| Through the centuries, various techniques on | | | | that there are three classifications of thoughts, |
| meditation have been developed by its | | | | and they are volitions, affections and judgement. |
| practitioners. Some of them branch out from | | | | In this third meditation, Descartes also stresses |
| original religious meditative rituals, while some | | | | that God exists. In the fourth part of |
| adopt new philosophies as taught by their | | | | Descartes’ meditation, Descartes basically |
| founders. Here are some variations in the | | | | raises the following questions: If God, who is |
| techniques that are used by persons who practice | | | | perfect, is the source of everything that is on |
| meditation. | | | | earth, then why are there wrongdoings in this |
| Descartes Meditation | | | | world? In the fifth part, Descartes says that all his |
| This meditation describes the | | | | knowledge of the truth and everything else came |
| principles and philosophical thoughts by renowned | | | | from God. And the sixth part of this technique |
| philosopher and scholar Rene Descartes. | | | | concludes that these three things exist: God, self, |
| Descartes lived in 1596 to 1650, and is considered | | | | and other material things. According to him, |
| to be the father of western philosophy. His | | | | these are what reality is comprised of. |
| interests also lie in the field of science and | | | | Mindfulness Meditation |
| mathematics, with a number of notable | | | | Mindfulness meditation is like an |
| contributions to knowledge pool of the world. | | | | anti-self destruct form of meditation, most |
| Descartes meditation was written around 1647 as | | | | especially when one is faced to deal with life’s |
| an outline of the philosophies he taught. There are | | | | stressful situations. Negative emotions such as |
| six parts to this meditation, each analyzing various | | | | anger, disappointment, frustrations and stress are |
| aspects of the school of thought by Descartes. | | | | harmful to us and our health, that’s why this |
| At present, these meditations are available in | | | | meditation helps us in being healthy. Instead of |
| books and audio tapes, as well as podcasts. | | | | avoiding those stressful situations, mindfulness |
| In the first part of this technique, | | | | meditation allows us to face and accept them and |
| Descartes tries to reanalyze everything that he | | | | solve them by using a sound mind. |
| believed in ever since he was a child to establish | | | | Mindfulness meditation is done |
| truth in science. As a youngster, Descartes was | | | | without having to concentrate on one certain |
| already skeptical about the world around him. In | | | | thought or object. One simply allows his thoughts |
| the second part, Descartes’ theory with | | | | to parade through his mind, whether they are |
| regards to the real nature of the human mind is | | | | positive or not. As the thoughts pass through, the |
| expounded, and he introduces a theory called | | | | meditation practitioner does not allow himself to |
| representationalism, which, in simple terms | | | | react, judge, or analyze what the thoughts mean. |
| basically means “a person’s consciousness | | | | This practice should not be confused with |
| verifies his existence.” Descartes explains that | | | | concentration meditation, which requires the intent |
| the human mind is more easily understood than | | | | focus on a particular point in order to meditate |
| the body. | | | | clearly. |
| The third part of Descartes meditation states | | | | |