Difference Between Hypnosis and Meditation

Hypnosis vs Meditation
 

There exists a difference between hypnosis and meditation as they are viewed as two very different techniques that can benefit the individual to reduce tension and improve the quality of life. Hypnosis is a therapeutic method used by psychologists. Meditation is also a practice that comes from religious backgrounds such as that of Hinduism and Buddhism, which allows the person to find inner peace. First, let us define the two techniques in the following manner. Hypnosis can be defined as the practice of causing a person to enter a state in which they respond very readily to suggestions or commands. On the other hand, meditation can be defined as the act of focusing one’s mind on spiritual purposes or relaxation. This article attempts to highlight the differences that exist between hypnosis and meditation.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis can be defined as the practice of causing a person to enter a state in which they respond very readily to suggestions or commands. In psychology, this is used on patients for the purpose of reducing pain and tension. In this sense, hypnosis works as a therapeutic method. However, it is vital to bear in mind that an individual cannot be hypnotized against their desire. It is always necessary to gain the consent of the client before hypnotizing him or her.

Hypnosis can have different effects on different individuals. The degree of effect that hypnosis creates changes too. For example, while one individual feels extremely relaxed another might not. When an individual is hypnotized, he feels extremely focused. Hypnosis is used to remove defeated thoughts from the individual. It recreates the mindset of the individual so that he can face life situations better.

What is Meditation?

Meditation can be defined as the act of focusing one’s mind on spiritual purposes or relaxation. Meditation creates an in-depth sense of peace within the individual. Most of us confuse meditation as concentration on some specific activity. This is not meditation. Meditation is an act of getting rid of all thoughts from out mind until it becomes a blank slate. It is when an individual can stop all his activities and enter into a state of inner peace. This is often referred to as a state of awareness that an individual achieves.

Meditation was developed in the East. The origin of meditation dates back to prehistoric period Hindu philosophy in India.  Lord Buddha was a strong proponent of meditation and taught his followers the true values of meditation and the wonders that could be achieved through meditation. Today even in the West, meditation is considered as one of the most effective ways of gaining inner peace. Researchers believe that in day to day life, people can reduce their stress level through meditation. Other than reducing the stress level, it also allows people to improve their quality of life and lead healthy lives.

What is the difference between Hypnosis and Meditation?

• Definitions of Hypnosis and Meditation:

• Hypnosis can be defined as the practice of causing a person to enter a state in which they respond very readily to suggestions or commands.

• Meditation can be defined as the act of focusing one’s mind on spiritual purposes or relaxation.

• Effect on Stress Level:

• Both Hypnosis and Meditation can be used to reduce the stress level of human beings.

• Effect on Mind:

• In hypnosis, the mind becomes extremely focused on something.

• Through meditation, the mind becomes a blank slate.

• Recreation of Thoughts:

• Hypnosis recreates the mind of the individual. It assists to remove negative, despondent thoughts from the individual.

• Meditation does not recreate the mind of the individual.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Charcot demonstrating hypnosis on a “hysterical” Salpêtrière patient, “Blanche” via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
2. Meditation by RelaxingMusic (CC BY-SA 2.0)