Meditation might be more popular and in practice today but it has existed for thousands of years. Meditation is nothing but a practice of turning one’s mind away from unwanted thoughts to attain peace and balance. It is not about becoming a better or a different person, it is all about acceptance and awareness of the inner self and the surroundings. One of the most common misnomers for beginners in practicing meditation will lead to some magical peace. Meditation, however, is more of a journey than a destiny. Meditation is a skill that requires commitment, perseverance, and belief. In this blog, we will explore about the origin and evolution of meditation with respect to religions.

Origin of Meditation

The origin and history of meditation are complex especially how and when it started. Some school of thoughts believed them to be as old as humanity. According to many researchers and historians, Meditation is believed to be originated from ancient Vedic times in Hinduism several thousand years back. Practicing Dhyāna, which means training one’s mind was widely mentioned in the Vedic texts and is considered as a practice similar to meditation. The oldest documentation of meditation dates back to 5000 BCE in the form of images like wall art paintings showing people sitting in meditative postures with their eyes half closed, from India. The first recorded texts of meditation go back to 1500 BCE in Hinduism, later picked up in Taoism in China and Buddhism in India around 600-500 BCE. An ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu mentions various techniques in his writings which were later linked to meditation practices. The word “meditate” was introduced in 12th century AD, and comes from the Latin word meditatum which means ‘to ponder’. The practice later was quickly adopted in other faiths and religions across the world. In West, interest around meditation started building up in the 1700s when eastern spirituality and philosophy including meditation techniques and practices became available in other languages.

Meditation & Religion

Religion can be defined as human beings’ relation to the holy, sacred, spiritual or divine, worthy of especial reverence. Religion is a belief system, a path that people take to travel through their life, a code of conduct guiding their moral, ethical and social behaviour. Since ancient times, religion has witnessed evolution and transformation. Zoroastrianism, a religion that originated some 3500 years ago, much before Christianity, Islam and Judaism is now on the verge of disappearance. This only further confirms that religions will continue to evolve. Yet religions play a huge role in keeping an extraordinarily complicated world together cohesively. Meditation has been practiced in different forms and techniques in almost all religions but yet transcends over them. The five major religions in today’s world Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all practice meditation in some form.

Hinduism, promotes an array of techniques to achieve Moksha, the enlightened state similar to Nirvana in Buddhism. The ancient texts encourage the practice of Yoga for meditation and self-realization. One of the principles of yoga states the eight limbs in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: discipline, rules, postures, breath control, senses withdrawal, one-pointedness of mind, meditation and realization of self (Samadhi).

Buddhism promotes meditation as a tool to attain nirvana, a state of serenity with techniques like concentration, breadth meditation. Taoism, an ancient chinses philosophy, promotes techniques like concentration, and visualization. Islam too promotes meditation through focusing inward, using breathing techniques and concentration with help of holy words. Judaism, in their ancient religious texts, the Tanach, states the practice of hisbonenus, mental visualization to obtain a deeper understanding of oneself in order to connect with the divine power. Christianity encourages meditation in the form of prayer as a tool to reflect upon God and focus. Throughout the history in the middle age, the practice of meditation spread into many other religious practices. Meditation, however is not a religion, it is a practice. More importantly, meditation is a technique.

Meditation in Modern Age

Meditation was perceived to be a topic for interest for philosophers and intellectuals till the 18th century. By early 20th century, meditation started gaining more prominence through translation of many religious readings in English language and migration of some prominent spiritual teachers in the West, especially in the United States. A book titled “Tibetan Book of the Dead”, published in 1927, rose wide interest in meditation followed by the Vipassana movement gained momentum in the 1950s and Transcendental Meditation in the 1960s. By 1970s, meditation was researched for its scientific benefits on well-being expanding its connection merely to spirituality and religion. This further encouraged common people to take up the practice beyond just the spiritual fulfillment.

This movement led to origin of mindfulness s one of the mediative techniques and the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program was founded in the United States in 1979. Over the last couple of years its effects have been well established and meditation has become increasingly popular. Meditation is being practiced all over the world in different forms like breathing exercises, Tai Chi, and Yoga, guided meditation, movements, contemplation, concentration etc.

Irrespective of the form in which mediation is practiced, the benefits of meditation are irrefutable and universal. Similar to techniques for physical fitness, meditation is a technique for mental well-being leading to our holistic wellness. Meditation can ultimately help us in self-reflection and in the process becoming better humans. “The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself., said the French Philosopher Michel de Montaigne and it does seem relevant to all generations and perhaps more in the modern world.

May peace be with you!

As we embark on a new year in 2021 with collective energies of hope and happiness, it is also a time to reflect on the year that was 2020. The year 2020 would be remembered in coming years not only for the Covid pandemic but also for the growing distress, anxiety, and depression. Last year clearly proved that mankind is not prepared to handle any crisis of global scale. Covid-19 disrupted all essential health services including mental health.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. World Health Organization (WHO) states: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. In fact, there is no health without good mental health. 

Few early signs of mental illness:

•      Eating or sleeping too much or too little

•      Pulling away from people and usual activities

•      Having low or no energy

•      Feeling numb or like nothing matters

•      Feeling helpless or hopeless

•      Frequent smoking, drinking, or drug use

•      Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared

•      Yelling or fighting with family and friends

•      Experiencing severe mood swings

•      Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head

•      Hearing voices or believing things that are not true

•      Thinking of harming yourself or others

•      Inability to perform daily tasks as usual or well

Lifestyle changes in Covid have aggravated the mental health issues for millions across the world. Some figures believe that around 1 in 4 people might experience a mental health problem this year because of COVID, which means someone you know may be struggling with mental illness.

Effects of Meditation on the Brain

Various studies have tried to examine the potential positive effects of regular meditation on the brain and the results are astounding. Researchers comparing the brain imaging scans of those who regularly meditate and those who don’t have found several key differences. The results showed that those who use meditation had a greater number of folds in their cerebral cortex due to gyrification. Which is also linked to the greater processing power of the mind. Other studies have also have found that regular meditation can help with the problems related to aging such as reversal, slowing, or stalling of the degenerative effects in the brain.

Dr. Herbert Benson, a professor, author, cardiologist (1967) was one of the first researchers in the West who explore the impact of meditation on mental and physiological outcomes. Benson in his best-selling book, The Relaxation Response, described that regular practice of the Relaxation Response can be an effective treatment for a wide range of stress-related disorders. He also founded Harvard’s Mind-Body Medical Institute in the year 1975. The different Relaxation Response includes visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing techniques, prayer, meditation, tai chi, qi gong, yoga, and many more.

Later, in the late 1970s, Jon Kabat-Zinn, a scientist, writer, and meditation teacher discovered more about meditation and the potential health benefits of meditative practice. In 1979, Jon introduced his Mindfulness-Based-Stress-Reduction (MBSR) program and opened the first Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Interestingly, around this time, transcendental Meditation started becoming popular because of many celebrities turning to this practice to help them cope with fame, which included The Beatles. Since the 1990s, meditation was recommended as a proven technique to combat depression and anxiety.

There are many studies that support the positive effect of meditation on those suffering from a medical condition – this is particularly true if stress has been shown to worsen the condition. These conditions include anxiety, depression stress, and addictive behaviors. Even if many believe that results from such studies are preliminary and inconclusive, regular practitioners of meditation have felt significant differences in their ability to manage stress and stay calm. 

How meditation helps

Meditation brings a person closer to a life of true happiness even if their external living conditions are not ideal. After training in meditation, the mind gradually becomes more and more peaceful and leads one to experience a purer form of happiness. Meditation ultimately develops the ability to remain happy at any time, even in the most difficult circumstances.

In the growing struggles for mental well-being, meditation is a silver lining. Meditation is known for its emotional benefits and of many such benefits is, understanding one’s own mind. Meditation allows one to transform their mental state at will from disturbed or negative to peaceful, positive, and constructive. Like meditation, Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive. Not where are you going?

The Inner Power for Modern Times

It is in the roots, not the branches, that a tree's greatest strength lies and this is equally true for humankind. As much as we have evolved, we find our strengths embedded in our roots. Often, we find our lives on the brink of chaos, mind aimlessly meandering through the unknown and we end up thinking things were better before. “Siila” is one such virtue that stems from our roots. Siila is an ancient concept, a moral compass for mining into our inner self and guiding our actions. The origin of the word ‘Siila’ goes back to 2500 years ago used in ancient ways of life and yet very relevant in the current times. Siila in simple words means moral discipline, one of the three stages along the eightfold path in Buddhism and the foundation of the non-sectarian Vipassana movement.

The Five Precepts

Buddha, the enlightened one promoted five precepts for laymen to follow which asks everyone to refrain from: taking life, refrain from taking what is not given, abstain from sexual misconduct, refrain from incorrect speech and finally refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness. These principles are mistakenly perceived as possible only for monks and considered impractical for the common people to adopt in day to day lives. However, on the contrary, they are quite simple. We are well aware that our world today is struggling with a myriad of problems making our lives stressful. The world is changing dynamically and keeping the peace is only one of the many problems we face today. Life has become demanding than ever before. Well-being, peace, and security are threatened by the increasing chaos, disorder, and greed. In these weird times, the five precepts are as relevant today as years ago, if not more. They preach nothing more but to act appropriately.

This is what Siila is about: right speech, right action, and right livelihood

It is about leading a conscious life, about being mindful of our actions. Siila is about being honest within self and relationships. And in order to be mindful and honest, it is important to live with disciplined moral conduct. Siila is also, interpreted as samadhana, which means harmony or coordination, and following these precepts can help in creating a world with security, peace, and well-being. Religions across the world are founded on the common principles of love, care, and mutual respect. Moral conduct has been preached by leaders across cultures and beliefs. As a result, it is not surprising to see a continuous surge in seekers across the world from diverse cultures finding a common ground in the practice of meditation. With the surge, there has been also a rise in many teachers and practitioners promoting different techniques across the globe. What is common, is the fact, that meditation is not a result but an unending journey. Meditation is believed to be a tool to overcome evil and to be able to handle the sufferings wisely.

Launching Siila: a social force powered by collected enlightenments

With an aim to bring the best of these virtues, practices, and techniques wholesomely for everyone, the idea of “Siila” - a global digital platform for the meditative universe is designed. Founded by Aymar de Gunzburg, Siila is a social force powered by our collected enlightenments. It is a unique initiative to bring seekers, professionals, and practitioners together in global interactive space to further the cause of individual awakening and consciousness. The platform brings together the various elements of the meditative universe like religious leaders, philosophies, indigenous and tribal practitioners, networks of teachers, corporates, NGOs, mediation centers, and yogic communities. Siila helps with finding yoga classes near you, yoga teachers, yoga centers near you, meditation centers, online yoga classes, yoga teachers training, yoga training courses, yoga workshops, yoga events and so much more. Siila significantly reduces the seekers' time in getting access to customized quality material. One can now learn thousands of techniques, establish meaningful exchange with teachers and spiritual leaders across the globe, stay up to date on events, sitting groups, centers, and book classes, all on ONE single platform. Silla leverages best-in-class technology, enabling an amazing experience for the users.

"The Buddha said 'If a monk should frame a wish as follows: 'Let me travel through the air like a winged bird,' then must he be perfect in the precepts (Siila), bring his thoughts to a state of quiescence (Samadhi), practice diligently the trances (Jhana), attain to insight (Prajna) and be frequenter to lonely places.'"

The extent to which one can follow the five precepts of Siila will depend on multiple factors. But adopting them even with limitations will work a long way in making our world a better place. Because there is indeed no greater wealth in this world than peace of mind. We wish to let everyone be wealthy with abundant peace!

May peace be with you!

Meditation gurus and sages can often be seen wearing or holding a garland of beads. Mala (or Sanskrit:माला; mālā, meaning 'garland') is a simple yet effective chanting tool used to count mantras, prayers, or intentions. The mala is effective since it lets users focus on the meaning or sound of the mantras, freeing the minds of unwanted thoughts. 

What is a Japa Mala?

Japa Mala refers to a garland of 108 beads and an additional larger bead or a tassel which indicates the start and end of the mala. The mala assists the practitioners in focusing attention by counting the repetitions of the mantra. 

History of the Japa Mala:

The earliest usage of a mala probably dates back to the 8th century when the ancient Indian seers started using this for seeking higher knowledge, self-awareness through meditation. Hindu and Buddhist traditions were amongst the earliest users of the Japa Malas before it spread across the world. 

Religious faiths:

Several religious traditions use a string of beads within their spiritual practices.

Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism, and Islam are the prominent religions that use some form of malas or prayer beads. 

Hindu and Buddhist Malas are made of Tulsi, Rudraksha, or Bodhi (Lotus) plant seeds and usually contain 108 beads as it signifies an auspicious number. 

Christians adopted the practice of prayer beads, called a rosary, in the 9th century. The rosary contains 59 beads and is used to recite in honor of the Virgin Mary. 

Malas in the Sikh religion is used for mentally repeating the name of the Lord (Waheguru or Satnam), keeping count of the number of repetitions of Shabads, and helping build concentration.

Prayer beads have been at the core of Islam, for centuries. Scholars believe the Islam faith borrowed the practice of prayer beads from the Buddhists. The mala, called a misbaha, Subhash, or Tespih, contains 99 beads and 1 elongated terminal bead. The misbaha is often made from wood or date pits from the Islamic Holy City, The Mecca in Saudi Arabia. 

Usage beyond religious traditions:

The mala, apart from being used for reciting mantras and other meditation techniques, was also used for various other purposes, like:

Mala as a talisman- native Americans, have traditionally believed in the spiritual powers of the mala and believed it could guard them against bad luck and talisman.

Mala for relaxation- Greece, Turkey, and Middle easter regions have been using malas for a long for relaxation. Worry beads (also called a kompoloi) do not hold religious significance and are used to pass time in Greek and Cypriot cultures.

Mala as a message- African cultures have long used beads to communicate. Zulu tribe in ancient times sent messages, that could be decoded using the colors and patterns of beaded offerings.

Significance of Japa mala and its benefits:

The Japa mala meditation technique is quite popular across the world. This form of meditation has gained prominence lately as it has proved to be very useful for people who are mentally very busy and often struggle to refine their thoughts and attention to a single point. 

Japa Mala has been an integral part of meditation and its benefits can be experienced emotionally, physically, and psychologically. Japa involves a meditative rhythmic chanting of a mantra that helps you focus inwards, calms the mind, and pacifies the negative train of thoughts. The chanting of mantras deepens your meditation, bringing a higher level of consciousness, and achieving mental wellness. 

Apart from the emotional and psychological upliftment, Japa meditation has proved to aid in the physical wellbeing (biological/medical/therapy tool) of the practitioners. Meditating with mala beads has shown to lower the heart rate and normalize blood pressure. Studies claim increased brain activity due to enhanced concentration. Japa meditation is known to help practitioners sleep better by removing the negative and anxiety-inducing thoughts resulting in a relaxed, happy, enthusiastic individual. 

How to practice Japa mala meditation?

A Japa mala is much more than a conventional counting device. It is considered as a sacred power object to increase the soul power bringing protection from negativity and a sense of fulfillment. You do not need any prior experience to practice Japa mala meditation. 

Follow the easy steps to get started:

1. Sit in a quiet place in a comfortable position. 

2. Hold the mala in your palm between your thumb and the middle finger. Avoid using the index finger since it signifies ego. 

3. Choose a mantra you believe in and move the beads through your fingertips, slowly reciting the mantra with each bead. 

4. Focus your attention on your breathing and the mantras. 

5. You can chant the mantra either aloud or silently in your mind. 

6. Once done with a set, you could repeat, or place the mala back neatly in your home temple or prayer room.

Meditation requires persistence and perseverance. Don’t worry if your thoughts wander during the practice. Try to refocus and bring back your attention to the mantra and the flow of the beads. Do it slowly and mindfully to maintain interest, reduce fatigue, and boredom. Meditation is a slow process that has the highest healing power, practice consistently with faith.