Best Meditation Techniques

Guide to Meditation Techniques

Mastery of Meditation now has 300+ articles detailing a wide range of profound yoga, pranayama and meditation techniques.  In addition to providing these valuable techniques, there are also a wide range of articles on personal development, weight loss, alternative healing, etc.  As the popularity of Mastery of Meditation has grown, so has the number of visitors it gets on a daily basis (1400+ / day ) and many of you have questions regarding what type of meditation technique you ought to practice, in order to accomplish certain goals.  To help you with that, I have put together this handy summary which will serve as a guide to help you choose the right meditation technique for you.

Before I jump ahead though, I would like to be clear that the ultimate purpose of any meditation technique is Spiritual Enlightenment.  That is the final destination and the most important aspect of meditation practice.  It is just that along the way to this highest pinnacle, meditation bestows a bevy of wonderful "side" benefits and these benefits can vary depending on which meditation technique you choose to do.  I have gone into these additional benefits of meditation in several articles and you can read about them here:  Top 10 Profound Benefits of Meditation, Side Benefits of Silent Mind Meditation Program, Brain Health Benefits of Meditation.

Below you will find my views on which are the best meditation techniques to do, in order to obtain certain results.  As most of you know, the Free Online Guided Meditation Techniques E-book, has step by step instructions and videos on all the meditation techniques offered here on Mastery of Meditation, so in the summary below I have only given a brief description and video of the mediation technique, but provided a link to the chapter in the E-Book where you can get all the essential details.  In addition, this will be an ongoing guide which I will constantly update with new and useful meditation techniques for you.

Meditation Technique #1:  Zen Meditation Technique – Zazen

Goal:  Awareness, Detachment, Peace

Zen Meditation Technique is the undisputed heavyweight in the world of meditation.  It is very likely the most widely practiced meditation technique and is perhaps even the face of meditation.  The silent Buddha, sitting cross-legged, eyes slightly open, in this world but yet beyond, immersed in a Singularity (or Void) is Zazen.

Zazen is essentially silent, seated meditation and excellent for a wide range of benefits.  If you don’t know which meditation technique to try, this should be your default choice.  Zazen will help you develop your ability to remain in the moment, mindful of that which is taking place, and free you from the entanglements of ego-centric, dualistic thoughts.  It will most certainly help you develop a calm disposition and give you the strength to withstand stressful or upsetting events.  In time, this meditation technique will make you wise, give you access to spontaneous joy and help you develop into a compassionate, loving human being.

You will find more details on Zazen in the article, Zen Meditation Technique.  Here is a step-by-step instruction video on how to practice this meditation technique.

Meditation Technique #2:  Concentration Meditation Technique – Trataka

Goal:  Concentration, Mental Focus

One common myth about meditation is that it is the same as concentration.  Really it is not.  Concentration is a stepping stone for meditation, but mediation is far more than concentration.  In practicing meditation though, one of the clear benefits is a tremendous increase in your powers of concentration and mental focus.  Many people are rightly interested in developing this skill, and to do so there is no better meditation technique than Trataka or Candle Flame Gazing. 

In this meditation, you will focus your attention, in a darkened room, on a candle flame and then concentrate on the after image that it leaves behind when you close your eyes.  The technique is simple, yet very effective.  Along with developing your power of concentration, this meditation technique will also help calm your mind down and give you inner peace and stillness. 

You can read details about this technique in the following article:  Concentration Meditation Technique – Trataka.

Meditation Technique #3:  So Hum Mantra Meditation Technique

Goal:  Love, Forgiveness, Compassion

Mantra meditation technique is a big part of the philosophy of meditation that comes from the Eastern faiths.  It is a technique that has been used for centuries in India, and forms the foundation of many systems of meditation.  This meditation method has many variations, some of which can be used to deliver the benefits of Zazen and Trataka mentioned above.  The particular mantra meditation technique I want to provide here though, is excellent for any healing of the heart that needs to occur.

If you are suffering from hate, bitterness, loneliness, anger, depression and other negative emotions, then So Hum Mantra Meditation Technique is a great tonic to use.  In this meditation, you will use the So-Hum mantra silently to pacify the mind and connect with your divine nature.  It will help heal the wounds of the heart and make you feel an indivisible part of the whole.

Meditation Technique #4:  AUM Mantra Meditation Technique

Goal:  Psychic Powers, Intuition

As I mentioned above, mantra meditation techniques have many different variations and applications, and AUM Mantra Meditation Technique is an example of just that.  AUM Mantra Meditation technique is part of the science of Kundalini Yoga and it’s specific purpose is to activate the Third Eye Chakra. 

In this meditation, you chant the sound AUM, while concentration on the Third Eye region.  The sound AUM is considered the seed sound for this center and chanting it serves to stimulate the energy flow though this region.  The Third Eye is the seat of intuition, and opening the Third Eye unleashes psychic and mental powers. 

To get more details about this meditation technique, read the following article:  AUM Mantra Meditation Technique.  Also, here is a step-by-step video demonstration of AUM Mantra Meditation Technique…

Meditation Technique #5:  Silent Mind Mediation Technique

Goal:  Intelligence, Enlightenment, Awareness

This is the meditation technique I practice and although the thinking behind it is not new, for the most part it is a system of my own making.  If you are looking to sharpen awareness, hone intelligence and dramatically improve brain function, then this meditation technique is for you.  It is designed to help the mind realize that it is the root cause of suffering and thus, still itself.  It is the highest form of insight meditation and I have practiced this technique for over 20 years now.  Obviously, I find it the best suited for those interested in enlightenment, like me.

The entire Silent Mind Meditation Program is designed to help you learn and develop this technique, but you are also welcome to just practice this technique itself and you can get details about it in the following chapter:  The Silent Mind Meditation Technique.

Meditation Technique #6: 

I will be adding next a meditation technique that is excellent for health, healing and well-being.  Stay tuned for that.

Goal:  Health, Healing, Relaxation