Ancient Meditation Techniques

There are many various ancient meditation techniques giving massive benefits to those who practice. Although meditation is universal, the various ancient meditation techniques may vary from one culture to another.

All of these techniques are suited to different personality types, which is once again a reflection of the many different cultures and backgrounds, and all are worth thorough research and consideration in finding the most suitable meditation technique for each individual.

Some techniques are expansive permitting free flow of thoughts and their observation, whereas other types are concentrative with the purpose of bringing focus into one’s thoughts.

All those who do meditate to bring peace and serenity into their lives using their own preferred technique will rapidly benefit from a deep feeling of being at one with their inner selves, beginning the process of healing and improving their mental and physical health.

Thus, regardless of the reason for practicing it, new and ancient meditation techniques alike will set in motion the most important journey and discovery of life.

You will find an overview of various meditation techniques listed below:

Mantra Meditation

The mantra meditation technique involves the conscious repetition of a certain sound so as to appeal to the mind in order to achieve a state of rumination. Mantra figuratively speaking means ‘revealed sound’ or an amalgamation of sounds that develops spontaneously.

It is imperative not to confuse a mantra with religious chants. A mantra might be given by a guru or may be a personal selected sound or word, however the main thing is, it must be pleasing to the mind.

Vipassana Meditation

The word Vipassana means ‘insight’. This is an ancient meditation technique which refers to the aptitude of seeing things as they truly are, attainable through a course of self-observation. This means identifying one’s own individual nature, recognizing the bad elements and willfully eliminating them from the system.

Vipassana is a meditation technique free from rites and will assist the development of wisdom allowing an individual to study the various sensations in the body for example, cold, pain, itching, etc.

Taoist Meditation

This is another ancient meditation technique having many points in common with Hindu and Buddhist systems. However the Taoist method is much less abstract and far more practical than the contemplative traditions that evolved in India. The principal characteristic of the Taoist meditation technique is the generation, transformation, and circulation of internal energy.

Once this flow of energy is achieved known as “deh-chee”, this may then be applied to the promotion of improved health and longevity or whatever the meditator chooses. “Jing”, meaning ‘quiet, stillness, calm’ and “Ding”, meaning ‘concentration and focus’ are the two principal guidelines in this meditation technique.

Trataka Meditation

This ancient meditation technique is one that has been followed by numerous religious sectors, including Sufism and Christianity. This technique is practiced by focusing a steady gaze on any one particular object. Trataka is a recognized yoga cleansing technique and dedicated practice of the same takes it to the highest level of meditation.

Chakra Meditation

Chakras signify a superior level of energy manifestation and self development. The word ‘Chakra’ means a wheel. This meditation technique teaches that every chakra represents the main nerve centers that stem from the spinal cord, serving the major organs of the body. There are seven chakras in total.

The primary aim of this meditation technique is to assist individuals to discover and explore their chakras, thus awakening them on a conscious level in a balanced and integrated way.

Raja Yoga Meditation

This is a technique with the intention of taking the yogi (person practicing meditation) through to an advanced level of oneness and a greatly ennobling experience. It fills the yogi with super-sensuous joyfulness or happiness, elevating the psyche away from pleasures of the flesh and reforms unwanted habits.

A Raja Yogi establishes a bond with god, furthermore giving up all worldly pleasures and devoting all energies to the spiritual awakening of fellow beings.

The above meditation techniques are merely a brief insight into each one of them. In order to understand them fully and to attain their benefits, one must learn the techniques under the guidance of a guru and some very thorough research and contemplation.