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Some Benefits of Meditation

posted by Deepak Chopra Sep 28, 2009 5:01 am
Some Benefits of Meditation
9 comments

The aim of Yoga, of union, is to unite the thinking mind with its source in pure awareness. In modern terms, “pure awareness” means quantum space, the silent, empty void that is the womb of all matter and energy.

Pure awareness exists in the gap between thoughts; it is the unchanging background against which all mental activity takes place. We would not ordinarily suspect that such a state exists because our minds are so preoccupied with the stream of thoughts, wishes, dreams, fantasies, and sensations that fill waking consciousness. That is why the ancient Indian sages had to devise the specific technique of meditation, in order to show the mind its own origins in the quantum depths.

Sitting in meditation with the eyes closed induces the nervous system to enter a state of “restful alertness” – i.e., the mind remains awake while the body goes into a deeply relaxed state.

Sleep is a hypometabolic state in which oxygen consumption decreases, heartbeat slows, and consciousness blanks out. The waking state, on the other hand, is marked by higher oxygen consumption, a faster heartbeat, and an alert mind. These opposites are united in meditation.

While remaining alert enough to feel the experience of pure awareness, people go into a state of rest twice as deep as sleep. Moreover, they do so very quickly, usually within ten minutes after shutting their eyes, compared to the four to six hours it takes us to reach our deepest relaxation in sleep.

Adapted from Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, by Deepak Chopra (Three Rivers Press, 1998).

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9 comments

9 comments

add your comment »
9 comments add your comment
Ralph F.

@Hemant, J:

Great web site. Thanx for the link.

http://www.clicktomeditate.com

Hemant J.

Meditation is getting popular and there are many resources online, the following site has 100% free guided meditation with soothing and relaxing music and calming instructions. There is no email or any other personal information required.

http://www.clicktomeditate.com

Sarah Cavar

Wonderful. Yoga is so peaceful, it is the only thing to take me to my "happy place" Om!

heather g.

People often talk about disciple and meditation in the same breath. My yoga teacher mom once called me a hedonist when I was a teenager. I think I've become almost hedonistic in my enjoyment of meditation. I normally start with focussing on my breath and heartbeat and before I know, I'm smiling - having reached a state of pure bliss. I love meditating and can't imagine my life without practising it. Now I'm an older hedonist!

Eileen S.

I do this as much as I can mediation especailly since I work two jobs and raising two teen age daughters
Very good write

http://authspot.com/poetry/limerick-poem-i-am/

Annie Flanders

thank you for another great article! LOVE your work!

Shirley Marotta

Deepak Chopra, always enjoyable reading his work.

http://www.livingwordsofwisdom.com

Ron K.
  • Ron K. says
  • Sep 28, 2009 8:51 AM

Meditation Rocks!

Mark S.
  • Mark S. says
  • Sep 28, 2009 8:00 AM

thanks for the information, I've been thinking about trying to begin meditating to take a break from the some of the superficial aspects of this civilized society of ours, and will look into the work cited above

-marks (marks@brandinbrand.com
-www.ecosmart.com

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