MEDITATION IS NECESSARY FOR ENLIGHTMENT

One of the most common questions I get from beginning meditators revolves around the role of meditation and attaining a state of enlightenment.

Since these two ideas are often interlinked I thought I’d take a few moments to separate them out and consider an interesting question: is meditation necessary for enlightenment?

Enlightenment is a wonder. Our own ideas of enlightenment pop into mind: all-knowingness, a perpetual smile and a mystical presence. Yes, and wasn’t it in the Matrix, when the movie’s hero dodges his enemies by stopping time in an enlightened state? Somehow, these ideas of enlightenment seem a bit too supernatural for everyday life. “Enlightenment is very possible for the ordinary individual. Whenever someone is ordinary, simple, innocent and natural, that is enlightenment.”

We do catch glimpses of this state of mind. Most of the time, it is all covered up in the stresses of day-to-day life. Like when a memory of a childhood dream flashes in the mind. It creeps up when answering emails at work. “Write a song? Play the guitar and sing? No way, I could never do that!” goes the cassette tape stuck somewhere in the mind (if you find it can you tell me?) Erroneous negative perceptions tend to form the concepts we build up about ourselves that block us from our natural state.

HOW  DOES MEDITATION HELPS? 

Meditation can wipe away the day's stress, bringing with it inner peace. See how you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most.

Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind.

During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.

Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.

Types of meditation

Meditation is an umbrella term for the many ways to a relaxed state of being. There are many types of meditation and relaxation techniques that have meditation components. All share the same goal of achieving inner peace.

Everyday ways to practice meditation

Don't let the thought of meditating the "right" way add to your stress. If you choose to, you can attend special meditation centers or group classes led by trained instructors. But you can also practice meditation easily on your own

you are now convinced that it has tremendous health benefits. More important that the health benefits of meditation can be experienced by both novice and long-term meditators.