Meditation

[Monty]

The action or practice of meditating.

[Dave Paprocki]

[Conscious] [thoughtlessness] to [achieve] lasting calmness of the mind and body.

[Justin Bieber]

Meditation can [mean either] clearing your mind of all thought, or focusing on one thought, both done in an effort to achieve enlightenment. For example, in some masters of zen or chan buddhism will give thier students koans to meditate on, such as, What is the sound of [one hand clapping]?. On the other hand, many other sects teach thinking of nothing. Either way can be effective for those who engage in the activity not for religious [enlightment], but simply to relax and gain a greater understanding of life.

[Cami]

It is not to clear [your mind] off all things but one. It is to clear your mind [of all things]. To focus on the lack of thoughts that come between thoughts, and to lengthen this period to several minutes, even hours. It is only then that you can truly listen to your [inner] self. If you are focusing on a tree or a flower, you cannot focus on your inner self.

[Renato]

In meditation, a type of mind-body medicine, people regulate their attention or systematically focus on particular aspects of inner or outer experience. Meditation may involve sitting or resting quietly, often with the eyes closed or gaze cast downward. Sometimes it involves repeating a phrase (a mantra) meant to help the person focus. Transcendental meditation and mindfulness meditation have been scientifically studied. (See also Overview of Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine.)
Most meditation practices were developed within a spiritual context and held as their ultimate goal some type of spiritual growth, personal transformation, or transcendental experience. As a health care intervention, however, meditation may be effective regardless of people’s cultural, spiritual, or religious background.

[Couch Potatoe]

A process of focusing one’s attention in a certain manner which can create profound mind-altering states. Used in one form or another by nearly every culture in history, but today most associated with the religious traditions of South and [East Asia].
Commonly done today for spiritual reasons, but not always. Practiced by hipsters, [hindus], high schoolers, recovering drug addicts, asians, your friend that is into yoga, your friend from work, and your friend in their mystical vegetarian [Buddhist] college phase.
Meditation can involve several methods, including focus on vision, breathing, [repetition], and sound. When practiced enough, it can result in altered brain functioning, mental disassociation, hallucinations, extreme pleasure, inner calm, mystical experiences, and improved concentration.
Meditation is trendy, but its serious practice and effects are still poorly understood.