Hindu meditation has two types: one focuses on an object, while the other is mindfulness meditation. It is practiced with yoga and aims to achieve a meditative state, union with atman and Brahman, and clear the mind. Mantras and aids like breath control and insulating oneself from senses can also help. Hindu theological texts mention meditation.
There are two different types of Hindu meditation, each with its own goal. In one type of meditation, a practitioner might choose to focus his energy on an object that he has selected before starting his meditation, such as a flower or rock. The second type of meditation, called mindfulness meditation, involves the practitioner focusing on his or her perception or experience while meditating. Hindu meditation comes in dozens of forms, each with its own set of philosophies and techniques used to help the practitioner achieve a meditative state. The meditative state should be calm and allow the practitioner to focus clearly, seeing himself as he truly is and not as he is perceived in the world.
Hindu meditation is normally practiced alongside yoga. The practitioner engages in one of several forms of yoga to help clear the mind and prepare for meditation. Different types of yoga employed for meditative purposes include Vedanta, Japa, Raja and Surat Shabd.
A Hindu yoga practitioner eventually seeks to attain union with his atman and Brahman. The atman represents a person’s true self, unattached to the events of this world. Brahman is the supreme god in Hinduism and helps a person reach a true meditative state.
Hindu meditation practitioners also recite mantras. These mantras are designed to help a practitioner focus on the meditation and not on any event outside the body or on the practitioner’s thoughts in his mind. Practitioners often repeat the syllable “ohm” or “ahh” to help with concentration. The person might also visualize a Hindu deity of his or her choice, which also helps the practitioner focus on his meditative state and not on distractions.
Practitioners can also use other aids to help him achieve a meditative state. One such aid is to insulate oneself from the senses, reducing the likelihood of distractions. Controlling one’s breath also helps a practitioner seek a meditative state. A person might also focus his mind on a single point or thought, without deviating from it during the entire meditation session, to help him shut out other thoughts and outside influences.
Meditation has been mentioned in several Hindu theological texts. Examples can be found in the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and the Mahabharata. A Hindu meditation practitioner does not need to believe in any or all Hindu theological teachings, but being aware of some Hindu teachings can help enrich the practitioner’s experience. Some Christians have infused Christian teachings with Hindu yoga postures in an attempt to teach Christian theology.
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