Reply #2: Wow. That's cool.

[slutticus]

Meditation is tough to do properly. I have read a couple of books on it. It takes a lot of dedication and a lot of practice.

The first step is to learn how to ignore your body, by sitting in one position for extended periods you eventually learn to ignore the itches and pain etc...

The second step is learning to ignore your thoughts. Trying to eliminate all thought is very tough. you don't realize how much turmoil is swirling around in your mind until you try to cease all thought.

Another step is learning how to concentrate on only one thought, usually a simple object (like a triangle). After you can do that, then you can concentrate on other more complicated objects or ideas.

There are also many breathing exercises to do. Reciting a mantra can really help with keeping your mind from wandering. I guess that is what they were doing by chanting.