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 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
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Have
a special place and specific time for meditation. Try doing
it daily.
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Choose
a time when your mind is not clouded with worries.
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Sit
up straight with your back, neck and head in one line.
Facing north or east.
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Condition
your mind such so as to remain quiet for the duration of
your meditation session.
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Regulate
your breathing. Start with 5 minutes of deep breathing. Then
gradually slow it down.
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Follow
a rhythmic breathing pattern - inhale and exhale.
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Initially
let your mind wander. It grows more restless if you force to
concentrate.
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Then
slowly bring it to rest on the focal point of your choice.
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Hold
your object of concentration at this focal point throughout
your session.
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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
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At
the outset, it is hard to keep your attention to keep
focussed on one object.
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So
it is better to start off by limiting your field of
concentration to a category of objects.
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Choose
your objects with care e.g. any four flowers, fruits,
trees...etc. You must feel at ease with what you choose.
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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.
Meditative
Postures
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Close
your ears with thumbs.
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Gaze
at a point between your eyebrows, seat of the 'Third
Eye' or at the tip or your nose.
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Place
a candle at eye-level in a darkened, draught-free
room.
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Cover
your eyes with your index finger.
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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.
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Close
your eyes and hold an after-image of the bright flame.
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Close
your nostrils with your middle fingers.
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Remember
not to strain your eyes. Start with one minute of
gazing and then slowly build it up to ten minutes.
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The
practice steadies the wandering mind, leading you to
focus with pin-point accuracy.
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Press
your lips together with your remaining fingers.
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Release
the middle fingers gently to inhale and exhale while
you meditate.
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