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The purpose of meditation, we are told by Patañjali and the successive Rāja Yoga practitioners, is to control the wanderings of the mind (citta vṛttis) and empty the mind of its thought content. In fact, “silencing” of one’s thoughts is an important sign of progress in meditation.

The purpose of meditation, we are told by Patañjali and the successive Rāja Yoga practitioners, is to control the wanderings of the mind (citta vṛttis) and empty the mind of its thought content. In fact, “silencing” of one’s thoughts is an important sign of progress in meditation.

Also, there are several hindrances to practicing meditation such as fatigue, doubt, delusion, and instability of the mind (Yoga Sūtras, I.30). Successful practice of meditation implies that these hindrances are overcome at least to some degree. Therefore, emotional well-being, reduced anxiety, and overcoming ego-involvement may be expected to correlate with progress in successful meditation.<ref name=":1" />

Also, there are several hindrances to practicing meditation such as fatigue, doubt, delusion, and instability of the mind (Yoga Sūtras, I.30). Successful practice of meditation implies that these hindrances are overcome at least to some degree. Therefore, emotional well-being, reduced anxiety, and overcoming ego-involvement may be expected to correlate with progress in successful meditation.

 

Meditation is believed to lead to enlightenment and self-transforming peak experiences.<ref name=":1" />

== References ==

== References ==