Editing Meditation (section)

= Meditation =
'''Meditation''' is a set of mental and physical practices designed to train attention, awareness, and emotional regulation. It is found in many spiritual, religious, and secular traditions, often as a method for inner calm, insight, and transformation of consciousness.

== Overview ==
Meditation generally involves focusing attention, observing thoughts or sensations, or cultivating a particular mental state such as calmness, compassion, or awareness.

While often associated with spirituality, meditation is also studied in psychology and neuroscience for its effects on stress, attention, and emotional regulation.

== Core Goals ==
Depending on the tradition or context, meditation may aim to:

* Develop concentration and focus
* Cultivate mindfulness and awareness
* Reduce stress and mental reactivity
* Gain insight into the nature of mind and reality
* Achieve spiritual awakening or liberation

== Main Types of Meditation ==

=== Focused Attention Meditation ===
Attention is directed toward a single object such as the breath, a mantra, or a visual point.

=== Open Monitoring Meditation ===
Awareness is open to all thoughts, sensations, and perceptions without attachment or judgment.

=== Mindfulness Meditation ===
A practice of observing present-moment experience with non-judgmental awareness.

=== Mantra Meditation ===
Repetition of a word, sound, or phrase to stabilize attention.

=== Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta) ===
Cultivation of compassion and goodwill toward oneself and others.

=== Contemplative Meditation ===
Reflection on philosophical, spiritual, or ethical ideas.

== Meditation in Traditions ==
Meditation appears across many traditions, including:

* Hinduism (Dhyana, Yoga practices)
* Buddhism (Vipassana, Zen, Samatha)
* Taoism (quiet sitting, inner stillness)
* Christian mysticism (contemplative prayer)
* Sufism (dhikr and remembrance practices)

== Key Concepts ==

=== Attention Training ===
Meditation strengthens the ability to sustain and regulate attention.

=== Metacognition ===
Awareness of one's own thoughts and mental processes.

=== Non-attachment ===
Observing thoughts and experiences without clinging or aversion.

=== Altered States of Consciousness ===
Deep meditation can produce changes in perception, sense of self, and time awareness.

== Scientific Research ==
Modern research in neuroscience and psychology has studied meditation for its effects on:

* Stress reduction
* Emotional regulation
* Attention and cognitive control
* Brain plasticity and neural activity

Findings vary depending on technique, duration, and individual differences.

== Common Misconceptions ==

* Meditation is not about stopping thoughts completely
* It is not inherently religious
* It does not require special beliefs
* It is a skill developed through practice

== See Also ==

* [[Mindfulness]]
* [[Consciousness]]
* [[Yoga]]
* [[Non-duality]]
* [[Mystical experiences]]