Another set of practices based on Eastern philosophy that have gained popularity and acceptance in the West are Mindfulness, Yoga and Transcendental Meditation.
Mindfulness in Buddhist Psychology
Buddhist psychology is an in-depth examination of the self that aims to lead humans to a flourishing life, while mindfulness meditation is a central factor in helping one to live such a life. Buddhist psychology affirms that there is no such thing as a permanent, unchanging self and further contends that suffering pervades human existence and is chiefly caused by one’s greed, hatred, and delusion concerning what is felt and seen, as well as an illusory belief in the notion that there is an independent, permanent self. According to the Buddha, the only way to eradicate human anguish or suffering is to remove the attachment or craving of our mind toward various things or concepts to which we are attached. Mindfulness meditation is one of the most important elements of the Buddha’s “noble eightfold path” to end suffering and instil wisdom. Principally, mindfulness in Buddhist teaching is viewed as a fundamental pathway through which to become aware of the causes and sources of suffering and to attain enlightenment or awakening, thereby enabling the individual to be less egotistical and obtain insight into the state of “no self.” According to Buddhism and its Chan School, when an individual has truly acquired complete enlightenment or insight into the “non-self,” they will have achieved full freedom of the mind.
In the West, it is understood either as a process of self-observation, as a disposition or kind of cognitive ability as a set of skills for self-regulation or as a disposition or kind of cognitive ability. Although there is some confusion regarding the differing definitions of mindfulness in terms of awareness, attention, and attitude a widely adopted description is that it is a particular way of paying attention, a process of non-judgmental awareness, and an attitude of openness and acceptance. As an essential agent of functioning mindfulness, mindfulness meditation is a way of looking deeply into oneself in a spirit of self-inquiry and self-understanding by a process of dis-identification or de-centring concerning the contents of the mind, and an experiential movement into a broader domain of consciousness which can make us aware of what we are beneath the image of the ego. This detached awareness reduces an individual’s clinging to the contents of their mind that are associated with the person as themselves. Such a shift in perspective is called “re-perceiving” who found that this is predominantly how mindfulness works in therapy. Ultimately, the mindfulness of both Buddhism and psychology is viewed as an important way to understand the nature of the self and to obtain spiritual well-being.
Extensive evidence exists to suggest that cultivating a mindful or meditative attitude toward oneself and others, which we have conceptualised as the MS, is of great benefit to one’s health and well-being. As a theoretical prediction based on a review of empirical research, we posit that MS can also be an important intermediary between mindfulness intervention and mental health problems, and in promoting well-being. More generally, we propose that the MS is an applicable concept with which to describe and predict the higher level of self-development of those who grow up in a Buddhist culture and those who engage in a long-term practice of mindfulness meditation. However, further empirical study is required.
Indian Traditional Medicine – Ayurveda, Yoga and Transcendental Meditation
Ayurveda is considered one of the oldest of the traditional systems of medicine accepted worldwide. Ayurveda believes that the entire universe is composed of five elements: Vayu (Air), Jala (Water), Aakash (Space or ether), Prithvi (Earth) and Teja (Fire). These five elements are believed to form the three basic humors of the human body in varying combinations. Three humors; Vata dosha, Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha control the basic physiological functions of the body. Considering the bodily constitution, pathological history, the Dosha characteristics, lifestyle and environmental conditions in an individual’s routine lifestyle, Ayurveda has many treatment strategies for promoting well-being to individuals.
Ayurveda employs five karmas (actions) that are used for the removal of toxins from the body tissues, rejuvenation of the body, cleansing and enhancing longevity. Ayurveda has eight disciplines for the treatment of internal medicine, psychological disorders, paediatrics, the study of geriatrics, surgical treatment, ophthalmological treatment and toxicological treatment.
Yoga originated in India in ancient times. Through its therapies and diagnosis based on pulse and analysis of the state of an individual, it suggests meditative exercises and lifestyle management to obtain tranquillity and improve health. The Asanas (postures) of Yoga are applied in various clinical and nonclinical conditions for curing various physical and emotional conditions.
The origins of Transcendental Meditation (TM) have been lost. Still, it is believed to have been delivered to man about 5,000 years ago by the Hindu god Krishna, then repeatedly lost and restored as outlined in the Bhagavad Gita and the teachings of Buddha and Shankara. It is thought to be a lost form of meditation that traces back to the Yoga Sutras and was derived from an old Hindu technique.
This knowledge of transcendence (traditionally known as yoga), which means the mind settling effortlessly into silence, is a powerful key for unlocking your inner potential for self-healing and personal growth because it is simple and natural and therefore works for everyone. Frequently, those who have learned, or even taught, other forms of meditation, are astonished when they learn TM that the simplicity and effectiveness of their new knowledge produce results that may have eluded them for years.
TM is not concentration or visualisation, nor is it control or even mindfulness. Using a mantra (or sound) upon which to gently and innocently rest our attention, we simply allow the mind the freedom to follow its natural tendency towards happiness, and it will settle spontaneously into silence. This unique approach, passed on during personal instruction by a teacher trained as directed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, comes from the ancient Vedic tradition of India.
The resulting peace (sometimes, and increasingly, blissful) allows the body also to gain very deep rest (much deeper than sleep), in which it can dissolve even its deepest stresses accumulated as a result of life’s worst traumas. As we emerge refreshed and revitalised from the silence of meditation, this has the potential to produce sometimes dramatic improvements in any area of our life, as indicated by a vast and ever-increasing body of research over the last 45 years. However, for most people, the biggest results come gradually and comfortably over time.
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