According to Hindu Scripture, meditation has been practiced since 1500 BCE, starting as a religious practice. The practice spread to China and India around the fifth century BCE and other forms of Meditation developed in several, including Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.
In the Bible, Psalm 1:1-2 says “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; (2) but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
In Joshua 1: 8 states “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”
Buddha said “Meditation brings wisdom; lack of mediation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.”
What were the ancients telling us about meditation? Today there is a lot of discussion about the difference between meditation and prayer, but I like to think they are one and the same. Through religions, humans have made a simple matter more difficult. If you want to define the difference, one way is to think of prayer as speaking to the creator, while meditation is feeling with the heart. Meditation is your personal connection to our creator, if that is your intention. Or it could be healing your body or just relieving your stress in our busy world. The message, according to the Bible, is to meditate both day and night.
From a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual standpoint, the benefits of meditation are countless as we learn more each day. Meditation can not only change our lives, it can change our world.
Studies show that group meditation reduces crime rates in cities with the right intention. When the practice of group meditation stopped, the crime rate started rising again. That tells us that meditation should become part of our life, to be practiced every day. The more you practice the greater the change/benefit you will realize.
Research suggests that meditation may physically change the brain and body and could potentially help to improve many health problems and promote healthy behaviors. It could do so much more, but it is up to each person. There is no right or wrong way to meditate; only your way. Just practice by taking the time each day and start with just five minutes, and that five minutes will expand. Make it your ritual, your connection to the creator. If you’re interested in joining a group that meditates every evening at 8, go to Meditation Warriors .
Namaste.
