Hinduism has long embraced meditation as a core spiritual practice, integral to achieving self-realization and union with the divine. Rooted in ancient scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita, meditation (dhyana) is considered a path to inner peace, wisdom, and liberation (moksha). Through meditation, practitioners aim to still the mind, transcend worldly distractions, and connect with their higher self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). It is often practiced alongside yoga, chanting (japa), and breath control (pranayama) to deepen concentration and spiritual awareness.
Different Hindu traditions emphasize various meditation techniques. Some focus on mantra meditation, where repeating sacred sounds (such as “Om” or specific deity names) helps align the mind with divine vibrations. Others practice visualization, concentrating on deities or symbols to invoke their divine qualities. Raja Yoga, described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, outlines an eightfold path that includes meditation as a means to attain samadhi, or spiritual enlightenment. Regardless of the approach, meditation in Hinduism serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery, devotion, and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).