By Remez Sasson
If you ask people what is meditation, you will probably get different answers, such as:
- A method of relaxing the mind and body
- A concentration technique
- A relaxation technique
- A spiritual practice
- A form of contemplative practice
- An Eastern spiritual practice
- A form of Yoga
So what is meditation? How can it be described in a few words?
Meditation is a term that refers to various methods for relaxing the body and mind, and which can ultimately lead to a state of inner peace and bliss. In it higher forms, meditation frees the mind from the subconscious compulsive habit of incessant and compulsive thinking, and leads to inner peace, inner freedom, and to awareness of one’s real essence – The Inner I – The Spirit, which is above and beyond the mind. It also leads to serenity, clarity of mind and to bliss.
In meditation the attention is focused on a thought, idea, an aspect of God or on one’s awareness, and usually, involves turning the attention inwards, away from the external world.
