What Is The Difference Between Meditation And Yoga? Let’s Find Out

Meditation and yoga have been a part of the human discipline for over 5000 years. Both yoga and meditation practices have been originated in northern India. But ah, an age-old question prevails: yoga or meditation? 

Both yoga and meditation are mentioned in old textbooks like Rig Veda and are lauded for their ability to bring calm and clarity into our lives, and often get lumped together under the umbrella of "wellness." It is estimated that today, more than 500 million people worldwide are engaged in the physical practice of yoga and meditation. 

But are they truly the same? Not quite! Like cousins at a family reunion, they share a lineage and offer similar benefits, but they have distinct personalities and preferences. Let’s learn more about the difference between meditation and yoga, their benefits and types. Read on!

Table Of Contents

1. Difference Between Meditation And Yoga

2. Yoga And Meditation Benefits

3. Full Moon Meditation Benefits

4. Types Of Meditation

5. Sleep Meditation

Difference Between Meditation And Yoga

Yoga and meditation share some similarities in that they both aim to enhance a person's mental and spiritual well-being. However, meditation is just one aspect of yoga, and there are other crucial elements to the practice as well. While meditation is an essential limb of yoga, other components are equally important. Here, you will learn about the major difference between meditation and yoga:

Also Read: Yoga For Stress And Anxiety Relief

Yoga And Meditation Benefits

Apart from the difference between meditation and yoga, here are some of the important benefits of practising yoga and meditation that you must look into:

Full Moon Meditation Benefits

There is an energy that comes with the full moon that enhances your feelings but also empowers and supports them. It also helps in detoxifying your body and mind from negative thoughts.  Here are some of the full moon meditation benefits that you should know:

• Promotes a calm mind

• Improves sleeping pattern

• Improves digestion

• Lower blood pressure

• Supports personal growth and boosts self-confidence

• Reduces symptoms of depression

• Improves concentration

• Supports spiritual growth

  
  

Also Read: Yoga Nidra: Relaxation Technique For Stress & Anxiety

Types Of Meditation

Here are majorly 7 types of meditation that are mentioned here. Read and try to follow one of these for a balanced life:

1. Mindfulness Meditation

It is a practice of being completely present and conscious of our surroundings. It can be performed anywhere, anytime. While some people prefer to sit peacefully, close their eyes, and concentrate on breathing, mindfulness can be practised while commuting to work or doing household chores.

Also Read: Improve Your Health And Well-being With Mindfulness

2. Transcendental Meditation

You choose a mantra, say a word, a phrase, or a sound and repeat it for 20 minutes twice daily. It is best to do this seated, with your eyes closed.

3. Guided Meditation

This meditation is done with the help of a guide or teacher who leads you through the process. This encourages you to use all your senses, such as smell, sound, and textures, to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere in your space, according to the mind.

4. Vipassana Meditation (Sayagyi U Ba Khin Tradition)

Vipassana meditation is done to build powerful self-confidence through self-observation. This type of meditation is done by focusing your attention on physical sensations in the body, establishing a deep connection between mind and body.

5. Loving Kindness Meditation (Metta Meditation)

This meditation involves directing well-wishes towards others by reciting specific phrases to evoke warm-hearted feelings. This practice is commonly found in mindfulness and vipassana meditation.

6. Chakra Meditation

Chakra meditation involves relaxation techniques that aim to balance and improve the well-being of the chakras. These techniques include visualising each chakra in the body and its corresponding colour.

7. Yoga Meditation

This type of meditation involves a series of postures and breathing exercises to promote flexibility and calm the mind from stress and anxiety.

The Final Say

Now you know that what is the difference between meditation and yoga in a broad way. But you must also know that you and meditation if performed correctly and consistently, benefit your body and mind in numerous ways. 

Practising yoga and meditation makes you ask for no medicine in a world where everyday people take 3-4 medicines to live a day longer!

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of 20-minute meditation?

A 20-minute meditation can help you in the following ways:

• Reduces Stress

• Stress Management

• Boosts your Mood

• Retrain your brain

• Good for your Heart

• Lowers Blood Pressure

• Break Bad Habits

• Improves Relationships

  
  

2. How does 7 chakra meditation benefit the body?

Chakra meditation is a practice that aims to unblock the energy centres within the body, which in turn can improve overall physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

3. How do you meditate in the right way?

The right way to do meditation is with your eyes closed and breathe in while saying "breathe in" in your head as you do.

4. What is yoga nidra meditation?

Yoga Nidra is a simplified form of an ancient Tantric relaxation technique. The practice combines guided mental imagery with a specific yoga posture called Shavasana or "corpse pose".

5. How does sleep meditation help?

Sleep meditation helps the body and mind by bringing about overall relaxation that helps prepare the body for sleep.

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