Meditation Myths and Misconceptions

Meditation is one of the most misunderstood subject under sun. Many people do not know any thing about meditation but are still teaching wrong methods in the name of meditation. No wonder there is so much wrong information, misconceptions and myths about Meditation. Here are some myths and misconceptions about meditation.

1. Meditation is not Concentration - Meditation is often confused with concentration. But in reality meditation and concentration are two different things. Concentration makes the mind strong and one pointed. Whereas meditation is all about dis-identifying with the mind and it takes us beyond the mind. Meditation makes the grip of mind on us weaker.
    
2. Meditation is not Contemplation - Any thing done using mind can never be meditation. If we are contemplating on any topic using our mind then it is not a meditation.
    
3. Meditation is not Prayer - Praying to god for materialistic or spiritual gains is not meditation. In fact meditativeness is the real prayer where we become totally empty and open to existence.
    
4. Meditation is not an eastern method - Meditation is not a property, trademark of any place. It is the birth right of every person and equally belong to all people. Meditation is a method to connect to our inner center and know our true nature.
    
5. Meditation is not only for religious people - Every one should meditate. Looking at the tension and stress in modern men, meditation should be made available to every person. In fact meditation should be taught in schools, colleges, companies and business schools.
    
6. Meditation is to not chant mantra's like OM - If mantra is chanted properly then it is one type of meditation. There are many meditation techniques and mantra chanting (provided it is done correctly) is one of them.
    
7. It is not necessary to sit in lotus position for meditation - Lotus position is one of the best posture for practicing meditation in the beginning. But it is not essential to sit in lotus position and specially it is not easier for western people. Advance meditator does not need to sit separately for meditation. He can be a in meditative state while crossing the busy road also. Practicing sitting meditation helps in building up of energy and is very much recommended for beginners in meditation.
    
8. Transcendental Meditation is not Meditation. In proper sense Transcendental Meditation should be avoided. It has its physical benefits like it helps in Insomnia, reducing tension but it is not a meditation.
    
9. For meditation one has to escape into Jungles or Mountains - One can meditate at any place. We don't need to leave our home, job or duties for that. Meditation can happen in a market place also provided we know the knack of meditation. We don't need to leave our house but we should have the sincerity to practice meditation.
    
10. Meditation is relaxation - Relaxation is one aspect of meditation. Real meditative state is effortless awareness or relaxed awareness. Many people wrongly advise relaxation of body-mind as an meditation technique. It do helps in releasing the stress and tension from our body-mind. But it does not give any taste of meditation and nothing is transformed in us. Relaxation helps in meditation but it is not a meditation in itself.

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1. Meditation is not Concentration
2. Meditation is not Contemplation
3. Transcendental meditation is not Meditation