Basic Types of Meditation

Although the different meditation practices overlap and mutually support each other you could separate them into different categories.

Meditation techniques that take us beyond the activity of the mind
These meditations include silent mantra-based meditation or any meditation which uses one of the five senses to allow us to transcend the mind and become established in our deepest self, the place of calm stillness and pure silence.

Meditation techniques for healing and relaxation
These types of meditation include visualization, yoga nidra and other techniques designed to calm the body and reduce the activity of the mind, gently reminding us of our essential nature.

Meditation techniques which develop awareness
These are the types of meditation draw our attention to the witness within. This witness is the part of ourselves that is always watching and has never changed. When we practice these meditations we are reminded that suffering comes from identifying with the mind and the things we are not. The basic idea being “I am not my thoughts and feelings. I am that which experiences those thoughts and feelings.” These types of meditations include techniques where the meditation consists of observing until eventually you stop identifying with the mind/body and realize you are the witness.

Meditation techniques for purification
These meditations include kriya yoga techniques and are designed to break down subtle obstructions in our subconscious that result in blockages of energy in various parts of the body. Through specific breathing techniques, mudra (hand and body positions), visualization and sometimes movement you can cleanse those areas and release the blockages, thereby coming into greater balance. Kundalini yoga is a great resource for these types of meditations—as well as Spring Forrest Qigong active meditations.

Meditation techniques that link us to the Divine
These are meditation practices such as devotional chanting and prayers of gratitude and appreciation that are intended to align our will with the will of the Universe. My first experience with meditation was using the prayer of St Francis as a mantra, silently repeating it over and over again, sometimes becoming lost in feelings of devotion.

All meditation techniques help to reduce our identification with what is impermanent (our bodies, minds, experiences, roles, etc.) and help us to experience our deepest self which is eternal, silent, unchanging and a field of all possibilities.