Indeed, the knowledge of God's existence essentially arises from the consciousness that human knowledge is not yet complete, which is proof of human imperfection. Yet, there is also the simultaneous acknowledgement that the potential for perfection exists, which is the reason why human beings are constantly aspiring indefinitely for greater and better things (Descartes, p
Certain cultures such as those in South Asian countries like India and Tibet, are still promoting a perpetuating long-term meditation as the way to achieve the highest goal of human life or 'enlightenment'. Enlightenment is also used to describe a certain state of equilibrium attained by the higher states of functioning of the human psychophysiology (Alexander CN, Langer EJ
Concentration and contemplation are two distinct phases in the process of meditation. The characteristics and issues addressed in these phases are given below (Robbins, J, 2003): Calming the unconscious or automatic movements of the mind Increased focus and cognitive structuring Better understanding of one's personality and unconscious defenses Increased empathy and compassion refined awareness of physical senses, emotions and thoughts enhanced awareness of wakefulness, sleep and dream state deeper understanding of spiritual metaphysical and psychological paths experiences of oneness, perfection and other mystical states
Another unifying thread is their similar results in what a deeper and superior understanding of life is concerned. Added to this, since the limits between the two are difficult to trace the schools based on mediation techniques are often called mystical training schools (such as Zen, Hesychasm, Yoga, Sufi, Christian mysticism, Hindu mysticism, Jewish mysticism, and so on) (LeShan, Lawrence, 1974)
The union was expressed in metaphorical terms by mystics. For instance, John of the Cross describes the union as a spiritual betrothal, in which the soul is married to Christ (Gilley, G
Such meditation practice underlying a mystical approach, although based on similar or identical techniques as the ones described above, suggests a form of impersonal mysticism since God is not involved in the spiritual endeavor. (Davy, M
The progress of self to the unity with God has been defined over time by making use of suggestive metaphors. The transformations of lifestyle, soul and spirit as a result of this encounter have been termed in the following ways (Miller, I, 1985): 1
It produces physical relaxation and states of grace that enhance performance skills." (Alfaro 28) In Alfaro's article she interviews several dancers who espouse the benefits of mediation as regards their art
When we escape what is given, we cannot learn, we cannot grow. (Beck, 1989, p
Just noticing that the mind is running and affecting your stress levels and being able to stand back from it, distance yourself to get a better perspective can relive the stress and eventually promote a more non-judgmental attitude when dealing with problems. "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) developed by Kabat-Zinn and colleagues at the university of Massachusetts Stress Reduction Clinic is a generic program based on a psychoeducational rather than a clinical treatment model" (Broderick & Blewitt, 2006p
The meditator is also maintaining a relaxed and quite passive attitude and, "…becomes a silent witness to his/her thoughts, accepting whatever they may be with a nonjudgmental attitude." (La Torre 103) if that attention wanders the meditator brings it gently back to the focus
As a result, the body can heal more quickly. (Leviton, and Leviton) Other studies have shown that meditation also produces heightened coordination and other physical improvements to the movement of body and mind
However, today, due to overwhelming positive evidence, "two out of three HMOs provide some coverage for alternative therapies." (Paquette 7) Returning again to MBSR, which is one of the most well researched stress management programs which incorporates mediation, there are numerous examples of beneficial results
Meditations by Descartes Epistemology is "the study of knowledge and justified belief" (Steup, par
Thus, Descartes utilized a method of systematic doubt to weed out those beliefs of which he could not be entirely certain. This approach is called "The Method of Doubt," and Descartes likened it to "that of a man who takes all the apples out of a barrel one by one, inspects them, and then puts the sound ones back" (Bellotti 1)
, a science) (Palmquist 2). His idea was that the only way to overcome personal prejudices and preconceived notions would be to doubt everything one believes and start over by developing a method that would guarantee absolute certainty (Carroll 25)
In the "dream" world, people can fly, cartoons and TV characters can come to life and even stranger things can happen that simply do not occur in the "waking" world. In stark contrast, these things do not happen in the 'waking' world (LaBossiere 2)
The impasse was created by the lack of "any completely certain truth" that could serve as an indisputable starting point for constructing a genuine system of knowledge (i.e., a science) (Palmquist 2)
People do have this strong habit of relying n our past convictions. Even if they are occasionally misleading, they are [nevertheless] very probable (21 September, Wednesday: Meditation I 2)
"Cartesian skepticism" advocates the doubting of all things which cannot be justified through logic. The establishment of a secure foundation for the sciences is the end (Yates 1)