ABSTRACT
Most methods of meditation have religious origins. In particular, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sufi sm have long traditions of disciplined meditation, but comparable methods of silent contemplation are found within the mystical traditions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam (Ornstein, 1986, West, 1987). Within these traditions people meditate for widely different reasons. Some want to gain merit, get to heaven, or ensure a favourable reincarnation, while others work for insight, awakening or enlightenment.
