Practical Points related to the Basic Techniques of Meditation
RESTRICTIONS
People suffering from mental problems should seek professional medical advice before practising meditation.
REGULARITY
Regularity of time, place and practice are very important. Regularity conditions the mind to slow down its activities with the minimum of delay. It is difficult to focus the mind when it wants to jump about as soon as you sit down for concentration. The mind will settle down more quickly when time and place are established. The most effective times are sunrise, midday and sunset.
MEDITATON ROOM
Try to have a separate room for meditation. If this is not possible designate an area especially for meditation only. As meditation is repeated the powerful vibrations set up will be lodged in the room. In six months the peace and purity of the atmosphere will be felt. If you chose to have an alter or focus point, keep it clean and furnished with fresh offerings like flowers and natural incense.
STEADY POSTURE
Sit in a comfortable, steady posture, with spine and neck held erect but not tense. Relax as much as possible. Do not move the body unless it is absolutely necessary. This helps to steady the mind and encourage concentration. Any comfortable position will do. A cross-legged position provides a firm base for the body and makes a triangular path for the flow of energy. If this is not possible try sitting on a chair. Metabolism, brain waves and breathing will slow down as concentration deepens due to a steady posture. Place your hands in a specific mudra to control the subtle energies in the pranic body. With regular practice your body will become adjusted and more comfortable.
BEFORE BEGINNING
Command the mind to be quiet. At first the mind will wander and jump around, but will eventually become concentrated, along with the concentration of prana. If the mind persists in wandering do not force it to be still. Simply disassociate from it, and watch it as though you are watching a movie. It will gradually slow down. Throughout the practice the body should be as calm as possible.
MANTRA
Mantra is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘the thought that liberates and protects’. A mantra is a word or group of words form any philosophy or religion that contain powerful healing vibrations within the syllables of the words. The chanting of a mantra is used to focus and concentrate the mind, and to invoke the deity of the mantra to bring physical, mental and spiritual healing. A mantra may be repeated out loud or mentally, co-ordinating the repetitions with the breathing.
DURATION
Begin practising meditation with ten-minute periods and increase by five minutes per week. It is recommended to practice meditation for one hour, twice per day, at sunrise and at sunset. At first you may become frustrated by your lack of progress. Be determined. Be aware of every thought and physical sensation but do not be attached to them. Concentration develops with regular practice. When the state of tranquility prevails during meditation, do not disturb the mind. Do not try to get up from your seat. Try to prolong the meditation for as long as possible.
WARNING
After you have been regularly practicing meditation for several months or years considerable changes begin take place in the mind, brain and the nervous system. New nerve-currents, new cells, new vibrations, new avenues and new channels are formed. The whole mind and nervous system are remodelled. You will have a new mind, a new heart, new sensations, new feelings, new mode of thinking and acting and a new view of the universe. This is truly man’s greatest adventure. Do not attempt deep meditation with out proper preparation and guidance from a qualified instructor.
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