In various western cultures, numerous meditative practices have evolved to assist people to cope with life and boost their capabilities in various practices and teachings. In essence, any kind of meditation or meditative practice makes use of a defined method or technique which brings about a state of calmness or relaxation. Furthermore, meditation may incorporate some elements of a state of cognitive silence, and will typically make use of visualisation or mantras to help deliver enhanced focus or purpose. Meditation, or the expression meditative techniques, are found throughout many societies and customs. Meditation has been practised since time immemorial in many theological traditions and beliefs. As a result of the diverse natures of meditation, any explanation or characterisation of meditation needs to recognise the particularities of the many different traditions. Even within a given tradition, there can be broad variations in the technique of meditation itself. Most techniques of meditation do not exist as solitary practices, but are commonly part of a more extensive system of practices and precepts.
