Meditation is defined as a practice through which awareness changes, and the body separates from the soul, achieving liberation by entering a state of silence, calm, and relaxation for a period of time. Originally, meditation was practiced for religious purposes, to reflect on faith, life, and beliefs. However, over time it became independent of any particular religion or belief system, turning into a beneficial ritual to overcome life’s challenges, discipline the self, and refine it. Today, meditation is also considered a form of psychotherapy that treats various mental health conditions.
The history of meditation cannot be summarized in just a few lines, as its practice dates back to prehistoric times. It began as Hindu rituals involving chanting hymns to deities in hopes of gaining their compassion and mercy. Documented evidence of meditation dates back between 3500 and 5000 BCE, found in wall art depicting groups of people sitting together with half-closed eyes in meditative postures in the Indian subcontinent. The first written reference to meditation appears in the Vedas around 1500 BCE.
Buddha is regarded as one of the founders of meditation rituals, as meditation became a central Buddhist practice focusing on spiritual growth and attachment to the divine. Soon after, meditation spread to China, where it was preserved faithfully. During the 5th and 6th centuries BCE, Taoist forms of meditation emerged in China. In the 6th century CE, “Zhi Yi” established the first traditional Buddhist school in China, documenting its curricula, which included extensive writings on wisdom and meditation.
Meditation also developed significantly within Hindu teachings, passed down from generation to generation through scholarly councils. All Hindu texts describe meditation as the best means to eliminate ignorance, purify the mind, and attain clarity of knowledge.
Gradually, meditation gained popularity among different peoples, spreading to the West by 20 BCE when Philo of Alexandria wrote his book “Spiritual Exercises,” which highlighted meditation techniques and their ability to improve focus and attention.
In 653 CE, Japanese monk Dosho founded the first Zen meditation school in Japan, which gained wide acceptance, especially after being further developed by Dogen in 1227. By the 19th century, meditation schools spread across both East and West, reaching more than 1,000 schools by 1931 in English-speaking regions, with a focus on self-development, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting relaxation through diverse meditation methods.
Meditation does not conflict with any of the divine religions. In the Torah, the practice of meditation by Isaac is mentioned explicitly. In Christianity, Jesus (peace be upon him) meditated in the desert. In Islam, meditation evolved into a higher and deeper practice, ultimately forming part of Sufism in both Sunni and Shia traditions. In essence, meditation has a noble goal: to achieve spiritual and mental peace, self-contentment, and emotional stability. It clears the mind and provides the self with positive energy, like fuel that motivates a person to fulfill daily responsibilities with wisdom, calm, and balance. This aligns perfectly with the goals of all divine religions.
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