Meditation or contemplation has existed since antiquity, and it’s practice is encouraged by many religious and spiritual traditions.

For the serious aspirant on the spiritual journey, meditation is probably the most important discipline to practice. It is something we never master for there is always more to learn, but practice is key to spiritual development.

Meditation can take many forms, from the zen-type simplicity of the stilling of the mind, to the intense focus of visualisation and pathworking. Different types may be useful at different stages in your journey. After a few years exploration of various forms of meditation you may find yourself developing a mixture of types and forms.

The hardest part of meditation is making the decision to begin, and then sticking to a daily practice, even if you can only manage five minutes at first. Once you have begun the practice, there is a world of inner discovery for you to explore. Not all of it will be easy or comfortable, which is why the accompaniment of a spiritual guide is highly advised.