Meditation History

Meditation is an ancient practice that is believed to have originated in India several thousand years ago. Throughout early history, the practice was adopted by neighboring countries quickly and formed a part of many religions throughout the world.

Image Credit: Teo Tarras / Shutterstock.com

The terminology used today to “meditate” was not introduced until the 12th century AD, coming from the Latin word meditatum.

Ancient history

The earliest documented records that mentioned meditation involved Vedantism, which is a Hindu tradition in India, around 1500 BCE. However, historians believe that meditation was practiced before this time, as early as 3000 BCE.

Between 600-500 BCE, the development of other meditation forms was recorded in Taoist China and Buddhist India, although the exact origins of these practices, particularly Buddhist meditation, continue to be debated among historians. The formula to the salvation of morality, contemplative concentration, knowledge, and liberation were believed to involve meditation as a central component.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, outlining the eight limbs of yoga, was compiled between 400-100 BCE. During this same period, the Bhagavad Gita was written, which discusses the philosophy of yoga, meditation, and the practice of living a spiritual life.

The practice of meditation also spread to other cultures in the West via the Silk Road to influence religions such as Judaism. Later, in the 3rd century AD, Plotinus developed meditative techniques; however, they were not easily integrated into the Christian faith.

Early history

A Japanese monk, Dosho, discovered Zen on a visit to China in 653 and introduced the practice of meditation to Japan upon his return to the country, opening the first hall for meditation. The practice grew significantly in Japan from the 8th century AD onward, bringing the practice of meditation with it.

The term “meditate” originates from the Latin word meditatum, which means, “to ponder.” Monk Guigo II introduced this terminology for the first time in the 12th century AD.

History of Meditation

Middle Ages and modern history

Throughout the Middle Ages, the practice of meditation grew and developed into many religious traditions as a form of prayer, such as Jewish meditation.

In the 18th century, the ancient teachings of meditation began to become more popular among the population of Western cultures.

In 1927, the book “Tibetan Book of the Dead” was published, which attracted significant attention from Westerners and excited interest about the practice. This was followed by the Vipassana movement, or insight meditation, which began in Burma in the 1950s. “The Dharma Bums” was published in 1958, attracting more attention to meditation at this time.

In 1979, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program was founded in the United States, which used meditative techniques in the treatment plans for patients with chronic diseases.

Since this time, meditation has become increasingly more common, such that a survey in 2007 found that almost 1 in 10 Americans has meditated. It plays a central role in many religious traditions and rituals, in addition to helping individuals to manage stress and improve overall well-being.

References

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jan 18, 2023

Susan Chow

Written by

Susan Chow

Susan holds a Ph.D in cell and molecular biology from Dartmouth College in the United States and is also a certified editor in the life sciences (ELS). She worked in a diabetes research lab for many years before becoming a medical and scientific writer. Susan loves to write about all aspects of science and medicine but is particularly passionate about sharing advances in cancer therapies. Outside of work, Susan enjoys reading, spending time at the lake, and watching her sons play sports.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Chow, Susan. (2023, January 18). Meditation History. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 14, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Meditation-History.aspx.

  • MLA

    Chow, Susan. "Meditation History". News-Medical. 14 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Meditation-History.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Chow, Susan. "Meditation History". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Meditation-History.aspx. (accessed October 14, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Chow, Susan. 2023. Meditation History. News-Medical, viewed 14 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Meditation-History.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Mindfulness meditation curbs gaming addiction by altering brain responses