Discuss some of the different forms / styles of meditation

Meditation has been used in every part of the world.   The styles, systems, or types of meditation may go by different names, and they may be taught by a wide range of schools, traditions, teachers, lineages, religions, or paths, but the primary underlying discrimination between them is the nature of that focal point.

Most kinds of meditation are the concentrative meditation (focusing) type. One simply focuses his attention upon a single physical object (such as a candle flame - Tratak); upon a sensation (such as that felt while walking or breathing); upon an emotion or attitude (such as reverence or love); upon a mantra spoken aloud or even silently (So-Ham, AUM); or upon a visualization (as in energy chakra meditation or channels of energy, Guided visualisations) (Bharati, 2004).  

Another type of meditation is insight meditation (mindfulness), known as Vipassana in the Buddhist Tradition.  Insight Meditation belongs to a comprehensive body of teachings known as the Dharma. The Dharma embraces ethics, spiritual inquiry, and contact with like-minded people, compassion, wisdom and an enlightened life.  Some examples of insight meditation include (Titmuss, 2004):

• Meditation on Compassion
• Meditation on Absence of
• Meditation on Happiness
• Meditation on the Dharma
• Meditation for Healing
• Meditation on Acceptance
• Meditation on Impermanence
• Meditation on Appreciative Joy
• Meditation on Liberation
• Love towards 3 Kinds of People.