As a specialist in the field of mindfulness and meditation, I have spent considerable time exploring and understanding the profound effects of this ancient practice. The real purpose of meditation is multifaceted and can be approached from various perspectives, but at its core, it is about cultivating a deeper awareness of oneself and the world around us.

**Step 1: Understanding the Purpose of Meditation**
Meditation is an ancient practice that has been a part of many cultures for thousands of years. It is a technique that involves focusing the mind to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. The real purpose of meditation can be broken down into several key objectives:


1. Enhancing Awareness: Meditation helps individuals to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This heightened awareness can lead to a greater understanding of one's mental patterns and emotional responses.


2. Promoting Emotional Health: By fostering a non-judgmental observation of one's inner experiences, meditation can help in managing stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also enhance emotional intelligence by promoting empathy and compassion.


3. Achieving Mental Clarity: Regular meditation can help to clear the mind of cluttered thoughts, allowing for better focus and concentration. This mental clarity can improve productivity and creativity.


4. Physical Health Benefits: There is a growing body of evidence that suggests meditation can have positive effects on physical health, including lowering blood pressure and improving immune system function.


5. Spiritual Growth: For many, meditation is a spiritual practice that can lead to a deeper connection with one's sense of self and the universe. It can be a path to self-realization and enlightenment.


6. Mindfulness Development: Meditation is closely linked with the practice of mindfulness, which involves being present in the moment without being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is happening.

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Self-Regulation: It can improve self-control and discipline, which are essential for personal growth and achieving long-term goals.

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Empirical Evidence: Modern neuroscience has shown that meditation can actually change the structure and function of the brain, particularly in areas related to attention, emotion regulation, and self-awareness.

Step 2: The Mind as an Obstacle
While the goals of meditation are clear, the path to achieving them is not without its challenges. The mind itself can be the biggest obstacle. It is prone to wandering, daydreaming, and getting caught up in a constant stream of thoughts. This is where the practice of meditation becomes crucial. Through consistent practice, one can learn to:

- Still the Mind: Develop the ability to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment.
- Manage Thoughts: Learn to observe thoughts without getting entangled in them, which can lead to a sense of freedom and peace.
- Develop Equanimity: Cultivate a state of mental stability and emotional balance, allowing for a calm response to life's ups and downs.

**Step 3: Experiencing the Essential Nature**
The ultimate goal, as you mentioned, is to go beyond the mind and experience our essential nature, which is often described as a state of peace, happiness, and bliss. This is not a state that can be forced or rushed; it is a natural outcome of consistent and dedicated meditation practice. It involves:

- Transcending the Ego: Moving beyond the limited sense of self to connect with a deeper, more universal consciousness.
- Experiencing Oneness: A sense of unity with all things, which can bring about a profound sense of interconnectedness and love for all beings.
- Realizing Inner Peace: Discovering a deep wellspring of calmness that is not dependent on external circumstances.

In conclusion, the real purpose of meditation is to enhance our well-being on multiple levels—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. It is a practice that can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life by helping us to understand ourselves and the world around us more deeply. The journey of meditation is a personal one, and the benefits can be profound for those who commit to it.

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The goal of meditation is to go beyond the mind and experience our essential nature--which is described as peace, happiness, and bliss. But as anyone who has tried to meditate knows, the mind itself is the biggest obstacle standing between ourselves and this awareness. ... The mind has a mind of its own.read more >>