Article by Reshma86

Meditation in India owes its root to the spiritual teaching and practice of Patanjali who, in the Mauryan period, described 196 sutras on yoga. But meditation in India as it stands now has been shaped by the influences of the Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism as well as modern philosophies in the area of health and spirituality. Yoga and meditation in India is practiced for different health and medical benefits apart from spiritual upliftment. In fact, yoga tourism as a segment of the travel industry is growing popular with every passing day and if you go for yoga tours in Haridwar, Rishikesh or Varanasi , your vacation will bring you an experience you had never known before.

Wisdom through YOG

As in other countries, the concept of meditation in India firmly rests on the belief that yoga brings knowledge, wisdom and enlightenment. The enlightenment Buddha talked about does not denote any practical knowledge but it is rather a profound perception, a realization of the ‘yog’ between the individual soul and the divine being which we know by the name of God. Spirituality as opposed to religion comes from understanding that the union of the Atman and Paramatman is necessary for achieving a state of bliss and happiness. Meditation in India combines interrupted training of the mental and physical faculties and deep concentration on the spirit of the universe. Through practice when you feel that your mental and physical impulses are in perfect harmony with the eternal spirit, you feel happy because the world of the sense no longer concerns you.

It might be very difficult to gauge the concepts of Atman, Jivatman, Paramatman, Brahma, Shiva and Shakti which underlie the philosophy of this ancient practice but what you can understand and achieve is the synchronization of body, mind and soul which comes through meditation. Meditation in India has taken this synchronization as the basic object, though the way of observation and understanding is varied and multi-faceted.

However, the difference in practice is not a contemporary phenomenon. Yoga even in the ancient times had its different disciplines which correspond to the current differences in practice in some way or the other.

Different types of yoga

Yoga and meditation in India, as it is practiced at present, is in some conformity with the ancient traditional classifications. Though there are various types of yoga, the most prominent ones are Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga and Raj Yoga. The other types of yoga practiced in the country include Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Purna Yoga, Tantric Yoga etc.

Jnana Yoga : ‘Jnana’ means knowledge in Sanskrit, and this discipline of yoga emphasizes on reaching Truth by following the path of knowledge. Certain institutes offering course on meditation in India teaches learners how to use mantras and analytical inquiry to gain awareness about the self.

Bhakti Yoga : This discipline of meditation in the country teaches an individual to devote himself or herself to God or the divine being. It is through meditation that they surrender to God and experience the Sublime spirit that governs our activity.

Karma Yoga : By practicing Karma Yoga, a learner believes that happiness comes from compassionate behavior towards others in our daily life.

Kundalini Yoga : This yoga form seeks to activate and liberate the cosmic energy that lies coiled within every individual.

Meditation in India will bring you an opportunity to take up a specialized course to overcome your specific physical and mental and spiritual issues.

Lily Candice is regular article writer for Meditation in India at Z Meditation in India

About the Author

Lily Candice is regular article writer for Meditation in India at Z Meditation in India

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