A proper history of the the field of psychology would take several volumes. Presented here are some interesting antecedents to current studies that define psychology as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Mental processes are basically internal and covert. Examples of mental processes include both thoughts and emotions.

In considering the antecedents to psychology, some scholars go back to the time of the Buddha, near Nepal from about 450 BC to 370 BC. In one famous passage from the Heart Sutra the Buddha identified the importance of the body, feelings, perceptions, mental formations and consciousness. While translations/definitions are not exacting to modern psychology, Buddhist philosophy was concerned with these topics which are fundamental to any contemporary course in general psychology.

Meditation is a practice that bridges the teachings of the historical Buddha to contemporary research in psychology. In fact, meditation has been found to change and influence both mental and physical processes. There have been many research projects investigating the benefits of meditation including studies of stress and anxiety, smoking cessation, pain reduction and improving overall physical health.

Today there are many types of meditation and approaches to meditation practice. Mindfulness meditation is quite popular and generally involves the cultivation of simple attention a long with an accepting attitude: observe and let go.