Meditation is usually originating from Vedic Hinduism. It encompasses any of a wide variety of spiritual practices, which emphasize mental activity or serenity.
The word meditation comes from the Latin meditatio, which originally indicated every type of physical or intellectual exercise. Meditation is focusing the mind on a single object (such as a religious statue, or one's breath, or a mantra). Meditation is a means of relaxation from a busy life; as a technique for cultivating mental discipline; or as a means of gaining insight into the nature of reality, or of communing with one's God.
Buddhist meditation techniques are very popular and very effective in treatment of mental illness. Most forms of Buddhism distinguish between samatha and vipassana meditation, both of which are necessary for enlightenment.
Meditation has entered the mainstream of health care as a method of stress and pain reduction. Transcendental Meditation helps in reducing stress and bringing balance to life, improving health. Meditation is often used in hospitals in cases of chronic or terminal illness to reduce complications associated with increased stress including a depressed immune system.
