Meditation - Revision history

Xenja at 23:05, 8 March 2026

2026-03-08T23:05:48Z

Xenja at 13:52, 15 February 2026

2026-02-15T13:52:33Z

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	=References=		=References=
	<references />		<references />

			{{Wikipedia and Aurorawiki}}

Xenja at 20:40, 16 January 2026

2026-01-16T20:40:41Z

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	[[file:Lord_Ajitnathklein.jpg\|50px\|frame\|Lord_Ajitnath, a surpreme preacher in jain religion in the typical Meditation Pose - Padmasana - Lotus Pose]]		[[file:Lord_Ajitnathklein.jpg\|50px\|frame\|Lord_Ajitnath, a surpreme preacher in jain religion in the typical Meditation Pose - [[Padmasana]] - Lotus Pose]]

	Given the abundance of existing forms of meditation, the fundamentals of meditation cannot be formulated in general terms. Once the basis of one type of meditation has been grasped, it is no longer valid for the next. Here, spiritual research is useful, because from a spiritual point of view, the term ‘meditation’ must have a core content, a kind of primordial idea or existence in the spiritual world. Once this archetypal idea has been grasped, the fundamentals of meditation can be derived from it, which have universal content. Finally, based on this understanding, human beings can look at the different types of meditation with strength to differentiate and classify them.		Given the abundance of existing forms of meditation, the fundamentals of meditation cannot be formulated in general terms. Once the basis of one type of meditation has been grasped, it is no longer valid for the next. Here, spiritual research is useful, because from a spiritual point of view, the term ‘meditation’ must have a core content, a kind of primordial idea or existence in the spiritual world. Once this archetypal idea has been grasped, the fundamentals of meditation can be derived from it, which have universal content. Finally, based on this understanding, human beings can look at the different types of meditation with strength to differentiate and classify them.

Xenja at 22:39, 18 December 2025

2025-12-18T22:39:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:39, 19 December 2025
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	According to Rudolf Steiner, five minutes a day is a sufficient amount of time for a person to concern themselves with something quite different from the objects of their daily occupation. He suggests:		According to Rudolf Steiner, five minutes a day is a sufficient amount of time for a person to concern themselves with something quite different from the objects of their daily occupation. He suggests:

	:~~„During~~ these ~~periods the student~~ should ~~wrest himself entirely free from his work-a-day~~ life. ~~His thoughts~~ and ~~feelings~~ should ~~take on~~ a different ~~coloring~~. ~~His~~ joys ~~and~~ sorrows, ~~his cares~~, experiences and actions ~~must~~ pass ~~in review~~ before ~~his~~ soul~~; and he must adopt such a position that he may regard all his sundry~~ experiences from a higher point of view.“<ref>Rudolf Steiner: ~~Knowledge of~~ Higher Worlds ~~and its Attainment~~ [https://~~rsarchive~~.~~org~~/~~Books~~/~~GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01~~.~~html GA 10 chapter 1~~]</ref>		:„In these moments we should tear ourselves completely out of everyday life. Our thinking and feeling lives should have quite a different colouring than they usually have. We should allow our joys, sorrows, worries, experiences, and actions to pass before our soul. But our attitude toward these should be one of looking at everything we have experiences from a higher point of view.“<ref>Rudolf Steiner: How to Know Higher Worlds [https://avalonlibrary.net/ebooks/Rudolf%20Steiner%20-%20How%20to%20Know%20Higher%20Worlds%20-%20A%20Modern%20Path%20of%20Initiation.pdf p. 27]</ref>

	Through the practice of confronting oneself, like a stranger, a person is able to develop their own so-called "higher being“ and this higher life will make its influence on their everyday life:		Through the practice of confronting oneself, like a stranger, a person is able to develop their own so-called "higher being“ and this higher life will make its influence on their everyday life:

	:~~„The tranquility~~ of ~~the~~ moments ~~set apart will also~~ affect everyday existence. ~~In his~~ whole being ~~he will grow calmer; he will attain firm assurance~~ in all ~~his actions, and cease to be put out~~ of ~~countenance by~~ all ~~manner~~ of ~~incidents~~. ~~By thus advancing he will gradually become more and more his own~~ guide, ~~and allow himself less and less~~ to be led by circumstances and ~~external~~ influences. ~~He will soon discover how great~~ a source of strength ~~is available to him in these moments thus set apart~~.“<ref>Rudolf Steiner: ~~Knowledge of~~ Higher Worlds ~~and its Attainment~~ [https://~~rsarchive~~.~~org~~/~~Books~~/~~GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01~~.~~html GA 10 chapter 1~~]</ref>		:„As this 'higher life' makes its influence more and more felt in our ordinary, established lives, the calm of our contemplative moments begins to affect our everyday existence. Our whole being becomes more peaceful. We act with greater confidence and certainty in all our undertakings. We do not lose composure in the face of all kinds of events. Slowly, as we continue on the path, we increasingly come to guide ourselves, as it were, rather than allowing ourselves to be led by circumstances and outer influences. Before long, we realize that the moments set aside each day are a greater source of strength for us.“<ref>Rudolf Steiner: How to Know Higher Worlds [https://avalonlibrary.net/ebooks/Rudolf%20Steiner%20-%20How%20to%20Know%20Higher%20Worlds%20-%20A%20Modern%20Path%20of%20Initiation.pdf p. 29]</ref>

	====Interjection====		====Interjection====
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	Steiner describes:		Steiner describes:

	~~„This meditation~~ is the ~~means~~ to ~~supersensible~~ knowledge. ~~But the student in such moments must~~ not ~~merely indulge~~ in feelings~~; he must not have indefinite~~ sensations ~~in his soul~~. ~~That~~ would only ~~hinder him~~ from ~~reaching~~ true spiritual ~~knowledge~~. ~~His~~ thoughts ~~must~~ be clear, sharp ~~and definite~~, ~~and he~~ will ~~be helped in~~ this if ~~he does~~ not ~~cling~~ blindly to the thoughts ~~that rise~~ within ~~him~~. Rather ~~must he permeate himself~~ with ~~the lofty~~ thoughts ~~by which men already~~ advanced ~~and possessed of the spirit were~~ inspired ~~at such~~ moments. He should ~~start with the~~ writings ~~which~~ themselves ~~had their origin~~ in ~~just such revelation during meditation. In~~ the ~~mystic~~, gnostic ~~and~~ spiritual scientific literature ~~of today the student will find such writings, and in them~~ the material for ~~his meditation~~. ~~The~~ seekers of the spirit have themselves set down ~~in such writings~~ the thoughts of ~~the~~ divine science ~~which~~ the ~~Spirit~~ has ~~directed his messengers~~ to ~~proclaim~~ to the world. ~~Through~~ such meditation ~~a complete transformation takes place in the student~~.“<ref>Rudolf Steiner: ~~Knowledge of~~ Higher Worlds ~~and its Attainment~~ [https://~~rsarchive~~.~~org~~/~~Books~~/~~GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01~~.~~html GA 10 chapter 1~~]</ref>		„Mediation, in this sense, is the way to super-sensible knowledge. We should not lose ourselves in feelings in these moments of meditation. Nor should our souls be filled with vague sensations. This would only keep us from attaining true spiritual insight. Our thoughts should be clear, sharp, precise. We will find a way of achieving this if we do not stay blindly with the thoughts arising within us. Rather, we should fill ourselves with high thoughts that more advanced spiritually inspired souls have thought in similar moments. Here our starting point should be writings that have themselves grown out of meditative revelations. We may find such texts in the works of mystical, gnostic, or spiritual scientific literature. These texts provide the same material for our meditations. After all, it is seekers of the spirit who have themselves set down the thoughts of divine science in such works. Indeed, it is through these messengers that the spirit has permitted these thoughts to be made known to the world. Practising such meditation will completely transform us.“<ref>Rudolf Steiner: How to Know Higher Worlds [https://avalonlibrary.net/ebooks/Rudolf%20Steiner%20-%20How%20to%20Know%20Higher%20Worlds%20-%20A%20Modern%20Path%20of%20Initiation.pdf pp. 34-35]</ref>

	Thus, meditation that is based on thoughts written down by people already advanced in the spirit and were conceived in inspired moments in which a complete transformation takes place within the individual, shows that these thoughts carry within them a fiery, transforming spiritual power.		Thus, meditation that is based on thoughts written down by people already advanced in the spirit and were conceived in inspired moments in which a complete transformation takes place within the individual, shows that these thoughts carry within them a fiery, transforming spiritual power.
	The individual now learns about spiritual laws and, through this way of meditation, grows beyond and at the same time finds knowledge about their eternal, essential being.		The individual now learns about spiritual laws and, through this way of meditation, grows beyond and at the same time finds knowledge about their eternal, essential being.

	:„When~~, by means of~~ meditation~~, a man rises~~ to ~~union~~ with the spirit, ~~he brings to life the~~ eternal ~~in him, which is limited~~ by ~~neither~~ birth ~~nor~~ death. ~~The existence of~~ this eternal ~~being~~ can ~~only be doubted by those who have not themselves experienced it~~. ~~Thus meditation~~ is the way ~~which also leads man~~ to the ~~knowledge, to the contemplation of his~~ eternal, indestructible, essential being;<ref>Rudolf Steiner: ~~Knowledge of~~ Higher Worlds ~~and its Attainment~~ [https://~~rsarchive~~.~~org~~/~~Books~~/~~GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01~~.~~html GA 10 chapter 1~~]</ref>		:„When we raise ourselves through meditation to that what unites us with the spirit, we quicken something within us that is eternal and unlimited by birth and death. Once we have experienced this eternal part in us, we can no longer doubt its existence. Meditation is thus the way to knowing and beholding the eternal, indestructible, essential center of our being."<ref>Rudolf Steiner: How to Know Higher Worlds [https://avalonlibrary.net/ebooks/Rudolf%20Steiner%20-%20How%20to%20Know%20Higher%20Worlds%20-%20A%20Modern%20Path%20of%20Initiation.pdf pp. 36]</ref>

	Self-study through meditation on inspired thoughts is part of Raja Yoga, a classical yoga path. Raja Yoga translates as "royal yoga". It is also known as „eight limb yoga" and was described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra. The fourth rule (Niyama) lists the discipline of Svadhyaya. Svadhyaya means ''the study of the scriptures'' and, at the same time, ''self-study'' in the sense of ''studying the self''. The term "''scriptures''“ refers, for example, to the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas or texts with a spiritual or philosophical background – in other words, literature with deep spiritual content.		Self-study through meditation on inspired thoughts is part of Raja Yoga, a classical yoga path. Raja Yoga translates as "royal yoga". It is also known as „eight limb yoga" and was described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra. The fourth rule (Niyama) lists the discipline of Svadhyaya. Svadhyaya means ''the study of the scriptures'' and, at the same time, ''self-study'' in the sense of ''studying the self''. The term "''scriptures''“ refers, for example, to the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas or texts with a spiritual or philosophical background – in other words, literature with deep spiritual content.
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	:"His thoughts must be clear, sharp and definite".<ref>Rudolf Steiner: Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment [https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html GA 10 chapter 1]</ref>		:"His thoughts must be clear, sharp and definite".<ref>Rudolf Steiner: Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment [https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html GA 10 chapter 1]</ref>

	Heinz Grill's research also confirms this statement. Grill writes, when a wise thought is the focus of concentration and mediation then "intensified thinking in the light of the thought" begins. The individual begins to transcend oneself and learns to exist in a greater whole. This means go beyond oneself courageously		Heinz Grill's research also confirms this statement. Grill writes, when a wise thought is the focus of concentration and mediation then "intensified thinking in the light of the thought" begins. The individual begins to transcend oneself and learns to exist in a greater whole. This means go beyond oneself courageously:
	:"On the one hand, the practitioner must detach themselves from intellectual or habitual thinking and from internal bodily feelings, but on the other hand, the practitioner must even more intensively begin to develop the free consciousness of thinking. In many meditations, emptiness is taken as the aim, which means becoming empty of all thoughts and impulses of will. In this type of meditation as I describe it, this process of emptying or distancing oneself from all old feelings and emotional movements also takes place. In addition, however, particular care is taken to raise a content for thinking that is free of the body, that has nothing to do with personal concerns. Embarking on this path of intensified thinking in the light of a thought requires the practitioner to adopt a careful, disciplined attitude directed forward, towards the free dimension (just infront) of the head. This exercise requires the individual to demonstrate a kind of spiritual daring to cross boundaries. They must, in a sense, draw back from themselves and bring something else to the foreground in the light of thought. They must bring to the foreground the foreign, the unknown, or that which cannot immediately give them anything personally."<ref>Heinz Grill: Die Meditation. Ein überirdischer Funke des Denkens. Broschüre - A supernatural spark of thought. - Brochure in german. Lammers-Koll-Verlag, 2012, ISBN 978-3941995789, P. 9.</ref>		:"On the one hand, the practitioner must detach themselves from intellectual or habitual thinking and from internal bodily feelings, but on the other hand, the practitioner must even more intensively begin to develop the free consciousness of thinking. In many meditations, emptiness is taken as the aim, which means becoming empty of all thoughts and impulses of will. In this type of meditation as I describe it, this process of emptying or distancing oneself from all old feelings and emotional movements also takes place. In addition, however, particular care is taken to raise a content for thinking that is free of the body, that has nothing to do with personal concerns. Embarking on this path of intensified thinking in the light of a thought requires the practitioner to adopt a careful, disciplined attitude directed forward, towards the free dimension (just infront) of the head. This exercise requires the individual to demonstrate a kind of spiritual daring to cross boundaries. They must, in a sense, draw back from themselves and bring something else to the foreground in the light of thought. They must bring to the foreground the foreign, the unknown, or that which cannot immediately give them anything personally."<ref>Heinz Grill: Die Meditation. Ein überirdischer Funke des Denkens. Broschüre - A supernatural spark of thought. - Brochure in german. Lammers-Koll-Verlag, 2012, ISBN 978-3941995789, P. 9.</ref>

Xenja at 22:48, 9 December 2025

2025-12-09T22:48:03Z

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Xenja at 21:21, 20 November 2025

2025-11-20T21:21:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:21, 20 November 2025
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	[[file:~~Lord_Ajitnath~~.jpg\|50px\|frame\|Lord_Ajitnath, a surpreme preacher in jain religion in the typical Meditation Pose - ~~the~~ Lotus Pose]]		[[file:Lord_Ajitnathklein.jpg\|50px\|frame\|Lord_Ajitnath, a surpreme preacher in jain religion in the typical Meditation Pose - Padmasana - Lotus Pose]]

	Given the abundance of existing forms of meditation, the fundamentals of meditation cannot be formulated in general terms. Once the basis of one type of meditation has been grasped, it is no longer valid for the next. Here, spiritual research fits in very well with the diversity of the world, because from a spiritual point of view, the term ‘meditation’ must have a core content, a kind of primordial idea or existence in the spiritual world. Once this archetypal idea has been grasped, the fundamentals of meditation can be derived from it, which have universal content. Finally, based on this understanding, human beings can look at the different types of meditation with strength to differentiate and classify them.		Given the abundance of existing forms of meditation, the fundamentals of meditation cannot be formulated in general terms. Once the basis of one type of meditation has been grasped, it is no longer valid for the next. Here, spiritual research fits in very well with the diversity of the world, because from a spiritual point of view, the term ‘meditation’ must have a core content, a kind of primordial idea or existence in the spiritual world. Once this archetypal idea has been grasped, the fundamentals of meditation can be derived from it, which have universal content. Finally, based on this understanding, human beings can look at the different types of meditation with strength to differentiate and classify them.
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	Before Rudolf Steiner discusses the nature of meditation, he emphasizes the importance of developing inner tranquility.		Before Rudolf Steiner discusses the nature of meditation, he emphasizes the importance of developing inner tranquility.

	[[file:~~Rudolf_Steiner._~~.jpg\|frame\|100px\|Rudolf Steiner]]		[[file:Rudolf_Steinerklein.jpg\|frame\|100px\|Rudolf Steiner]]

	He mentions that the practical rules for developping inner tranquility have no arbitrary origin and that all true teachers of the spiritual life are in agreement as to the substance of these rules, even though they do not always clothe them in the same words.<ref>[https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment - GA 10 - Chapter 1: How is Knowledge Of The Higher Worlds Attained?]</ref>		He mentions that the practical rules for developping inner tranquility have no arbitrary origin and that all true teachers of the spiritual life are in agreement as to the substance of these rules, even though they do not always clothe them in the same words.<ref>[https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment - GA 10 - Chapter 1: How is Knowledge Of The Higher Worlds Attained?]</ref>

Xenja at 21:10, 20 November 2025

2025-11-20T21:10:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:10, 20 November 2025
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	[[file:Lord_Ajitnath.jpg]]		[[file:Lord_Ajitnath.jpg\|50px\|frame\|Lord_Ajitnath, a surpreme preacher in jain religion in the typical Meditation Pose - the Lotus Pose]]

	Given the abundance of existing forms of meditation, the fundamentals of meditation cannot be formulated in general terms. Once the basis of one type of meditation has been grasped, it is no longer valid for the next. Here, spiritual research fits in very well with the diversity of the world, because from a spiritual point of view, the term ‘meditation’ must have a core content, a kind of primordial idea or existence in the spiritual world. Once this archetypal idea has been grasped, the fundamentals of meditation can be derived from it, which have universal content. Finally, based on this understanding, human beings can look at the different types of meditation with strength to differentiate and classify them.		Given the abundance of existing forms of meditation, the fundamentals of meditation cannot be formulated in general terms. Once the basis of one type of meditation has been grasped, it is no longer valid for the next. Here, spiritual research fits in very well with the diversity of the world, because from a spiritual point of view, the term ‘meditation’ must have a core content, a kind of primordial idea or existence in the spiritual world. Once this archetypal idea has been grasped, the fundamentals of meditation can be derived from it, which have universal content. Finally, based on this understanding, human beings can look at the different types of meditation with strength to differentiate and classify them.
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	Before Rudolf Steiner discusses the nature of meditation, he emphasizes the importance of developing inner tranquility.		Before Rudolf Steiner discusses the nature of meditation, he emphasizes the importance of developing inner tranquility.

	[[file:Rudolf Steiner ~~.jpg~~]]		[[file:Rudolf_Steiner._.jpg\|frame\|100px\|Rudolf Steiner]]

	He mentions that the practical rules for developping inner tranquility have no arbitrary origin and that all true teachers of the spiritual life are in agreement as to the substance of these rules, even though they do not always clothe them in the same words.<ref>[https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment - GA 10 - Chapter 1: How is Knowledge Of The Higher Worlds Attained?]</ref>		He mentions that the practical rules for developping inner tranquility have no arbitrary origin and that all true teachers of the spiritual life are in agreement as to the substance of these rules, even though they do not always clothe them in the same words.<ref>[https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment - GA 10 - Chapter 1: How is Knowledge Of The Higher Worlds Attained?]</ref>
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	:„All worldly thoughts are shut out from the mind. The mind is filled or saturated with Divine thoughts, Divine glory and Divine presence.“<ref> Swami Sivananda: [https://ia601806.us.archive.org/0/items/concentration-and-meditation/concentration-and-meditation.pdf Concentration and Meditation] p. 82</ref>		:„All worldly thoughts are shut out from the mind. The mind is filled or saturated with Divine thoughts, Divine glory and Divine presence.“<ref> Swami Sivananda: [https://ia601806.us.archive.org/0/items/concentration-and-meditation/concentration-and-meditation.pdf Concentration and Meditation] p. 82</ref>

	[[file:Swami_Shivananda_Liebe.jpg]]		[[file:Swami_Shivananda_Liebe.jpg\|frame\|Swami Shivananda]]

	Rudolf Steiner points out that meditation should by no means lead to the extinction of thinking but that "His thoughts must be clear, sharp and definite".<ref>Rudolf Steiner: Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment [https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html GA 10 chapter 1]</ref> Heinz Grill's research also confirms this statement. When a wise thought is focus of concentration and meditation, "intensified thinking in the light of the thought" begins. The individual begins to transcend oneself and learns to exist in a larger whole. This means go beyond oneself and it requires courage:		Rudolf Steiner points out that meditation should by no means lead to the extinction of thinking but that "His thoughts must be clear, sharp and definite".<ref>Rudolf Steiner: Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment [https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html GA 10 chapter 1]</ref> Heinz Grill's research also confirms this statement. When a wise thought is focus of concentration and meditation, "intensified thinking in the light of the thought" begins. The individual begins to transcend oneself and learns to exist in a larger whole. This means go beyond oneself and it requires courage:

Xenja at 20:46, 20 November 2025

2025-11-20T20:46:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:46, 20 November 2025
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			[[file:Lord_Ajitnath.jpg]]

	Given the abundance of existing forms of meditation, the fundamentals of meditation cannot be formulated in general terms. Once the basis of one type of meditation has been grasped, it is no longer valid for the next. Here, spiritual research fits in very well with the diversity of the world, because from a spiritual point of view, the term ‘meditation’ must have a core content, a kind of primordial idea or existence in the spiritual world. Once this archetypal idea has been grasped, the fundamentals of meditation can be derived from it, which have universal content. Finally, based on this understanding, human beings can look at the different types of meditation with strength to differentiate and classify them.		Given the abundance of existing forms of meditation, the fundamentals of meditation cannot be formulated in general terms. Once the basis of one type of meditation has been grasped, it is no longer valid for the next. Here, spiritual research fits in very well with the diversity of the world, because from a spiritual point of view, the term ‘meditation’ must have a core content, a kind of primordial idea or existence in the spiritual world. Once this archetypal idea has been grasped, the fundamentals of meditation can be derived from it, which have universal content. Finally, based on this understanding, human beings can look at the different types of meditation with strength to differentiate and classify them.
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	==Wikipedia on meditation==		==Wikipedia on meditation==

	Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique to train attention and awareness and detach from reflexive, "discursive thinking",~~[note 1]~~ achieving a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state,~~[1][2][3][4][web 1][web 2]~~ while not judging the meditation process itself.~~[note 2]~~		Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique to train attention and awareness and detach from reflexive, "discursive thinking", achieving a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state,while not judging the meditation process itself.
	Techniques are broadly classified into focused (or concentrative) and open monitoring methods. Focused methods involve attention to specific objects like breath or mantras, while open monitoring includes mindfulness and awareness of mental events.		Techniques are broadly classified into focused (or concentrative) and open monitoring methods. Focused methods involve attention to specific objects like breath or mantras, while open monitoring includes mindfulness and awareness of mental events.
	Meditation is practiced in numerous religious traditions, though it is also practiced independently from any religious or spiritual influences for its health benefits. The earliest records of meditation (dhyana) are found in the Upanishads, and meditation plays a salient role in the contemplative repertoire of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.~~[5]~~ Meditation-like techniques are also known in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in the context of remembrance of and prayer and devotion to God.		Meditation is practiced in numerous religious traditions, though it is also practiced independently from any religious or spiritual influences for its health benefits. The earliest records of meditation (dhyana) are found in the Upanishads, and meditation plays a salient role in the contemplative repertoire of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Meditation-like techniques are also known in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in the context of remembrance of and prayer and devotion to God.
	Asian meditative techniques have spread to other cultures where they have found application in non-spiritual contexts, such as business and health. Meditation may significantly reduce stress, fear, anxiety, depression, and pain,~~[6]~~ and enhance peace, perception,~~[7]~~ self-concept, and well-being.~~[8][9][10]~~ Research is ongoing to better understand the effects of meditation on health (psychological, neurological, and cardiovascular) and other areas.		Asian meditative techniques have spread to other cultures where they have found application in non-spiritual contexts, such as business and health. Meditation may significantly reduce stress, fear, anxiety, depression, and pain, and enhance peace, perception, self-concept, and well-being. Research is ongoing to better understand the effects of meditation on health (psychological, neurological, and cardiovascular) and other areas.

	=== Etymology ===		=== Etymology ===

	The English term meditation is derived from Old French meditacioun, in turn from Latin meditatio from a verb meditari, meaning "to think, contemplate, devise, ponder".~~[11][12]~~ In the Catholic tradition, the use of the term meditatio as part of a formal, stepwise process of meditation goes back to at least the 12th-century monk Guigo II,~~[12][13]~~ before which the Greek word theoria was used for the same purpose.		The English term meditation is derived from Old French meditacioun, in turn from Latin meditatio from a verb meditari, meaning "to think, contemplate, devise, ponder". In the Catholic tradition, the use of the term meditatio as part of a formal, stepwise process of meditation goes back to at least the 12th-century monk Guigo II, before which the Greek word theoria was used for the same purpose.
	Apart from its historical usage, the term meditation was introduced as a translation for Eastern spiritual practices, referred to as dhyāna in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, which comes from the Sanskrit root dhyai, meaning to contemplate or meditate.~~[14][15][16]~~ The Greek word theoria actually derives from the same root.~~[17]~~		Apart from its historical usage, the term meditation was introduced as a translation for Eastern spiritual practices, referred to as dhyāna in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, which comes from the Sanskrit root dhyai, meaning to contemplate or meditate. The Greek word theoria actually derives from the same root.
	The term "meditation" in English may also refer to practices from Islamic Sufism,~~[18]~~ or other traditions such as Jewish Kabbalah and Christian Hesychasm.~~[19]~~		The term "meditation" in English may also refer to practices from Islamic Sufism, or other traditions such as Jewish Kabbalah and Christian Hesychasm.

	===Definitions===		===Definitions===
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	=====No universally accepted definition for meditation=====		=====No universally accepted definition for meditation=====

	Meditation has proven difficult to define as it covers a wide range of dissimilar practices in different traditions and cultures.~~[note 3]~~ In popular usage, the word "meditation" and the phrase "meditative practice" are often used imprecisely to designate practices found across many cultures.~~[19][22]~~ These can include almost anything that is claimed to train the attention of mind or to teach calmness or compassion.~~[23]~~ There remains no definition of necessary and sufficient criteria for meditation that has achieved widespread acceptance within the modern scientific community.		Meditation has proven difficult to define as it covers a wide range of dissimilar practices in different traditions and cultures. In popular usage, the word "meditation" and the phrase "meditative practice" are often used imprecisely to designate practices found across many cultures. These can include almost anything that is claimed to train the attention of mind or to teach calmness or compassion. There remains no definition of necessary and sufficient criteria for meditation that has achieved widespread acceptance within the modern scientific community.

	For more information, see the article Meditation in the English Wikipedia.		For more information, see the article Meditation in the English Wikipedia.
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	===Inner tranquility as the basis of meditation===		===Inner tranquility as the basis of meditation===

	Before Rudolf Steiner discusses the nature of meditation, he emphasizes the importance of developing inner tranquility.		Before Rudolf Steiner discusses the nature of meditation, he emphasizes the importance of developing inner tranquility.

			[[file:Rudolf Steiner .jpg]]

	He mentions that the practical rules for developping inner tranquility have no arbitrary origin and that all true teachers of the spiritual life are in agreement as to the substance of these rules, even though they do not always clothe them in the same words.<ref>[https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment - GA 10 - Chapter 1: How is Knowledge Of The Higher Worlds Attained?]</ref>		He mentions that the practical rules for developping inner tranquility have no arbitrary origin and that all true teachers of the spiritual life are in agreement as to the substance of these rules, even though they do not always clothe them in the same words.<ref>[https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment - GA 10 - Chapter 1: How is Knowledge Of The Higher Worlds Attained?]</ref>
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	:„All worldly thoughts are shut out from the mind. The mind is filled or saturated with Divine thoughts, Divine glory and Divine presence.“<ref> Swami Sivananda: [https://ia601806.us.archive.org/0/items/concentration-and-meditation/concentration-and-meditation.pdf Concentration and Meditation] p. 82</ref>		:„All worldly thoughts are shut out from the mind. The mind is filled or saturated with Divine thoughts, Divine glory and Divine presence.“<ref> Swami Sivananda: [https://ia601806.us.archive.org/0/items/concentration-and-meditation/concentration-and-meditation.pdf Concentration and Meditation] p. 82</ref>

			[[file:Swami_Shivananda_Liebe.jpg]]

	Rudolf Steiner points out that meditation should by no means lead to the extinction of thinking but that "His thoughts must be clear, sharp and definite".<ref>Rudolf Steiner: Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment [https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html GA 10 chapter 1]</ref> Heinz Grill's research also confirms this statement. When a wise thought is focus of concentration and meditation, "intensified thinking in the light of the thought" begins. The individual begins to transcend oneself and learns to exist in a larger whole. This means go beyond oneself and it requires courage:		Rudolf Steiner points out that meditation should by no means lead to the extinction of thinking but that "His thoughts must be clear, sharp and definite".<ref>Rudolf Steiner: Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment [https://rsarchive.org/Books/GA010/English/RSPC1947/GA010_c01.html GA 10 chapter 1]</ref> Heinz Grill's research also confirms this statement. When a wise thought is focus of concentration and meditation, "intensified thinking in the light of the thought" begins. The individual begins to transcend oneself and learns to exist in a larger whole. This means go beyond oneself and it requires courage:

Xenja at 22:23, 16 November 2025

2025-11-16T22:23:59Z

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	== References ==		=References=
	<references />		<references />

Xenja at 19:35, 16 November 2025

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	===Extinction of thoughts and feelings?===		===Extinction of thoughts and feelings?===

	Traditional and modern meditation guides often refer to the „extinction of thoughts“<ref>[https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/extinction-of-thought]</ref>		Traditional and modern meditation guides often refer to the „extinction of thoughts“<ref>[https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/extinction-of-thought wisdomlib - extinction of thoughts]</ref>

	Modern spiritual research comes to a different conclusion:		Modern spiritual research comes to a different conclusion: