What is Meditation?

Meditation is consciousness’ direct appreciation of itself as immediate, unchanging self-luminous being.  It only works as a practice when the meditator does not know that he or she is consciousness. It is a means that is intended to bring about the realization that the meditator and the object of mediation are non separate. It is an act of mind wherein consciousness as attention is fixed on silence, the most subtle manifestation of consciousness. It is the inquiry that arises when the self is experienced.

Because meditation provides a stable platform for self inquiry, it is useful to develop a meditation practice, assuming the meditator is seeking enlightenment.  When the mind is in contact with the self, the mind is uplifted and self realization may occur.  When the meditator transcends the mind, he or she sees from consciousness’ point of view.  Practiced diligently, meditation purifies the mind because it brings awareness to dysfunctional patterns of thought and feeling.

Meditation practice is a means to an end, not the end in itself. However, the meditator should enjoy sitting for its own sake and not allow the anxiety to experience transcendence, prevent transcendence. Only when the mind is quiet and observant, is it possible to realize the self. Transcendence is not necessarily a dramatic experience. In fact, it works because the meditator is already always beyond the body/mind. Meditation practice removes identification with the body/mind and allows the meditator to appreciate the natural separation of the self—consciousness—from its vehicles.

Aside from enlightenment, meditation can be practiced for purely psychological and physical benefits: increased energy, heightened senses and reactions, strengthened immunity, improved intelligence, creativity, efficiency, power, pleasure, discrimination, dispassion, sense of purpose, peace of mind, expanded awareness, selflessness, compassion and others.

There are many types of meditation practice: the arrested mind, visualization, mantra, insight and the gap

By James Swartz  Stillnessspeaks.com