Meditation

According to Swami Vishnu Devananda, meditation is "….a continuous flow of perception or thought, just like the flow of water in a river." A practice wherein there is constant observation of the mind, meditation brings awareness, harmony and natural order into life. It helps you dig deep into your inner self to discover the wisdom and tranquility that lie within.

Principles of Meditation

The basic points to be kept in mind in practicing meditation are:

· Have a special place and specific time for meditation. Try doing it daily.

· Choose a time when your mind is not clouded with worries.

· Sit up straight with your back, neck and head in one line. Facing north or east.

· Condition your mind such so as to remain quiet for the duration of your meditation session.

· Regulate your breathing. Start with 5 minutes of deep breathing. Then gradually slow it down.

· Follow a rhythmic breathing pattern - inhale and exhale.

· Initially let your mind wander. It grows more restless if you force to concentrate.

· Then slowly bring it to rest on the focal point of your choice.

· Hold your object of concentration at this focal point throughout your session.

· Meditation happens when you reach a state of pure thought. Even while retaining an awareness of duel self.

Followed diligently you will soon be able to attain a super-conscious state.

Tips on Concentration

· At the outset, it is hard to keep your attention to keep focused on one object.

· So it is better to start off by limiting your field of concentration to a category of objects.

· Choose your objects with care e.g. any four flowers, fruits, trees...etc. You must feel at ease with what you choose.

· After concentrating on one, you can move on to the next, if & when your mind starts wandering.

This style of meditative exercise will help you control your mind down to a finer focus, teaching you the principle of single point concentration.

How to Meditate?

Please sit down comfortably, spine erect, head straight. Hands on the top of the knees or in the lap, wherever comfortable. Eyes closed. For a few moments become aware of the whole body from the top of the head to the toes. Experience open space within the body.

Imagine the whole body to be in the form of flame. First see the symbol of the flame in front of the closed eyes; see the flame in chidakasha.

Gradually experience the radiating light of the flame spreading throughout the body, purifying the body, illuminating each and every part of the body. The whole body becomes one with the light. Each and every cell of the body becomes one with the light. There is no part of the physical body where darkness can exist. Each and every cell of the body is infused with the light. Experience the whole body in the form of pure light.

At first this is a process of imagination, but with concentration, the feeling develops. The body then responds to that feeling and one can actually see the radiance internally. Try to experience and feel that radiance now within yourself. See yourself filled with light internally and surrounded by light externally. Continue to observe yourself in the form of light and mentally repeat the mantra OM with every inhalation and exhalation. With total awareness repeat the mantra internally. Do not miss a single breath and repeat the mantra OM with every inhalation and exhalation. Merge yourself completely in the repetition of the mantra and the experience of light within. Now inhale deeply and chant OM three times.

Meditative Postures

Yoni Mudra

• Close your ears with thumbs.
• Cover your eyes with your index finger.
• Close your nostrils with your middle fingers.
• Press your lips together with your remaining fingers.
• Release the middle fingers gently to inhale and exhale while you meditate

Frontal & Nasal Gazing

• Gaze at a point between your eyebrows, seat of the 'Third Eye' or at the tip or your nose.
• This would improve your level of concentration. At the same time, strengthening your eye muscles. Nasal gazing has a positive effect on the central nervous system.
• Remember not to strain your eyes. Start with one minute of gazing and then slowly build it up to ten minutes.

Candle Gazing

• Place a candle at eye-level in a darkened, draught-free room.
• Close your eyes and hold an after-image of the bright flame.
• The practice steadies the wandering mind, leading you to focus with pin-point accuracy.