Essays on Meditation

You will not get wrinkles if you regularly do yoga exercises. This statement or useful advice you may have heard from many yogis or your yoga instructor. In fact, this statement is true as yoga increases the stretching ability of your muscles and your body becomes more elastic and beautiful, as well. Yoga is the only exercise that not only shapes up your body, but also cures many diseases.
In yoga, you will find many “asana or yoga poses” that stimulate our internal organs,and they perform their function in much better way. Like “tritone asana” that stimulate the Continue reading...

Since time immemorial, altars have been an integral part of human life. It is because human beings have always had a deep desire to pay homage to a higher power that they consider their God. Whether one calls this higher power God, Buddha or Allah, people will always have altars to pray, worship and venerate them.
An altar is any structure built for religious purposes of offering sacrifices and worship to a higher power or a God. They are usually located in shrines and places designated for worship like temples and churches. The design of an altar vary with Continue reading...

Despite what many think, or what many may want to think, Hinduism has been leaving its mark in America since the 1800’s . However, at that time the religion was relatively insignificant to the local population, due to the small number of Hindu’s in the country. It was not until the 1970’s that the Hindu population became a number great enough to sustain the public’s interest in the religion. Migrating by the thousands to work in the medical industry, as well as IT, their religion both intrigued and mystified a public ready to take on anything Continue reading...

Despite the fact, that both meditation and prayer are the methods of obtaining the religious experience. However, those are not the same despite the fact that many scholars and mystics claim that meditation and prayer are of the same matter.
The word "Meditation" (Meditatio) is of a Latin origin. It didn`t come from pagan religions, but from the Christian West. It correlates with the verb "meditor" or "to meditate", ponder and means the deep concentration associated with a detachment from external objects and individual inner experiences. The Christian West gave it two meanings. On the one hand, it Continue reading...

Descartes’ skepticism and confusions about self-believe, truth and knowledge are expressed in his First Meditation. He is confused by the nature of his sensory beliefs because most of the times they tend to mislead him. His distrust for his senses does not mean that he distrusts all of them. He only happens to distrust some of them when the conditions for trusting such senses are poor. He will trust his senses when the conditions are such that they are favorable and conducive to be trusted.
The other thing that makes Descartes skeptic about life and self-belief is in the Continue reading...

Hinduism, the dominant religion of India and Nepal, consists of several different traditions. With teachings on daily morality and traditions referred to as Shaktism, Shaivism, and many others, the culture surrounding Hinduism is rich and vibrant. In order to understand it better, I sought to have a religious experience involving Hinduism. On March 19, 2014, I attended the Malibu Hidden Temple, located at 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Road, Calabasas, California, 91302. It was my hope to have a religious experience that would enlighten me to the ways of the Hindu culture.
Upon first arriving at the Malibu Hidden Temple, Continue reading...

John Donne’s poetry reflects a deep image of religious elements and most of his sonnets are the combination of both Catholic and Protestant. In “The Flea” and “Show Me Dear Christ” John Donne also uses religious imagery. He expresses in implicit way this tactic. HHHHis early poem “The Flea” implies the concept of sexual love; furthermore, it exemplifies unconventional metaphor by which the flea bites two lovers, who are compared on the basis of sex. Moreover, we see a woman trying to resist sexual advances. The speaker with the help of the flea was trying to convince her Continue reading...

Madonna and Child with Book, c. 1502-03

Raffaello Sanzio also called Raphael
Italian, 1483-1520Oil on panel21-3/4 x 15-3/4 in. (55.2 x 40 cm)Norton Simon Art FoundationM.1972.2.P
This painting by Raphael is probably one of the best known icons of the Italian Renaissance, and brings together several of the artist’s characteristics. Raphael’s work is singularly well known both for its considerable clarity of form as well as the ease with that the composition of his paintings are viewed. The painting’s title is Madonna with Child and Book and was completed in around 1503 for Pope Julius II and was initially located in the Continue reading...

Descartes First Meditation on skeptical doubts opens with the mediator reflecting on the numerous falsehoods he has always believed all his life. He also reflects on the imperfect knowledge he has come up with, following these falsehood. Therefore, Descartes resolved on sweeping all the things he knew and starting again on the foundations in which he built up his knowledge once again, but this time on certain grounds. Furthermore, this becomes Desecrates overall goal that he sets for himself as far as the Meditator is concerned. The philosopher is seen seated alone by the fire, where he is free Continue reading...

For five months, I have been practicing meditation almost on a daily basis. I started my meditation practice last year in October, driven by the fact that I was experiencing sleeping disorders, which made me feel unbalanced, cranky and tired. My first meditation sessions started out with mixed feelings. I was determined to do something about my sleeping problems, and I did not want to become a slave of medication. A friend of mine advised me to practice meditation to calm myself, indicating that this might have effective results for making me feel more relaxed and for losing my Continue reading...

Introduction

Among the numerous relaxation techniques, mindfulness meditation is applied when an individual is trying to achieve a mind that is calm and stable. Mindfulness meditation allows people to discover that harmony and calmness is actually a natural mind aspect. It is believed that, with the practice of mindfulness meditation, individuals strengthen and develop their mind, before they reach mind peace, and be able to stay in that peaceful state of mind without putting too much effort in it. Unlike what some people may thing, in mindful meditation the individual that applies it is perfectly aware of everything going on Continue reading...

Introduction

The purpose of the following essay is to explore the fundamental aspects of the Descartes` theory on the distinctness of mind and body as formulated in the Sixth Meditation of a philosophical treatise ‘Meditations on the first philosophy’, as well as to present the objections against the Descartes` statement that the mind is distinct from the body. I would also like to briefly summarize the main points of the Sixth Meditation in regard to the existence of material things and the relation between the imagination and the pure intellection.
In the Sixth Meditation “Concerning the Existence of Material Things, Continue reading...

Visual arts are forms of art that are visual in nature. They include ceramics, drawings, sculptures, photography and even paintings. These forms of art are used to exhibit different things that are part and parcel of human life. There are times when works of visual art exhibit some kind of spiritual practice. Religions such as Buddhism use a lot of visual art in their worship to such an extent it has a wide range of sculptures which serve as their Gods. In the art gallery there are various sculptures, paintings and drawings that prove this fact. Many of these Continue reading...

Xie Lingyun, the Chinese-born poet, is one of the earliest people who extensively applied the theme of nature in their poems. Although there is evidence to show that he is not the only Chinese poet to have used images of nature to express ideas, Xie Lingyun’s landscape poetry is more elaborate than the conventional philosophical poetry employed by other poets preceding him. Influenced by his early interactions with Daoism and Buddhism (later in life), Xie Lingyun’s poetry “contains elaborate descriptions of nature in which mountains and waters become objects of aesthetic gaze” (Cai 130). Many of his Continue reading...

Introduction

Marcus Aurelius is one of the most influential philosophers. Ideally, he has substantial reasons why he came up with his philosophical works including the “Meditations”. Stoic Aristo’s readings and reports influenced Aurelius’ efforts to come up with his philosophical piece of work. These readings initiated a sense of self-acceptance and confidence in Aurelius’ philosophical works. The “Meditations” is a very different from the text from the other philosophical texts. Most of the elements that are significant in the book elevate towards Aurelius’ personal experiences. Some of these experiences such as death and livelihood irritations manifest in the entire Continue reading...

A walk around this place is always refreshing. On a lazy Sunday, or during the summer, droves of people are drawn here as iron to a magnet. The sight might not mean much to a lay observer, which makes it more beautiful to the keen observer. This particular beach has always been fascinating to me. It invokes a spiritual feeling, out of this world sensation that carries one from their present into a total sedative state of calmness and meditation. It is hard to pinpoint the factors that make it stand out from the rest of the beaches I Continue reading...

McDonald's book is one that helps one get back on the track of life organization of life especially after the chaos experienced during the holidays. Chapters twelve and thirteen are especially important in tackling the issues and challenges of everyday life. Other than the bible, this is one of the most direct books that provide guidance on how to handle issues of everyday life. One of the most important advices evident in the book is especially important for people who have a tendency to procrastinate and overload their calendars. Apparently, this is how people lose sight of the structure Continue reading...

Compassion fatigue is a depletion of compassion accompanied by a state of physical, mental and spiritual exhaustion that occurs after prolonged periods of stress or burnout. It is particularly prevalent among nurses and caregivers, as working in the healthcare industry and expending the energy and compassion it takes to care for others can be extremely draining (Chapman, 2007). Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common, and has a variety of negative symptoms and consequences (Espeland, 2006). However, compassion fatigue can be relieved, and even prevented (Espeland, 2006). Thus, it is extremely important for caregivers to understand what it is, why Continue reading...

In Buddhism, Karma denotes those actions that are deliberately done and would result in future consequences (Kessler, Gary, 20). The action has to be intentional and if forged through the body, mind and speech of an individual. Karma in Buddhism is completely defined by intention and lives in an individual’s subconscious mind for a long time until the consequences are manifested. Buddhists believe that rebirth is the cycle of life and death. It is fostered by things such as hatred, lack of knowledge and human desires. Karma is what determines the state and cycle of rebirth of a Continue reading...

Introduction

Stress is essentially a byproduct of interaction between an individual and his environment. By their very nature occupational settings are liable to brew stress. Work place stress is a common phenomenon and can potentially cause serious disruption in an individual’s personal as well as professional spheres. This work is an attempt at characterizing work place stress in terms of its determinants, manifestations and coping strategies.

Understanding stress

Stress is essentially a byproduct of the interaction between an individual and his environment. Besides, it has both psychological and physiological manifestations. A certain level of stress is part of everyday life. Indeed, Continue reading...

Synopsis

System change that led to job demand and changes in deadlines.
This was reported in one of the country’s financial institution where the system change called for additional time in the office, reporting to work early, and working for late hours. The new systems led to increased complaints from employees that led to development of unpleasant work relationships between managers, employees, and co-workers.
The technique used was meditation where employees were given some minutes for exercise in the evening. The employees were also allowed to control their schedule at work. They were also provided with magazines and books Continue reading...

Philosophy Journal

“Burnt Norton” by T.S. Eliot
This poem is told through a narrator speaking directly to an audience. He warns of living in the present and not to suffer the past or worry about the future, “If all time is eternally” present. To worry about what one has already done in the past, “Down the passage which we did not takeTowards the door we never opened will not help to live well in the present.” (Eliot) To spend one’s time think and planning for the future is also a waste, “Here is a place of disaffection Time before and Continue reading...

Buddhism had originated in Bodh Gaya in India about six centuries before Christianity was introduced. Buddhism was very popular in the eastern region of Greece, and it became the official religion of the region’s kingdoms. One of the major types of Buddhist religions is the Tibetan Buddhists whose number of adherents is estimated at about twenty million people. Tibetan Buddhism is majorly practiced in Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia and western countries. Tibetan comprises teachings of Mahayana, the Foundation vehicle, and Vajrayana. Tibetan Buddhism provides teachings on how to achieve Buddhahood more quickly. Buddhahood is a state where one is Continue reading...

There Is Nothing Wrong With You: Going Beyond Self-Hate is a book written by Cheri Huber. Huber explores and reveals the origin of self-hate, how it works, and how the readers can identify with it. In addition, the author gives tips on how one can go about self-hate. Cheri Huber discusses the different forms of self hate and how it can take control of people’s lives; nonetheless, she gives out a solution to self hate. According to Huber, some statements can be self-destructive, for instance, “You have been taught that there is something wrong with you and that Continue reading...

Religion and spirituality continue to be unrecognized as effective strategies for coping against tragedies and life pressures and as essential factors in self-protection and psycho-emotional resiliency (Bryan-Davis, Austria, Kawahara & Willis, 2014). Despite that, these concepts constitute key pathways towards the holistic health and well-being of women (Bryant-Davis, Gray & Bhang, 2014). This paper explores the influences of religion and spirituality on women’s wellbeing, the few specific forms of nontraditional spirituality (such as Astrology, Hinduism, Gnosticism, Yoga, and Meditation), the seven markers of spiritual wellness according to Pazzino (2014), my personal definition of spirituality, my personal spiritual wellness self-assessment, and Continue reading...

Descartes by invoking Cogito in the second meditation was able to control metaphysical doubts supervening on his initial conquest that was based on conscious will. However, the Cogito has refuted the mathematical and physical hypothesis of a deceiving God only momentarily in regard of ascertaining of our self-esteem. The understanding of conscious will is a feeling that one is doing things (Cunning, 2010). This feeling occurs in almost everything we do, implying time and time again we consciously cause actions. But the feeling may not be an accurate expression of what is happening in our bodies as our actions Continue reading...

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to those medical substances and practices that are not the part of standard or conventional care. Complementary medicine is often used along with other standard medical treatment strategies or they can be used alone. CAM practices can be used for the relief in different problems such as heart diseases and cancer. It can also be used for certain psychiatric problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression, usually caused by different ecological factors such as risk and supportive factors related to parents, peers, and school. Different CAM practices can be used for the treatment Continue reading...

The Khalsa is also known as the Guru Panth (Jacobsen, 2011). It a collective body of all Sikhs who have been initiated represented by five Sikhs who are referred to as the five beloved ones. Khalsa can be translated to mean free and it refers to a state of being genuine and pure among the Sikhs. The Khalsa was at first inaugurated by a Guru by the name Guru Gobind Singh on Baisakhi day (30th of March in the year 1699). The guru baptized five Sikhs and then asked the five Khalsas to baptize them also. The Guru then Continue reading...

Often in life I have found myself in a situation where I have to decide between two or more opportunities and prayerfully consider which way God wants me to go. During my teenage years I was confronted with the choice of the best high school and college, after that it was time to choose which way my career path should go. Not only have I been in this situation, but my family members, my close friends and literally everyone around me would be confronted with such choices in life. However, I think, we Christians have a different burden and Continue reading...

The basic concept of the introduction to the actual mindfulness meditation for parents and their children comprises the activities or practices that help the small children. It also helps the preadolescence children to help them calm down, fall asleep, get more focused, and manage their anger. Furthermore, it helps children to alleviate their worries and be aware by becoming more patient with things in the real world activities (Snel, 2). The author also has accompanied a CD, which helps the readers, who are the parents to get guides with the aid of a meditation audio voice done by Kabat-Zinn, Continue reading...

Hindus consider the Vedic texts as sacred. Adi Shankra is a 9th century Hindu mystic and commentary of the Vedic texts that explain the philosophical view of Advaita Vedanta. Different authors debate on Shankara's intent of writing concerning Oneness of Brahman and Atman and the interconnection between them. The main discussion in this essay is to explicate and qualify the truth based on Shankara’s writings. The paper will investigate whether Shankara exaggerates delusional nature of the external world as well as how one comes to know the connection between Atman and Brahman.
According to Shankara, direct experience is Continue reading...

System change that led to job demand and changes in deadlines.

This was reported in one of the country’s financial institution where the system change called for additional time in the office, reporting to work early, and working for late hours. The new systems led to increased complaints from employees that led to development of unpleasant work relationships between managers, employees, and co-workers.
The technique used was meditation where employees were given some minutes for exercise in the evening. The employees were also allowed to control their schedule at work. They were also provided with magazines and books to use as reference in identifying warning signs of work stress.
Continue reading...

The Meditation on the Passion

Jesus is seated on a throne in ruins engraved with Hebrew graffiti on the back, two hermits on his side are in a nearly symmetrical position. Since Renaissance this picture was considered as work of Andrea Mantegna because there was a readable signature of this painter. Only in 1945 (thanks to Murray Pease) it was finally cleared the identity of the author: under the signature of Mantegna it was possible to read, thanks to infrared analysis, the signature of Vit Carpaccio. The circumstances of the order and the original location of the work are still unknown. The date of Continue reading...

Episode 2: Utilitarianism

The utilitarianism theory is referred to as a normative theory because of its characteristics and positive advocacies in the society, for example, its championship for a utilitarian society that is free from control of the government and one that causes more happiness (West, 214). The proponents of the utilitarianism theory believe that human beings are rational and are able to judge between good ideas and bad ones. Human beings have their individual rights that should be respected and not be infringed at any cost. One of the human rights supported by utilitarianism and one that is deeply discussed in Continue reading...

Hatha Yoga, a Sanskrit word to describe basic yoga that makes a person attain mastery over the body’s breathing and composure of the brain. It traces its origins to the 11th century by founder Gorakhnath. It basically pays a lot of attention to the importance of diet, purification of body, soul and spiritual perfection.
Hatha which means sun/moon is the combination of positive/negative, good bad and traces its origins to the Patanjali is the master of yoga dating back to the 5th century who compiled all the information into a coherent set of statements to achieve higher consciousness. Continue reading...

Descartes

In his Meditation Descartes provides two arguments for the existence of God. One argument is a causal argument while the other one is an ontological argument for the existence of God.  The ontological argument for the existence of God that he proposed in fifth Meditation is a straightforward one. Descartes claims that our idea of God is the idea of a perfect being. Perfection entails lack of nothing so, if something is perfect, then it must exist because something that does not exist cannot be perfect. But, God is perfect; therefore, he has to exist. The perfection of God Continue reading...

Busddhism was founded by Siddharta Gautama between the 4th and 5th century B.C. in the Northern part of India. The meaning of his name Siddharta in English is ‘he who has reached the goal’ (William and Ladwig, 23). Gautama is Buddha’s surname, a noble surname belonging to a royal and powerful clans in India. His surname alone depicts that he is actually noble by birth. Although Buddha’s lifespan is uncertain, experts believed that he lived from 563 B.C. until 483 B.C. (William and Ladwig, 24). Gautama Buddha was a prince who left home and his pampered life Continue reading...

Interview and Report about Buddhism

A. I was born Buddhist and been practicing the religion all my life. My family is Buddhist and for as long as I can remember I have always prayed at home or gone to the temple for worship.

Q. Are you a serious practitioner of your faith or are you just a nominal believer in your religion?

A. Yes I am a serious practitioner and strong believer of my faith. I do all that pertains to my religion and partake of its traditions whenever I can.

Q. What are your main beliefs and practices that are important to you?

A. I believe in the powers of the deities and prayer through meditation. I meditate almost daily at home or sometimes outside my home.
Q. What misunderstandings do you think others around Continue reading...

Introduction

There is a wide array of healing practices that fall outside the norm of contemporary medical practices. Alternative medicine, therapies, natural healthcare practices, spiritual healing among many others are but the few terms used to describe these practices. Medical schools did not offer classes or lessons in alternative medical healing and preventative practice neither was it advocated in mainstream hospitals (Ernst, 2010). But this has changed in the last few years with medical practitioners accepting that some of these practices do a world of good for their patients where western medicine fails. Some of these practices offer the patients Continue reading...

Hinduism is one of the Indian religions, which is often described as a totality of religious traditions that have emerged in the India and have common features. Hinduism has its roots in Vedic, Harappa and Dravidian civilization, which is why it is called one of the oldest religions of the world or event the oldest. In Hinduism there are many scriptures and books that are divided into two categories: Sruti and Smriti. Important Hindu texts are the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas, "Ramayana", "Mahabharata", "Bhagavad Gita" and Agamas. According to Hinduism, there is Brahman - the supreme spirit, the Continue reading...