Meditation, an ancient practice with roots deep in the East, has captivated seekers for millennia. It was never intended to simply help people unwind after a long day or manage modern life’s chaos. Instead, its purpose was profoundly transformative: silencing the mind, transcending the ego, and attaining self-realization.
However, in the West, especially in recent years, meditation has been recast primarily as a stress-relief technique. While relaxation may occur as a by-product of meditation, it is not-and was never meant to be-the ultimate goal.
This misrepresentation has diluted the essence of meditation, stripping it of its spiritual and philosophical depth.
To understand meditation’s true purpose, we must trace its origins, explore its authentic goals, and reflect on how the West’s commercialized approach has degraded it to be regarded as a relaxation technique.
Meditation in the East: A Path Beyond the Mind
In its original form, meditation is a disciplined practice aimed at stilling the mind and reconnecting with the deeper essence of existence.
Eastern traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Jainism view meditation as a doorway to self-discovery and enlightenment. It is a path to silence, not in the external sense but as an inner stillnesss where the incessant chatter of the mind dissolves.
This state of silence is not mere emptiness but profound fullness. It is a connection to something infinite. It is the realization that the self is not the restless thoughts or fleeting emotions but the still, unchanging awareness behind them.
This state, often referred to as self-realization, transcends the ego and the false identification with the physical and mental self.
Key Goals of Eastern Meditation
1. Silencing the Mind
In texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the goal of yoga (of which meditation is a part) is described as “Chitta Vritti Nirodah”-the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. This silence allows the practitioner to experience life as it is, uncolored by thoughts, judgments, or preconceived notions.
2. Self-Realization
Meditation is about discovering the true self, which is beyond the body and mind. Hindu philosophy calls this realization of the self as Atman. It is the eternal consciousness that is one with the universe. Similarly, Buddhism emphasizes awakening to the truth of no-self (Anatta) and the impermanent nature of existence.
3. Liberation (Moksha or Nirvana)
Eastern traditions see meditation as a step toward liberation from suffering and the cycle of birth and rebirth. By transcending attachments and desires, the practitioner moves closer to ultimate freedom.
4. Expanding Awareness
Meditation cultivates a heightened awareness of reality, both internal and external. This awareness leads to a deep sense of unity with all existence.
Meditation in the West: Relaxation as the Goal
As meditation made its way to the West, it encountered a culture driven by materialism, productivity, and stress. In this environment, the profound spiritual aims of meditation were overshadowed by its ability to offer immediate, tangible benefits, chiefly relaxation and stress reduction.
Today, meditation is often marketed as a wellness tool, a quick fix to counterbalance the demands of modern life. It is widely recommended for managing anxiety, improving sleep, and enhancing mental clarity.
Apps, online courses, and corporate wellness programs have further mainstreamed this interpretation, packaging meditation as a stress-relief method tailored for busy lives.
The Stress-Reduction Narrative
The Western focus on stress relief stems from the broader cultural conditioning that prioritizes efficiency and productivity. Meditation, reframed as a relaxation technique, fits neatly into this framework. A quiet mind, after all, is a more productive mind.
However, this approach misses the essence of meditation. Stress reduction is merely a side effect of a deeper process. To treat it as the main goal is like admiring a finger pointing at the moon but never looking at the moon itself.
The Consequences of Misinterpretation of Meditation
This shift in focus has several implications:
1. Loss of Depth:
When meditation is reduced to a stress-relief tool, its profound philosophical and spiritual underpinnings are forgotten. The practice becomes shallow, a mere activity rather than a transformative journey.
2. Short-Term Mindset:
Many Western practitioners approach meditation with an attitude, expecting quick results. If relaxation does not come immediately, they may abandon the practice, never realizing its deeper potential.
3. Commercialization:
The rise of meditation apps and programs often strips the practice of its authenticity, turning it into a product rather than a sacred art. The commodification of meditation further distances it from its origins.
Bridging the Gap: Rediscovering Meditation’s True Purpose
To honor meditation’s authentic roots, it is essential to reconnect with its original purpose: silencing the mind and realizing the self. This requires a shift in perspective and practice. Here are a few thoughts to consider:
1. Understanding the True Aim
Meditation is not about “doing” but about “being.” It is not about achieving a specific state but about letting go of all effort and simply observing. Silence and self-realization are not things to acquire but states to uncover.
2. Committing to the Practice
True meditation requires patience and discipline. It is not about fleeting moments of peace but a sustained effort to transcend the mind’s limitations. Eastern traditions emphasize that a consistent, long-term practice is the key to progress.
3. Going Beyond Relaxation
Relaxation is a natural by-product of meditation, but it is not the sole focus. Practitioners should approach meditation with curiosity and humility, seeking to understand its deeper purpose rather than expecting immediate results.
4. Exploring Traditional Teachings
Returning to the ancient texts and teachings of meditation can provide invaluable insight. Whether it’s studying the Yoga Sutras, Buddhist teachings, or the works of sages like Ramana Maharshi, these resources offer guidance on the path to self-realization.
Practical Steps Toward Authentic Meditation
For those seeking to move beyond the Westernized version of meditation, here are some practices to consider:
1. Breath Awareness
Begin with simple breath observation. The breath acts as an anchor, drawing the mind away from distractions. Over time, this practice naturally leads to inner stillness.
2. Self-Inquiry
A profound method recommended by Advaita Vedanta is self-inquiry (Atma Vichara). Ask yourself, “Who am I?” and direct your attention inward to the source of awareness.
Learn about Self-Inquiry Meditation.
3. Mantra Meditation
Chanting sacred mantras, such as “Om” or “So Hum,” helps quiet the mind and align it with higher vibrations.
Learn about mantra meditation.
4. Candle Meditation
Focus your sight and attention on the flame of a candle for a certain length of time. This practice helps focus the mind and the attention, disregard the chatter of the mind and experience inner peace.
Learn how to practice Candle Meditation.
5. Witnessing Thoughts
Instead of trying to suppress thoughts, observe them without judgment. Over time, their power diminishes, leaving the mind clearer and calmer.
Additional Meditation Techniques
6. Gazing
Fixing the gaze on a single point, such as a candle flame, cultivates focus and steadies the mind.
7. Visualization
Focus on a mental image, such as a serene landscape or a symbol like a lotus or light. Visualization channels the mind’s energy into a single-pointed focus, helping to quiet distractions and deepen meditative awareness.
8. Walking Meditation
Slowly walk while being mindful of every step, the movement of your legs, and the contact of your feet with the ground. This dynamic meditation merges mindfulness with motion, cultivating awareness and inner calm.
Learn about Walking Meditation.
9. Loving-Kindness Meditation
Focus on generating feelings of love, compassion, and goodwill toward yourself and others. Start with yourself, then extend these feelings outward to loved ones, acquaintances, and even those you find challenging. This practice reduces mental agitation caused by resentment or negativity.
These are a few samples of the various meditation techniques available.
Final Words
Meditation is far more than a method to unwind; it is a journey into the depths of existence. While stress relief may occur along the way, it is merely a signpost on a much greater path.
True meditation is not dependent on apps, or any external means aiming at relaxation. It is a way to the inner self and self-realization that awaken and expands consciousness and awareness.
By rediscovering the original purpose of meditation, we can transcend the limitations of the mind and reconnect with the infinite.
If you are seeking someone to guide you on the path of meditation, seek someone with long experience who is well-trained in meditation and deeply understands it. To become a competent teacher, one must have many years of practical practice, not just theoretical knowledge gleaned from the Internet.
In a world that increasingly prioritizes the superficial, let us honor the depth and sacredness of meditation. Let it guide us to a quieter mind and the ultimate truth of who we are.
About the Author
Remez Sasson is the founder of SuccessConsciousness.com, a leading resource for personal growth and self-transformation. With decades of experience in self-improvement and meditation, Remez has empowered countless individuals worldwide to unlock their potential.
Join him on an extraordinary journey to self-improvement, success, positivity, inner peace, meditation, clarity, and personal mastery through his articles, books, and the comprehensive resources on his website.