About Us

We're the creators of BetterSleep, a leading wellness app helping over 60 million people around the globe sleep better.

We’re on a mission to help people around the world live a happier, healthier life, through expert-led meditations, sleep stories, brainwaves and more.

Share article
Discover the Meaning Behind Common Meditation Terms
wellness
Discover the Meaning Behind Common Meditation Terms
by BetterSleep
4 min read
Share article

If you’re new to meditation, you might’ve encountered quite a few terms you’re unfamiliar with. Read on to learn more about the meaning behind these terms so that you can deepen your relaxation meditation practice.

1. Shamatha

Shamatha translates to “tranquility”. It’s a type of meditation that focuses on mindfulness and concentration. During Shamatha meditation, you become aware of your thoughts and learn to experience your mind as it is, without judgment.

2. Mindfulness and Awareness

Meditation can help you achieve both mindfulness and awareness. But what’s the difference between the two?

While mindfulness involves introspection of oneself, awareness is instead about becoming aware of the present moment and what your senses perceive.

4. Sādhanā

Sādhanā is a Sanskrit term that refers to a disciplined daily practice of surrendering the ego. It’s an umbrella term that can include anything that involves spiritual growth. Even a short, 5-minute meditation daily can be a form of Sādhanā.

5. Mantra

A mantra is a word or phrase that you can chant during meditation. Some mantras are also spoken in your mind. They give your meditation purpose and help you stay focused as you meditate.

6. Om Namah Shivaya

Om Namah Shivaya is a Mantra that’s chanted during some meditations. Chanting this mantra can help infuse yourself with positive energy while removing negative energy. Chanting also helps you stabilize a restless mind.

7. Om Shanti

Om Shanti is another commonly used mantra in meditation. It’s usually chanted three times, like this:

Om shanti shanti shanti

This translates to “Om, peace, peace, peace”. It’s usually chanted to invoke peace during meditation.

8. Nirvana

Nirvana is a Buddhist state in which all suffering ceases. It’s Sanskrit that translates to “the blowing out”.

9. Enlightenment

Enlightenment can have several meanings depending on who you ask. In Buddism, enlightenment is where practitioners aim to go. Finding enlightenment means finding life’s truth, which is the point at which you stop being reborn. Instead of being reborn, you reach Nirvana upon your passing.

10. Ashram

An ashram is a spiritual home where a community of swamis and yogis live together. Those who live in an ashram devote themselves to spiritual living. You may encounter ashrams if you attend meditation retreats.

11. Chakra

Chakras are energy points found in various areas of your body. Different chakras can have various influences on your physical and mental wellness. You can use meditation to get your chakras aligned.

12. Kundalini

Kundalini refers to snake-like energy coiled within all of us. You can use Kundalini meditation to channel and release this energy to relieve stress and improve your consciousness.

13. Mudra

During meditation, you can hold your hands in various positions. These are called mudras. Mudra translates to “gesture” from Sanskrit. These hand gestures are said to connect your individual force with universal energy.

For instance, a common mudra often shown in meditation is Jnana/Gyan Mudra — in which you fold your index fingers to touch the inside root of your thumbs. It’s also referred to as the Psychic Gesture of Knowledge.

You can learn more about these terms and the meditations that accompany them with the BetterSleep App. Try it for free to experience how meditation can help you improve your sleep.

Share article

Related posts

The Importance of Sleep
sleep / wellness
The Importance of Sleep
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Benefits of Meditating in the Morning
wellness
Benefits of Meditating in the Morning
by BetterSleep
10 min read
Best Teas for Sleep
sleep / wellness
Best Teas for Sleep
by BetterSleep
10 min read
Why We Like Background Noise
wellness
Why We Like Background Noise
by BetterSleep
11 min read
What is Box Breathing?
wellness / mental health
What is Box Breathing?
by BetterSleep
6 min read
What Are Soundscapes?
wellness / mental health
What Are Soundscapes?
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Walking Meditation: How to Meditate While Walking
wellness
Walking Meditation: How to Meditate While Walking
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Coffee Naps: What Are They and Do They Work?
sleep / wellness
Coffee Naps: What Are They and Do They Work?
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Relaxing Nature Music
wellness
Relaxing Nature Music
by BetterSleep
4 min read
Music Is Good for the Brain
wellness / mental health
Music Is Good for the Brain
by BetterSleep
8 min read

Top 10 posts

From Stress to Success: How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
wellness / mental health
From Stress to Success: How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Behind the Scenes: Pride 2024 at BetterSleep with Collin Martin
lifestyle / news
Behind the Scenes: Pride 2024 at BetterSleep with Collin Martin
by Scott Yim
4 min read
Waking Up to Injustice: The Intersection of Racism, Sleep Deprivation, and Black History
news / mental health
Waking Up to Injustice: The Intersection of Racism, Sleep Deprivation, and Black History
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Sleep Paralysis Explained
sleep
Sleep Paralysis Explained
by BetterSleep
10 min read
How to Cope with Holiday Depression and Stress
mental health / wellness
How to Cope with Holiday Depression and Stress
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Have a Healthy Holiday Season
news / wellness
Have a Healthy Holiday Season
by BetterSleep
5 min read
Mindful Listening
lifestyle / mental health
Mindful Listening
by BetterSleep
6 min read
Sleep Hypnosis Apps: A Guide to Self-Hypnosis
sleep
Sleep Hypnosis Apps: A Guide to Self-Hypnosis
by BetterSleep
7 min read
Calming Foods for Anxiety
wellness / mental health
Calming Foods for Anxiety
by BetterSleep
8 min read
Brown Noise
sleep / wellness
Brown Noise
by BetterSleep
4 min read