Meditation is self regulation of attention. It is mental aerobics. It is vacation for mind to offload the system. It is altered state of consciousness.It is doing nothing, just nonjudgmental choiceless observation of whatever happening in and around the meditator.See also (Page No. 15)(Page No. 40)

Yes, proved by extensive medical research. One can self experiment and prove.See also(Page No. 75, 76)

No. The different techniques have different purpose and outcome. See also(Page No. 108)

Meditation is classified mainly in two types:
1. Concentrative Meditation
2. Mindfulness Meditation See also(Page No. 5)(Page No. 16)(Page No. 18)(Page No. 44)

Mantra dhayan, Japa, Nama smiran, Jyoti dhayan, Trataka and Anapana sati (Breath Meditation) etc. are examples of concentrative meditation.

Vipassana (Insight) and Zazen are mindfulness types.See also(Page No. 18)

Concentrative meditation operates at and for mainly conscious mind & to some extent subconscious mind.
Mindfulness meditation operates at both the conscious and unconscious levels of mind. See also(Page No. 18,19)

Benefits of Concentrative meditation: Increased concentration, peace at superficial levels of mind, improved work productivity, decreased anxiety and fear and improvement in self confidence and courage. Despite all these benefits the actions may not be wholesome.

Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation: All the advantages of concentrative meditation plus the advantages of purification of mind resulting into positive qualities reflected in behavior.See also(Page No. 18,19)(Page No. 108)

No. Yoga is mainly for Physical Fitness whereas Meditation is for Mental Fitness
See also(Page No. 14)

The very purpose of meditation is self improvement and integrated upliftment. We all are spiritually deficient, meditation corrects these deficiencies and brings back the health, happiness and harmony in life. See also(Page No. 28)

Yes. They lose all the benefits of meditation. See also(Page No. 46)(Page No. 59,60,61)

The benefits of meditation are four fold-physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. See also(Page No. 46,47)

Purification of mind and relief from sufferings. See also(Page No. III)

Purified mind manifests in terms of LOVE, COMPASSION, SYMPATHATIC(appreciative) JOY and EQUANIMITY. See also(Page No. 95)

No. They are complimentary to each other

No. Medicine and meditation are supplementary to each other. One cannot be substituted for the other.

Meditation helps in prevention and treatment of health related problems. See also(Page No. 46,47)

Meditation is antidote to Stress. See also(Page No. 21)

Medical science has no remedy to increase virtues and decrease vices See also(Page No. 58)

Yes. The doctors and healers require to meditate more than ordinary person. They are victims of negative vibrations of the patients. To protect from these they require to meditate more. See also(Page No. 31)

It is the basic instinct of human being.

One who has balance of mind can be at peace and happy. See also(Page No. 95)

By practice of right meditation. See also(Page No. 123)

Meditation which teaches both concentration and mindfulness leading to purification of mind.

Breath Meditation (Anapana sati). http://www.vridhamma.org See also(Page No. 42)(Page No. 44)(Page No. 59)

Yes definitely. Outstanding benefits for these groups. See also(Page No. 63)(Page No. 66) (Page No. 70,71,72)(Page No. 78)(Page No. 88)

Yes. It is excellent tool for de-addiction. See also(Page No. 88)

Yes. The children of the meditating mothers are distinctly different-more calm, active but not hyperactive and more attentive and sharp. See also(Page No. 67)(Page No. 73)

No. There is no conversion. Any body can practice vipassana meditation without changing his caste, creed, religion, language, nationality etc. See also(Page No. 94)

Meditation. See also(Page No. 58)

No. Benefits depend upon sincerity and perseverance of the meditator.

Difference lies in the purpose and outcome depending upon the type of meditation.

Yes. Meditation is proven of transformation.

Yes. As essential as electricity, water, internet, phone and automobile. See also(Page No. 116)

It has become basic necessity of present day lifestyle. See also(Page No. 116)

Yes, before going for the course of meditation please consult psychiatrist.

True dharma/dhamma is law of nature equally applicable to everyone irrespticive of cast, creed, sect or sex. See also(Page No. 105)

There is clear cut difference between the religion and dharma/dhamma. What we know commonly e.g . Christian/Jain/Hindu/Muslim/Sikh dharma are infact the sects. Dharma or dhamma is common for entire humanity that is the true law of nature. See also(Page No. 105)

Hormones of happiness are neuro -chemicals secreted during meditation. They are endorphins, serotonin, DHEA, GABA, melatonin, dopamine.

Stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine. See also(Page No. 51)

Yes. There are 10 milestones of stress in life of a woman. See also(Page No. 26)

Excessive stress is hazardous to health. More than 90% of illnesses are because of stress. See also(Page No. 21)(Page No. 41)

Mind being non-physical cannot be seen in laboratory outside body. It is attached to each atom of the body. It is not only brain or heart, it is everywhere.

Mind is restless/flickering and reactive
it reacts by Craving if feels pleasant or by aversion if unplasent. See also(Page No. 10)

Yes , with rare exceptions who are not able to follow instructions and carry out accordingly. See also(Page No. 1)(Page No. 47)

Formation of new brain network is neuroplasticity. See also(Page No. 53)

At the foot end of all the pages of book. (At foot end of all Pages)

Wisdom is knowledge gained through self experience.

Yes, learning meditation require to spend time, but once meditation is learn you will save time.Time spent for meditation is golden investigation. See also(Page No. 117)

Yes. Lot of research . more than 3000 research papers are available. See also(Page No. 75)

Anapana meditation can be learnt without teacher while many others and Vipassana meditation initially are learnt with the help of teacher.

For mantra meditation – yes. For mindfulness meditation mantra is not required. See also(Page No. 18)(Page No. 44)

No. We have to observe whatever comes during meditation. See also(Page No. 62,63)

Thoughts are the product of mind. They may bother in initial phase. Just notice them and treat them as passing clouds. But don’t let your mind float with thoughts. With practice by ignoring them, they gradually weaken and disappear. attention should be brought back to breath or sensations whenever mind distracts. See also(Page No. 42)(Page No. 99,100)

No. Strict time table is mainly followed during learning phase in shibirs (courses).

No, it is matter of interest and practice. In fact in meditation we don’t have to do anything, we just observe whatever is happening.

Fee structure differ from tradition to tradition.
No fees for learning vipassana meditation. Only voluntary donations at the end of the course.

Different courses for different age groups are available:
www.dhamma.org
www.vri.org
www.children.dhamm.org

Meditation is process of inner transformation differ distinctly from above mind training methods. See also(Page No. 14,15,16)

Just around sunrise and sunset. However it be practiced as per the lifestyle and availability of time.

Initially with close eyes, with enough practice it can be with open eyes.

Preferably at the same place, same time which builds the conducive atmosphere that easily takes to the meditative state. Group meditation sittings are also preferred for constant encouragement and growth.

Yes. It is necessary to have regular practice of meditation.

From womb to tomb, should start prenatally,
Ideal is from 7 years onwards.

Meditation is a tool, a science and an art. All religions encourage and promote meditation.

With continuous practice of meditation mind becomes sharp, alert and attentive and gradually you will find transformation in your nature and behavior

Sleep is natural for beginners who are physically or mentally tired or sleep deprived. Having good sleep and when one is mentally and physically fresh problem of sleep during meditation gradually is overcome.

No, if practice of meditation is in right direction you will become more active and involve in much better way with awareness.

Yes. With meditation the quality of karma will improve. you will be abel to serve in much batter and Detached way. See also(Page No. 65)

No. In fact, it is opposite . See also(Page No. 21)

No. The very purpose of vipassana meditation is purification of mind meaning making mind nirvikari (free from impurities-defilments) not nirvichar (thoughtless).It will become thoughtless automatically with cleansing of the mind.

Because of the lack of awareness equally among lay people and medical fraternity.

Yes. But always remember that the purpose of meditation is spiritual upliftment. Relief in the physical ailment is the byproduct of the practice of meditation. See also(Page No. 113)

It depends upon the time and quality of meditation. Long lasting effects are seen in regular long term meditators. It does have structural and functional changes in brain.

For beginners music helps to lessen the distraction of mind, music is an adjuant to dynamic meditations. Music is not recommended for silent meditations like vipassana. Music itself is not meditation. Music keeps mind occupied and gives temporary peace and joy. Music doesn’t affect the contents of mind where as meditation does.