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Hindu SadhuEvery religion or spiritual tradition has its own form of meditation practice. A religious belief system determines the features of each practice. Hinduism, also known as Vedanta, is an umbrella under which myriad meditation forms coexist. Hindu meditation techniques range from simple to challenging. Yoga, for example, has many levels of difficulty---physically and spiritually. Meditative prayer takes center stage in Christian meditation. Contemplative prayer is the most advanced Christian meditation technique. Zen Buddhism involves challenging meditation practices. In every case, the most challenging aspect of a given technique is commitment to practice for a lifetime. -
St. Teresa of Avia and St. John of the CrossHindu yoga practices may be the oldest of all the religious traditions. Hinduism is a complex system of beliefs and religious practices. Yoga (literally "yoke") is its own subsystem of spiritual practices that challenge the body, mind and spirit. Kundalini is an esoteric Hatha yoga path.
Pranayama (prana means breath) is an advanced yoga technique, which serves to awaken the serpent within. This practice involves increasingly advanced and difficult breathing. An example of advanced pranayama is Agni-Prasana, or "Breath of Fire." It involves rhythmic breathing that builds upon less advanced prana techniques. Adherents must go through the stages of Pranayama to safely practice each successive level. -
ZazenChristian meditation emphasizes prayer, which in advanced levels, can lead to an ultimate experience of union with the trinitarian godhead---Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This union is considered to be a pure gift from God, and is not the goal of Christian contemplative practice. Through the deceptively simple practice of centering prayer, faithful Christians meditate upon God simply to display their love of the divine. As one continues along the path of prayer, one can be assaulted by demonic visions as the deceiver (Satan) attempts to divert the seeker's attention upon God and threats to the love being communicated between lover and beloved. Another dark and lonely experience along the contemplative path is what St. John of the Cross calls the dark night of the soul---a feeling of isolation from God. This lonely experiences occurs only in far advanced stages. The one who prays is being drawn closer and closer to God, by God. St. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross eloquently describe their long and startling experiences along their contemplative paths to union with God. - Zazen (just sitting) is Zen Buddhism's commitment to being present in each moment. Zazen can be practiced by sitting in lotus and other positions, such as seiza or Burmese position, or walking meditation. It is a daily commitment that moves forward into a future that never arrives. Sitting and walking can continue for hours. While some practice experiences can be long and demanding, advanced Zazen is marked by attention in the present moment than by rigorous sitting. Seemingly simple, like a Zen koan (what is the sound of one hand clapping?), Zen mind is elusive. Even striving to be centered in the present fails to qualify as Zen.
