Meditation methods are as varied as are people who practice them. These methods may vary in their intensity from total silence to group chanting; or vary in their flexibility from a rigidly sitting position to group swaying. There are several methods of meditation for several reasons, and it is a known fact that meditation is not a 'one size fits all'.
Four Very Basic Methods of Meditation:
1. Silent Meditation: This is a mantra-based meditation with the personal mantra repeated in silence. It may also be a breath-based meditation focusing on the breath as with a mantra. This method of meditation is primarily used by the seeker to get in touch with the 'witness' or unchangeable spirit within.
2. Guided Meditation: This is an audio guided type of meditation with the use of some type of audio guidance in a step by step guidance to meditate. The guide may be a real person or a pre-recorded audio leading the practitioner into the meditation session and also guiding him or her out of the session.
3. Sound Meditation: This method of meditation involves the use of meditative music or sounds in the background such as a waterfall, a trickling stream, birds singing, or falling rain. Sound meditation is especially beneficial to those people who just cannot stand the sound of silence; it makes them feel very uncomfortable.
4. Chanting Meditation: This method is mostly used by people who practice their meditation in a devotional manner or with chants of gratitude. In expressing their appreciation to a Power greater than themselves, their intent is to align their own will with the will of their God or the Universe.
Each and every one of the above meditations may be done on an individual basis or in group settings. The many benefits derived from any of these practices all depend on the sincerity of the practitioner and the effort put forth. As mentioned earlier, when it comes to meditation, there is no such thing as 'one size fits all'. Thankfully, there is variety.
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