meditation

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.