History of Meditation - Evolving from Religion to Secular

The history of meditation is clouded with mystery. Even experts find it hard to pinpoint exactly when, where, and how meditation had originated but it?s highly likely that our ancestors thousands of years ago had already known about it and perhaps even practiced meditating as well without having any actual name for what they?re doing. And if they had one, they weren?t referring to it as meditation.

Many people believe that meditation may have started with the hunting era of mankind. Upon discovering fire, men would used to huddle around it in groups to absorb its warmth. Tired from the day?s work, they might have sat together in silence, staring at the fire, and through this discovered the powers of meditation.

As early as 5,000 years ago, Indian writings had made mentions of practices very similar to meditation, but they were referred to as ?tantras?. One of India?s major religions, Hinduism, offers another variation of meditation. Yoga, one of the 6 main philosophies of the religion, requires followers to perform physical, mental and spiritual practices, which include meditation, to attain inner peace and self-enlightenment among other things. Examples of meditation practices are Surat Shabd Yoga (sound and light meditation) and Hatha Yoga (meditation requiring postures).

Around 500 BC, a meditation guru emerged in the form of Buddha, the prophet who is worshipped by practitioners of Buddhism, yet another major world religion. According to religious writings, Buddha meditated under a Bodhi tree and was able to achieve enlightenment. For Buddhists, there are two kinds of meditation: shamatha and vipassana.

Buddhism has various branches, and most of which has its own brand of meditation. For Theravada Buddhists, they focused on mindfulness, concentration, breathing exercises, and ?loving kindness?. For Japanese Buddhists, meditation is a formal and rigid practice. For those in Tibet, tantra, which was also mentioned in Indian writings, was the primary form of meditation.

As for Islams, meditation has two forms: Qu?ran and Sunnah, both of which were believed to be created during the time of Mohammad and practiced by Sufis. Other Sufi meditation practices have distinct similarities to those of Buddhists.

After a period of time, meditation practices finally crossed borders and went on to the Western world. In Christianity, although meditation is not a commonly used word, it could be used to refer to several praying techniques advocated by the religion. Meditating on Bible verses was also mentioned and encouraged in Joshua, one of the prophetic books in the Bible.

The religious roots of meditation were soon mixed with philosophical and other trends in modern times. More and more people began to see meditation not as a practice to be one with God, but to attain deep rest for the mind, heart, and body. New Age meditation includes Natural Stress Relief, 5 Rhythms, Sahaja Yoga, and Transcendental Meditation. Those that are completely without religious background are Autogenic Training, Jacobson?s Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and books like Sensual Meditation and The Calm Technique: Meditation without Magic or Mysticism.

You can be a part of the history of meditation yourself by attempting to meditate yourself. Just be sure to choose one that your mind, body, and heart will have no problems accepting.

Henry practises speed meditation. For practical tips that will help you introduce this beneficial activity into your life take a look at this website that covers History of Meditation .