Asian Traditions of Meditation
October 31, 2016
Halvor Eifring
Meditation is defined as an attention-based technique for inner transformation, providing a common reference for cross-cultural study. The essay discusses how meditative attention varies in focus and mode across cultures, attitudes toward its technical nature, and the relationship between short-term state changes and long-term trait changes in inner transformation. It distinguishes meditation from non-technical, state-oriented, or mechanical practices like automated mantra repetition, and explores fuzzy boundaries with prayer, mysticism, ritual, shamanism, medicine, martial arts, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.
Asian Traditions of Meditation
October 31, 2016
Halvor Eifring
Meditation practices can be divided into two types: directive meditation, which uses outside-in processes to bring about inner change, and non-directive meditation, which relies on inside-out processes. They differ in meditation object (thematic vs. technical), mental attitude (concentrative vs. non-concentrative), and context (suggestive vs. non-suggestive). Most practices combine both elements but vary in emphasis. The essay argues that the common contrast between concentrative and insight meditation is problematic for non-Buddhist forms. Social constructivism in cultural history has favored directive explanations, overlooking the importance of non-directive processes.