Centering on Prayer and Meditation II

Dr. Herbert Benson - a cardiologist, Harvard Medical School graduate, and one of the pioneers in the scientific study of what happened during meditation and it's physiological effects. There are 4 essential factors to bring about the relaxation response or meditative state namely:

1. a quiet environment
2. a mental device
3. a passive attitude
4. a comfortable position

A quite environment is needed at the beginning of the practice of meditation in order to remove distractions.Later when you are an experienced mediator already, a noisy environment will not matter anymore.

A mental device is any sound or object a person focuses on so that his mind will not wander about with eyes closed, he can concentrate on the word "one" or any other neutral word. If eyes are open, he can focus on a black spot over a white background or on the tip of his nose. Any tool to maintain mental focus.