Benefits of Meditation
Benefits of Meditation for Individuals and for Society as a Whole
Robert Elias Najemy
How is Meditation Used Today?
People from all walks of life, in all the countries of the world
belonging to all the possible religions, meditate for a wide
variety of reasons. The same technique offers something
different to each according to his needs and motives. Some of
the motives for which people meditate today are:
1. To relax the body, mind and rejuvenate one?s flow of energy
in order to more effectively face the responsibilities of one?s
demanding and active life.
2. To heal illnesses (especially psychosomatic ones).
3. To overcome emotional problems.
4. To develop a more relaxed and positive view towards life.
5. To develop a peaceful and more clearly functioning mind.
6. For greater ability to penetrate into the core of problems
and find inspirational solutions. This has been found especially
useful by scientists and businessmen.
7. To tune into a creative inspirations for artistic expression.
8. For freeing oneself from addictions such as cigarettes,
alcohol, narcotics and tranquilizers.
9. To purify one?s character.
10. To develop will-power.
11. As a method of self-observation and self-discovery.
12. To develop the latent powers of the mind.
13. To create a relationship with God.
14. To develop an inner relationship with the Divine.
15. For spiritual growth, self-knowledge or enlightenment.
16. To transcend the identification with the body and mind, and
experience spiritual realities.
17. For the ecstasy of union with the Universal Spirit, which is
the essential reality of the universe.
Scientific Research on the Effects of Meditation on the Body and
Personality
Numerous scientific experiments on people who meditate and
similar control groups who do not meditate, have given
repeatable results concerning the effects of meditation on a
person?s body and personality.
Most of the following studies have been made on persons
practicing Transcendental Meditation. (However, my personal
opinion after 34 years of practicing various forms including
T.M., is that most forms of meditation will give the same
results)
1. DEEP PHYSIOLOGICAL REST is shown by a distinct drop in the
metabolism rate, as measured by the oxygen consumption by an
individual in meditation, waking activity, sleep and hypnosis.
2. Another indication of the deep rest is that the number of
breaths needed to be taken each minute during meditation drops
significantly.
3. Good news for those with heart problems is that meditation is
also extremely restful and rejuvenating for the heart.
4. Another indication of the deep rest produced by meditation is
the significant drop in the blood lactate level. The lower the
lactate level the more rested and rejuvenated is the muscle
tissue.
5. Tests show meditation?s deep calming effect through the
decrease in skin conductivity.
6. Brain wave measurements during meditation show a higher
incidence of alpha waves indicating a restful alertness. There
is a sense of peace and yet a wakeful awareness in one?s
environment.
7. Another scientific study showed that meditation induces
greater communication and interaction between the two
hemispheres of the brain.
8. Perhaps the best documented and well known effects of
meditation concern its ability to reduce blood pressure in those
with high blood pressure. LONG TERM PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES
9. In the long run both the heart rate and breathing rate
develop a slower pace as the body experiences less
mental-emotional stress and learns to waste less energy. The
body becomes more relaxed and more efficient.
10. Persons who meditate experience much more stable health.
They have less illnesses in general in their lives.
LONG TERM PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES
11. Studies have also shown that those who meditate regularly
react more quickly and more effectively to a stressful event.
12. Meditation also increases one?s perceptual ability and motor
performance.
13. Studies on high school students showed that those who
meditated had a higher