Mediation For Peace Of Mind

The era that we are currently living in is techno-buzzed. Human development progressed or simply started in the first place to promote ease and ultimately result in peaceful existence. The entrance of advancement has created chaos and turbulence among people in society. Due to increasing competition, rising poverty, globalisation, adaption, and sustainability people have been trapped in the web of so-called advancement. So lately people have been encountering many mental issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and many more. Therefore, in recent days mental health is considered equal or even more important than an individual’s physical well-being. There are a lot of techniques that have come further into the discussion when it comes to tackling mental health. 

The concept of ‘self-love’ to working out, meditation, yoga as well as maintaining a healthy balanced diet to engaging in different recreational activities is supposed to keep us in a good mental state. Keeping all these facts in my mind, one of the significant things that I believe help us keep our mental and physical health intact is our constant interaction with nature. We are natural beings. Nature is deeply embedded within our cells. So, having a close relationship with nature can help us live with a much more composed and peaceful mind. With all the other fun activities like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and boating, I believe one of the best ways to offer your mind and soul a sense of calm and composure would be ‘meditation’. 

Dispute on origin

Going through some web surfing, I got to know a lot of argumentative facts on the origin of meditation. Some articles online state that ‘The earliest documented records that mentioned meditation involved Vedantism, which is a Hindu tradition in India, around 1500 BCE. 

However, historians believe that meditation was practised before this time, as early as 3000 BCE.’ Some also suggest, ‘It seems to have been an integral part of the earliest forms of the Vedic, or early Hindu, schools in India. In the 6th to 4th centuries BCE, the Chinese Taoist and Indian Buddhist traditions began to develop their versions of meditation practice. Further west, early forms of meditation practice were developed by such notable figures as Philo of Alexandria, the Desert Fathers of the Middle East, and Saint Augustine.’ 

What is meditation? 

However, the English word “meditation” stems from meditatum, a Latin term meaning “to ponder.” Meditation has lately been receiving quite a lot of attention from people. So, why are people prioritising and including meditation as their basic daily routine? Well, there are tons of reasons. Meditation has been proven to be one of the most effective natural ways to aid the human mind and soul. This has not only been believed for years spiritually by our ancestors but also proven by scientific research and studies. 

How it works

Meditation these days are commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction. It is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. It can produce a deep state of peace and a tranquil mind. 

From my observation meditation is to be in a position, shut down all the noises from our system, and practice the art of nothingness. It is nearly impossible for beginners to sit in a space and think of ‘nothing’. The easiest way to begin meditating is by focusing on the breath. There are different ways to meditate, guided meditation, mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, qi gong, tai-chi (this is a form of gentle Chinese martial arts training), and other different ways. 

No time boundaries are marked. As it is a matter of time and effort you give in to learn more and become better. One must realise that they are meditating not because of somebody else but for their well-being and one’s willingness. Even just a few minutes a day can make a major difference in one’s life. During meditation, the most frequent distraction that someone might face is wandering of mind and it is normal. Many people think that they are not able to meditate just because their minds wander more than it concentrates on ‘nothingness’. 

It is possible for beginners as that is the part, we want to work on our minds and keep on working all the time, via meditation, we are willing to give it a sort of rest and teach it to relax. Over time after you practice and get used to it, you’ll see amazing results. A few things to keep in mind are to take it slow and remain consistent with it and not give up. More than a one-time achievement you must try to make it a part of your daily routine. 

Meditation practices 

Meditation, despite having roots in our cultural practices, is not yet widely embraced in most households. However, even though we hail from the Himalayas, where enlightened "rishi-munis" once practiced meditation, we are still relatively new to this concept. In the 21st century, the rest of the world has discovered the significance of meditation and embraced it wholeheartedly. Nepal, too, has witnessed the rise of meditation centers like Osho, Vipassana, Art of Living, Jiwan Vigyan, and others. These centers attract both national and international visitors who participate in their programs and retreats. 

Some individuals are so moved by the experience and the benefits they receive that they choose to settle down in Nepal, forsaking their previous lives. In our fast-paced modern world, it is vital to set aside time for ourselves and prioritise our well-being. Learning meditation and making it a regular practice can help us disconnect from the chaos around us and reconnect with our inner selves. 

This is the first step towards self-love and self-discovery. Meditation offers a chance to find solace, clarity, and peace amidst the noise and distractions of our daily lives. It allows us to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and attain emotional balance. The increasing popularity of meditation worldwide is evident in the growing number of individuals seeking its benefits. Nepal, with its rich heritage and the presence of meditation centers, has become a significant destination for those seeking inner transformation. By embracing meditation, people are acknowledging its potential to bring about positive changes in their lives. Whether it's finding inner peace, personal growth, stress relief, or spiritual enlightenment, meditation provides a powerful medium for individuals to embark on a journey toward a more balanced and fulfilling existence.

(Koirala is a bachelor-level student.)