Summary: Christian Meditation is a form of personal and intimate conversation with God.
Christian meditation does not differ much with other forms of meditation. However, it does not require one the use of mantras, prayer beads, or even specific postures. As with all others, it necessitates one to free the mind from too many thoughts.
Also considered as a mental prayer, Christian meditation is perhaps the most efficient way to communicate with God. The formal Christian meditation started with the monks. They would read the Bible verses slowly and reflect on the meaning and message of the Scriptures. This early form of meditation is known as the “divine reading”.
These monks were soon praying on impulse as a result of their reading the Scriptures slowly. Their prayers lead to a mental loving thought on God which they called contemplation.
The development from reading the Bible, to meditating, to praying, to loving thought for God, was described as the ladder of prayer, which was given Latin terms lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio.
There are two forms of Christian meditation during the twentieth century. One form is the Christian meditation using the mantra. Early mantra used was the Maranatha which is Aramaic for “Come, Lord”. The other form of Christian meditation is the Centering Prayer. This form uses a sacred word to convey one’s intention to be in the presence of God. Another part of this contemplative form of prayer is the individual’s detachment to his psychological problems.
The “Five R” Method of St. Theresa of Avila is a good way to fight obstacles of concentration in prayer. This method includes: Ready; Read; Reflect; Respond; Resolve.
* Ready would mean keeping in mind that you are in God’s presence. Think of your faith, trust, and love for him. Be sorry for your sins and ask for your purpose for your meditation.
* .Read may mean a favorite passage from the Bible or any other spiritual book, or even just reading a copy of a favorite prayer or looking at a religious picture.
* Reflect means to focus your thoughts on the verse you were reading or the picture you were looking at and answering questions which will motivate you to contemplate deeper.
* Respond is basically the center of the meditation process. This is actually the beginning of a deeper conversation with God. When you have reached this stage, you can now talk to him more freely and openly from the inner depths of your soul.
* Resolve is the goodbye in a conversation. Close it by thanking Him for the time and finish it off with your favorite prayer.
However one chooses to do the Christian meditation, one should keep in mind that it is not as a means for salvation. Like prayer, Christian meditation is a mere form of spiritual discipline, a deeper kind of worship, and a more intimate meeting with God.
CHAKRA MEDITATION
Summary: Understanding the Chakra Meditation.
Defining what chakra is should be the first step in fully understanding the chakra meditation. The human body has vital points of energy that are being used consciously or unconsciously and which greatly influence the events that happen in our lives. The term “chakra” is used to mean these vital points.
Chakras are located in different parts of the body. All seven of these affect the areas where each of them is located and each possesses its own distinctive property.
A chakra found at the base of the spine -- the Root Chakra. This chakra is known to affect the health, structure and safety of a person. This particular chakra, also called the coccyx, and traditionally known as muladhara, is associated with how one’s body links to the material world. It is also associated with a red-colored circle surrounded by four golden petals.
The Naval Chakra or svadisthana, a vital point located in the lower abdomen, is associated with the feelings of love, passion, sexuality as well as pleasure. People experiencing positive feelings will feedback in this chakra, which is associated with the orange color.
Located just above the navel and below the chest, the Solar Plexus Chakra is a vital point influencing one’s force and willpower. This chakra is where our sense of authority, discipline and self-control meet. The color yellow is associated with this chakra.
The Heart Chakra or the anahata can be found at the center of one’s chest. Love and understanding are the focus of this chakra, as well as the emotions resulting from these feelings. The color green is associated with the Heart Chakra.
A vital point located in the throat area is called the Throat Chakra or vishuddha. Linked to one’s communication, this chakra is also associated with the sky-blue color.
The Brow Chakra or the anja is a vital point found on the forehead, just above the eyes. This chakra is associated with our sensitivity outside the physical realm and is known to the Buddhists as the region of the “Third Eye”. This clairvoyance-related focus point is also associated with the color indigo.
The important point on top of the head which is known as the Crown Chakra or sahasrara is obviously concerned with the mind and spirit. This chakra focuses on one’s consciousness and the things relating to the High Self is also associated with the color violet.
Practicing the Chakra meditation can awaken your vital energy points which can lead to side effects. Too much mental energy may not be advisable to people who have less physical activity. Chakra meditation should be done with proper guidance from an expert. Otherwise possible personality problems may arise due to improper chakra meditation practice.
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