Everyone has heard about meditation and its manifold benefits. Various researches conducted worldwide have proved that nothing else benefits the soul and the body like meditation does.

For a beginner the prospect of meditation becomes a bit daunting because of the religious connotations that are associated with this art. However, if you wish to boost your mental and physical processes alike- meditation is the thing for you.

Here is a list of methods of meditation that you can use as a novice to get started.

1. Zen Buddhist Meditation Technique or Zazen- This one is associated with religious practices quite often. Yet, this is indeed one of the best techniques that have been propounded by Lord Buddha. Zazen forms the core of all Zen Buddhist rituals- and it involves focusing on breathing and is requires you to sit upright and remain silent.

Instructions- If you are a beginner start by sitting straight and count until ten, and after every number exhale. After counting your inhalations and exhalations start from one again. If you become unfocused during the count, slowly draw your attention towards your breathing and start counting again. Once you get more skillful with this process, you could stop counting and concentrate on your breath only. This transition could take you years because it is quite difficult to enter this version of the meditation. The Zen meditation technique will uplift your heart and soul- and elevate your level of awareness and responsiveness.

2. Mantra Meditation Method- This popularly held form is the heart of the Hindu faith and is very effective. Its name explains its use. First choose a mantra, a sacred utterance, that can be repeated in your mind or with your lips. This sacred utterance assists you in focusing your chi or energy and allows you to be more able to help your concentrative abilities to grow.

A favored mantra is So Hum Mantra Meditation. When inhaling, mentally say 'Sooo', then mentally say "Hummm" while you are exhaling. 'So Hum' interprets as 'I am That' meaning that you are unified with the divine. In this manner you are able to expand the emotions at your heart allowing you to open up your love, unreserved.

3. The Chakra Meditation Method- First off you need to understand what a Chakra is. Chakras are whirlpools of energy that you need to balance to be benefited by the Chakra Meditation Method. There are great gains to be had from this form of meditation and its many variants. When you gain a balance in your energies you can unlock and have stability in the flow of your charka and make great gains both emotionally and physically. Here is how you do it-

a. Place your energies over your body and center your thoughts on them. Little by little your awareness will be filled with it and the energy inside will be released.

b. Each Chakra is directly related to what is called the 'Beej mantra' (the seed sound). One you repeat the Chakra over and over again, the particular center that is being targeted will open up and become balanced. You should proceed with caution because these centers should not be opened with haste or hurry.

To discover the benefits for yourself try one of meditation try one of the above mentioned methods of meditation for yourself.