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Mindfulness vs Vedic Meditation
Mindfulness is the practice most people meet first, and the one many quietly give up on because it takes effort. Here is what mindfulness actually is, how it is practised, and how it differs from the effortless Vedic technique Sam teaches.
What is Mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness is a state of conscious, non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. It also describes a family of techniques, mostly drawn from Buddhist traditions, designed to cultivate that awareness.
The common thread is paying deliberate attention to what is happening right now, your breath, your body, your surroundings, without getting caught up in it.
How Mindfulness meditation is practised
- Mindful breathing, resting attention on the sensations of the breath
- Body scan, moving attention slowly through the body without judgment
- Mindful observation, fully attending to an object or your surroundings
- Mindful walking and eating, bringing awareness to everyday actions
- Seated mindfulness meditation, formal practice in a quiet space
Mindfulness vs Vedic meditation
The benefits of learning Vedic meditation
- Stress reduction
- Mental clarity and focus
- Increased creativity
- Greater wellbeing and happiness
- Improved physical health
- Emotional resilience
The science
Vedic meditation is the same mantra technique studied as Transcendental Meditation, so it is among the most researched meditation practices.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found meditation programmes produce small to moderate reductions in anxiety, depression and stress.
Goyal et al., JAMA Internal Medicine, 2014 ↗A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found Transcendental Meditation significantly reduces trait anxiety, with the largest effects in people with high anxiety.
Orme-Johnson & Barnes, Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 2014 ↗
Common questions
Is mindfulness or Vedic meditation better?
Neither is universally better; they suit different people. Many who find mindfulness effortful prefer Vedic meditation, because it requires no concentration. Mindfulness actually tends to arise naturally as an outcome of Vedic practice, rather than something you have to work at.
Does Vedic meditation require effort like mindfulness?
No, and that is the key difference. You never concentrate or hold your attention in place. You favour the mantra gently and the mind settles by itself, which is why busy minds find it so much easier.
Can I do both?
Yes. They are compatible. Many Vedic meditators find they become more naturally mindful in daily life without trying.
Try the effortless approach.
The simplest way to feel the difference is to begin. Start free with the 14-day Reset, or learn the full technique with Sam.