Scientists investigating the effect of the meditative state of Buddhist monk's brains have found that portions of the organ previously active become quiet, while pacified areas become stimulated. Using a brain imaging technique, a team of scientists studied a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks as they meditated for approximately one hour. There was an increase in activity in the front part of the brain, the area that is activated when anyone focuses attention on a particular task. A notable decrease in activity in the back part of the brain reinforced the hypothesis that meditation leads to a lack of spatial awareness. Dr Newberg of the University of Pennsylvania, who has also previously studied the positive impact of praying, led the researchers.

Previously, studies have revealed that transcendental meditation (TM) can lower blood pressure. Scientists at the Medical College of Georgia say that meditation keeps blood vessels open, thus lowering the pressure. It seems that over 500 studies have been completed on the physiological, psychological and sociological effects of TM in 210 different institutions in 27 countries. TM has proven to improve mental abilities (creativity, memory, reaction time etc.), improve physical health (due to reduced stress and anxiety), and also improve social behavior (work-life, family-life and social-life).

In some Californian schools, yoga and meditation techniques are being taught to students, which has increased discipline amongst the students, improved school performance and also raised the self-esteem and confidence of the pupils.

Using a holistic approach to rehabilitation brought about reform in the infamous Tihar Jail in Delhi. Meditation and yoga are widely practiced by the inmates of the jail. The Director General of Tihar opines that in western jails persons are incarcerated physically, but there is no or little effect on his or her mental state. Meditation helps improve the mental state of the prisoners, and live more peacefully in the jail, and become better citizens when they go back to live in the society.

Well, we do not have to search far to look for the positive benefits of meditation. Our Guru Maa has the energy of a dozen young people even at the age of sixty-four. She accomplishes so much every day of Her life, even though She sleeps only 2 hours every night. Why? She has been practicing meditation every morning without fail, and increases the hours when She is doing Sadhna. She has a glow around Her face, amongst other reasons, primarily due to Meditation. She has also an audiotape, which will help you to get into it step by step.

Meditation is the greatest tool for contemplation and self-knowledge. Concentration is the first step on the path of meditation. We start with the concentration techniques, which involve focusing on an object such as a flower, a lamp (deepak), a sound (Aum), a mantra or the breath (pranayama). Relax the body from your toes to your head, one by one; and release the tension. We breathe slowly. If you have a Guru, you chant the mantra spoken in your ear by your Guru. Over time, the number of random thoughts diminishes. As a result, you become relaxed, you become increasingly aware of yourself, you have greater clarity and ultimately a sense of peace. You become happier, and your face and actions reflect that. You need less sleep. You become more energetic.

Meditation is a spiritual activity practiced in all religions. It is not a religious ritual, and its practice is not just limited to Buddhism, Jainism or Sanathana Dharma.

Meditation is different from relaxation, thinking, concentration and self-hypnosis. Relaxation is an outcome of meditation. You can relax by other means too (like praying, resting, reading etc.) Relaxation usually focuses more on the physical body. Meditation is good for the body, mind and soul. Thinking tires your mind. Meditation controls your thinking and channels it in the right direction. Meditation begins with concentration. After an initial period of concentration, thought activity decreases, and the need to have an object for concentration decreases. Self-hypnosis brings you to a semi-conscious state. Meditation allows you to remain conscious.

Meditation is an art you can perfect through regular practice. It should be performed everyday at the same time. Early morning is usually the best time. It should be done before a meal. You should find a quiet spot, preferably around your home-temple or altar if you have one. You should sit with the straight spine, and preferably vertically. In the beginning phases, meditative music (for example, Indian classical music) may be in the background.

Many times, usually in the beginning phases, you will experience itching, aches and pains while you try to release tension and relax. This happens since your mind is clearing, calmer and you begin to notice smaller sensations in your body. Slowly, these sensations will go away. But, you must ensure that your posture is comfortable.

The wise do not need scientific findings to believe in the merits of meditation. It comes from our Vedic heritage, and the spiritual seekers, sages, saints, great achievers in sports, science, music and art are practicing it for thousands of years. But, for the so-called modern, educated elite these scientific findings will hopefully nudge us beyond the threshold of faith and belief, and we will begin the practice. Guru Maa’s meditation is inspiration for all of us.