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The purposes for which
people meditate vary almost as widely as practices. Meditation may serve
simply as a means of relaxation from a busy daily routine; as a technique
for cultivating mental discipline; or as a means of gaining insight into
the nature of reality, or of communing with one's God. Many report
improved concentration, awareness, self-discipline and equanimity through
meditation.
Many authorities avoid
emphasizing the effects of meditation — sometimes out of modesty,
sometimes for fear that the expectation of results might interfere with
one's meditation. For theists, the effects of meditation are considered a
gift of God or from the Holy Spirit/Ghost, and not something that is
"achieved" by the meditator alone, just as some say that a person will not
convert to Christianity without the influence of the Holy Spirit/Ghost's
presence.
At the same time, many
effects (or perhaps side-effects) have been experienced during, or claimed
for, various types of meditation. These include:
Greater faith in, or
understanding of, one's religion or beliefs
An increase in
patience, compassion, and other virtues and morals or the understanding of
them
Feelings of calm or
peace, and/or moments of great joy
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Consciousness of sin,
temptation, and remorse, and a spirit of contrition.
Sensitivity to certain
forms of lighting, such as fluorescent lights or computer screens, and
sometimes heightened sense-perception.
Surfacing of buried
memories.
Experience of
spiritual phenomena such as kundalini, extra-sensory perception, or
visions of deities, saints, demons, etc.
"Miraculous" abilities
such as levitation (cf. yogic flying)
Psychotic episodes
(see medical section below)
Some traditions
acknowledge that many types of experiences and effects are possible, but
instruct the meditator to keep in mind the spiritual purpose of the
meditation, and not be distracted by lesser concerns. For example,
Mahayana Buddhists are urged to meditate for the sake of "full and perfect
enlightenment for all sentient beings" (the bodhisattva vow). Some, as in
certain sects of Christianity, say that these things are possible, but are
only to be supported if they are to the glory of God.
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Editor's Choice of Books on Meditation
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