DOCSLIB.ORG

Jyoti Meditation (Light Meditation)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Jyoti Meditation (Light Meditation) Jyoti Meditation (Light Meditation) you as you close the eyes. There too, Pavitra Atmaswarupa! (Embodiments of the mind should be kept busy with Divine Atma) intense activity. We should command When we give work to the mind and the mind to take the flame and install it keep it continuously busy then the in the recesses of our heart. mind will not trouble us. A monkey on In the lotus of our heart, we must a tree has a tendency to go up and imagine that the flame is ablaze with a down and up and down because of its bright glow. Then, this flame must fickle nature. If we keep the monkey in travel throughout the body, through one place, it cannot stay still and will the limbs, the stomach, the eyes, the perform monkey tricks. Therefore, the mouth, the ears, and through every part monkey trainer who begs in front of of our body. After it has been moved every house commands the monkey to through the entire body, then the flame go up and down the pole. In the same must be brought out of the body. You manner, the mind is like a mad must imagine that the same flame is monkey. Therefore this “monkey shining brightly in all members of your mind” must be entrusted with some family. Then you must see that the absorbing work. same flame is shining brightly in your If you sit in the Dhyana (meditation) as neighbors, in the people of your locality a first step, this monkey mind will not and in your friends. At a later stage, you be in our control, so you should entrust should see that this same flame is the duty of a watchman to this monkey shining brightly, even in your enemies. mind. This monkey mind watches who Then, Isa Vasyam Idam Sarvam is going in and who is going out- (Everything is permeated by God). watching the breath, “So” as we inhale, Because the flame is shining bright in and “Ham” as we exhale - this process the eyes, you will not have bad vision. goes on and the monkey is kept busy Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya (Lead me from watching the breath going in and darkness to light). Where there is light, coming out. By doing this exercise for there is no darkness. Because the flame about 5 minutes the monkey mind will is in your ears, you will not hear come under control. After keeping the anything bad. Because the flame is mind focused on the breath for 5 shining bright on your tongue, there minutes in this manner, have a picture will not be any scope for uttering bad that is dear to your heart, or a flame in words. Because the flame is shining front of you. Look at the flame steadily bright in your feet, your feet will not go with your eyes wide open. The flame to bad places. Because the flame is that you have been holding in your residing in your hands, your hands will vision with your eyes open imagine not undertake any bad actions. This now—the same flame kindled within process of meditation, in which we Sri Sathya Sai International Organization 1 Jyoti Meditation (Light Meditation) make this one flame travel around, While meditating on the flame, if you makes us realize that the same Para- have any divine form you worship or Brahma Jyoti (divine light) pervades any form you adore, you may visualize everything. that form in the flame and meditate. It On Deepawali day (Festival of Lights) is the best form of meditation to think we keep a row of candles and with one that the chosen form that you adore candle, we light all others. With one and worship is in this Jyoti (flame). In flame, we are able to kindle myriad true meditation you realize the oneness others. The Jyoti (flame) that kindles is —that from one Para-Brahma Jyoti called Para-brahma Jyoti (The eternal, (supreme-divine light) all other flames universal flame – divine light) and the have come. Jyotis (flames) that are kindled are called Today, various types of mediation are Jivan Jyotis (individual flames). In the propagated. There are many who end, the flame that kindles and the preach these techniques, but have not flames kindled are identical. Ultimately, experienced meditation. These are all these two flames are recognized to be artificial types of meditation. If it were identical; it is said that the one who so easy to sit in meditation and knows Brahman will ultimately become transcend body consciousness, why Brahman (Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati). would the great masters and the seven Therefore, the Jyoti Meditation (Light rishis of yore spend so many years in Meditation) is the highest type of meditation in order to transcend the meditation. limitation of the body? Many say that The body goes on changing, but the within a few minutes the body flame does not undergo any change. A consciousness is forgotten and they small example to show this – You have reach a stage of trance. They call this a tub full of water. If one keeps taking state meditation. Simply because the a glass full of water from this tub, there body consciousness is lost, we cannot will be a time when there will not be call it meditation. If one drinks two any water in the tub. At one place we bottles of wine, one will lose body have dumped a truck-load full of sand. consciousness. Is this meditation? No. If each person carries away a basket full In true meditation one should lose the of sand, eventually, there will not be body consciousness and experience the any sand. But, out of one single flame, Atmic-consciousness or Super- one can light a million flames and still consciousness. People in the West, the original flame will remain. So this because of the depression and Jyoti (flame) does not diminish, and is frustration in their lives, are not subject to change. propagating such types of meditation that make them forget body consciousness. According to Indian Sri Sathya Sai International Organization 2 Jyoti Meditation (Light Meditation) tradition, this cannot be called Dhyana beyond the senses. So, when we move (meditation). forward from the stage of Some people say Dhyana is concentration which is below the concentration. This is not correct. I am senses, we gradually reach the stage of holding a paper in My hand. I am contemplation. And when we cross the reading what is there on the paper. boundaries of contemplation, we reach There I read, “District Sevadal the area of meditation. So there are Conference”. In order to read what is three stages, concentration, printed on the paper, My eyes must be contemplation and meditation. focused on the letters while holding the Concentration can be compared to the paper in My hand. I must think with state of the “One you think you are”. My mind and the intelligence must Contemplation is the state of what inquire. Intelligence, mind, hands and “Others think you are”. Meditation the eyes must concentrate and work in enables us to recognize the state of the conjunction and only then it is possible “One you really are”. to read this paper. So too, only with the coordination of all the senses, it is (Excerpt from Bhagawan Sri Sathya th possible for us to read. Therefore, Sai Baba’s divine discourse on 25 concentration is necessary for reading. May 1979) Another type of concentration is required for writing and walking. It is not possible for us even to eat if we cannot differentiate various types of food, whether an item is appadam (crispy Indian snack), or a chapati (unleavened flat wheat bread) or potatoes. To drive a car, concentration is very essential. This concentration is below the senses and is essential to perform routine and daily activities. It is so natural that in order to achieve concentration one need not undertake the practice of meditation. Therefore, concentration is not the same as Dhyana (meditation). Concentration is below the senses; meditation is beyond the senses. We must travel from below the senses to Sri Sathya Sai International Organization 3 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Chan Handbook
    The CHAN HANDBOOK Talks about Meditation by Venerable Master Hua English translation & Published by the Buddhist Text Translation Society The Chan Handbook Published and Translated by: The Buddhist Text Translation Society 4951 Bodhi Way, Ukiah, CA 95482 © 2004 Buddhist Text Translation Society Dharma Realm Buddhist Association Dharma Realm Buddhist University Printed in Malaysia Dharma Realm Buddhist Association branch addresses are listed at the back of this book. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Hsuan Hua, 1918-The Chan handbook: talks about meditation /by Venerable Master Hsuan Hua. p.cm. ISBN 0-88139-951-5 (hard : alk. paper) 1. Meditation-Zen Buddhism. I. Title: Talks about meditation. II. Title. BQ9288.H76 2005 294.3'4435--dc22 2004010894 Contents Preface Put everything down. Let no thought arise. xi Biography of Master Hsuan Hua . xix 1. Why Investigate Chan? When thoughts cease, confusion ends.. .2 Freedom over birth and death is freedom to come and go..4 The great functioning of the entire substance is clearly understood. .6 By investigating Chan and sitting in meditation, we can gain enlightenment. .7 We want to learn how not to be attached to self and others. .8 Meditation and samadhi are vital to our Dharma-body. .9 Sitting long brings Chan, which cleanses and purifies the mind. .11 2. What is Chan? Concentrating on a focal point is the key to success in everything.. 16 Twirling a flower, the Buddha revealed the mind-to-mind seal. 18 Only quiet contemplation can initiate Chan. 19 Thought cultivation eliminates false thinking. 21 Silencing the mind reveals our wisdom.
    [Show full text]
  • DHYANA VAHINI Stream of Meditation
    DHYANA VAHINI Stream of Meditation SATHYA SAI BABA Contents Dhyana Vahini 5 Publisher’s Note 6 PREFACE 7 Chapter I. The Power of Meditation 10 Binding actions and liberating actions 10 Taming the mind and the intelligence 11 One-pointedness and concentration 11 The value of chanting the divine name and meditation 12 The method of meditation 12 Chapter II. Chanting God’s Name and Meditation 14 Gauge meditation by its inner impact 14 The three paths of meditation 15 The need for bodily and mental training 15 Everyone has the right to spiritual success 16 Chapter III. The Goal of Meditation 18 Control the temper of the mind 18 Concentration and one-pointedness are the keys 18 Yearn for the right thing! 18 Reaching the goal through meditation 19 Gain inward vision 20 Chapter IV. Promote the Welfare of All Beings 21 Eschew the tenfold “sins” 21 Be unaffected by illusion 21 First, good qualities; later, the absence of qualities 21 The placid, calm, unruffled character wins out 22 Meditation is the basis of spiritual experience 23 Chapter V. Cultivate the Blissful Atmic Experience 24 The primary qualifications 24 Lead a dharmic life 24 The eight gates 25 Wish versus will 25 Take it step by step 25 No past or future 26 Clean and feed the mind 26 Chapter VI. Meditation Reveals the Eternal and the Non-Eternal 27 The Lord’s grace is needed to cross the sea 27 Why worry over short-lived attachments? 27 We are actors in the Lord’s play 29 Chapter VII.
    [Show full text]
  • Christian Meditation: Prayer Is Very Different from Eastern Meditation Practices
    Don't let the word "meditation" fool you. Mental Christian Meditation: prayer is very different from Eastern meditation practices. A Beginner's Guide to Non-Christian meditation practices aim at emptying the mind. Catholic Mental Prayer Christian meditation engages the mind in prayer. Source: http://www.beginningcatholic.com/how-to-pray.html Catholic meditation seeks use the faculties of the Christian meditation "engages thought, mind to know the Lord, understand his love for imagination, emotion, and desire" in prayer. us, and to move into deep union with him. Use of (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2708) the mind "is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our It is also known as mental prayer. heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ." (Catechism, 2708) This article is a detailed, "how to" guide to Christian meditation. You can develop a strong Put simply, our goal is to to answer the basic prayer life! human question: "Lord, what do you want me to do?" (Catechism, 2706) Christian meditation is Christian meditation must immerse us in the essential Trinity: we surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit, the master of prayer, so that he can unite us to Every Christian needs to practice mental prayer. Christ and perfect our prayer to the Father. Every day. "Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of Your faith cannot live without prayer, the "vital his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" and personal relationship with the living and true God." (Catechism, 2744 & 2558) (Gal 4:6) Recall the basic truths about prayer from this (If you want to know more about the differences between non- Christian and Christian meditation, the Vatican's Congregation for site's how to pray article: the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) wrote a paper on the topic.
    [Show full text]
  • Guided Meditation Music Meditation Relaxation Exercise Techniques
    Guided Meditation UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center For an introduction to mindfulness meditation that you can practice on your own, turn on your speakers and click on the "Play" button http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=22 Fragrant Heart - Heart Centred Meditation New audio meditations by Elisabeth Blaikie http://www.fragrantheart.com/cms/free-audio-meditations The CHOPRA CENTER Every one of these guided meditations, each with a unique theme. Meditations below range from five minutes to one hour. http://www.chopra.com/ccl/guided-meditations HEALTH ROOM 12 Of the best free guided meditation sites - Listening to just one free guided meditation track a day could take your health to the next level. http://herohealthroom.com/2014/12/08/free-guided-meditation-resources/ Music Meditation Relaxing Music for Stress Relief. Meditation Music for Yoga, Healing Music for Massage, Soothing Spa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqecsHPqX6Y 3 Hour Reiki Healing Music: Meditation Music, Calming Music, Soothing Music, Relaxing Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_XvqwnGDko RADIO SRI CHINMOY Over 5000 recordings of music performances, meditation exercises, spiritual poetry, stories and plays – free to listen to and download. http://www.radiosrichinmoy.org/ 8Tracks radio Free music streaming for any time, place, or mood. Tagged with chill, relax, and yoga http://8tracks.com/explore/meditation Relaxation Exercise Techniques 5 Relaxation Techniques to Relax Your Mind in Minutes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjh3pEnLIXQ Breathing & Relaxation Techniques https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDfw-KirgzQ .
    [Show full text]
  • Mystical Experiences, Neuroscience, and the Nature of Real…
    MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES, NEUROSCIENCE, AND THE NATURE OF REALITY Jonathan Scott Miller A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy May 2007 Committee: Marvin Belzer, Advisor Kenneth I. Pargament Graduate Faculty Representative Michael Bradie Sara Worley ii © 2007 Jonathan Miller All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Marvin Belzer, Advisor Research by neuroscientists has begun to clarify some of the types of brain activity associated with mystical experiences. Neuroscientists disagree about the implications of their research for mystics’ beliefs about the nature of reality, however. Persinger, Alper, and other scientific materialists believe that their research effectively disproves mystics’ interpretations of their experiences, while Newberg, Hood, and others believe that scientific models of mystical experiences leave room for God or some other transcendent reality. I argue that Persinger and Alper are correct in dismissing mystics’ interpretations of their experiences, but that they are incorrect in asserting mystical experiences are pathological or otherwise undesirable. iv To Betty, who knows from experience. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Special thanks are due to all the members of my committee, for their extreme patience, both when I was floundering about in search of a topic, and when my work had slowed to a trickle after an unexpected and prolonged illness. I feel especially fortunate at having been able to assemble a committee in which each of the members was truly indispensable. Thanks to Ken Pargament for his world-class expertise in the psychology of religion, to Mike Bradie and Sara Worley for their help with countless philosophical and stylistic issues, and to Marv Belzer, for inspiring the project in the first place, and for guiding me through the intellectual wilderness which I had recklessly entered! vi TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I.
    [Show full text]
  • A Brief History of Yoga Pre-Vedic Period
    A Brief History of Yoga Pre-Vedic period (before 3000bc, aprox)—archeologists discovered statues and paintings of figures representing what we see as Shiva, in various meditation and asana poses. Yoga is ageless-time eternal holds secrets we are tapping into with our breath, body and passion. Vedic Period (around 2000bc)—The development of Yoga begins here. The Aryans, a group of Indo-European travelers, settle in the heart of the Indus River Valley region mixing with the local inhabitants. Both groups share their culture and religion; beliefs in the power of Nature hold their imaginations and hearts and the beginnings of the practice of Yoga and Hinduism begin. (The term Hindu is actually taken from others’ accounts of the Indus River Valley people, calling them first Indus, later to be called Hindu, so Hinduism is actually the practices of the Vedas rather than a specific religion.) Even in the earliest hymns and prayers it is evident that the people believed in one Divine Being, and that “Truth is One.” The Sages, much like the prophets in the Middle East, heard divine teachings and illuminations directly from God on the Nature and Way of being. These are the Vedas, first heard in deep meditation and passed on to students (shruti text- -that which is heard.) The Vedas were the description of direct experience of God and the many ways to form a relationship through prayer, ritual, song, etc. Over time, these lessons were forgotten and students began writing them down as they were heard. From these sessions came the Vedanta, lit.
    [Show full text]
  • Mindfulness / Meditation Apps
    MINDFULNESS / MEDITATION APPS APP NAME LOGO COST AVAILABILITY DETAILS The Mindfulness App Free iPhone/Android 5 day guided meditation practice; meditation reminders; personalized meditation offers; timers; Health App integration capability Headspace 1st 10 exercises free; iPhone/Android Take 10-first 10 exercises to help you better optional packages for understand the practice; personalized progress page; fee reward system for continued practice; buddy system Calm Free iPhone/Android Guided meditations from 3-25 minutes long; Daily Calm-a 10 minute program to be practiced daily; 20 sleep stories; unguided meditations MINDBODY Free iPhone/Android Ability to book fitness classes; providers fitness trackers; access to discounts on fitness classes buddhify $4.99-iPhone iPhone/Android Access to over 11 hours of custom meditations; $2.99-Android exercises target specific aspects of life; exercises range from 5-30 minutes Insight Timer Free iPhone/Android Features over 4,500 guided meditations from over 1,000 meditation practitioners; features over 750 meditation music tracks Smiling Mind Free iPhone/Android Created for adults and children > 7 years old; sections for educators available for use in classroom settings Meditation Timer $0.99 iPhone Basic meditation exercises; ability to customize start/stop chimes and background noise Sattva Free iPhone Daily pre-loaded meditations, chants, timers, mood trackers; ability to monitor heart rate; reward system; explains why meditation is beneficial Stop, Breathe & Think Free iPhone/Android Over 55
    [Show full text]
  • Elements of Jewish Meditation
    ELEMENTS OF JEWISH MEDITATION Introduction Jewish meditation is an ancient tradition that elevates Jewish thought, inspires Jewish practice, and deepens Jewish prayer. In its initial stages, Jewish meditation is a way to become more focused and aware. It enables the meditator to free the mind of all judgments, fears, doubts, and limiting ideas so that the voice of the soul is heard. With practice, the experience can be transformational, opening us to experience the Divine Presence during prayer, helping us discover deeper meaning in our lives, and connecting us spiritually to Jewish tradition. Jewish meditation can ultimately lead us to understand the true essence of Y-H-V-H through the practice of deeds of loving kindness and joyful compassion. Through meditation we can become attentive to the Divine imprint on our lives. I hope that Jewish meditation will become your practice for the rest of your life. It takes time to develop and refine a meditation practice. In this process it is useful to have a spiritual partner with whom you can explore the wondrous moments and the difficult ones. It is also important to keep a journal, where you write your thoughts down after each meditation and share them with your spiritual partner. Over the years Jewish meditation can lead to great spiritual transformation. What is Jewish Meditation? Jewish meditation is based in Jewish mysticism, a tradition present throughout Jewish history with strong ties to traditional Judaism. Jewish mysticism seeks to answers basic questions of life, such as the nature of God, the meaning of creation, and the existence of good and evil.
    [Show full text]
  • Meditation in Shin Buddhism by Dr
    Meditation in Shin Buddhism by Dr. Alfred Bloom, Emeritus Professor, University of Hawaii We are all aware of the popularity of the practice of meditation in contemporary society irrespective of religious affiliation. Though meditation has a prominent position in Buddhist practice from its inception, the Shinran has generally rejected the practice as self-striving and contrary to trust and reliance on Amida’s Vow as the path to enlightenment. As a consequence, Shin Buddhism loses the chance to share its spiritual insight with many seekers in contemporary society who seek spiritual relief through meditation. We need to understand the basis for the Shinran’s view concerning meditation practice. When we consider the spiritual world in which Shinran (1173-1263) lived in early mediaeval Japanese society, we can understand better why this practice was set aside. Shinran himself practiced meditation as part of the Tendai monastic system for 20 years from the age of 9 years to 29. Tendai meditation had numerous stages of practice in which the ultimate was the 1000 day spiritual endurance practice, testing the physical and mental strength of the devotee. During this time Shinran despaired at ever realizing enlightenment and spiritual emancipation from the stream of births and death or transmigration through such difficult and strenuous monastic practices, including meditation. The problem was his strong passions and the self-righteousness that often results from determined religious practice. Such practice leads to comparison with others and self-justification. We should note, however, that Shinran did attain visionary experiences through meditation that led him to Honen. He eventually found release from his spiritual disillusionment under the Honen’s tutelage of Honen (1143-1212), the most famous Pure Land teacher of the time.
    [Show full text]
  • Meditation for Working with Difficulties (6:55)
    Meditation for Working with Difficulties (6:55) You can use this practice to work with difficult emotions or body sensations Find a posture that's comfortable to you And then check inside your body and try to locate a part of your body that feels good to you right now Pleasant, safe, at ease, Or at the very least, neutral You can check out your hands or feet or legs But let your attention go to this pleasant part of your body Hands or feet or wherever you've chosen And let your attention rest there Feel it Sense it Notice what those sensations are Let your mind relax a bit Feeling that part of the body And now if there's something difficult that's happening for you A difficult emotion, or a physical sensation that's hard Let your attention go to that So it may be an aching in your shoulder or back Or a headache Or it could be a sense of sadness Or anxiety Or anger Where do you feel that sensation in your body Where do you feel that emotion in your body Notice it Just notice it for one moment Tap into it Feel it Make sure to breathe And now return your attention back down to that area that feels at ease Your hands or feet or legs And just let yourself stay there for a moment Feeling it sensing it Relaxing. maintaining the mindfulness Yet giving yourself a break from what could be potentially overwhelming to feel And now once again return your attention to that part of the body that feels unpleasant The body ache or pain Or the emotion the sensations of the emotion in your body The vibrations in your chest Or the clenching in your belly
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Conscious and Non-Conscious Components of the Mind
    applied sciences Review Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Conscious and Non-Conscious Components of the Mind Anastasia Fabbro 1,5,*, Cristiano Crescentini 2, Alessio Matiz 3, Andrea Clarici 4 and Franco Fabbro 5 1 Department of Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy 2 Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; [email protected] 3 Perceptual Robotics (PERCRO) Laboratory, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56010 Pisa, Italy; [email protected] 4 Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; [email protected] 5 Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Academic Editor: Peter Walla Received: 31 January 2017; Accepted: 30 March 2017; Published: 1 April 2017 Abstract: The aim of the present review is to investigate previous studies concerning the effects of meditation and dispositional mindfulness on conscious and implicit or non-conscious attitudes. First we present a brief perspective on conscious and non-conscious states of mind. Then we introduce the fundamental bases of mindfulness meditation. Third we review studies on dispositional mindfulness and meditation that employed either direct or indirect measures to assess explicit and implicit attitudes. Finally, we briefly present how meditation has been associated with the psychotherapeutic practice of psychoanalysis and, hence, as a therapeutic technique to access the unconscious. Until now, few studies have investigated the impact of meditation on non-conscious states of mind and personality; nevertheless, both scientific studies involving implicit measures and reflections from psychotherapy have underlined the importance of meditation in promoting psychological well-being, leading to de-automatization of automatic patterns of responding and to higher levels of self-awareness.
    [Show full text]
  • Spirituality Within Reach: a Pathway Through Meditation Serena C
    Antioch University AURA - Antioch University Repository and Archive Student & Alumni Scholarship, including Dissertations & Theses Dissertations & Theses 9-2017 Spirituality Within Reach: A Pathway through Meditation Serena C. Cyr Antioch University Santa Barbara Follow this and additional works at: https://aura.antioch.edu/etds Part of the Psychology Commons Recommended Citation Cyr, Serena C., "Spirituality Within Reach: A Pathway through Meditation" (2017). Dissertations & Theses. 486. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/486 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Student & Alumni Scholarship, including Dissertations & Theses at AURA - Antioch University Repository and Archive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations & Theses by an authorized administrator of AURA - Antioch University Repository and Archive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. SPIRITUALITY WITHIN REACH: A PATHWAY THROUGH MEDITATION A dissertation presented to the faculty of ANTIOCH UNIVERSITY SANTA BARBARA in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY in CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY By SERENA CYR, M.A. September 2017 SPIRITUALITY WITHIN REACH: A PATHWAY THROUGH MEDITATION This dissertation, by Serena Cyr, M.A. has been approved by the committee members signed below who recommend that it be accepted by the faculty of Antioch University Santa Barbara in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY Dissertation Committee: Betsy Bates Freed, Psy.D. Chairperson Brett Kia-Keating, Ed.D. Second Faculty Cassandra Vieten, Ph.D. External Expert ii Copyright 2017 Serena Cyr All Rights Reserved iii Abstract Meditation is an ancient spiritual practice that has been demonstrated to be beneficial in reducing chronic pain, substance use, and eating disorders, as well as aiding in the treatment of sleep disorders, cancer, and psychological distress.
    [Show full text]