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[[Image:1979 Festival.jpg|thumb|right|255px|Meditation workshop at 1979 [[Nambassa]] in [[New Zealand]]]]

[[Image:1979 Festival.jpg|thumb|right|255px|Meditation workshop at 1979 [[Nambassa]] in [[New Zealand]]]]

'''Meditation''' describes a state of concentrated [[attention]] on some object of [[thought]] or [[awareness]]. It usually involves turning the attention inward to a single point of reference.<ref name = spiritual>[http://www.spiritual.com.au/dictionary/dict_m.html Spiritual Dictionary]. Retrieved on:[[August 21]], [[2007]]</ref> The benefits of the practice can engender a higher state of consciousness. Meditation is recognized as a component of [[eastern religions]], where it has been practiced for over 5,000 years.<ref>The Bhagavad-Gita and Jivana Yoga By Ramnarayan Vyas</ref><ref name=Burley>Hatha Yoga: Its Context, Theory and Practice By Mikel Burley</ref><ref name=Knitter>Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China) By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter</ref> Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which can emphasize development of either a high degree of mental concentration, or the apparent converse, mental [[quiescence]].  

'''Meditation''' describes a state of concentrated [[attention]] on some object of [[thought]] or [[awareness]]. It usually involves turning the attention inward to a single point of reference.[http://www.spiritual.com.au/dictionary/dict_m.html Spiritual Dictionary]. Retrieved on:[[August 21]], [[2007]]The benefits of the practice can engender a higher state of consciousness. Meditation is recognized as a component of [[eastern religions]], where it has been practiced for over 5,000 years. The Bhagavad-Gita and Jivana Yoga By Ramnarayan Vyas (Hatha Yoga: Its Context, Theory and Practice By Mikel Burley) (Zen Buddhism: A History (India and China By Heinrich Dumoulin, James W. Heisig, Paul F. Knitter). Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which can emphasize development of either a high degree of mental concentration, or the apparent converse, mental [[quiescence]].  

The word meditation comes from the [[Latin]] ''meditatio'', which originally indicated every type of physical or intellectual exercise, then later evolved into the more specific meaning "[[contemplation]]."  

The word meditation comes from the [[Latin]] ''meditatio'', which originally indicated every type of physical or intellectual exercise, then later evolved into the more specific meaning "[[contemplation]]."  

<blockquote>... shifting freely from one perception to the next clear your mind of all that bothers you no thoughts that can distract you from reality or your personal being... No thought, image or sensation is considered an intrusion. The meditator, with a 'no effort' attitude, is asked to remain in the here and now. Using the focus as an 'anchor'...  brings the subject constantly back to the present, avoiding cognitive analysis or fantasy regarding the contents of awareness, and increasing tolerance and relaxation of secondary thought processes.<ref name = Perez/></blockquote>

<blockquote>... shifting freely from one perception to the next clear your mind of all that bothers you no thoughts that can distract you from reality or your personal being... No thought, image or sensation is considered an intrusion. The meditator, with a 'no effort' attitude, is asked to remain in the here and now. Using the focus as an 'anchor'...  brings the subject constantly back to the present, avoiding cognitive analysis or fantasy regarding the contents of awareness, and increasing tolerance and relaxation of secondary thought processes.<ref name = Perez/></blockquote>

''Concentration meditation'' is used in most religions and spiritual practices. Whereas in mindfulness meditation there is an open focus, in concentration meditation the meditator holds attention on a particular object (e.g., a repetitive prayer) while minimizing distractions; bringing the mind back to concentrate on the chosen object.itation/mindfulness_in_plain_english_16.php

''Concentration meditation'' is used in most religions and spiritual practices. Whereas in mindfulness meditation there is an open focus, in concentration meditation the meditator holds attention on a particular object (e.g., a repetitive prayer) while minimizing distractions; bringing the mind back to concentrate on the chosen object.

Meditation can be practiced while walking or doing simple repetitive tasks. Walking meditation helps to break down habitual automatic mental categories, "thus regaining the primary nature of perceptions and events, focusing attention on the process while disregarding its purpose or final outcome." In a form of meditation using visualization, such as Chinese [[Qi Gong]], the practitioner concentrates on flows of energy (Qi) in the body, starting in the abdomen and then circulating through the body, until dispersed.<ref name = Perez/> Some meditative traditions, such as [[yoga]] or [[tantra]], are common to several religions<ref name=Knitter/> or occur outside religious contexts.   

 

Meditation can be practiced while walking or doing simple repetitive tasks. Walking meditation helps to break down habitual automatic mental categories, "thus regaining the primary nature of perceptions and events, focusing attention on the process while disregarding its purpose or final outcome." In a form of meditation using visualization, such as Chinese [[Qi Gong]], the practitioner concentrates on flows of energy (Qi) in the body, starting in the abdomen and then circulating through the body, until dispersed. Some meditative traditions, such as [[yoga]] or [[tantra]], are common to several religions or occur outside religious contexts.   

===Hinduism===

===Hinduism===