In the current landscape, numerous individuals seek in meditation the key to finding internal serenity and balance (Kendziorra, 2023). Although meditation is commonly associated with Eastern cultures such as Buddhism and Hinduism, it is imperative to recognize the rich and varied history that underlies it, spanning various cultures and societies. By understanding the origins and diverse approaches to meditation, Kendziorra (2023) mentions that one can better appreciate its universal appeal and transformative power.
Buddhist Meditation
In the early days of Buddhism, the practice of smrti (sati) or mindfulness was encouraged, a discipline involving the development of full awareness of oneself and the surrounding environment, whether by adopting a special posture or during everyday activities (George Boeree, 2007). According to Kendziorra (2023), Buddhist meditation techniques such as mindfulness and loving-kindness are aimed at cultivating awareness, compassion, and detachment, seeking a deeper connection with the essence of existence.
In the Theravada tradition, it is recounted that Buddha instructed about two main forms of meditation (Herrero, 2020). The first, known as Samatha, aims to achieve mental calm and tranquility, seeking a state of inner serenity (Herrero, 2020). The second, called Vipassana, translated as "perception" or "clear vision," involves a profound understanding of human suffering, impermanence, and the absence of ego (George Boeree, 2007). According to Kendziorra (2023), this meditation technique focuses on careful observation of breathing and bodily sensations to achieve a deeper understanding of reality and the intrinsic interconnectedness of all things.
Hinduism and Meditation
Hindu meditation inherits ancient knowledge, with roots in traditions, writings, and myths from remote times (Mithila Institute, 2016). Its guiding thread, standing out among various spiritual practices, is the "Devotion to the Lord," a mystical approach that permeates different purification and transcendence techniques associated with this form of meditation. When meditating in the Hindu style, an endless cycle of life is contemplated, with reincarnations that bring greater purification in each existence. According to the Mithila Institute (2016), the divine creation is perceived in pantheistic forms, emerging from a god, without defined beginnings or ends; the wheel of life is eternal, with repeated lives but in different contexts and with different people.
The various Hindu meditative techniques encompass a wide range of practices, ranging from the resonance of mantras to concentration on deities or the contemplation of sacred symbols (Kendziorra, 2023). Among these practices, Kundalini meditation stands out, aiming primarily to awaken the latent spiritual energy residing in the body. In correspondence with Kendziorra (2023), this form of meditation involves the application of specific breathing techniques and visualization exercises to activate and increase Kundalini energy along the spine, thereby generating an upward process of transformation and spiritual connection.
Taoism and Meditation
Taoism, an ancient Chinese religion and philosophy dating back to the time of Lao Tzu, emphasizes living in harmony with nature or Tao (Martinez, 2016). The essence of Taoist meditation lies in its focus on the generation, transformation, and circulation of inner energy. The fundamental purpose is to achieve tranquility both at a physical and mental level, seeking the complete integration of the body with the spirit. This process, in turn, leads to the emergence of inner peace and harmony with the Tao. A notable practice in Taoist meditation is the so-called "inner alchemy," which involves visualizing the inside of the body and mind, including organs, Qi movements, and mental processes. Through this exercise, the meditator gradually delves into understanding the intrinsic wisdom of their own body. However, Martinez (2016) mentions that it is important to note that carrying out this practice requires specific instructions and the guidance of a skilled teacher.
Christian Meditation
Christian meditation is characterized, above all, by being a constant search (Navarro, 2020). It is a contemplative practice that aims to deepen the connection with God and establish a link with the inner divine presence (Kendziorra, 2023). It often involves silent prayer, reading sacred texts, and reflection on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (Kendziorra, 2023). A well-known modality of Christian meditation is Lectio Divina, which translates to "divine reading" (Navarro, 2020). According to Kendziorra (2023), this ancient practice involves reading a passage from the Bible, reflecting on its meaning, and allowing the words to penetrate the heart and mind.
Jewish Meditation
In Judaism, meditation is considered a way to deepen the connection with God and enhance spiritual awareness (Kendziorra, 2023). The techniques employed in Jewish meditation encompass chanting, focused intention, contemplation of sacred texts, bodily movement, visualization, and silent awareness of the present moment (Schachter-Brooks, n.d.). It is noteworthy that this is not merely about dogmas, beliefs, ideas, or principles; rather, it stands as a discipline that, when cultivated, leads to inner freedom by awakening to what is happening in the present moment (Schachter-Brooks, n.d.). In correspondence with Kendziorra (2023), Kabbalistic meditation, which is a mystical branch of Judaism, integrates the use of visualization, breathing exercises, and contemplation of sacred symbols to experience divine presence and attain higher states of consciousness.
Secular Meditation in the West
As the countless benefits associated with meditation have been increasingly recognized, secular forms of this discipline have emerged in the Western world (Kendziorra, 2023). These modalities mostly adapt techniques from Eastern practices, aiming, however, to exclude their religious or spiritual components (Kendziorra, 2023). The crucial purpose of secular meditation is to calm the mind and achieve a state of inner serenity free from unnecessary anxieties (García, 2019). According to García (2019), this type of meditation has developed primarily in Western countries, where meditation is understood as a tool for improving self-control and self-awareness.
In this form of meditation, individuals direct their attention to their breath, dedicating themselves to observing their thoughts and sensations without passing judgment on them (Kendziorra, 2023). Another traditional practice of secular meditation is Transcendental Meditation (TM), which is based on the use of mantras with the aim of achieving states of well-being similar to those experienced in Samatha Meditation (Herrero, 2020). According to Herrero (2020), this technique, which gained popularity, was disseminated in the 1960s by the spiritual leader Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Meditation Practices of Native Americans
Native American tribes have, throughout their extensive history, engaged in meditation practices as a means of establishing a connection with nature, ancestors, and the spiritual realm (Kendziorra, 2023). These customs typically involve rituals, drums, and chants with the purpose of inducing altered states of consciousness and achieving a transcendental bond with the divine. In line with Kendziorra (2023), examples of these indigenous meditation practices include sweat lodge ceremonies, vision quests, and the use of sacred plants such as peyote, passed down from one generation to another.
African Tribal Meditation Techniques
The meditation practices in African tribal cultures have their own unique characteristics deeply rooted in their spiritual beliefs and traditions (Kendziorra, 2023). Drums, dances, and rhythmic movements are often employed to induce trance states and establish a connection with ancestral spirits. According to Kendziorra (2023), the San people of Southern Africa, for instance, engage in a form of meditation known as "trance dance," where the rhythmic act of dancing and singing immerses them in a heightened state of consciousness, allowing them to receive guidance from the spiritual realm.
References
García, A. (2019, marzo 6). Cómo Aprender a Meditar. unCOMO. https://www.mundodeportivo.com/uncomo/salud/articulo/como-aprender-a-meditar-49393.html
George Boeree, C. (2007). Bases de la Meditación Budista (J. Silvestre, Trad.). Ship.edu. https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/basesdelameditacion.pdf
Herrero, M. (2020, septiembre 16). Seis Técnicas de Meditación Budista (Y Tres no Nudista). Mariela Herrero; Mariela Herrero. https://marielaherrero.com/seis-tecnicas-meditacion-budista/
Instituto Mithila. (2016, noviembre 7). Meditación n.4: Diferentes Tradiciones, Meditación Hindú. Instituto Mithila. https://www.institutomithila.es/meditacion-noticias-4/
Kendziorra, E. (2023). Meditación a Través de las Culturas: Historia y Enfoques. Tomorrow.bio. https://www.tomorrow.bio/es/post/meditación-a-través-de-las-culturas-historia-y-enfoques-2023-08-4932246131-biohacking
Martínez, C. (2016). Tipos de Meditación: ¿Qué es la Meditación taoísta y Cómo se Hace? Wordpress. https://bibliotecadeespiritualidadymeditacion.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/meditacion-taoista.pdf
Navarro, M. (2020, mayo 8). Meditación Cristiana, ¿Qué es y Cómo Hacerla? Desde la Fe. https://desdelafe.mx/noticias/sabias-que/meditacion-cristiana-que-es-y-como-hacerla/
Schachter - Brooks, B.Y. (s.f). ¿Qué es la Meditación Judía Integral? Nodualidad.info. Recuperado el 11 de diciembre de 2023, de https://www.nodualidad.info/articulos/que-es-la-meditacion-judia-integral.html
Comments