Introduction

What is Scientific Meditation?
Scientific Meditation consists of two types of exercises:
1. Perceptive - Preksha Meditation
2. Contemplative - Therapeutic Thinking

Perceptive: Preksha Meditation
The word 'Preksha' means 'to perceive carefully and profoundly'. Preksha Meditation is the system of meditation engaging one's mind fully in the perception of subtle internal and innate phenomena of consciousness. The technique begins with the perception of one's breath, followed by the body, and the psychic centers. This process not only stops the ever restless mind from wandering, but also relaxes the body and prepares it for the subsequent step of  concentration of thought or contemplation, where the conscious mind is encouraged to concentrate on a particular thought.

Regular practice of Preksha Meditation enhances one's physical, nervous and spiritual energies.  

On the physical level, it helps each body cell revitalize itself; facilitates digestion; increases respiration efficiency; improves circulation and quality of blood; and even helps cure ailments and illnesses. 

On the mental level, it trains the mind to concentrate; cleans and relaxes the mind; helps one realize and experience the inner consciousness which includes the subconscious and the unconscious. 

On the emotional level, the strengthening of conscious reasoning controls reactions to environmental conditions, situations and behaviour of others; harmonization of the function of nervous and endocrine systems results in control and eradication of psychological distortions. 

On the aural (spiritual) level, the firm control of the reasoning mind, regulation and transformation of the blood chemistry through proper synthesis of neuro-endocrinal secretions, and production of dispassionate internal vibrations empower one to control the mind and become free from the effects of external forces that compel one to lose equanimity. 

Contemplative: Therapeutic Thinking 
The practice of concentration of thought or contemplation is two-fold: 

1. Intuitive Contemplation: This involves contemplation and reflection of eternal truths such as transitoriness of all worldly associations, solitariness of soul, etc., and
2. Discursive Contemplation: This involves application of one's reasoning mind for acquiring desirable virtues and eradicating psychological distortions via vivid visualization of the goal coupled with auto suggestions. This technique is called 'Therapeutic Thinking'.

Today, the world faces an explosion of hatred and intolerance leading to violence, cruelty, terrorism and devastating wars. It is now obvious that neither repressive legislative measures nor social pressures can reform the parochial fanaticism of individuals or their groups. Personal reform is the only way to achieve a healthy society. Therapeutic Thinking is a powerful practical technique that can purge all types of psychological distortions which are the root causes of many problems. 

In addition to this, Therapeutic Thinking can help one overcome irrational fears and phobias, and acquire positive virtues such as patience, honesty, compassion, self-discipline, self-confidence, universal amity, etc. 

We have successfully employed Therapeutic Thinking technique in treating various psychosomatic illnesses which emerge from physical, mental and emotional stress. We have 
also used this technique for improving operational efficiency, personality and character development, career development and goal achievement, etc.