All techniques of meditation can be broadly grouped into the following approaches:

Concentrative Meditation:  In [tag]Concentrative meditation[/tag], the attention is focused on a single image, or sound (mantra) or the breath, so as to keep the mind still and to welcome greater awareness and clarity of mind. In other words, in concentrative meditation, the concentration of an individual is focused on a selected object or field. 

Concentrative meditation is done sitting quietly in one place, and focusing the attention on breath. [tag]Meditation[/tag] and [tag]yoga practitioners[/tag] are of the opinion that there exists a direct relation between one’s mind and breath. For instance, when an individual is agitated, distracted or frightened the breathing pattern becomes rapid and shallow, while when the mind is calm and composed, the breath becomes deeper, slower and more regular. The main aim of concentrative meditation is to focus on the rhythm of exhalation and inhalation, and as this is being done, the mind gets more and more absorbed in the rhythm and the breathing becomes slower and deeper, while the mind becomes more calm and alert.

[tag]Mindfulness Meditation[/tag]: In this kind of meditation the individual practicing meditation, sits quietly in one place witnessing all the memories, thoughts, worries or sounds that pass through his mind without actually reacting or becoming actually involved in thinking about them. Mindfulness meditation helps in attaining a calm, but non-reactive state of mind. Unlike concentrative meditation, where the mind is made to focus on a particular field, in mindfulness meditation the person will be aware of entire field.

[tag]Transcendental Meditation[/tag]: Transcendental meditation is also referred to as “yoga Nidra” which aims towards meditating with a totally detached frame of mind. Through transcendental meditation, one gets withdrawn into the “real” world which is away from the “influence of illusions (maya)”. For instance, in meditative practices such as “Mantra yoga” one concentrates on the sound through continuous chanting of mantra, until a dream-like state of mind is attained which responds only to biased impressions.