History of Meditation

Most people have heard of meditation in one form or another, whether it is as an alternative therapy or as part of a spiritual practice. What many people don't know, however, is the history of meditation and how it has becomse such a popular practice in modern times.

Many researchers believe that the origins of meditation have their roots as far back as prehistoric times. They suggest that early humans were able to heavily focus their attention, which may have even contributed to human evolution. There are also written references of meditation that date back as far as 500 BC, with Chinese and Indian Buddhists believed to have developed the practice between 500 and 600 BC.

From there, the history of meditation moves west where it was developed further by Philo of Alexandria and Plotinus of Greece in the 3rd century. It also became a fascination of the English along with the Indian culture, thus spreading the practice throughout the west.

However, in order to really discuss the history of meditation, it is necessary to take into account the religious context in which modern types of meditation were developed. Meditation is a major aspect of practices in Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Jainism, but it is also found in almost all major religions including Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

As a form of alternative therapy, meditation is commonly practiced along with techniques like yoga and tai chi, lending its beneficial mental health properties to exercises that also benefit the body, providing modern-day practitioners with a peaceful and effective choice for their health.