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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
:
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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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Yoni
Mudra
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Frontal
& Nasal Gazing
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Candle
Gazing
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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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