Services Science and Spirituality A Scientific Look at Meditation  
 

Book Corner

eNews Subscription

Greeting eCards

Helpful Tips

Master's Movie Corner

Media Reports

Open Space

Science and Spirituality
*Pearls of Wisdom
*The Quan Yin Method is the Most Advanced Science
*Science, Spirituality and Their Consistency
*The Secrets Revealed by Master's Hair
*Truth from a Strand of Hair
*The Mysterious Pineal Gland
*Scientists “Re-discover” the Third Eye
*High Performance Mind
*Beyond Emotional Intelligence
*Undulation Energy and the Health Revolution
*The Power of Thoughts and Emotions made Visible
*Learning from Anyone's Mistakes Enhances Spiritual Progress
*Examining the Probability of God: Support for the Ultimate Truth
*Scientists Discover a ‘God Gene’ in Humans
*A Scientific Look at Meditation
*Newton's Research into the Secrets of the Universe
*Bridging Science and Spirit
*Light and Sound Therapy in Medical Practice
*Science Shows Benevolence Brings About Good Health

Spiritual Information Desk

The Quan Yin Family

   


News 146, Science and Spirituality

A Scientific Look at Meditation

By the USA News Group
(originally in English)

To Quan Yin practitioners, practicing meditation is as natural as eating or sleeping, and to Asians and many other non-Westerners, it is also a time-honored tradition associated with spiritual devotion and elevation. In the West, however, meditation has long been regarded as a somewhat exotic or even fad-related activity reserved for adherents of Eastern religions or New Age philosophies.

But according to a report in the August 4, 2003 issue of Time magazine entitled “The Science of Meditation,” “Ten million American adults now say they practice some form of meditation regularly, twice as many as a decade ago.” This piece, comprised of several articles, focuses on various aspects of meditative practice. One article describes the history of meditation in Western culture, calling it a contemplative practice that disappeared for literally centuries but has recently been revived. Another, written by a journalist who describes his attempt to meditate, represents the voice of a skeptic but also someone who cannot help but note the apparent value of meditation. Yet another article describes research findings that provide confirmation of the physical and emotional benefits of meditative practice.

While no consistent link between meditation and God is established in the report, the spiritual aspects of meditation are frequently mentioned. For example, in a discussion of the history of meditation in Western culture, one article acknowledges that “strikingly similar disciplines (to meditation) have been part of Western culture for centuries.” Also, nearly all of the research for the report was conducted with practitioners who meditate within a specific spiritual tradition, including Indian yogis, Japanese Zen practitioners, and meditating Buddhists and Sikhs.

Inward concentration and focus are mentioned as key elements of a successful meditation practice. One article even provides basic steps in teaching oneself how to meditate, which include finding a quiet place to eliminate distractions and thus enhance concentration, closing the eyes so the brain can stop actively processing information from the senses, and repeating a soothing “sound,” in this case a meaningful word or phrase to help one focus.

Overall, the report views meditation as having a highly positive influence on one’s health, happiness and sense of well-being. As Hollywood actress Heather Graham states, “It’s easy to spend a lot of time worrying and obsessing, but meditation puts me in a blissful place.” “The Science of Meditation” also provides an encouraging and upbeat picture of the direction of spirituality in America today by pointing out meditation’s benefits for body, mind and spirit.

For more details please refer to:
http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101030804/

   


The Golden Age Lifestyle

Vegetarian Era

Vegetarian Recipes


Vegetarian Restaurants

The Sentient World of Animals

Environmental Protection




       


Copyright © The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
All Rights Reserved.