Almost every religion, Yoga teacher, and lots of New Age hippie types use meditation in some form or other. Does this mean meditation is religious, or only for certain types of people? The short answer is no. Let me explain.
Certain types of people?
Doctors, executives, nurses, accountants, engineers, bank managers, factory workers, cleaners, reception staff, soldiers, cooks, chefs, porters, pilots, stewards, retail assistants, psychologists: people from every walk of life, every occupation, in every country – meditate.
So, is it a religion?
No. Although almost every religion uses a meditation practice, meditation itself doesn’t need to have any religious meaning. What if you come across a meditation which DOES have religious connotations? It means this particular meditation was adapted to suit their religious beliefs.
When I teach the Meditation: Absolute Beginners Class, I explain:
“You will learn how to meditate, but there will be NO:
-
- religion
- philosophy
- theory – except to enhance the practical “how-to” of meditation
- psychic stuff
- or uncomfortable sitting position”
You see, meditation is a practical application of specific methods that have definite psychological benefits. These benefits can – over time – become quite awesome. If the meditations are directed toward gaining spiritual insights then they can awaken a person to profound understanding – hence the use of meditation in religions.
If the intentions for your meditations are to relax deeply, gain peace, have clarity of mind, enjoy life more, and love yourself and your family more – then your meditations* can help you with this.
* Not all meditations will bring you these results. You should use meditations that can bring you the results you desire in ways that are the most uncomplicated and easily practised anywhere (and affordable).
Learn what meditation is. I give you a framework for knowing precisely what you are doing with your meditation, so you can understand what to emphasise and what you need to correct –
See the video in the NEW mobile app, Meditation & Wellbeing – MT.sbs
