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Mudrashram Institute of Spiritual Studies |
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Attention's Role in Meditation |
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By George A. Boyd ©2003 Focusing attention gives rise to different types of meditation practices. A sample of 12 different ways that attention can be focused in meditation is shown below:
The attention may be actively fixed and concentrated in many types of meditation, but passively absorbed in others (see types 9-11). In the Mudrashram® System of Integral Meditation, we believe that the aspirant should be trained in a broad range of meditation techniques so that he or she can gain Mastery over the different ways of focusing attention. For example, types 1, 2, 5-7 and 9-12 are taught in the Mudrashram® Master Course in Meditation. Many religious groups use attentional focusing in order to participate in remembering, worshipping and serving the Divine as they know Him, Her, It or Them (type 3). Prayer, chanting or singing typically augments this. Karma Yoga (type 4) is marked by a complete dedication of human life to the service of the Divine and humanity. Surrender and obedience to the Divine Will characterize it. Many New Age groups use psychic visioning and astral travel (type 8). Individuals who develop psychic abilities use these methods. Those who train others in psychic development utilize guided meditations, often with "New Age" or "meditational" music accompaniment. These faculties may also be activated by hypnosis. As the aspirant is able to gain increasing Mastery over the ability to focus attention on the inner focal points of the spiritual work, several typical results can be identified:
We encourage aspirants to understand the differences between the ways attention is focused in each of these 12 types of meditation practices, and learn to utilize these methods in order to gain insight, growth and Mastery at each level of the mind. Taking the Mudrashram® Master Course in Meditation [or the Accelerated Meditation Program] may be a tool to help familiarize your self with several of these methods, and begin to incorporate them as appropriate in a congruent fashion in your personal meditation practice. |
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