"Meditation is merely hypnosis without suggestion.." -is what most hypno-therapists will tell you.

And whilst this in some (very few) instances may well be true, it is unfortunate that this view is promulgated, as this only describes a very limited aspect of meditation, and does not consider the phenomenal number of forms of meditation that are in fact out there. It also does not consider the true nature of most forms of meditation.

To illustrate this I would suggest that one consider the incredible number of guided meditations that are offered, sold, and promoted by various profit and not-for-profit organizations. Of course to fully understand the impact of this one has to consider the makeup of most of these guided meditations, which include a few primary elements :

1. Usually designed to create an alternate state of consciousness.
2. Usually designed with a specific life / meditative objective in mind.
3. These objectives are even sometimes pursued in some form of metaphor, visualized or otherwise.
4. Can be administered by oneself, or by another, or in a group context, with great success.

When this is reviewed, it is clear that there is almost always an objective which is pursued in guided meditations. One then also has to acknowledge that no objectives can be reached without some form of suggestion to prod the practitioner in the right direction. Of course there are various other forms of meditation in which suggestion, in itself, plays a lesser role. It should be remembered though, that meditation without objective is usually fairly pointless, and as such most forms of meditation is practiced with some objective in mind. And not surprising is also then the fairly obvious deduction that there has to be some suggestion, even in these.

A further example of this would be a simple application of meditation for the purpose of relaxation. (a fairly common practice). In this instance there remains an objective. "Relaxation". And whilst suggestion is not usually passed during the meditation, they are usually pre meditative suggestions, which are then acted out during the meditation, and usually with desired results.

So to reduce in definition meditation to a pointless exercise, would be less than fair. This of course brings to mind another point of consideration.

Is there really a difference between hypnosis and meditation?… After all they do seem to have similar primary properties. And if so, wherein lies the distinction, if there is one ?…

Whilst the answers to these questions remain somewhat more complex, it should be considered that whilst this may not be recognized at this stage, meditation is clearly a less formalized form of hypnosis, and in fact qualifies as hypnosis in most analogies. Especially when the properties of an average meditation is considered.

In fact when this analogy is considered further, it comes to mind that meditation sets out to do in principle the same as hypnosis. It also focuses on creating mental states within which it is possible to manipulate the mind towards achieving objectives that have been set. One thing to remember though is that this is usually practiced in a far less formal environment, and more so in a solo situation, essentially resembling self hypnosis. Of course there are group environments wherein meditation is practiced, and usually in guided form. These however still maintain similar properties and as such can be as effective as most forms of hypnosis practiced.

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