases of human biological evolution. Some of the earliest references to meditation are [24][25] found in the Bible, dating around 1400 BCE, and in the Hindu Vedas from around the 15th [20] century BCE. Around the 6th to 5th centuries BCE, other forms of meditation developed [20] in Taoist China and Buddhist India. In the west, by 20BCE Philo of Alexandria had written on some form of "spiritual exercises" involving [26] attention (prosoche) and concentration and by the 3rd century Plotinus had developed meditative techniques. The Pli Canon, which dates to 1st century BCE considers Indian Buddhist meditation as a step [27] towards salvation. By the time Buddhism was spreading in China, the Vimalakirti Sutra which dates [28] to 100CE included a number of passages on meditation, clearly pointing to Zen. The Silk Road transmission of Buddhism introduced meditation to other oriental countries, and in 653 the first [29] meditation hall was opened in Japan. Returning from China around 1227, Dgen wrote the [30][31] instructions for Zazen. The Islamic practice of Dhikr had involved the repetition of the 99 Names of God since the 8th or 9th [32][33] century. By the 12th century, the practice of Sufism included specific meditative techniques, and [34] its followers practiced breathing controls and the repetition of holy words. Interactions with Indians or the Sufis may have influenced the Eastern Christian meditation approach to hesychasm, but this [35][36] can not be proved. Between the 10th and 14th centuries, hesychasm was developed, particularly [37] on Mount Athos in Greece, and involves the repetition of the Jesus prayer. Western Christian meditation contrasts with most other approaches in that it does not involve the repetition of any phrase or action and requires no specific posture. Western Christian meditation progressed from the 6th century practice of Bible reading among Benedictine monks

called Lectio Divina, i.e. divine reading. Its four formal steps as a "ladder" were defined by the monk Guigo II in the 12th century with the Latin terms lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio (i.e. read, ponder, pray, contemplate). Western Christian meditation was further developed by saints such [38][39][40][41] as Ignatius of Loyola and Teresa of Avila in the 16th century. By the 18th century, the study of Buddhism in the West was a topic for intellectuals. The [42] [43] philosopher Schopenhauer discussed it, and Voltaire asked for toleration towards Buddhists. The [44] first English translation of the Tibetan Book of the Dead was published in 1927. Secular forms of meditation were introduced in India in the 1950s as a Westernized form of Hindu meditative techniques and arrived in the United States and Europe in the 1960s. Rather than focusing on spiritual growth, secular meditation emphasizes stress reduction, relaxation and self [45][46] improvement. Both spiritual and secular forms of meditation have been subjects of scientific analyses.Research on meditation began in 1931, with scientific research increasing dramatically [47] during the 1970s and 1980s. Since the beginning of the '70s more than a thousand studies of [47] meditation in English-language have been reported. However, after 60 years of scientific study, the [9] exact mechanism at work in meditation remains unclear.

Mediation and conciliation

"Conciliation" sometimes serves as an umbrella-term that covers all mediation and facilitative and [3] advisory dispute-resolution processes. Neither process determines an outcome, and both share many similarities. For example, both processes involve a neutral third-party who has no enforcing powers. One significant difference between conciliation and mediation lies in the fact that conciliators possess expert knowledge of the domain in which they conciliate. The conciliator can make suggestions for settlement terms and can give advice on the subject-matter. Conciliators may also use their role to actively encourage the parties to come to a resolution. In certain types of dispute the conciliator has a duty to provide legal information. This helps any agreement reached to comply with any relevant statutory framework pertaining to the dispute. Therefore conciliation may include an advisory aspect. Mediation works purely facilitative: the practitioner has no advisory role. Instead, a mediator seeks to help parties to develop a shared understanding of the conflict and to work toward building a practical [4] and lasting resolution. Several different styles of mediation exist: evaluative, facilitative, and transformative. Evaluative mediation has somewhat of an advisory role in that its practitioners evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each side's argument should they go to court; whereas facilitative mediators and transformative mediators do not do this. Furthermore, the definitions of mediation used by the different styles of mediation differ in that evaluative mediation has the main drive and goal of settlement, while transformative mediation, in contrast, looks at conflict as a crisis in communication and seeks to help resolve the conflict, thereby allowing people to feel empowered in themselves and better about each other. The agreement that arises from this type of mediation occurs as a natural outcome of the resolution of conflict. Both mediation and conciliation serve to identify the disputed issues and to generate options that help disputants reach a mutually-satisfactory resolution. They both offer relatively flexible processes; and any settlement reached should have the agreement of all parties. This contrasts with litigation, which normally settles the dispute in favour of the party with the strongest legal argument. In-between the two operates collaborative law, which uses a facilitative process where each party has counsel.

Mediation and Counselling A counsellor generally uses therapeutic techniques. Some such as a particular line of questioning may be useful in mediation. But the role of the counsellor differs from the role of the mediator. The list below is not exhaustive but it gives an indication of important distinctions between the work of mediators and counsellors. A mediator aims for clear agreement between the participants as to how they will deal with specific issues. A counsellor is more concerned with the parties gaining a better selfunderstanding of their individual behaviour A mediator, while acknowledging a persons feelings, does not explore them in any depth. A counsellor is fundamentally concerned about how people feel about a range of relevant experiences A mediator is focused upon how people would like to see things in the future rather than a detailed analysis of past events. A counsellor may find it necessary to explore a persons past in detail to bring out into the open the origins and the patterns of a persons beliefs and behaviour A mediator controls the process but does not overtly try to influence the participants or the actual outcome. A counsellor often takes an intentional role in the process, seeking to influence the parties to move in a particular direction or look at certain issues A mediator relies on both parties being present so they can negotiate, usually face-to-face. A counsellor does not necessarily see both parties at the same time. A mediator is required to be neutral. A counsellor may play a more supportive role, where appropriate. Mediation requires both parties to be willing to negotiate. Counselling may work with one party even if the other is not ready or willing for change. Mediation is a structured process that is usually restricted to one or a few sessions. Counselling tends to be more ongoing, depending upon a persons needs and progress.

[edit]Why

choose mediation

Several reasons exist for choosing mediation over other channels of dispute resolution (such as those involving attorneys and courts). Parties to a dispute may choose mediation as (often) a less expensive route to follow for dispute resolution. While a mediator may charge a fee comparable to that of an attorney, the mediation process generally takes much less time than moving a case through standard legal channels. While a case in the hands of a lawyer or filed in court may take months or even years to resolve, a case in mediation usually achieves a resolution in a matter of hours. Taking less time means expending less money on hourly fees and costs. Mediation offers a confidential process. While court hearings of cases happen in public, whatever happens in mediation remains strictly confidential. No one but the parties to the dispute and the mediator(s) know what has gone on in the mediation forum. In fact, confidentiality in mediation has such importance that in most cases the legal system cannot force a mediator to testify in court as to the content or progress of mediation. Many mediators actually destroy their notes taken during a mediation once that mediation has finished. The only exceptions to such strict confidentiality usually involve child abuse or actual or threatened criminal acts.

Uses of mediation
One core problem in the dispute-resolution process involves the determination of what the parties actually dispute. Through the process of mediation participants can agree to the scope of the dispute

or issues requiring resolution. Examples of this use of mediation in the Australian jurisdiction include narrowing the scope of legal pleadings and its use in industrial and environmental disputes. Definition of the nature of a dispute can often clarify the process of determining what method will best suit its resolution. One of the primary uses of mediation involves parties using the mediation process to define the issues, develop options and achieve a mutually-agreed resolution. Australia has incorporated mediation extensively into the dispute-settlement process of family law and into the latest round of reforms concerning industrial relations under the WorkChoicesamendments to the Workplace Relations Act. Where prospects exist of an ongoing disputation between parties brought on by irreconcilable differences (stemming from such things as a clash of religious or cultural beliefs), mediation can serve as a mechanism to foster communication and interaction. Mediation can function not only as a tool for dispute resolution but also as a means of dispute prevention. Mediation can be used to facilitate the process of contract negotiation by the identification of mutual interests and the promotion of effective communication between the two parties. Examples of this use of mediation can be seen in recent enterprise bargaining negotiations within Australia. Governments can also use mediation to inform and to seek input from stakeholders in formulation or fact-seeking aspects of policy-making. Mediation in wider aspect can also serve to prevent conflict or to develop mechanisms to address conflicts as they arise.

What are the Benefits of Meditation?

Ive been meditating twice a day for the past 9 years because I enjoy it. It may seem strange, but I feel happiest when sitting in perfect silence. The experience is difficult to express in words. It is akin to the peace that passeth understanding. It is also true that every meditation is not the same. Sometimes meditation is a struggle to control the mind, while at other times it feels effortless. These are some of the benefits of meditation: 1. Improved concentration A clear mind makes you more productive, especially in creative disciplines like writing. 2. Less bothered by little things Do you sometimes allow yourself to get upset by little things? It is the nature of the mind to magnify small things into serious problems. Meditation helps us detach. We learn to live in the here and now, rather than worrying about the past or future. We do not worry about meaningless things, but see the bigger picture. 3. Better Health There have been numerous studies pointing to the health benefits of meditation. The reason is that meditation reduces stress levels and alleviates anxiety. If we can reduce stress, many health benefits follow. 4. Knowledge of Self Meditation enables us to have a deeper understanding of our inner self. Through meditation we can gain a better understanding of our lifes purpose.

Is Meditation Religious?
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The great thing about meditation is that our philosophy/religious belief is not importanct. Meditation is about consciousness. The beliefs of the mind become trivial. We dive deep into the heart of the matter to gain access to our soul our inner reality. Therefore, mediation can (and is ) practiced by people of different religions or no religion. But I dont have time To Meditate Many people like the idea of meditation, but feel they dont have enough time. When you really want to do something you can find time. Get up earlier or watch 30 minutes less TV. Meditation requires an investment of time, but clearing the mind makes the the rest of the day more productive. Nothing is better than the feeling of inner peace. What is the point in being tremendously busy but unable to enjoy it? Meditation is not about retreating from the world; it gives us inspiration. Whatever you do, if you have peace of mind, your work will be more enjoyable and productive.

How To Meditate
Like anything worthwhile, meditation requires practice. To get the most from meditation you need to do it every day. This requires a place and time where you will not be disturbed. Check out this cool mindmap pdf for inspiration: meditation.pdf 1. Sit with a straight back. Dont try to meditate lying down because you are likely to fall asleep. Meditation brings relaxation and peace but at the same time this is a dynamic peace. Meditation is quite different than the relaxation of sleep. When we really meditate, we are fully alert and conscious. Our sense of awareness is heightened. Afterwards youll have a positive feeling for the world and a renewed sense of dynamism. 2. Dont eat before meditating. After a heavy meal your body will be lethargic with digestion. 3. It is not necessary to mediate in the lotus posture. It is fine to meditate in a chair, as long as the back is straight. 4. It is helpful to take a shower before meditating. 5. Burning incense and having a candle are not necessary, but they can add a little extra inspiration. 6. It is good to meditate early in the morning. It is said the best time is 3am, although, I feel it is more important to be awake and not sleepy, I meditate at 6.30am. One Pointed Concentration However you learn to meditate, you must learn to concentrate on one thing at a time. Usually, the mind tries to hold several different thoughts and ideas at once. When you sit down to meditate for the first time, you realize how cluttered the mind is. Mediation teachers have described the mind as a mad monkey. However, the mind can be tamed and forced to concentrate on a single thought. One helpful technique is concentrating on a candle flame. Narrow your gaze to the small tip and block out all other thoughts. When you get distracted, go back to focusing on the

candle flame. You can also use other objects like a small dot or flower. The important thing is that you concentrate only on one thing at a time. Mantra Another way to learn concentration is through the use of mantra. A mantra is the repetition of a sacred word. For example, you might repeat the mantra AUM a certain number of times. Repeating a mantra forces the mind to focus on a single thought. Silent Mind After youve practiced concentration and learned to focus on one thing at a time, you can proceed to the next stage: no thought at all. Achieving a silent mind is difficult, but when to attain it the experience is powerful. A technique I advise is viewing your thoughts as separate from your self. When a thought appears, make a conscious decision to throw it out of your mind. Over time you realize that you are capable of allowing or rejecting thoughts. Your real I is not a collection of thoughts, but something far deeper. This is the most significant realization of meditation that you do not have to be a slave to your thoughts. Through meditation, you attain the power to control your thoughts, and on occasion stop them completely. Dont be discouraged if you cant attain a silent mind straightaway. It takes time and practice. There is nothing really else to it; meditation is a simple and spontaneous action. Unfortunately, our mind is used to complication and it takes time to unlearn bad habits. Tejvan Pettinger is a member of the Sri Chinmoy Meditation Centre. He lives in Oxford where he works as a teacher. He also offers mediation classes as a community service and updates a blog at Sri Chinmoy Inspiration, a collection of articles on meditation and spirituality.

Chakra Meditation:One of the types of meditation used by a lot of people is the chakra meditation. Chakra is derived from a Sanskrit word, which means circle or vortex. Chakras are energy centers or energy openings residing in our body that control the flow and distribution of energy. It is said that an imbalance in one of the chakras may result to problems in an individuals physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Chakra meditation is helpful in that it focuses on maintaining and restoring balance to these energy centers inside the body. In this type of meditation, individuals are introduced to the importance of interconnections of the chakras and the roles each one play in maintaining our health. Chakra Opening Meditation There are times when you become too stressed and fatigued over everyday things and eventually experience health problems such as headache, stomachache, body
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pains, muscle tensions, to name a few. These health problems might have been due to your body chakras being blocked when you experience stress and fatigue, creating an imbalance in your state of health.
Benefits of chakra meditation

Chakra opening meditation allows the continuous flow of energy in and out of the body through the portals located on the different parts of the body that keeps balance to your health and well being. Unblocked portals result to good harmony and balance of energy within your body.
About each chakra in detail

The body is composed of seven chakras, each corresponding to energy centers in specific parts of your body, and each associated with its own colors. These include: 1. Crown (Shasrara): This is located at the top of the head and is violet in color. 2. Between the Brows/Pineal Gland/Third Eye (Ajna): This is located in the third eye and is indigo blue in color. 3. Throat (Vishudda): This throat chakra is pale blue in color. 4. Heart (Anahata): This is colored emerald green and is located in the heart. 5. Navel (Manipura): This is golden yellow in color and located in the solar plexus. 6. Sacral (Svadisthana): This is located in the lower abdomen and colored orange. 7. Root (Muladhara): This is found at the base of the spine and red in color.