You could look at meditation as an attention-focusing and relaxation technique, which might seem a bit contradictory. But, they might explain to you that it is not contradictory, because it involves lowering body arousal while heightening mental awareness. The Zen method uses a method called mindfulness, which involves clearing the mind of daily concerns to achieve a greater awareness of self and surroundings. Transcendental meditation uses the concentration method, which involves deep focus on a word, object, or idea. In the case of TM, individuals focus on their mantra, which is a Sanskrit word personally assigned to the individual by a TM instructor.
Yoga involves regulation of breathing and assuming certain body positions.
The goals of meditation are varied. The actual effects of meditation are still debated. Meditation advocates and practitioners report many beneficial effects that they have experienced, including enhanced energy, productivity, mental health, and physical health. Some researches have tried to take a more scientific approach. In their studies, they have observed physiological effects take place.