Unraveling the Psychological Benefits of Meditation and Associated Positive Practices: A Thematic Analysis of Semi-Structured Interviews of Meditation Trainers and Advanced Meditation Practitioners from 11 Different Meditation Practices in India
摘要
The present study elucidates different meditation practices, their similarities, and differences across various meditation practices regarding the technique, associated positive practices, and outcomes. The study examined the different meditation practices to delineate the similarities and differences between the various meditation practices along with their various psychological benefits. The study included 25 participants (Men = 12; Women = 13; Mean Age = 47.4 years; SD = 8.79), categorized under advanced meditation practitioners with 5 years and above meditation practice (N = 13) and instructors (N = 12), from 11 different meditation practices, and interviewed from meditation centers across Delhi. By using reflexive thematic analysis, techniques, associated positive practices, and benefits associated with different meditation practices were analyzed. The results from the study led to the development of a “3P Model” highlighting the three most important aspects of meditation practices: precursors to, process of, and profits incurred from practicing meditation. The practices overlap in achieving inner peace, harmony, and happiness. There are more similarities than differences in these practices as they have one common goal of making the practitioner calm and feel content in life. The different meditation techniques and practices have similar psychological and physical benefits. The study adopted a unique approach in which the primary researcher was a participant observer and interviewer. The data were analyzed with caution, considering the viewpoint of reflexivity. Several positive spiritual practices, such as satsang (spiritual knowledge sessions and discussions), seva (service), spiritual singing, chakras cleaning, yogic transmission, and so on differed across various meditation practices. They contributed to unique psychological benefits for the practitioners. The study helped gain insight that there are more similarities than differences between meditation and positive spiritual practices and that it should be made part of everyday lifestyle given its multiple benefits. The study showed that participants across meditation techniques have stressors and certain life events that lead them to join the practice. The study highlighted the similarities and differences in a few overlapping yet unique techniques followed in the different practices and documented the various benefits of these different meditation techniques.