To reach the relaxation response during mediation Benson suggests ...

[MirandaLo]

To reach the relaxation response during mediation Benson suggests there must be four elements present, which he later reduced to two. What are these two elements?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Is the meditative state the same as the hypnotic state? Include research evidence in your answer.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[Pariscourtney]

Answer to Question 1

To reach the relaxation response Benson suggests there must be four elements present, which he later reduced to two. These two are (1) a mental device: a sound, word, phrase, or prayer repeated silently or aloud, or a fixed gaze at an object and (2) a passive attitude: not worrying about how well one is performing the technique and simply putting aside distracting thoughts in return to one's focus.. (Benson, 1975, p. xviii Foreword: Twenty-fifth Anniversary Update)

Answer to Question 2

Though both can result in altered states, on the whole the evidence suggests that the meditative state is different from hypnotic states. For example, Wallace (1970) noted that physiological changes associated with hypnosis do not share the reduction of oxygen consumption associated with mantra meditation or the same EEG patterns. Besides the physiological differences, the perception of locus of control differs between hypnosis and meditation. In hypnosis, the subject is seen as under the influence of the hypnotist whereas in meditation the experience is seen as self-generated. Therefore, though meditation and hypnosis may both result in altered states, the quality of the experiences differs physiologically and experientially.