To develop this discussion:
Meditation, as I understand, is a word that describes practices that develop various natural processes of the mind, their mastery and congruence.
These key elements of mind that are engaged and developed are probably: awareness; attention (focus); motivation (now termed conation); meta-awareness (the knowing of these aspects of mind).
In my opinion there are other practices that also develop or channel these aspects of mind, including mantra practice, philosophical contemplation, prayer and ritual etc.
"Mind" itself, is without limit. Knowledge of it is our task. Mastery of it brings power to effect change; "dominion."
Norbu
Hi Norbu,
I'm hardly adverse to meditation. It seems to be my natural way of being for many hours of the day. 🙂
All the same, since the age of 22 I've been a student of how to use the Spoken Word, and all the philosophy and belief behind that.
In a nutshell, the thinking is that meditation and mantras, affirmations, decrees, etc., are all wonderful for the individual doing them, but it's only when the Spoken Word is used that change upon the exterior world is far more powerfully effected. It goes back to the opening hint in Genesis: "In the beginning was the word..." - and from that Word is effected the Creation.
Sound "shakes" atoms into the form of your visualisation. It's a force that emanates from your throat chakra, as does not happen in silent meditation. It's why I popped in to mention it. 🙂 Sound - the voice, used in what some call "White Magic" is just incredibly powerful as a way to effect change in the exterior world.
V
No natural predator but man himself has done a good job at annihalating millions in two world wars last century. Another could have unimaginable losses. We all need to work on our own stuff and meditation is a good way of doing this.
I agree with V about mantras, sound, chanting and affirmation being a very powerful and ancient part of meditation ritual.
Binah
x
As abhorrent as it is, all those millions have all been replaced, and more.
I personally do not believe man can destroy himself or this planet.
He can reduce the numbers either by accident or by design but the final
outcome will remain unchanged. This is our classroom and will remain so
until we are ready to progress further.
Sound "shakes" atoms into the form of your visualisation. It's a force that emanates from your throat chakra, as does not happen in silent meditation. It's why I popped in to mention it. 🙂 Sound - the voice, used in what some call "White Magic" is just incredibly powerful as a way to effect change in the exterior world.
Doesn't it depend who is speaking? What is it that makes the difference between the utterance of an accomplished practitioner and an neophyte?
It is commonly said, that what is said (the words) is only 8% of what is communicated. Of course there are things like tone of voice intonation, facial expression, mannerisms, quality expressed in movement, eye contact and how this all resonates, person to person. There is also the whole music of all these complex factors that make up communication. Perhaps there are other things too, more subtle things, as heart speaks to heart.
Norbu
An interesting thread and responses. My personal view is that meditation and inner transformation is necessary. I just wish science could catch up to discover its effects. My understanding is that those who meditate and embark on inner journey and transformation through meditation let off positive energy. Unfortunately the world is shrouded with people of very material and self worth mindsets that creative negative energy. The trouble will come with more and more negative and positive energies colliding on a more subtle level that will create a catastrophy everywhere
:o(