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What Are the Different Types of Meditation Supplies?

Lumara Lee
Lumara Lee

There are many different meditation supplies available. Some of the most popular are cushions, candles, CDs, and incense. Statues, singing bowls, and gongs are commonly featured at altars set up in areas designed for meditation.

Some types of meditation require specific supplies. For example, people who practice Tibetan Buddhist meditation techniques often use mala beads to count their prayers or mantras. They may spin prayer wheels as they meditate or bang a gong as part of the meditation ritual. A singing bowl is another of the many Tibetan Buddhist meditation supplies. When a striker is dragged around the rim of the bowl, it produces a soothing tone that can help the practitioner to focus.

Rock or sand gardens offer an opportunity for relaxation and meditation.
Rock or sand gardens offer an opportunity for relaxation and meditation.

Many meditation supplies are designed to impart a peaceful, relaxed mood conducive to meditation. Energy chimes, statues, decorative altar cloths, and wall plaques of gods and goddesses can promote a harmonious environment. Other meditation supplies are created with comfort in mind, such as meditation benches, mats, pillows, bolsters, and cushions.

Mats and cushions come in many different sizes, materials, colors, and thicknesses. Intended to create comfortable seating during meditation, specially-designed pillows can help the practitioner keep the spine aligned and achieve a comfortable height while meditating. Meditation benches are helpful for people who cannot sit comfortably on the floor, and are also designed to help people maintain proper spinal alignment and comfort necessary for a successful meditation session.

Meditation supplies may include cushions.
Meditation supplies may include cushions.

It is impossible to maintain a meditative state while watching the clock, so meditation timers have been designed to signal the practitioner when the correct amount of time has elapsed. Meditation timers emit soothing sounds to gently bring a meditating individual out of the relaxed state. Zen alarm clocks and meditation timers commonly employ the peaceful sounds of bells, chimes, or gongs.

Incense, candles, and music can help establish a meditative mood.
Incense, candles, and music can help establish a meditative mood.

Candles and incense can help set the meditative mood. Some forms of meditation require the practitioner to focus on a specific object, such as a candle flame, to achieve the meditative state. Scent can also help create the conditions conducive to reaching a relaxed, altered state. Incense can be found in sticks, cones, and powders. Charcoal and incense burners designed to burn powdered incense are popular meditation supplies.

Meditation supplies include props for the practitioner who combines yoga with meditation. Blocks can help an individual achieve or maintain the correct pose and posture. These blocks can be found in different sizes and are made of wood, cork, and foam. There are also bolsters which come in different lengths and diameters. Bolsters are designed to support different parts of the body during yoga and meditation.

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

@candquilt-- I recommend using candles or essential oils with aromatherapy benefits. They are very relaxing and really make meditation a better experience in my opinion. I usually have too many thoughts in my mind and I have a hard time meditating. It takes me a long time to clear my mind and focus on my awareness. Using an essential oil like ylang ylang or sage makes this process much easier. I've noticed that I've been meditating longer and longer thanks to these scents.

burcinc

@candyquilt-- That actually depends on the type of meditation you're practicing and your specific needs. I do suggest meditation music, beads and incense for starters.

Also make sure that you have a suitable environment for meditation. For example, if you are meditating in a sitting position, you might want to use a meditation mat, pillow or bench for good posture and comfort. If you have trouble keeping your focus, meditation bells, gongs or a singing bowl may help.

candyquilt

Which meditation supplies should a beginner have? Which are really necessary or beneficial?

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    • Rock or sand gardens offer an opportunity for relaxation and meditation.
      By: alleks
      Rock or sand gardens offer an opportunity for relaxation and meditation.
    • Meditation supplies may include cushions.
      By: Sanjay Deva
      Meditation supplies may include cushions.
    • Incense, candles, and music can help establish a meditative mood.
      By: gigidread
      Incense, candles, and music can help establish a meditative mood.