MEDITATION GLOSSARY TERMS

1. Binaural Beats

Binaural beats are commonly referred to as binaural tones and are a form of  brainwave entrainment in the form of apparent sounds which result in the development of the brian independent of physical stimuli. This effect was first discovered by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove. The perceived sound is listened through the use of stereo headphones as it involves two tones at slightly different frequencies presented to each ear. The difference in frequency is usually very small for this effect to be produced. If the difference in frequency is too high, the two tones will be heard separately and no binaural beat will occur.

2. Breathing Meditation

Breathing meditation is also known as Ānāpānasati meditation and mindfulness of breathing meditation. Breathing meditation is a meditation technique which was taught by the Buddha. Hence, it plays an integral part of the Buddhism religion. This type of meditation involves meditative concentration on breathing and the moment.  While inhaling and exhaling, the meditator trains the mind to be sensitive to the body, rapture, pleasure, the mind, or mental process, trains the mind to be focused on acceptance and relinquishment, or trains the mind in ignoring and releasing thoughts that jump into the mind.

3. Buddhist Meditation

Noun-A meditation technique which seeks objectivity and detachment, to understand that reality as we know it is not real, is impermanent, and is an illusion. Buddhist meditation does this by incorporating the practice of attentiveness to the movements of the body and the changing thoughts in the mind.

4. Chakra Meditation

Noun-A meditation technique which focuses on experiencing a guided visualization through the chakras to improve spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. The main purpose of the chakra meditation technique is to balance the chakras by focusing and moving energy through them.

5. Christian Meditation

Noun- Christian meditation is the act of meditating in a Christian context. This type of meditation is associated with prayer and scripture reading. Meditating with the goal of oneness with Christ is called orison. Orison occurs when your souls yearns to be united with the divine. This happens when the focus in the meditation is on God. During this type of meditation, there is no worshipping, thanking, or asking for help.

6. Guided Meditation

Noun- A meditation technique which includes verbal instruction from a teacher/mentor/guide. A guided meditation may be followed in audio or video format and may be used to lose weight, stop smoking, improve attention, increase productivity, learn to forgive, learn to accept, and for many other purposes.

7. Japa Meditation

Japa meditation is a type of meditation technique that involves the repetition of a mantra or name of God. Japa meditation is commonly used by Tibetan Buddhists as part of their religious and spiritual practices. See mantra meditation.

8. Kundalini Meditation

Kundalini meditation is a type of meditation technique that focuses on the release and movement of kundalini energy. Kundalini is a Sanskrit term that means “coiled.”
Kundalini is considered part of the spiritual body along with the chakras and channels. Kundalini meditation seeks to move and release the kundalini energy through breath, visualizations, and chants. The goal is to move the kundalini energy to the top of the spine and the head to bring forth psychological illumination.

9. Lovingkindness Meditation

Noun- See Metta Meditation.
A meditation technique based on the teachings of Buddha. The technique seeks to cultivate one’s capacity for an open and loving heart by enriching compassion, equanimity, and happiness in the individual. The Lovingkindness meditation technique leads to the growth of compassion, happiness, fearlessness, and ability to love.

10.  Mantra Meditation

Noun-Mantra meditation is a type of meditation technique that involves concentration on a mantra. A mantra is any sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered powerful enough to create a result. The use of the mantra depends on the religion or philosophy associated with the mantra. The use of mantras is much more common now and is based on practices done in the earlier Eastern spiritual traditions.
Mantras can be done in the form of verbal repetition or chanting or internal mental repetition.

11. Meditate

Verb- To engage in thought or contemplation, focus attention on one’s thoughts, to look inwards, to focus on purpose or an event as having been done.

12. Meditation

Noun- The act of meditating; to engage in introspective thought or contemplation, focus attention on one’s thoughts, to look inwards, to focus on purpose or an event as having been done.

13. Meditation Cushion

Noun- A type of cushion used to sit on for proper posture, alignment, and comfort during meditation.

14. Meditation Music

Noun- Musical sounds which one uses while practicing meditation. Meditation music usually includes sounds of running water, wind, birds, rain, and symphonic music. Binaural, monaural, and isochronic beats may also be referred to as meditation music in addition to brainwave entrainment.

15. Meditation Timer

Noun- A timer utilized during meditation practice to schedule and time the duration of the meditation session.

16. Meditation Tools

Noun- Meditation tools are equipment used during meditation practice to increase the comfort and the effectiveness experienced during the meditation. These tools can include guided meditation CDs, mp3s, meditation benches, meditation cushions, or brainwaive entertainment such as binaural, monaural, or isochronic beats.

17. Metta Meditation

Noun-A meditation technique based on the teachings of Buddha. The technique seeks to cultivate one’s capacity for an open and loving heart by enriching compassion, equanimity, and happiness in the individual. This meditation technique leads to the growth of concentration, happiness, fearlessness, and ability to love. Metta means friendship or lovingkindness in the Pali language. Metta meditation is also referred to as lovingKindness meditation.

18. Mindfulness Meditation

Noun- Mindfulness meditation is a type of meditation technique that involves focusing your mind on the present moment. The main objective of this type of meditation technique is to be aware of your thoughts and actions in the moment without judgment.  This is an essential practice in Buddhism religion and tradition. Buddhism cannot be practiced without mindfulness meditation but mindfulness meditation can be practiced without Buddhism. Mindfulness meditation has been known to improve moods, decrease stress, and boost immune system.

19. Osho Meditation

Noun- A meditation technique based on the simple act of doing nothing. The technique seeks to achieve a state of calmness and knowledge of oneself by focusing one’s energy inside by focusing on one’s thoughts instead of external factors and activities.

20. Relaxation

Noun- 1. the release of mental, emotional, or physical stress or anxiety; 2. The return to stable state after undergoing disturbance.

21. Relaxation Techniques

A method or action that assists the individual in calming or reducing anxiety, disturbances, or tension to attain or increase their state of tranquility. Relaxation technique methods can vary and may have substantial health benefits such as lower blood pressure, less headaches, and less muscle tension.

22. Stress

Noun- 1. Mental, emotional, or physical strain or disturbance that negates one’s stable sense; 2. Mental, emotional, or physical reaction to a stimulus that causes imbalance.

23. Transcendental Meditation

Noun- A Meditation technique based on Hindu religious writings which requires the regular use of mantras during meditation to achieve a relaxed state of mind. Also referred to as TM.

24. Vipassana Meditation

Noun- A meditation technique focusing on the movements and flow of the mind and the body to develop insight. Ultimate goal is to accept more fully and easily and at the same time grow in equanimity, compassion, peace, and wisdom. Vipassana is a word in Pali, the language in which the original Buddhist teachings are written. In Pali, Vipassana means to see things as they really are.

25. Yoga Meditation

Noun- A meditation technique based on Self Realization which seeks an inner transformation in which the individual becomes more moral and balanced. Also referred to as Sahaja Yoga.

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