Hey,
Although they are from the dictionaries, I would have to say those definitions missed the mark, at least in as much as I understand meditation. The ".Buddhism & Hinduism To train, calm, or empty the mind," reference was the only thing close, and the rest I think is rather the parts which don't quite define meditation. Certainly I would think both contemplation and reflection are things that do not describe an exacting similarity with meditation. They are not homonyms.
I would personally define meditation as an intent and effort to control the mind more effectively and efficiently. It is sometimes described as controlled breathing, and thinking about breathing, and certainly those are necessary parts. About the only necessary part. But the breathing is not the end, it is the means. So is the quieting of the mind, moreover the disassociation from emotional reaction and ownership of the thoughts that meander into your head. The end, the object is to try to reign in what is a wild and dangerous animal part of ourselves.
The whole thing about subconcious thoughts... We think an incredible amount of thoughts every day. Some are very verbal, they almost sound like a voice in the head and certainly use words of our dominant language. Some are like songs stuck in your head. Others are very quiet and not really sentences, but just vague feelings. All of these almost uncontrolled thoughts and ideas can be very strongly manipulated by your environment, and themselves can exert an amazing influence on what you consider your fully and solely conscious choices. Meditation is a tool to improve the strength and function of the mind, to ultimately have full control over the subthoughts of the mind, to reprogram yourself as a much more mentally effective human than you happen to have been programmed (by chance or intent, that is another argument).
And if nothing else, sitting still, breathing deeply and calming down can't be bad for you!
Here and now,
-Pip
Although they are from the dictionaries, I would have to say those definitions missed the mark, at least in as much as I understand meditation. The ".Buddhism & Hinduism To train, calm, or empty the mind," reference was the only thing close, and the rest I think is rather the parts which don't quite define meditation. Certainly I would think both contemplation and reflection are things that do not describe an exacting similarity with meditation. They are not homonyms.
I would personally define meditation as an intent and effort to control the mind more effectively and efficiently. It is sometimes described as controlled breathing, and thinking about breathing, and certainly those are necessary parts. About the only necessary part. But the breathing is not the end, it is the means. So is the quieting of the mind, moreover the disassociation from emotional reaction and ownership of the thoughts that meander into your head. The end, the object is to try to reign in what is a wild and dangerous animal part of ourselves.
The whole thing about subconcious thoughts... We think an incredible amount of thoughts every day. Some are very verbal, they almost sound like a voice in the head and certainly use words of our dominant language. Some are like songs stuck in your head. Others are very quiet and not really sentences, but just vague feelings. All of these almost uncontrolled thoughts and ideas can be very strongly manipulated by your environment, and themselves can exert an amazing influence on what you consider your fully and solely conscious choices. Meditation is a tool to improve the strength and function of the mind, to ultimately have full control over the subthoughts of the mind, to reprogram yourself as a much more mentally effective human than you happen to have been programmed (by chance or intent, that is another argument).
And if nothing else, sitting still, breathing deeply and calming down can't be bad for you!
Here and now,
-Pip
