What is Meditation?

 Hello.

We are GAiN (Gratitude & Awareness inspiring Network), guiding you toward a better today.

For those who wish to cultivate a strong and steady mind, we will be sharing a “Mind Exercise Series” twice a week.

At GAiN, we focus on simple methods that can be easily practiced in daily life.

Our programs are developed with the purpose of making meditation a way of life.

▶ Definition of Meditation

There can be many different definitions of meditation depending on who explains it and how.

However, no matter how it is defined, there is a common element:

[ Calming the activities of the mind ]

Here, “activities of the mind” refer to preconceptions, biases, judgments, fixed ideas, and assumptions.

At GAiN (Gratitude & Awareness inspiring Network), we define meditation as follows:

“Meditation is the ultimate tool for

fully accepting through awareness,

embracing things as they are,

and being present in this very moment.”

                                                           KimTschang-Yeul Art Museum JeJu

▶ Types of Meditation

Meditation can be broadly categorized into Samatha and Vipassana.

Samatha emphasizes “calmness and concentration,” focusing the mind on a single point.

Its goal is mental peace.

For example, if there is a candle flame flickering in the wind, Samatha is like blocking the wind to make the flame still.

Vipassana emphasizes “insight and awareness,” observing things as they are.

Its goal is to understand the root of suffering and gain fundamental freedom and wisdom.

For example, it is like looking into clear water and seeing the pebbles at the bottom distinctly.

                                                                                          pixabay.com／＠webandi

▶ How Meditation Works

At GAiN, we combine the strengths of both Vipassana and Samatha to create the following structure:

All of our programs follow this framework:

Awareness → Acceptance → Choice → Focused Attention

※ Awareness (noticing) ≒ Metacognition

Awareness is the ability to observe from a step back.

It is both the fruit and the purpose of meditation.

In “mind exercise,” what we call strength refers to this capacity for awareness.

Going forward, we will share various meditation methods to help you recognize and strengthen this awareness.

Thank you.