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The Mindful Marathon: Where Running Meets Meditation

   The Mindful Marathon: Where Running Meets Meditation The 2025 Los Angeles Marathon, set to celebrate its 40th anniversary on March 16, 2025, is shaping up to be a monumental event in the city's sporting calendar. The marathon's iconic 26.2-mile course will guide runners from the historic Dodger Stadium to the finish line in Century City, showcasing some of LA's most famous landmarks along the way. With over 25,000 participants expected, the event has already sold out, highlighting its enduring popularity. The marathon weekend kicks off on March 14 with a two-day Lifestyle Expo at Dodger Stadium, followed by the LA 5K and Kids' Running Events on March 15. The main event on Sunday will feature both the full marathon and a charity half marathon. The race day will begin early, with the wheelchair division starting at 6:30 AM, followed by the women's elite group at 6:40 AM. The men's elite and general participants will set off at 7:00 AM, with the charity half mar...

Essential Meditation Terms Guide for Beginners

  

Essential Meditation Terms Guide for Beginners


Introduction

This guide provides clear explanations of key terms that beginners often encounter in meditation practice. Each term includes its meaning, etymology, and practical application in meditation practice.


Core Meditation Terms

1. Mindfulness

  • Meaning: The practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis
  • Etymology: Derived from Pali word 'sati', meaning 'to remember' or 'to be mindful'
  • Practical Application: Bringing awareness to all actions and thoughts in daily life

2. Jhāna

  • Meaning: State of deep meditation characterized by profound concentration and tranquility
  • Etymology: From Sanskrit 'dhyāna', meaning 'to think deeply'
  • Practical Application: Experiencing peace and insight in deep meditation states

3. Mantra

  • Meaning: A word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation
  • Etymology: Sanskrit combination of 'man' (to think) and 'tra' (tool)
  • Practical Application: Sound meditation for mental stability and focus

4. Samādhi

  • Meaning: A state of intense concentration achieved through meditation
  • Etymology: Sanskrit combination of 'sam' (together) and 'ādhi' (mind)
  • Practical Application: Reaching a state of complete mental stillness

5. Zazen

  • Meaning: Seated meditation practice central to Zen Buddhism
  • Etymology: Japanese terms 'za' (sitting) and 'zen' (meditation)
  • Practical Application: Basic meditation practice focusing on breath while sitting

6. Vipassanā

  • Meaning: Insight meditation that seeks to see the true nature of reality
  • Etymology: Pali combination of 'vi' (special) and 'passanā' (seeing)
  • Practical Application: Observing changes in body and mind for insight

7. Chakra

  • Meaning: Energy centers in the body according to yoga and meditation traditions
  • Etymology: Sanskrit 'cakra', meaning 'wheel' or 'circle'
  • Practical Application: Recognizing and balancing energy flows in meditation

8. Dharma

  • Meaning: The fundamental principles of cosmic order and teachings
  • Etymology: Sanskrit 'dhṛ', meaning 'to hold' or 'maintain'
  • Practical Application: Practicing Buddha's teachings in daily life

9. Prāṇa

  • Meaning: Life force energy that flows through all living beings
  • Etymology: Sanskrit combination of 'prā' (forth) and 'ana' (breath)
  • Practical Application: Controlling and expanding life energy through breath

10. Mettā

  • Meaning: Loving-kindness and unconditional love for all beings
  • Etymology: Pali word meaning 'friendship' or 'kindness'
  • Practical Application: Meditation practice focusing on compassion for self and others


Advice for Beginners

  • Understanding these terms comes gradually with practice
  • Actual practice is more important than theoretical knowledge
  • Regular meditation naturally leads to deeper understanding
  • Start with basic terms and expand your knowledge gradually


Common Questions

  • Do I need to know all these terms to start meditation? No, start with basic practice
  • How important is pronunciation? Focus on understanding rather than perfect pronunciation
  • Can I mix different practices? Start with one approach and expand gradually



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