On this page: Whats the BottomLine? How much do we know about meditation?

Many studies have been conducted to look at how meditation may be helpful for a variety of conditions, such as high blood pressure, certain psychological disorders, and pain. A number of studies also have helped researchers learn how meditation might work and how it affects thebrain.

Research suggests that practicing meditation may reduce blood pressure, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression, insomnia, and the incidence, duration, and severity of acute respiratory illnesses (such as influenza). Evidence about its effectiveness for pain and as a smoking-cessation treatment isuncertain.

Meditation is generally considered to be safe for healthy people. However, people with physical limitations may not be able to participate in certain meditative practices involvingmovement.

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Meditation is a mind and body practice that has a long history of use for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being. Mind and body practices focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, andbehavior.

There are many types of meditation, but most have four elements in common: a quiet location with as few distractions as possible; a specific, comfortable posture (sitting, lying down, walking, or in other positions); a focus of attention (a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or the sensations of the breath); and an open attitude (letting distractions come and go naturally without judgingthem).

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Many studies have investigated meditation for different conditions, and theres evidence that it may reduce blood pressure as well as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and flare-ups in people who have had ulcerative colitis. It may ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and may help people with insomnia. Meditation also may lower the incidence, duration, and severity of acute respiratory illnesses (such asinfluenza).

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Meditation: What You Need To Know | NCCIH

Have you ever thought about trying meditation, but didn't know how to get started? With Meditation for Beginners, trusted teacher Jack Kornfield shows you how simple it is to start-and stick with-a daily meditation practice.

"Insight" or vipassana meditation is the time-honored skill of calming the spirit and clearing the mind for higher understanding. Now, in this course created especially for beginners, Kornfield offers a straightforward, step-by-step method for bringing meditation into your life.

Using the meditations included in this book, you will discover how easy it is to use your breath, physical sensations-and even difficult emotions-to create tranquility and lovingkindness in your everyday life. These simple, elegant practices are so easy to learn that you will begin enjoying the benefits immediately-while laying the foundation for a lifetime of inner discovery and awakening.

Table of Contents:

Chapter One: The Ancient Art of Meditation

Chapter Two: Why Meditate?

Chapter Three: The Benefits of Meditation Practice

Chapter Four: Meditation 1: Connecting with the Breath

Chapter Five: Meditation 2: Working With Sensations in the Body

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Amazon.com: Meditation for Beginners (0600835125086): Jack ...

PTI Jan 20, 2015, 06.35PM IST

NEW DELHI: Emphasising on the need of meditation in day-to-day life, Tibetan Spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama today praised BJP's chief ministerial candidate, Kiran Bedi for introducing meditation programmes in Tihar jail during her tenure as the Director General of Prisons.

"Meditation is the only way to heal the mind and body. Kiran Bedi introduced meditation in Tihar Jail and it was very effective. So doctors should also practice meditation and read books on psychology to heal themselves," the spiritual leader said while responding to a question about what doctors should do to heal themselves.

Delivering a spiritual and motivational lecture at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, the Dalai Lama said that science and spirituality may or may not be connected to each other and his followers should not follow his teachings blindly.

"All my followers should not accept my teachings blindly. They should experiment and research and then accept it," he said.

According to the spiritual leader, after death the soul rests for sometime and then finally goes to heaven or hell depending on his deeds.

"The soul rests for sometime and then goes to either heaven or hell. In Hindus, there is rebirth and the soul tends to merge with the 'Maha Aatma or Brahma', who is the creator while in Jainism it is different," he added.

The spiritual leader called upon to build a secular world with the sense of oneness among all human beings.

"National and religious boundaries are secondary. Unfortunately much emphasis is being given to the secondary level. Humanity should be considered as one because we are the same human beings. The boundaries are self-created," he added.

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Dalai Lama praises Kiran Bedi for introducing meditation in jail