The fact that people in this thread are bitching at each other and calling each other names over how they approach meditation is sad. Over the last year I have practiced Transcendental Meditation, Samitha, Vipassina, and I am now working on Zazen. I practice for two hours each day. Once in the morning and once in the late afternoon.

From all of them the one thing I have taken away is an increase in empathy and compassion. By calming the mind and noticing the impermanence of thought and coming to the realization that the majority of people suffer from their thoughts which they have little control over, I was able to extend compassion and widen my capacity for empathy. So I don't understand the vitriol being tossed around by those professing to know what meditation "really is".

If someone is saying that they meditate and it's as good as drugs for them, then who am I to judge? If someone says that they meditate and it's not as good as drugs, who am I to judge? If someone says that they meditate and that it doesn't increase their capacity for empathy and compassion, again, who am I to judge?

There is a Zen saying... "Practice like a blind person in a dark room.” I encourage everyone to meditate on this informal Koan.