Meditation is a natural process of withdrawing attention from external conditions and directing it inward to a chosen focus of concentration.
The beneficial side-benefits of regular meditation practice have been widely reported in a variety of secular news magazines and newspapers. These can include
- stress reduction
- strengthening of the body’s immune system
- better organized thought processes
- improved powers of concentration
- enhanced powers of memory
- refinement and enlivening of the nervous system
- awakening of regenerative energies
- slowing of biologic aging processes
- development of the capacities of the brain to process perceptions and states of consciousness
- orderly functioning of the body’s organs, glands, and systems.
For these reasons, regular meditation practice is now increasingly recommended by many physicians and other health practitioners.
While the side-benefits can be welcomed and enjoyed, the primary purpose of meditation practice is to elicit clear states of consciousness and to facilitate progressive, authentic spiritual growth.