Vipassan (Pli) or vipayan (Sanskrit: ), "insight," in the Buddhist tradition is insight into the true nature of reality, defined as dukkha (suffering or unsatisfactoriness), anatta (non-self), and anicca (impermanence), the three marks of existence in the Theravada tradition, and as sunyata and Buddha-nature in the Mahayana traditions.

Meditation practice was ended in the Theravada tradition the 10th century, but was re-introduced in Myanmar (Burma) the 18th century, based on contemporary readings of the Satipatthana-sutta, the Visuddhimagga, and other texts. A new tradition developed in the 19th and 20th century, centering on bare insight in conjunction with samatha.[5] It became of central importance in the 20th century Vipassana movement as developed by Ledi Sayadaw and Mogok Sayadaw and popularised by Mahasi Sayadaw, V. R. Dhiravamsa, and S. N. Goenka.

In modern Theravada, the combination or disjunction of vipassana and samatha is a matter of dispute. While the Pali sutras hardly mention vipassana, describing it as a mental quality alongside with samatha which develop in tandem and lead to liberation, the Abhidhamma and the commentaries describe samatha and vipassana as two separate meditation techniques. The Vipassana-movement favoures vipassana over samatha, but critics point out that both are necessary elements of the Buddhist training.

Vipassan is a Pali word from the Sanskrit prefix "vi-" and verbal root pa. It is often translated as "insight" or "clear-seeing", though the "in-" prefix in "insight" may be misleading; "vi" in Indo-Aryan languages is equivalent to the Latin "dis." The "vi" in vipassan may then mean to see into, see through or to see 'in a special way.' Alternatively, the "vi" can function as an intensive, and thus vipassan may mean "seeing deeply."[citation needed]

A synonym for "Vipassan" is paccakkha (Pli; Sanskrit: pratyaka), "before the eyes," which refers to direct experiential perception. Thus, the type of seeing denoted by "vipassan" is that of direct perception, as opposed to knowledge derived from reasoning or argument.[citation needed]

In Tibetan, vipayan is lhagthong (wylie: lhag mthong). The term "lhag" means "higher", "superior", "greater"; the term "thong" is "view" or "to see". So together, lhagthong may be rendered into English as "superior seeing", "great vision" or "supreme wisdom." This may be interpreted as a "superior manner of seeing", and also as "seeing that which is the essential nature." Its nature is a luciditya clarity of mind.[10]

Henepola Gunaratana defined Vipassan as:

Looking into something with clarity and precision, seeing each component as distinct and separate, and piercing all the way through so as to perceive the most fundamental reality of that thing"

According to Thanissaro Bhikkhu, in the sutta pitaka the term "vipassan" is hardly mentioned, while they frequently mention jhana as the meditative practice to be undertaken.[note 1] When vipassan is mentioned, it is always in tandem with samatha, as a pair of qualities of mind which are developed. According to Thanissaro Bhikkhu, "samatha, jhana, and vipassana were all part of a single path." [note 2] Norman notes that "the Buddha's way to release [...] was by means of meditative practices." According to Vetter and Bronkhorst, dhyna constituted the original "liberating practice". Vetter further argues that the eightfold path constitutes a body of practices which prepare one, and lead up to, the practice of dhyana. Vetter and Bronkhorst further note that dhyana is not limited to single-pointed concentration, which seems to be described in the first jhana, but develops into equanimity and mindfulness,[note 3] "born from samadhi" but no longer absorbed in concentration, being mindfully awareness of objects while being indifferent to it, "directing states of meditative absorption towards the mindful awareness of objects."

Though both terms appear in the Sutta Pitaka[note 4], Gombrich and Brooks argue that the distinction as two separate paths originates in the earliest interpretations of the Sutta Pitaka, not in the suttas themselves.[note 5] Henepola Gunaratana notes that "[t]he classical source for the distinction between the two vehicles of serenity and insight is the Visuddhimagga."[29] According to Richard Gombrich, a development took place in early Buddhism resulting in a change in doctrine, which considered prajna to be an alternative means to awakening, alongside the practice of dhyana. The suttas contain traces of ancient debates between Mahayana and Theravada schools in the interpretation of the teachings and the development of insight. Out of these debates developed the idea that bare insight suffices to reach liberation, by discerning the Three marks (qualities) of (human) existence (tilakkhana), namely dukkha (suffering), anatta (non-self) and anicca (impermanence).

According to Buswell, by the 10th century vipassana was no longer practiced in the Theravada tradition, due to the believe that Buddhism had degenerated, and that liberation was no longer attainable until the coming of Maitreya. It was re-introdcued in Myanmar (Burma) in the 18th century by Medawi (17281816), leading to the rise of the Vipassana movement in the 20th century, re-inventing vipassana-meditation and developing simplified meditation techniques, based on the Satipatthana sutta, the Visuddhimagga, and other texts, emphasizing satipatthana and bare insight.[32][note 6] Ultimately, these techniques aim at stream entry, with the idea that this first stage of the path to awakening safeguards future development of the person towards full awakening, despite the degenerated age we live in.[note 7]

While the Abhidhamma and the commentaries present samatha and vipassana as separate paths,[note 8] in the sutras vipassana and samatha, combined with sati (mindfulness), are used together to explore "the fundamental nature of mind and body.[12] In the later Theravada tradition, samatha is regarded as a preparation for vipassan, pacifying the mind and strengthening concentration in order for insight to arise, which leads to liberation.

The term vipassana is often conflated with the Vipassana movement, a movement which popularised the new vipassana teachings and practice. It started in the 1950s in Burma, but has gained wide renown mainly through American Buddhist teachers such as Joseph Goldstein, Tara Brach, Gil Fronsdal, Sharon Salzberg, and Jack Kornfield. The movement has had a wide appeal due to being open and inclusive to different Buddhist and non-buddhist wisdom, poetry as well as science. It has together with the modern American Zen tradition served as one of the main inspirations for the 'mindfulness movement' as developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and others. The Vipassan Movement, also known as the Insight Meditation Movement, is rooted in Theravda Buddhism and the revival of meditation techniques, especially the "New Burmese Method" and the Thai Forest Tradition, as well as the modern influences on the traditions of Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos and Thailand.

In the Vipassan Movement, the emphasis is on the Satipatthana Sutta and the use of mindfulness to gain insight into the impermanence of the self. It argues that the development of strong samatha can be disadvantageous, a stance for which the Vipassana Movement has been criticised, especially in Sri Lanka.[41] The "New Burmese Method" was developed by U Nrada (18681955), and popularised by Mahasi Sayadaw (1904-1982) and Nyanaponika Thera (19011994). Other influential Burmese proponents are Ledi Sayadaw and Mogok Sayadaw (who was less known to the West due to lack of International Mogok Centres); S. N. Goenka was a student of Ledi Sayadaw. Influential Tai teachers are Ajahn Chah and Buddhadasa. A well-known Asian female teacher is Dipa Ma.

Vipassan-meditation uses sati (mindfulness) and samatha (calm), developed through the practice of anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing), combined with the contemplation of impermanence as observed in the bodily and mental changes, to gain insight into the true nature of this reality.

Practice begins with the preparatory stage, the practice of sila, morality, giving up wordly thoughts and desires.[45] Jeff Wilson notes that morality is a quintessential element of Buddhist practice, and is also emphasized by the first generation of post-war western teachers. Yet, in the contemporary mindfulness movement, morality as an element of practice has been mostly discarded, 'mystifying' the origins of mindfulness.

The practitioner then engages in anapanasati, mindfulness of breathing, which is described in the Satipatthana Sutta as going into the forest and sitting beneath a tree and then to simply watch the breath. If the breath is long, to notice that the breath is long, if the breath is short, to notice that the breath is short.[46][47] In the "New Burmese Method," the practitioner pays attention to any arising mental or physical phenomenon, engaging in vitaka, noting or naming physical and mental phenomena ("breathing, breathing"), without engaging the phenomenon with further conceptual thinking.[48][49] By noticing the arising of physical and mental phenomena, the meditator becomes aware how sense impressions arise from the contact between the senses and physical and mental phenomena,[48] as described in the five skandhas and paiccasamuppda. According to Sayadaw U Pandita, awareness and observation of these sensations is de-coupled from any kind of physical response, which is intended to recondition one's impulsive responses to stimuli, becoming less likely to physically or emotionally overreact to the happenings of the world[50]

The practitioner also becomes aware of the perpetual changes involved in breathing, and the arising and passing away of mindfulness.[51] This noticing is accompanied by reflections on causation and other Buddhist teachings, leading to insight into dukkha, anatta, and anicca.[52][51] When the three characteristics have been comprehended, reflection subdues, and the process of noticing accelerates, noting phenomena in general, without necessarily naming them.[53]

Vipassan jhanas are stages that describe the development of samatha in vipassan meditation practice as described in modern Burmese Vipassana meditation.[54] Mahasi Sayadaw's student Sayadaw U Pandita described the four vipassan jhanas as follows:[55]

The north Indian Buddhist traditions like the Sarvastivada and the Sautrantika practiced vipayan meditation as outlined in texts like the Abhidharmakosha of Vasubandhu and the Yogacarabhumi. The Abhidharmakosha states that vipayan is practiced once one has reached samadhi (absorption) by cultivating the four foundations of mindfulness (smrtyupasthanas).[56] This is achieved according to Vasubandhu:

By considering the unique characteristics (svalaksana) and the general characteristics (samanyalaksana) of the body, sensation, the mind, and the dharmas."'The unique characteristics' means its self nature (svabhava).The general characteristics" signifies the fact that "All conditioned things are impermanent; all impure dharmas are suffering; and that all the dharmas are empty (sunya) and not-self (anatmaka).[56]

Asanga's Abhidharma-samuccaya states that the practice of amatha-vipayan is a part of a Bodhisattva's path at the beginning, in the first "path of preparation" (Sambharamarga).[57]

The later Indian Mahayana scholastic tradition, as exemplified by Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara, saw amatha as a necessary prerequisite to vipayan and thus one needed to first begin with calm abiding meditation and then proceed to insight. In the Panjika commentary of Prajnakaramati on the Bodhicaryavatara, vipayan is defined simply as "wisdom (praja) that has the nature of thorough knowledge of reality as it is."[58]

Mahyna vipayan differs from the Theravada tradition in its strong emphasis on the meditation on emptiness (shunyata) of all phenomena. The Mahayana Akayamati-nirdea refers to vipayan as seeing phenomena as they really are, that is, empty, without self, nonarisen, and without grasping. The Prajnaparamita sutra in 8,000 lines states that the practice of insight is the non-appropriation of any dharmas, including the five aggregates:

So too, a Bodhisattva coursing in perfect wisdom and developing as such, neither does nor even can stand in form, feeling, perception, impulse and consciousness...This concentrated insight of a Bodhisattva is called 'the non-appropriation of all dharmas'.[59]

Likewise the Prajnaparamita in 25,000 lines states that a Bodhisattva should know the nature of the five aggregates as well as all dharmas thus:

That form, etc. [feeling, perception, impulse and consciousness], which is like a dream, like an echo, a mock show, a mirage, a reflection of the moon in water, an apparition, that is neither bound nor freed. Even so form, etc., which is past, future, or present, is neither bound nor freed. And why? Because of the nonbeing-ness of form, etc. Even so form, etc., whether it be wholesome or unwholesome, defiled or undefiled, tainted or untainted, with or without outflows, worldly or supramundane, defiled or purified, is neither bound nor freed, on account of its non-beingness, its isolatedness, its quiet calm, its emptiness, signless-ness, wishless-ness, because it has not been brought together or produced. And that is true of all dharmas.[60]

The Sthaviravda, one of the early Buddhist schools from which the Theravada-tradition originates, emphasized sudden insight:

In the Sthaviravada [...] progress in understanding comes all at once, 'insight' (abhisamaya) does not come 'gradually' (successively - anapurva).

The Mahasanghika, another one of the early Buddhist schools, had the doctrine of ekaksana-citt, "according to which a Buddha knows everything in a single thought-instant".[citation not found] This process however, meant to apply only to the Buddha and Peccaka buddhas. Lay people may have to experience various levels of insights to become fully enlightened.

The Mahayana tradition emphasizes prajna, insight into sunyata, dharmata, the two truths doctrine, clarity and emptiness, or bliss and emptiness:[63]

[T]he very title of a large corpus of early Mahayana literature, the Prajnaparamita, shows that to some extent the historian may extrapolate the trend to extol insight, prajna, at the expense of dispassion, viraga, the control of the emotions.

Although Theravada and Mahayana are commonly understood as different streams of Buddhism, their practice however, may reflect emphasis on insight as a common denominator:

In practice and understanding Zen is actually very close to the Theravada Forest Tradition even though its language and teachings are heavily influenced by Taoism and Confucianism.[64][note 9]

The emphasis on insight is discernible in the emphasis in Chn on sudden insight, though in the Chn-tradition this insight is to be followed by gradual cultivation.[note 10]

In Chinese Buddhism, the works of Tiantai master Zhiyi (such as the Mohe Zhiguan, "Great amatha-vipayan") are some of the most influential texts which discuss vipayan meditation from a Mahyna perspective. In this text Zhiyi teaches the contemplation of the skandhas, ayatanas, dhtus, the Kleshas, false views and several other elements.[66] Likewise the influential text called the Awakening of Faith scripture has a section on calm and insight meditation.[67] It states:

He who practices 'clear observation' should observe that all conditioned phenomena in the world are unstationary and are subject to instantaneous transformation and destruction; that all activities of the mind arise and are extinguished from moment or moment; and that, therefore, all of these induce suffering. He should observe that all that had been conceived in the past was as hazy as a dream, that all that is being conceived in the future will be like clouds that rise up suddenly. He should also observe that the physical existences of all living beings in the world are impure and that among these various filthy things there is not a single one that can be sought after with joy.[68]

The Chan (Zen) Buddhist tradition advocates the simultaneous practice of amatha and vipayan, and this is called the practice of Silent Illumination.[69] The classic Chan text known as the Platform Sutra states:

Calming is the essence of wisdom. And wisdom is the natural function of calming [i.e., praj and samdhi]. At the time of praj, samdhi exists in that. At the time of samdhi, praj exists in that. How is it that samdhi and praj are equivalent? It is like the light of the lamp. When the lamp exists, there is light. When there is no lamp, there is darkness. The lamp is the essence of light. The light is the natural function of the lamp. Although their names are different, in essence, they are fundamentally identical. The teaching of samdhi and praj is just like this.[69]

Samatha and vipassana are explicitly referred to in Tibetan Buddhism. According to Thrangu Rinpoche, when shamatha and vipashyana are combined, as in the mainstream tradion Madhyamaka approach of ancestors like Shantideva and Kamalashila, through samatha disturbing emotions are abandoned, which thus facilitates vipashyana, "clear seeing." Vipashyana is cultivated through reasoning, logic and analysis in conjunction with Shamatha. In contrast, in the siddha tradition of the direct approach of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, vipashyana is ascertained directly through looking into one's own mind. After this initial recognition of vipashyana, the steadiness of shamatha is developed within that recognition. According to Thrangu Rinpoche, it is however also common in the direct approach to first develop enough shamatha to serve as a basis for vipashyana.[70]

In Tibetan Buddhism, the classical practice of amatha and vipayan is strongly influenced by the Mahyna text called the Bhavanakrama of Indian master Kamalala. Kamalala defines vipayan as "the discernment of reality" (bhta-pratyavek) and "accurately realizing the true nature of dharmas".[71]

Indian Mahyna Buddhism employed both deductive investigation (applying ideas to experience) and inductive investigation (drawing conclusions from direct experience) in the practice of vipayan.[note 11][note 12] According to Leah Zahler, only the tradition of deductive analysis in vipayan was transmitted to Tibet in the strayna context.[note 13]

In Tibet direct examination of moment-to-moment experience as a means of generating insight became exclusively associated with vajrayna.[74][note 14][note 15]

Mahmudr and Dzogchen use vipayan extensively. This includes some methods of the other traditions, but also their own specific approaches. They place a greater emphasis on meditation on symbolic images. Additionally in the Vajrayna (tantric) path, the true nature of mind is pointed out by the guru, and this serves as a direct form of insight.[note 16]

AN 4.170 (Pali):Yo hi koci, vuso, bhikkhu v bhikkhun v mama santike arahattappatti bykaroti, sabbo so cathi maggehi, etesa v aatarena.Katamehi cathi? Idha, vuso, bhikkhu samathapubbagama vipassana bhveti[...]Puna capara, vuso, bhikkhu vipassanpubbagama samatha bhveti[...]Puna capara, vuso, bhikkhu samathavipassana yuganaddha bhveti[...]Puna capara, vuso, bhikkhuno dhammuddhaccaviggahita mnasa hoti[...]English translation:Friends, whoever monk or nun declares the attainment of arahantship in my presence, they all do it by means of one or another of four paths. Which four?There is the case where a monk has developed insight preceded by tranquility. [...]Then there is the case where a monk has developed tranquillity preceded by insight. [...]Then there is the case where a monk has developed tranquillity in tandem with insight. [...]"Then there is the case where a monk's mind has its restlessness concerning the Dhamma [Comm: the corruptions of insight] well under control.[23]

AN 2.30 Vijja-bhagiya Sutta, A Share in Clear Knowing:"These two qualities have a share in clear knowing. Which two? Tranquility (samatha) & insight (vipassana)."When tranquility is developed, what purpose does it serve? The mind is developed. And when the mind is developed, what purpose does it serve? Passion is abandoned."When insight is developed, what purpose does it serve? Discernment is developed. And when discernment is developed, what purpose does it serve? Ignorance is abandoned."Defiled by passion, the mind is not released. Defiled by ignorance, discernment does not develop. Thus from the fading of passion is there awareness-release. From the fading of ignorance is there discernment-release."[24]

SN 43.2 (Pali): "Katamo ca, bhikkhave, asakhatagmimaggo? Samatho ca vipassan".[25] English translation: "And what, bhikkhus, is the path leading to the unconditioned? Serenity and insight."[26]

According to Grzegorz Polak, the four upassan (foundations of mindfulness) have been misunderstood by the developing Buddhist tradition, including Theravada, to refer to four different foundations. According to Polak, the four upassan do not refer to four different foundations, but to the awareness of four different aspects of raising mindfulness:

More here:

Vipassan - Wikipedia

This meditation encourages a calm awareness of the breath, and also a gentle detachment from the habits of rumination (ie. over-thinking). This session is useful for alleviating symptoms of anxiety, OCD, and depression.

Download this track: https://michael-sealey.dpdcart.com/ca...

My iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/mi...

My CD Baby tracks: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/Micha...

My Depression & Anxiety Recovery Pack 5 x MP3 Digital Audio Collection here: https://michael-sealey.dpdcart.com/ca...

Subscribe for more positive meditation: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c...

Popular Playlists: 7 Day Self Hypnosis Personal Transformation Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...Hypnosis for Confidence & Self Esteem: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Welcome to this guided meditation which is designed to train your mind for calm detachment from any unwanted patterns of over-thinking.

By practicing these mindful techniques of conscious observation and self acceptance, you will find you are more able to quieten and relax an overly active mind -- and also naturally increase your body's healthy energy, to become a more self assured person in the present moment.

This meditation experience may be repeated as often as you choose to reinforce your positive intentions.

By your own inner direction may you continue to find your greatest waking potential.

This session is suitable and recommended for repeated listening, and regular listening will help compound positive suggestions and / or your own positive results.

The end of this session will provide options for either drifting into a sound night's sleep, or for returning to your fully conscious, awake and alert, positive mind state.

Do not listen to this recording whilst driving or operating machinery.

This recording is in no way a replacement for any prescribed medication; nor is it intended to contraindicate or supersede any medically diagnosed conditions. Please always consult your health care professional for your best advice in all medical issues.

All hypnosis is self hypnosis. The power for positive change resides within your own mind. If you choose to accept the suggestions presented in this session, you can rest comfortably knowing that you are the one safely in control of your own positive experience.

This channel uses positive voice suggestions, often accompanied with calm images, background sounds and meditation music, to allow you your very best state of relaxation, inner change, to remove negative blocks, and to create self guided healing therapy; with techniques from the fields of hypnotherapy, modern psychotherapy, trance work, guided relaxation, NLP, cognitive behavioural psychology, mindfulness meditation, and ASMR.

Peace & Enjoy

P.S. Please LINK & SHARE this video with those who you think might benefit from positive hypnosis and guided meditation. Thank you.

.........................

More MP3 Download Collections:

5 Hypnosis Sessions Special Collection MP3s:https://michael-sealey.dpdcart.com/ca...

Sleep Hypnosis Ultimate Special Collection 5 x MP3shttps://michael-sealey.dpdcart.com/ca...

More positive Playlists & Video Sessions for your consideration:

General Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...All Guided Meditations: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...Hypnosis for Bedtime Sleep & Insomnia: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...Subconscious Confidence, Motivation, Self Esteem & Success: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...Guided Self Healing & Positive Energy: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...Lucid Dreaming Hypnosis: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...Astral Travel & Astral Projection: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...Hypnosis for Brain Power & Improved Self Mind Control: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...Hypnosis with Binaural Beats & Brainwaves Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI5yD...Hypnosis for Higher Self & Spirit Guide: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...Hypnosis for ASMR: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

____Original footage and photography by Michael Sealey 2015

Royalty Free Stock Footage and Animations credits:Footage Island http://www.youtube.com/user/footageis...

Music credit:"Tranquility Base"Kevin MacLeodhttp://incompetech.com/

View original post here:

Guided Meditation for Detachment From Over-Thinking (Anxiety / OCD / Depression)

How to Use These Meditation for Anxiety Tips

There is no right or wrong way to practice anxiety meditation. To get the most from these meditation-for-anxiety tips, first select one of your favorite meditation techniques. Then, read through the list of tips. Note which tips speak to you-the ones that seem to connect with the anxiety and stress you are feeling.

Next, choose one tip to focus on. Read the quote, summary and meditation advice. Take a few moments to internalize the information, then follow the advice as you begin your session. You will feel immediate relief from anxiety, even if you simply feel better because you are taking action.

Finally, follow the same process for each tip that connects with your anxiety and stress. If you like, research online to find a specific guided meditation for anxiety relief, and focus on the same topics.

You will no doubt have further work to do to achieve full anxiety relief, but meditation for anxiety can provide a great beginning!

Go here to read the rest:

17 ways to use meditation for anxiety & stress relief ...

December 3, 2015

Here is an overview of the biggest benefits of meditation, based on latest scientific research: From health benefits to improved cognition and intelligence, from success at work to more harmonious relationships.

Increased intelligence Scientific studies shown that meditating improves the practitioners cognitive and intellectual abilities. This effect of becoming smarter has been demonstrated by different types of intelligence tests.

Benefits for students Regular meditation raises school performance (higher academic achievement, less absenteeism, better graduation rates), and that goes for all school levels from kindergarten to college.

Work efficiency Research has shown reduction in the stress levels and better decision making. This, in turn, leads to higher efficiency at work place in both small and big organizations.

Creativity & problem-solving Meditating leads to higher brain integration, which in turn sets the basis for mental alertness, original thought and creative problem-solving skills.

Access to higher levels of consciousness Whereas ordinary human experience is limited to three states of consciousness (wake, asleep, in deep sleep), one of the benefits of regular meditation practice is access to four more refined levels of being.

Transcendental experiences Study on meditative experiences which were characterized by the practitioners partial or complete absence of time, space, and body sense.

Positive emotions and well-being Research shows that meditation practitioners have 5 times greater clarified gamma output (positive feelings like love, happiness; well-being).

Business leadership and management skills Is meditating good for business? Evidence from Ray Dalio to Silicon Valley, from Fortune 100 lists to Harvard Business School.

Personal relationships Three months of Transcendental Meditation practice brings significant improvement in professional and personal relationships, based on increased happiness and reduced stress.

Marital relations Study measuring long-term marital happiness with Lockes Adjustment Inventory. Subjects in the TM group showed significantly greater marital satisfaction.

Life expectancy Mortality rates from various fatal heart conditions were cut by 48% with regular practice of meditation found a key study with patients suffering from cardiovascular disease.

Pregnancy Interaction of hormones and surrounding physical environment: What are the benefits of meditation practice during pregnancy, both for mothers and newborns?

Brain coherence Meditating leads to increased frontal coherence that is, more harmonious and efficient brain activity as measured during various computer tasks and eyes-closed rest.

Good sleep Lower levels of stress mean better sleep, dont they? Taking up meditation regularly, at least twice a day, is a natural home remedy against chronic insomnia (sleeplessness).

Multiple sclerosis Meditating reduces attacks of multiple sclerosis and relieves related symptoms (weakness, tingling, numbness, and blurred vision) by boosting energy levels.

Distress & coping Lower blood pressure, decreased psychological distress, increased coping in people at risk for hypertension, a study with meditating college students found.

Glowing skin Keeping the hormonal levels well balanced and cutting radically down on daily stress leads, among other good things, to beautiful skin and radiantly beautiful looks!

Stress and anxiety relief Arguably the single biggest benefit of meditation is a more balanced nervous system and hormonal levels which eliminate any excessive flight-or-fight responses by our body. In other words, meditation has been shown to naturally lead to a calmer life.

Heart diseases and ailments Improved functional capacity for patients with various heart conditions / heart failure. Risk of heart disease cut by 30%; mortality from stroke decreases 48%.

Normalized blood pressure Another crucial benefit of meditation is that it reduces blood pressure on average by 7 mm/Hg. It also thus reduces such conditions as heart attack, aneurysm, artery damage, kidney failure etc.

Immune system Regular Transcendental Meditation practice strengthens the bodys ability to resist disease by boosting immune cells fighting against viruses, bacteria and toxins.

Slower ageing Telomeres, the all-important chromosome endings which keep your cells fresh and healthy, have recently been shown to get a boost from regular meditation practice. This results in longer life and lower risk of falling pray to various ailments.

Cancer patients care Transcendnetal Meditation and yoga practice are considered the most helpful of all available non-invasive therapies for supportive care of cancer patients.

Autism spectrum disorders Learning to let the mind calm down in a natural, easy-to-do way helps in growing from frequent temper tantrums into a happy, well-adjusted personality.

Alcohol, nicotine and drug addiction Meditation significantly reduces addiction to and use of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. With regular practice, the abstinence strengthens naturally.

Depression & burnout An interesting study with teachers confirmed that meditation significantly decreases work-related stress, burnout states, and various depressive symptoms.

Eating disorders Research shows that benefits of meditation include more effective recovery from food addiction, due to lower stress levels. Binge eating, as any other kind of addiction, is largely triggered by stress.

Smoking Academic studies demonstrate that meditation has 50% of smokers quitting in two years after starting to meditate (i.e., three times more effective quit smoking rate than with therapy).

Alcoholism abuse A comparative study demonstrated that the effect of the Transcendental Meditation technique on reducing alcohol consumption was 1,5 to 8 times that of other programs.

Trait anxiety According to the meta-analysis, anxiety disorders (panic attacks, anger, tenseness) are rapidly and substantially reduced in the first few weeks of meditation practice.

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) After just 10-days of TM practice, PTSD symptoms (depression, insomnia, fear etc) dropped almost 30 points compared to the base level.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) Meditation practice relieves at least five different hyperactivity symptoms (including lack of focus, sleeping problems, depression).

40 latest scientific articles Abstracts, graphs, diagrams and full PDF texts (if not available, then a link to the original academic publication where the texts can be purchased).

10 biggest benefits An easy-to-read compilation of, arguably, the 10 greatest benefits of regular practice of meditation. From health gains to most important psychological benefits.

Different meditations, different effects There are several different kinds of meditation techniques. Are the effects of practice also different? Modern brain research answers in the affirmative.

Quotes on health benefits Compilation of illuminating quotes from people who have first-hand experience of meditation benefits. Wise and inspirational one-liners to take into your day!

Harvard health letter recommends meditation Harvard Medical School Newsletter gives its thumbs-up for meditation practice, and explains why the benefits reaped from meditating could be the best health insurance around.

American Heart Association meta-analysis Report by the national medical organization recommending Transcendental Meditation for prevention and treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).

Infographic on health benefits Easy to grasp overview of the main health benefits of the TM technique as certified by scientific research. A picture is worth more than a thousand words, so take a look!

Transcendental Meditation practice is arguably the most researched meditation technique. Its effects and benefits have been subjected to rigorous study for over 40 years now. This body of scientific research has been conducted by over 200 academic institutions (universities, institutes, academic associations etc) in 35 countries. It has resulted in more than 300 peer-reviewed, independently verified articles published in topmost academic journals like American Journal of Physiology, Scientific American, Lancet, Journal of Counseling Psychology, International Journal of Neuroscience, British Journal of Educational Psychology, Journal of Conflict Resolution, etc.

Watch a video: World renowned psychiatrist Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal describes the quantity and quality of scientific research done in the area of Transcendental Meditation. Credit: uk.tm.org

Read more here:

40 benefits of meditation: Some stunning scientific proof

Thousands of people have begun the journey of personal health. To achieve the maximum level of health one must eat well, exercise regularly, and improve their mental well-being.

People struggle most often to improve their mental well-being because it is the most ambiguous and hardest to see tangible results. Meditation is the best way to mentally reduce stress and develop an air of peace and tranquility.

Maharishi, an advocate of Transcendental Meditation defines the purpose, The goal of Transcendental Meditation is the state of enlightenment. This means we experience that inner calmness, that quiet state of least excitation, even when we are dynamically busy. In this Hindu tradition you sit in Lotus, internally chant a mantra, and focus on rising above the negativity.

However, to effectively learn how to practice this form of meditation, expert guidance is recommended. There is internet resources, classes, or even meditation retreats to better learn this form of meditation.

Heart rhythm meditation is downward meditation, because it focuses energy on developing the application of consciousness.This form of meditation concentrates primarily on the heart, with an emphasis on breathing, and the purpose is to experience the mystics mantra, I am a part of all things and all things are a part of me.

HRM is a triple threat form of meditation because individuals experience physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. It helps the individual better handle stress and develop an appreciative and joyous spirit.

Unlike HRM, Kundalini is a form of upward mediation, which focuses on the rising stream of energy. This form of meditation has roots in both Buddhist and Hindu teachings, and in Sanskrit translates to coiled. Many believe this to be a metaphoric form of meditation, however those who are able to access the dormant energy can attest to its healing benefits. To access this energy the individual must concentrate on their breathing as it flows through the energy centers in the body. Once that energy is felt, the individual can experience an altered state of consciousness.

Guided visualization is a newer technique that can be used for spiritual healing, stress relief, or personal development. The inspiration comes from Buddha, The mind is everything. What you think you become. Among other factors that set this form of meditation apart, the emphasis on one specific goal is defining.

By imagining relaxing and positive experiences, the body will respond by releasing chemicals that generate feelings of positivity. This method can be done casually by imagining a certain situation in the brain. However, to achieve a more powerful experience, a guided visualization experience is key.

This is a meditation favorite because this method improves posture, respiration, and the ability to relax with greater ease. Qi Gong is one of the oldest forms of meditation and derives from ancient Chinese society. This art form of health and wellness uses breath to circulate energy through the body and energy centers. The focused combination on breathing techniques, movement, and meditation helps the individual to control their reactions to stress.

Zazen is the heart of Zen Buddhist practice and literally translates to seated meditation. This method is initially the easiest to engage in because it relies on self-guidance, however, the lack of guidance can make it difficult to progress in the future. Regardless, the mental benefits of Zazen are vast because you aim to forget all judgmental thoughts, ideas, and images.

After sitting in a comfortable position ensure that the back is completely straight and you are centered. Breathing is an essential element of Zazen and this position will allow the breath to deepen and enhance the experience.

The final favorite method of meditation is mindfulness, which also comes from the Buddhist tradition. The Buddhist term sati translates to mindfulness and breathes life into the practice. Conjuring mindfulness is essential in overcoming suffering and understanding natural wisdom. It is all about acknowledging reality by letting the mind wander, accepting any thoughts that come up, and understanding the present.

The practice is done by sitting with eyes close, crossed legs, the back straight, and attention placed on breathing in and out. For the period of meditation the individual focuses on his or her breathing, and when wandering thoughts emerge, one returns to focusing on the object of meditation, breathing. Research has found that a regimen of mindfulness can reduce anxiety, depression, and perceived distress.

Not every meditation method will be your favorite. Try these seven out and see which one helps you achieve that level of inner peace you are looking for. Once you have found your go to method, incorporate that into your daily schedule to best combat the enormous levels of stress synonymous with life.

This post was originally appeared at lifeadvancer.com and republished here with permission.

About the Author

Meghan Greene is a vital part of the SEO and Content Development team at Samahita Retreat. Meghan attends Elon University, double majoring in Marketing and International Business.

Read more:

7 Types of Meditation: Which One Is Best for You? | Visual ...

When you meditate, the silence of the senses illumines the presence ofGod within.

No matter who we are, what we do, what we may have or not have, each of us has an inherent power to meditate. Once this power is ignited through shaktipat, our meditation naturally deepens and draws us to the goal of Self-realization.

Meditation is the practice of turning our attention inward. Meditation beckons us to unravel the greatest mystery of lifethat in this human form, we are also divine. When we still the mind in meditation we are drawn, like bees to honey, to the presence of God within. Touching this truth, our restlessness ceases and we are flooded with a sense of our own perfection and divinity.

The Siddha Yoga meditation Intensives, in which we receive shaktipat, offer us a unique and heightened environment to launch or deepen our own meditation practice. Then, as we bathe in this state each day, even for a brief period, our understanding gradually shifts. We begin to see that the natural state of meditation is accessible even throughout our activities. We find God is closer than our own breath. We feel the divine presence infusing our everyday world.

I carry the feeling of meditation with me all day and night now. It is so blissful. I look forward to meditating twice a day. It is the most peaceful, ecstatic experience of my life.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for the gifts you reveal.

a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA

As I sit for meditation each day, my awareness is drawn inside, beneath the level of thoughts, and I enter a space of stillness, serenity, and immense love. The nourishment I receive from these precious experiences of meditation supports me throughout the day and brings warmth, clarity, and enthusiasm to my life.

a Siddha Yogi from Massachusetts, USA

See the original post here:

Meditation - Siddha Yoga Meditation

Meditation-which come in many variations-has long been acknowledged as a tool tomaster the mind and cope with stress. Science is increasingly validating those claims, especially for depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Over 600 research studies on one form of meditation, Transcendental Meditation, indicate the positive effects of this stress reducing technique.

Yoga and meditation are described separately, but it should be recognizedthat meditation is an integral part of yoga and difficult to separate out.

Meditation is especially beneficial for reducing stress. Studies show it can also reduce depression and anxiety, and help people manage chronic pain.

This brief summary highlights the material covered in our full analysis on meditation, available here.

Meditation can be difficult for people with anxiety or stress.

Breathing andrelaxation are good for almost everyone. Meditation can benefit people who have mental health conditions, as well as those who do not.

For detailed information on Meditation and other treatments,download the full review.

More here:

Meditation | Mental Health America

What is meditation?

Meditation is a focusing practice that suspends the normal stream of thoughts occupying the mind. Usually, the attention is focused on a specific thing, such as the breath or a phrase. Practicing meditation regularly is believed to calm the mind, increase alertness, and bring a person into a state of physical and psychological balance.

Some people choose to learn meditation at home using an instructional book or audio CD. Others choose to learn from a teacher.

In studies, meditation has been shown to help:

There are many approaches to meditation. Here are some of the more common ways people meditate:

While many people sit still to meditate, it's possible to use the above techniques while lying down, standing, or walking. Meditation can also be combined with other practices such as yoga or tai chi if sitting still is difficult for you.

Meditation usually begins with finding a position that's comfortable for you. Most people choose to close their eyes to reduce any visual distractions. Once you're in position, you'll focus your attention on the area of your choosing the breath, a mantra, or another area of focus. During your session, you will be working to bring your awareness back to your area of focus whenever you find your mind wandering.

Tips for beginning meditation:

Because there are so many traditions of meditation, and just as many opinions about training requirements, there is no formal certification or licensing process for meditation instructors.

Some spiritual traditions, such as Buddhism, do have requirements for extensive formal training for new teachers. Training requirements vary widely depending on the institution. If you are searching for a meditation instructor, tell your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend instructors affiliated with a cancer center.

For more information about finding a qualified complementary medicine practitioner, see our Finding a Complementary Medicine Practitioner section.

In studies, meditation has been shown to help reduce stress, mood disturbance, and fatigue in people with cancer.

In 2000, a study was conducted in Alberta, Canada, in which 90 people with varying forms and stages of cancer met as a group for weekly 90-minute meditation sessions. Participants also meditated at home in between the group sessions. After 7 weeks, symptoms of stress and mood disturbance had decreased. Six months after participants completed the study, their stress levels were still low.

How can meditation help improve moods? To find out, the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, asked a University of Wisconsin research team to monitor the brain function of 8 Buddhist monks as they meditated. Ten student volunteers were also selected to participate. While the Buddhist monks had undergone meditation training over time periods of 15-40 years, the student volunteers had only 1 week of experience with meditation before the study began.

During the study, both groups were asked to meditate for short periods. The meditation involved generating feelings of compassion towards all people who might be suffering in the world. As the participants meditated, researchers recordedtheir electrical brain impulses using electroencephalography (EEG).

For the student volunteers, EEG tests showed a slight change in brain wave activity. For the monks, however, the EEG tests revealed high activity in the part of the brain associated with happiness and positive thoughts. Researchers concluded that meditation doesn't just change the brain's function in the short term; regular practice of meditation may be able to produce long-term positive mood changes.

Meditation is generally thought to be a safe practice. However, in people with psychiatric problems, there have been a small number of reports in which intense meditation has worsened symptoms. If you have been treated for a psychiatric issue, talk to your mental health professional before starting a meditation practice.

Back to Types of Complementary Techniques

Original post:

Meditation - breastcancer.org

This guided meditation will gently ease you into a state of blissfully deep relaxation.

.........................................................................

If you enjoy our work and would like to support the channel, please consider purchasing one of our high-quality albums:The Elven Odyssey: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thehonestguys74The Ultimate Sleep Album: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thehonestguys71The Ultimate Mind Power Collection for a Healthy Lifestyle: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thehonestguys91

Plus many of our MP3 audio tracks are available here: CDBaby: http://ow.ly/ApQYyiTunes: http://ow.ly/ApR4VAmazon: http://tiny.cc/wc5qkxGoogle: http://ow.ly/ApRsq

Alternatively, you can donate here: https://goo.gl/OoIjTI we very much appreciate any and all support.

.........................................................................

Please subscribe to our channel (It's Free). NEW VIDEOS every Tuesday!Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/thehonestguys?...

We write and create high quality Guided Meditations videos that are freely viewable on YouTube. We have been creating these meditations since 2009.

The meditations were begun with one purpose: simply to try and help people. Every meditation is produced with genuine care and love for those people who use them, because we too, have needed the kind of help our meditations are trying to offer others.

Our ethos is to be as all-inclusive and as neutral as possible. We have no religious or other affiliations and try to keep most of our meditations suitable for everyone. We always welcome comments, feedback & suggestions and actively engage with our subscribers via our Facebook page..................................................

Digital Downloads: A few places where you can purchase THG meditations.

CDBaby: http://ow.ly/ApQYyiTunes: http://ow.ly/ApR4VAmazon: http://tiny.cc/wc5qkxGoogle: http://ow.ly/ApRsq

Streaming on Tidal -http://goo.gl/0dMF2h

Streaming on Spotify -http://goo.gl/vlkA5u.................................................

Social media - Interact with us here :

Facebook : Our main THG community focused page. Interact on a daily basis.http://www.facebook.com/THGMEDITATIONS

Twitter : Reference place to keep up to date with THG.http://twitter.com/TheHonestGuys

Instagram: Behind the scenes photos of the THG team.http://instagram.com/thehonestguys

Google+ : Our Google+ profile pagehttps://plus.google.com/+TheHonestGuys

Website : Official website of 'The Honest Guys'http://www.thehonestguys.co.uk..................................................

Check out some of the other videos on this channel (over 240+ and counting!)https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHones...

..................................................

Check out the complete THG playlists here :https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHones...

Samples of some of our playlists :

GUIDED MEDITATIONSFeeling tired or stressed? Sit back, relax and let the gentle guiding voice take you into a profound and deep state of relaxation.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

EPIC POWER-MEDITATIONSEpic power meditations are a new form of meditation/visualizations using the amazing skills of some outstanding composers and musicians. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

MIDDLE EARTH MEDITATIONSEscape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with these guided retreats into Middle Earth. Each story averages around 18 minutes and is designed as a powerful and effective respite for the mind, from the stresses and strains of daily life. Each story is unique, with narration, music and ambient sound effects brought vividly to life within your own mind. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

RELAXATION MUSIC & MEDITATION TOOLSThese videos are designed to be played in the background, to help with study, sleep and relaxation.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list.....................................................

Music by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)

Here is the original post:

Guided Meditation - Blissful Deep Relaxation

When we practise meditation we need to have a comfortable seat and a good posture. The most important feature of the posture is to keep our back straight. To help us do this, if we are sitting on a cushion we make sure that the back of the cushion is slightly higher than the front, inclining our pelvis slightly forward. It is not necessary at first to sit cross-legged, but it is a good idea to become accustomed to sitting in the posture of Buddha Vairochana. If we cannot hold this posture we should sit in one which is as close to this as possible while remaining comfortable.

The seven features of Vairochanas posture are:

If we want to colour our mind with a virtuous motivation we need to clear away all our negative thoughts and distractions.

A further feature of Vairochanas posture is the preliminary breathing meditation, which prepares our mind for developing a good motivation. When we sit down to meditate our mind is usually full of disturbing thoughts, and we cannot immediately convert such a state of mind into the virtuous one we need as our motivation. A negative, disturbed state of mind is like pitch-black cloth. We cannot dye pitch-black cloth any other colour unless we first remove all the black dye and make the cloth white again. In the same way, if we want to colour our mind with a virtuous motivation we need to clear away all our negative thoughts and distractions. We can accomplish this temporarily by practising breathing meditation.

When we have settled down comfortably on our meditation seat we begin by becoming aware of the thoughts and distractions that are arising in our mind. Then we gently turn our attention to our breath, letting its rhythm remain normal. As we breathe out we imagine that we are breathing away all disturbing thoughts and distractions in the form of black smoke that vanishes in space. As we breathe in we imagine that we are breathing in all the blessings and inspiration of the holy beings in the form of white light that enters our body and absorbs into our heart. We maintain this visualization single-pointedly with each inhalation and exhalation for twenty-one rounds, or until our mind has become peaceful and alert. If we concentrate on our breathing in this way, negative thoughts and distractions will temporarily disappear because we cannot concentrate on more than one object at a time. At the conclusion of our breathing meditation we should think `Now I have received the blessings and inspiration of all the holy beings. At this stage our mind is like a clean white cloth which we can now colour with a virtuous motivation such as compassion or bodhichitta.

Originally posted here:

Meditation posture - How to Meditate