TrungEdm — April 20, 2008 — www.encognitive.com Meditation originated from Vedic Hinduism which is the oldest religion that professes meditation as a spiritual and religious practice. Evidence of the origins of meditation extends back to a time before recorded history. Archaeologists tell us the practice may have existed among the first Indian civilisations. Indian scriptures dating back 5000 years describe meditation techniques. From its ancient beginnings and over thousands of years, meditation has developed into a structured practice used today by millions of people worldwide of differing nationalities and religious beliefs.[9] Yoga (Devanagari योग) is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy, focusing on meditation. In India, Yoga is seen as a means to both physiological and spiritual mastery. There are several types of meditation in Hinduism. Amongst these types are: * Vedanta, a form of Jnana Yoga. * Raja Yoga as outlined by Patanjali, which describes eight “limbs” of spiritual practices, half of which might be classified as meditation. Underlying them is the assumption that a yogi should still the fluctuations of his or her mind: Yoga cittavrrti nirodha. * Surat shabd yoga, or “sound and light meditation” * Japa Yoga, in which a mantra is repeated aloud or silently * Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love and devotion, in which the seeker is focused on an object of devotion, eg Krishna * Hatha Yoga, in which postures and meditations are aimed at raising the spiritual …