I never realized there were four types of meditation. I'll be looking forward to more about this.

I never even realized that it could be categorized haha. But in all sincerity, I too will be looking forward to it. I often find myself on following some of those forms on meditation myself naturally, usually just to find myself some level of deeper understanding or relaxation. My only question is: does one have to keep their eyes closed for it to be considered meditation? and does the word 'om' actually have to be used?

I also feel that meditation and such of the nature (which I'm referring to Buddhism etc.) have profound effects on the body (positive) and though I've only read one article that proves the position I feel, I also look forward to seeing how this too strengthens my disposition. The shear strength and profundity that meditation seems to have on ones body and (obviously why I'm here) the mind astonishes me, which is why I too look forward to these subsequent articles.

Yoga (Application) which was based on the control of the body physically and implied that a perfect control over the body and the senses led to knowledge of the ultimate reality. A detailed anatomical knowledge of the human body was necessary to the advancement of yoga and therefore those practising yoga had to keep in touch with medical knowledge. (Romila Thapar, A History of India, volume one).

I suggest : Mind and brain are two distinct things. Brain is anatomical entity whereas mind is functional entity. Mind can be defined as the function of autonomic nervous system (ANS). It is claimed that mind can be brought under conscious control through the practice of meditation. But how? ANS is largely under hypothalamic control which is situated very close to optic chiasma (sixth chakra or ajna chakra). Protracted practice of concentration to meditate at this region brings functions of ANS say mind under one’s conscious control.

ANS is further divided into parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS). On the basis of these facts I have discovered a mathematical relationship for spiritual quotient (S.Q.). Spiritual Quotient can be expressed mathematically as the ratio of Parasympathetic dominance to Sympathetic dominance. PSNS dominates during meditative calm and SNS dominates during stress. In this formula we assign numerical values to the physiological parameters activated or suppressed during autonomic mobilization and put in the formula to describe the state of mind of an individual and also infer his/her level of consciousness.

Meditation is the art of looking within and science of doing nothing. We don’t use anything in meditation. We just try to concentrate to meditate at some point in human anatomy known as ‘chakra’ in Indian System of Yoga. The current of mind is flowing outward through the senses and unconsciously. The mind comes at rest gradually through regular practice of meditation. Then comes self realization and enlightenment. Protracted practice of meditation under qualified guidance will help to manage all sort of psychological problems.

Emotional Quotient can also be expressed mathematically as the product of I.Q. and Wisdom Factor. E.Q. stands for Emotional Quotient. An intelligent person may not be wise. But a wise man will always be intelligent. An intelligent person having certain level of positive emotions can be said as wise. An intelligent person lacking wisdom will turn autocrat. A wise man will always be a democrat who respects others existence.

Some may raise doubt that how could be the Wisdom quantified? The answer is simple -if Mental Age of I.Q. can be quantified then Wisdom can also be quantified, of course, comparatively with more efforts. Wilhelm Stern had given the formula of I.Q.. It is, Mental Age/ Chronological Age x 100. Spiritual Quotient (S.Q.) leverages both E.Q. and I.Q.

Radha Soami Faith is a branch of Religion of Saints like Kabir, Nanak, Paltu, and others. Soamiji Maharaj is the founder of this Faith. You may call It like New Wine in Old Bottle.

Maslow has given Hierarchy of Needs. At the top of it is need for self-actualization or self-realization.

In our society we should learn To Live and Let Live and help to satisfy others need. When the lower order needs, physiological and sociological both, are satisfied then only a person think to satisfy need for self-realization in true sense. Else he/she may spend all his/her life to satisfy at the most the need for self-expression instead of self-realization.

It is, therefore, the duty of every responsible person, at the least, of our society to give serious thought over it.

For the satisfaction of need for self-realization i.e. establishment of harmony of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness we need following three things:

1. Mater or Guru (A Self-Realized Soul)
2. Secret of Levels of Universal Consciousness
3. Method for traversing the path.

Anirudh Kumar Satsangi

I actually saw Phil Jackson give a talk on a book tour some years ago and it was almost entirely about how meditation and other relaxation and imagery techniques could be used to increase his players' performance when he coached in Chicago. It really was fascinating.

Hi Dr. Kaplan, I came upon this blog searching "Meditation" in Psychology Today, as I wanted to research how Psychologists are viewing Meditation in self-healing ways.
I do agree with you on how it is difficult to even categorize the types of meditation practices, however, in this comment section I wanted to share a new perspective of meditation.
Meditation is commonly known as a an action, a practice, essentially it has been understood as a "verb". Where Meditation is actually a State of Being. While "practicing meditation" the "real meditation" can happen. This is when the person gets connected to their soul, "higher self", and experiences higher consciousness. Meditation is this state, not the practice. It's unfortunate that the English language has limited this aspect and confined it to another meaning. Although in Sanskrit, there are many terms to actually describe it: "dhyana" - practicing meditation, and "samadhi" - state of meditation.
Thank you for sharing your categories on the different practices of meditation. I hope people continue to research into this practice to benefit their mind, body, and soul.
I would appreciate it if you would visit my spiritual blog, "Hidden Treasures of the Soul by a Monk" and share your thoughts, too: http://siddhalishree.com.
Best wishes. :)

Thanks for your perspective. It is very appealing to consider that meditation is a state of mind or being, rather than a simple activity. In cases like this, I am often struck by how language shapes our experience, especially cross-culturally, when we're presented with new ideas. Unfortunately, we try to fit these novel experiences within our pre-determined linguistic categories, which constrains our true experience. Hopefully, as more people experience meditation (as both a practice and state of being), they/we will become more present and aware of what truly is. Best wishes, Jon

What is open monitoring meditation? I've read a bit about it, but I'm still confused.

Hi Keith,

Open monitoring is a kind of mindfulness meditation. Essentially, you become aware of the various thoughts and sensory experiences that you have without attending to any particular one. Within Buddhism, there are 6 senses: our usual 5 and thoughts. So, essentially, thoughts are considered to be something to be perceived, just like the smell of a roasting turkey. Like information received from the other senses, you don't need to become embroiled in whatever thoughts you might be having. You simply allow yourself to perceive anything and everything as it arises. As you can probably guess, it takes many years of meditation practice to get to this point.

Thanks for reading, Jon