A change of pace or a life-changing experience?

Curiosity is the main reason for most people initially taking up meditation. What people get out of it invariably depends on what they are looking for -- for some it may be a major life change but for others just a little respite from the stress and strain of daily life.

Several practitioners told The Jakarta Post what meditation provides in their lives.

Gusti heard about Sahaj Marg meditation classes from a friend of hers and decided to give it a try, mainly out of curiosity but also for health reasons. After practicing for a couple of months, she has made it part of her regular exercise routine.

"At the start it felt a little weird but when I followed the instructions of the teacher I got calmer and calmer... it's difficult to explain the feeling."

Despite having a busy work schedule, the 40-year-old head of a communications company has found that meditation is a powerful stress buster.

"I feel peaceful and much calmer and I can control my emotions better; even if I do not see any light, it does not matter," she said nonchalantly, referring to the technique of focusing on an imaginary internal light during meditation.

"Even without having any special purpose, I think it's worthwhile to meditate regularly, even if it's just 10 minutes here and there. I can do it wherever I am."

For long-term practitioners spiritual goals are often the most important aspect of their meditative practice, sometimes combined with religious observance.

Diena joined a meditation group during the economic crisis of 1998 to find an outlet for her stress and also for social reasons.

"I had no agenda. I just wanted to know what it was like; it was also a good place to meet up with friends," said the 45-year- old training consultant.

A practicing Muslim, Diena explained that meditation fit well with her dzikir (chanting) and tahajud (early morning prayers) and gave her new energy.

"When I began meditating at Brahma Kumaris I found it soothing and I always tried to remember God when I did it. It was in line with my religious practice, and it also gave me an opportunity to be with people of different religions," she said.

"I mix this meditation now with my Muslim meditations and also do it five times a day with my prayers. It's all about pulling myself away from all thoughts and being completely peaceful."

Vikas, a journalist and editor, began meditating using the Sudershan Kriya breathing technique in 1999. He was introduced to the Art of Living system almost by accident and decided to do the five-day course out of curiosity. At first, he was bored by the content of the course but that all changed when he was introduced to the breathing technique which underpins the meditation.

"The first experience of Kriya gave me deep insight and changed my perspective towards life. I went back to my course notes and browsed them with new perspective only to find profound meaning," he said.

He went on to practice the breathing and meditation on a daily basis and found that no two sittings gave the same experience. Since then he continued to follow the teachings of the guru.

"Later, personal interactions with Sri Sri on two occasions further enlightened me. I also listened to him on various occasions and found my solace. I was impressed with his simple and wise use of language."

When 37-year-old foreign exchange trader Farida discovered meditation and yoga, she was looking for a way to escape from a stressful job.

"At the time I was just looking for something. I'd heard that you could release stress through breath but I didn't know where to go," she said, adding that a magazine article led her to an Art of Living course.

"After the course I was so energized and relaxed, so I started to practice everyday. If I could not do it in the morning I would do it after work. You know, you realize that to be happy is so simple," she said, laughing.

After a few years practicing the breathing and meditation and a retreat in India where she meditated in total silence for 10 days, Farida decided to quit her job and retrain as a yoga teacher. Her practice led to a total change of her outlook on life.

"Before I thought that to be happy I had to take as much as possible from the world but now I realize I have to give, because when you see people happy it comes back to you."