Meditation is the yogic technique that enables us
to experience "self". Experience of the
self is the first stage which is followed by the second
stage that is one of complete visualization and transcendence.
During these stages one would experience
1. Emergence of consciousness
2. Enlargement of consciousness
3. Merging of consciousness with cosmic consciousness.
The meditation approach is based on understanding
of total personality and cure and not the symptoms
alone. The individual consciousness (jiva) falls victim
to the desires, wishes, fears, doubts, convictions,
pattern formations and drives which in turn lead to
disturbance in the psychic energy and gives rise to
suffering and disorders. Meditation helps in relaxation
and uplifts a person spiritually. Meditation like
Kundalini yoga regulates the neurotransmitters, hormones
and enhances coherence between the two brain hemispheres.
Chanting mantras, meditation, rhythmic movements have
a positive effect on our emotions. The parasympathetic
system is activated which facilitates relaxation (Aftanas,2002;
Kjaer, 2002).
In the last two decades of research in meditation,
scientific evidence suggest that meditation has improved
immune response, decreased response to sympathetic
nervous system, in modification of cardiac symptoms,
reduction of pain, reversal of heart symptoms and
slowing of the ageing process.
Emotional and spiritual benefits through meditation
are far more efficacious and early response is noticed
as compared to cognitive restructuring and psychotherapy.
It enhances self esteem and cultivates self dependence
(Aftanas, 2002; Infant, 2001; Travis,2001).