meditation india

Mantra Yoga Sadhana

2010-01-14T03:23:00.000-08:00

Mantra Yoga is an exact science. “Mananat trayate iti mantrah”—by the Manana (constant thinking or recollection) of which one is released from the round of births and deaths, is Mantra. Every Mantra has a Rishi who gave it to the world; a Mantra, a Devata, the Bija or seed which gives it a special power, the Sakti and the Kilakam or the pillar.

A Mantra is Divinity. Mantra and its presiding Devata are one. The Mantra itself is Devata. Mantra is divine power, Daivi Sakti, manifesting in a sound body. Constant repetition of a Mantra with faith, devotion and purity augments the Sakti or power of the aspirant, purifies and awakens the Mantra Chaitanya latent in the Mantra and bestows on the Sadhaka Mantra Siddhi, illumination, freedom, peace, eternal bliss, immortality. By constant repetition of the Mantra the Sadhaka imbibes the virtues and power of the Deity that presides over the Mantra. Repetition of Surya Mantra bestows health, long life, vigour, vitality, Tejas or brilliance.

It removes all diseases of the body and the diseases of the eye. No enemy can do any harm. Repetition of Aditya-hridayam in the early morning, is highly beneficial. Lord Rama conquered Ravana through the repetition of Aditya-hridayam imparted by Agastya Rishi. Mantras are in the form of praise and appeal to the deities, craving for help and mercy. Some Mantras control and command the evil spirits. Rhythmical vibrations of sound give rise to forms. Recitation of Mantras gives rise to the formation of the particular figure of the deity.

Repetition of Sarasvati Mantra OM Sarasvatyai Namah will bestow on you wisdom and good intelligence. You will get inspiration and compose poems. Repetition of ‘Om Sri Mahalakshmyai Namah’ will confer wealth and remove poverty. Ganesha Mantra will remove any obstacle in any undertaking. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra will remove accidents, incurable diseases and bestow long life and immortality. It is a Moksha Mantra too. Repetition of Subramanya Matra ‘Om Saravanabhavaya Namah’ will give you success in any undertaking and make you glorious. It will drive off the evil influences and evil spirits. Repetition of Sri Hanuman Mantra, ‘Om Hanumanthaya Namah’ will bestow victory and strength. Repetition of Panchakshara and Shodasakshara (Sri Vidya) will give you whatever you want.

You must learn this Vidya from a Guru alone. Repetition of Gayatri or Pranava, ‘Om Namah Sivaya’, ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’, ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’, one and a quarter lakh of times with Bhava, faith and devotion will confer on you Mantra Siddhi. ‘Om’, ‘Soham’, ‘Sivoham’, ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ are Moksha Mantras. They will help you to attain Self-realisation. ‘Om Sri Ramaya Namah’, ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ are Saguna which will enable you to attain Saguna realisation first and then Nirguna realisation in the end. Mantra for curing scorpion stings and cobra bites should be repeated on eclipse days for getting Mantra Siddhi quickly. You should stand in water and repeat Mantras. This is more powerful and effective. These can be recited on ordinary days also for attaining Mantra Siddhi. Mantra Siddhi for curing scorpion sting, cobra bites, etc., can be attained within 40 days. Repeat the Mantra with faith and devotion regularly. Have a sitting in the early morning after taking bath. Observe Brahmacharya and live on milk and fruits for 40 days or take restricted diet. Chronic diseases can be cured by Mantras. Chanting of Mantras generate potent spiritual waves or divine vibrations.

They penetrate the physical and astral bodies of the patients and remove the root causes of sufferings. They fill the cells with pure Sattva or divine energy. They destroy the microbes and vivify the cells and tissues. They are best, most potent antiseptics and germicides. They are more potent than ultra-violet rays or Rountgen rays. Mantra Siddhi should not be misused for the destruction of others. Those who misuse Mantra power for destroying others are themselves destroyed in the end. Those who utilise Mantra power in curing snake bites, scorpion stings and chronic diseases should not accept any kind of presents or money. They must be absolutely unselfish. They should not accept even fruits or clothes.

They will lose the power if they utilise the power for selfish purposes. If they are absolutely unselfish, if they serve humanity with Sarvatma Bhava, their power will increase through the grace of the Lord. He who has attained Mantra Siddhi can cure cobra bite or scorpion sting or any chronic disease by a mere touch on the affected part. When a man is bitten by a cobra a telegram is sent to the Mantra Siddha. The Mantra Siddha recites the Mantra and the man who is bitten by a cobra is cured. What a grand marvel! Does this not prove the tremendous power of Mantra? Get the Mantra initiation from your Guru or pray to your Ishta Devata and start doing Japa of the particular Mantra, if you find it difficult to get a Guru.

May you all become Mantra Yogis with Mantra Siddhi! May you all become real benefactors of the world by becoming divine healers through Mantra cure! May Mantra-Cure, divine healing centres be started all over the world!

From - Yoga in Daily Life

Joy Meditation

2008-11-18T03:23:00.001-08:00

(Buddhist value: The children learn to spread joy around them) Imagine a feeling of joy. You feel an opening in the top of your head. You feel joy floating in through the opening in the top of your head. It fills up your head and neck. It fills your shoulders and arms. The joy floats down into your chest and your heart. Your heart is so full of joy. The joy gently floats on into your stomach and on into your back. It floats into your legs and feet. Every part of your body is full of joy. You are so full of joy, it begins to spread out beyond your body. It spreads out to everyone in our classroom. It reaches beyond the classroom farther and farther until it spreads over the whole of Singapore. It spreads out to the whole earth, and continues to spread out even further into the universe — beyond the planets, beyond the stars, farther and farther. The whole universe is filled with your joy.

From - Guided Meditation for Primary Students

Lotus Meditation - Part 2

2008-11-14T03:31:00.000-08:00

You 11 stand beautifully above the muddy water, not dirtied by the mud from which you grow. You are white, fragrant and beautiful. Everyone who saw you marvelled at your beauty! Your determination to grow out of the muddy pond reminds them of the Buddha and his journey towards Enlightenment. The Buddha, like a lotus, is determined to grow out of the muddy surroundings, that is the defilements and sufferings of life. He has done all that is to be done and he is showing us that we can all do it too. We may have defilements but we all have the potential of growing out of our defilements and achieving wisdom, like the Buddha. You are a beautiful white lotus flower, and your role is to remind people to rise above their defilements and sufferings, just as you are arising above the muddy water and not dirtied by the mud from which you grow.
From - Guided Meditation for Primary Students

Lotus Meditation - Part 1

2008-11-14T03:24:00.000-08:00

(Buddhist value: Like a lotus flower that grows out of the mud and blossoms above the muddy water surface, we can rise above our defilements and sufferings of life) Imagine that you are a lotus seed buried beneath a muddy lotus pond. There is mud all around you, and you can feel them clearly. Above you, above this muddy pool of dirt, mud and filth, are sunshine and air. You are not disheartened as you begin your journey towards the surface. With a determined heart, you begin to wiggle in the earth. You grow roots deep, deep into the mud. Your little stem grows up slowly. Suddenly, “pop” you are out of the mud! Your stem grows higher and higher, taller and taller. You rise up slowly, fighting against the muddy water. All of a sudden, you are out of the muddy pond! You reach up towards the warm sun, shining down on you. Your lotus bud begins to grow on top of your stem. It expands and grows larger and larger, finally bursting into full bloom. A white lotus flower.
From - Guided Meditation for Primary Students

When you go out of the monastery the mind - Part 2

2008-11-10T03:11:00.000-08:00

In sitting meditation don’t worry about if the objects are very clear or not. Watch the mind follow the awareness. Of course, it is better if the objects are clear, but that will follow later.e kilesa when they know that you are meditating, they stay away from you. ey say: Okay, meditate now! But when you don’t, they come and attack you when you least expect it! So watch out always, watch the mind carefully.If you can watch the mind, watch it in real life situations where it is more natural.If the mind is not strong enough then return to your ordinary practice. See how different the mind feels when you are in your room, in the Dhamma hall or the dinning hall.Samadhi is good for developing wisdom (panna). It is not good only for sitting practice; you must have it at all times if you can, and investigate things.Viriya is a mental thing, not posture. When you are dying your body has no control, it’s the mind that stays mindful.Sitting and lying meditation is good exercise for viriya because you have to apply more viriya without the support and aid of posture, but you must not keep falling asleep!When you are not doing sitting meditation, and you don’t have the support of the posture but instead you are sitting on a chair or lying down, the mind relaxes and you need to try mentally harder to keep your mindfulness.If your viriya is really strong, no matter how your posture is, it doesn’t matter. You can be upside down!Keep kilesa noted regularly, don’t let it accumulate. Keep relaxed, check for tension now and then, check your emotions.Are they involved? Are you in control? Don’t panic if you are not, just relax and get in touch.e Buddha is not the statues and images in the pagodas that people go and visit all day long. e Buddha is inside you.Just observe whatever the mind can be aware of at the moment, see how it goes to objects how it feels, be aware of it. When it gets stronger it will be aware of many objects.Save your energy to last you until the end of the day. Never think like: ‘In the morning it is best, let’s put all the effort then.’ Just practise. Save your energy to go through the whole day, until the end of it.e mind needs to slow down, become stable.
from - Contemplation of the Mind

When you go out of the monastery the mind - Part 1

2008-11-10T02:42:00.000-08:00

When you go out of the monastery the mind has a lot more stimulation
from a lot of different places and people. So you have to be more mindful then.When you can practise outside as well as you practice inside the monastery then you know that your practice is good.Even in the midst of crowded noisy places you can stay calm, in touch with your mind.e watching of the mind becomes a strong habit.Note your feelings too. Are you feeling isolated, lonely, is that wisdom, is that kilesa?When you are out always watch kilesa arising. Stay close to yourself.When people talk to you speak slowly and mindfully so that they slow down too. It takes a greater effort, so try relentlessly. Keep to yourself as much as you can especially when it’s difficult.When you go back to your country, it’s like, ‘my friends, my room, my clothes, my familiar hangouts, my possessions, my family.’ So you forget the whole thing.But that is when you must understand the nature of the mind. Out there in the real world your concentration is useless. Mindfulness is what will show you how things are.Keep the mind interested inwardly not on the road. When you go out the mind starts partying: ‘I’m going to break free now!’ It tells you: ‘Okay, just a little of a much needed break’! And out it goes for the whole trip!You might find it ‘being cold.’ Just keep up your viriya (effort), keep trying again and again.You are not meditating in order to calm down the mind but to observe it. To look and see why is the mind like this now and how was it different before. So that wisdom arises from this watching. You get to know what’s happening in the mind.
from - Contemplation of the Mind

PRATYAHARA - Part 2

2008-11-05T01:01:00.000-08:00

BD shows the Control of the Mind, improving slowly at first, afterwards more quickly. It starts from at or near zero, and should reach absolute control at D. EF shows the Power of Observation of the contents of the mind, improving quickly at first, afterwards more slowly, up to perfection at F. It starts well above zero in the case of most educated men. The height of the perpendiculars HI indicates the dissatisfaction of the student with his power of control. Increasing at first, it ultimately diminishes to zero.} course the unhappy youth spends a disgusted week in thinking of little else. It is positively amazing with what persistence a thought, even a whole train of thoughts, returns again and again to the charge. It becomes a positive nightmare. It is intensely annoying, too, to find that one does not become conscious that one has got on to the forbidden subject until one has gone right through with it. However, one continues day after day investigating thoughts and trying to check them; and sooner or later one proceeds to the next stage, Dharana, the attempt to restrain the mind to a single object. Before we go on to this, however, we must consider what is meant by success in Pratyahara. This is a very extensive subject, and different authors take widely divergent views. One writer means an analysis so acute that every thought is resolved into a number of elements (see "The Psychology of Hashish," Section V, in Equinox II). Others take the view that success in the practice is something like the experience which Sir Humphrey Davy had as a result of taking nitrous oxide, in which he exclaimed: "The universe is composed exclusively of ideas." Others say that it gives Hamlet's feeling: "There's nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so," interpreted as literally as was done by Mrs. Eddy. However, the main point is to acquire some sort of inhibitory power over the thoughts. Fortunately there is an unfailing method of acquiring this power. It is given in Liber III. If Sections 1 and 2 are practised (if necessary with the assistance of another person to aid your vigilance) you will soon be able to master the final section. In some people this inhibitory power may flower suddenly in very much the same way as occurred with Asana. Quite without any relaxation of vigilance, the mind will suddenly be stilled. There will be a marvellous feeling of peace and rest, quite different from the lethargic feeling which is produced by over-eating. It is difficult to say whether so definite a result would come to all,
or even to most people. The matter is one of no very great importance. If you have acquired the power of checking the rise of thought you may proceed to the next stage.

from - THE WAY OF ATTAINMENT OF GENIUS

PRATYAHARA - Part 1

2008-10-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

PRATYAHARA is the first process in the mental part of our task. The previous practices, Asana, Pranayama, Yama, and Niyama, are all acts of the body, while mantra is connected with speech: Pratyahara is purely mental. And what is Pratyahara? This word is used by different authors in different senses. The same word is employed to designate both the practice and the result. It means for our present purpose a process rather strategical than practical; it is introspection, a sort of general examination of the contents of the mind which we wish to control: Asana having been mastered, all immediate exciting causes have been removed, and we are free to think what we are thinking about. A very similar experience to that of Asana is in store for us. At first we shall very likely flatter ourselves that our minds are pretty calm; this is a defect of observation. Just as the European standing for the first time on the edge of the desert will see nothing there, while his Arab can tell him the family history of each of the fifty persons in view, because he has learnt how to look, so with practice the thoughts will become more numerous and more insistent.
As soon as the body was accurately observed it was found to be terribly restless and painful; now that we observe the mind it is seen to be more restless and painful still. ("See diagram opposite.") A similar curve might be plotted for the real and apparent painfulness of Asana. Conscious of this fact, we begin to try to control it: "Not quite so many thoughts, please!" "Don't think quite so fast, please!" "No more of that kind of thought, please!" It is only then that we discover that what we thought was a school of playful porpoises is really the convolutions of the sea-serpent. The attempt to repress has the effect of exciting. When the unsuspecting pupil first approaches his holy but wily Guru, and demands magical powers, that Wise One replies that he will confer them, points out with much caution and secrecy some particular spot on the pupil's body which has never previously attracted his attention, and says: "In order to obtain this magical power which you seek, all that is necessary is to wash seven times in the Ganges during seven days, being particularly careful to avoid thinking of that one spot."
from - THE WAY OF ATTAINMENT OF GENIUS

Upekkha

2008-10-04T00:59:00.000-07:00

Look repeatedly at the mental feelings, and the pictures in your mind until you can understand the composition of its characteristic feeling. (Don’t be surprised at this stage if the hindrance gets stronger). Also check your mental attitude: Do I desire this, or do I dislike it? Do I fear it ?
At this stage upekkha will arise, then as you look back at the object, it will disappear. (This will do for beginners who find out the characteristics of desire for food for example. However the same method applies to desiring all kinds of things.)
An experienced practitioner would check his mental attitude first and then check bodily sensations and would avoid looking at the mental image. Will drop the image immediately, and again and again if necessary.
The difficulty one faces with the dropping of the image, shows the strength of the attachment.
This last method works with all sense objects.
This latest practice will help you understand how mental attitudes and mental feelings cause you to suffer.
Sexual Desire: In this case check your mental attitude first, then chest-heart area for mental feelings, totally ignore image and keep checking as before again.
If there is change in mental attitude you will feel it; i.e. mental heaviness, contraction (chest-heart area) or pleasantness and so on.
Also use your wisdom, see the bad side in what seems attractive and desirable, think of the results or the price you have to pay for sense pleasure. Look at what’s coming, what’s following pleasant feeling. Observe that feeling (This does not mean start feeling guilty!)
As you observe continuously, the unpleasant feeling will decrease. (Your observing has to be at present moment, but to be able to do that, your mental attitude has to be right.)
Observe sensation until it goes down to zero. This is very important, because if it doesn’t work, it means sati is weak.
To increase sati look continuously into sensation area persisting, increasing viriya; i.e. putting out fire: if its not much, a glass of water will put it out, if your whole house is burning a glass of water its useless.
This means that you have to face the situation at the beginning and not ignore it until it’s too late.
Check very carefully your attitude: If there is wrong attitude there and you are able to see it clearly, acknowledge it, that ‘seeing’ by itself will change and turn in time that negative attitude into positive. Do not change object until your present object zeros. If sati is strong, usually the mental feeling will decrease to zero, then the mental attitude will change to upekkha-neutral feeling, and the mental image will disappear and bodily sensation will break up or it will be just another sensation.
For a seasoned Cittanupassana meditator the looking at the mental attitude changing will cause the image to disappear and the bodily sensation to break up.
So Zap it with the X rays of your sati!
From - Buddhist Meditation - Contemplation of the Mind

Best Meditation Methods

2008-09-15T03:43:00.000-07:00

Discovering the best meditation method for you is one of the highs you can experience in modern chosen mantra over and over, either out loud or in your head.day life.

Too often, we are too stressed even to contemplate meditation, even though taking a few quiet minutes to meditate could be one of the best things we could do in our lives.

For the next week, experiment with a different meditation method each day and note down the effects. You'll then have a much clearer idea of the best meditation method for you.

Breathing meditation. This is one of the simplest meditation techniques and focusing on your breathing is quick and easy.
Walking meditation. Take a leisurely walk. Breathe in the air. Notice the sounds and smells!
High tech meditation. Put on your headphones and a binaural beats track. Sit back and let the technology do the rest.
Mantra meditation. Repeat your
Candle meditation. Light a candle somewhere safe, sit down and focus on the candle flame. Let all other thoughts drift out of your mind. Keep focussed on the flickering flame.
Guided meditation. Put on your headphones and listen to a pre-recorded guided meditation talk you through the process of relaxing your body and clearing your mind.
Mirror gazing. No, you're not doing an impression of Narcissus! Simply gaze into your reflected image. Focus on the wall just behind your head. Let all other thoughts fall out of your mind.

Your feelings and daily journal will help you to quickly come to a conclusion as to which meditation method is best for you. You may even decide to "ring the changes" and indulge in several different meditations according to the day of the week and the time available in your schedule.

By Trevor John

Meditations: Meditating for Good Will

2008-08-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

One of the things we are taught when we are young is to respect each other and to treat each other with the up most respect. However some where along the way we seem to forget the art of good will. There is a simple meditation that you can use to help you ensure that your heart, mind and soul each day maintain good will towards all mankind.

The first step in this meditation is to sit comfortably into your meditation position. The recommended position for this meditation is to sit on the floor with no back support or alternatively sit on a chair with no back support. Ensure when you are in the position that your back and shoulders are straight, your head is upright, eyes closed with your palms pointing up and open.

Begin the meditation session by using a basic breathing technique. Clear you mind and use the simple breathing technique to ensure that you have focus to start the next stage of the meditation session.

First in your minds eye imagine your immediate family such as your husband or wife and your children if you have them. In your mind, begin with the mantra, "May my family live in total peace and in true happiness". Continue saying this mantra whilst you see your family in your mind. Feel the love this mantra produces for your family. Feel the happiness and peace as your family lives its life in total peace and in true happiness.

The next stage of this meditation is to now extend that mantra to those people in a wider circle such as your friends, business associates, your customers and anyone who you may have met today. Now extend your mantra and say the follow, "May the people who come in contact with me who I call my friends know the love and peace I have to share." Feel the love and peace to be extended to these people.

For this to truly work, you must now in your meditation session see one person who may have wronged you during the day. It may have been someone who cut in front of you whilst you were driving, an angry customer or somebody who was abrupt or rude to you. You must now use the mantra, "May the person who felt it necessary to be rude, know true peace and happiness and may they learn to treat others in kind".

If at any time during your meditation session your thoughts track to inappropriate feelings such as anger or angst towards someone, simply start the meditation session from scratch and practice the mantras till you can get to the point where you can extend the goodwill to the person that took your focus away.

It has been proven time and time again, a person who harbor grudges and hate towards others live shorter lives because the hate builds into stress that causes stress to your body and weakens it. One of the great mantras or sayings I live my life by, comes from the greatest man to have walked on this earth and he spoke these words, "Love one another as I have loved you."
By: Chris Le Roy

Meditation Techniques - Learn How To Perform Meditation

2008-08-20T22:51:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of meditation and the techniques can vary from being very simple to being quite complex. The benefits of meditation can be great as many studies have been done outlining many of the potential health benefits from reduction in stress to less symptoms of disease. Here are a few different techniques to help you learn meditation.

Breathing Exercise:

This is a very simple technique and simply requires that you put your mental attention on your breathing. Simply turn your mental focus to your breathing as you breathe in and then out. Try to only think of your breathing, if you find other thoughts entering your mind then simply return your focus gently back on the breath.

Do this for five to ten minutes a day or whenever you feel you need to get rid of some tension and stress. Over time you will experience fewer distractions and you will be able to slip into that quiet frame of mind quicker and experience the peace and tranquility that it brings.

Guided Meditation:

This kind of meditation is usually accompanied by music usually sounds of nature or other non verbal music that is slow and gentle. It is also best to do this in a quiet room without any other kinds of distractions. You can light an incense that you like to help to relax you further.

Now focus on a pure space inside of your heart and see a light there. Then envision this light spreading slowly throughout your body and then see the light extending outside your body to the space around you. Maintain your focus on this light and avoid external thoughts. The idea is to get to that state of a quiet peaceful mind that is also potentially the least stressful and thus may offer great health benefits.

Chakra Meditation:

Chakra meditation is based on concentrating on the various energies that lie within us and by simply paying attention to different regions of our body we have the potential to get great health benefits in those particular regions. There are seven chakras that you need to learn when performing this type of meditation.

They are the root chakra, feeling chakra, personality chakra, heart chakra, throat chakra, knowledge and crown chakra. There are indeed a few things to learn so be patient and take your time to learn this type of meditation. When performing this type of meditation make sure that your focus is on one chakra at a time and you need to clear your thoughts.

You can also add some relaxing music to the background if you like and make sure that you are in a room that is free of distractions so be sure to turn the television or radio off. The main idea is to feel a connection with everything around you. There are many books and tapes written that can show you in detail how to do this type of meditation as it can get complex.

Zen Meditation:

Zen meditation is also defined as the study of the self. It is best to do this in a seated position called the burmese position. Make sure to keep the back straight as this will make deep breathing occur much more naturally. The deep breathing that occurs during this type of meditation can offer many health benefits as by introducing more oxygen into your system you help to cleanse and energy your body.

One of the things you do in zen meditation is to stay in the same position for fifteen to twenty minutes. This will help you to develop a quieter mind by restricting your physical movements. Often a scattered mind is what causes significant stress in the lives of many so learning to reduce your thoughts can be very stress relieving. Pick a meditation approach you feel comfortable with and learn all you can about it and most importantly do it on a regular basis to reap the benefits.

What Is Meditation

2008-08-19T23:12:00.000-07:00

Meditation is a discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, “thinking” mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. It often involves turning attention to a single point of reference. Meditation is recognized as a component of almost all religions, and has been practised for over 5,000 years. It is also practised outside religious traditions. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which may emphasize different goals — from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind. Kindly provided by Wikipedia

Now we have the ‘official’ definition out of the way let’s really cut to the chase.
When many people think of meditation they instantly conjure up an image of a bearded man sitting cross legged on the top of a mountain or hermit like in a small mountain side cave. This bearded man is the all knowing presence - he is one of the few that knows the answer to the time honoured question ‘What is the meaning of life?’

Well I am sorry to disappoint you. Whilst I am sure there are people as I have described above, the majority of people who meditate are the same as you and I. People who are involved in life and work, yet at the same time seeking more serenity and calm.

How many times have you heard the following phrases: too stressful, chill out, take time out, need to relax? We all lead very busy, active lives. But our bodies and minds can tolerate only so much of these feelings. After a while, each of us reaches a saturation point and the results become uncomfortable at best; for some it may be unbearable, even unendurable. We need to find a way to relieve ourselves of these burdens. As the hermit on the mountain side cave would say ‘the answer is within all of us’.

Most people have meditated, whether they realize it or not. When you are anxious before a test, nervous of flying, suffering a panic attack to name a few scenarios. The first thing advised by medical personnel it to concentrate on your breathing. This helps to regulate your heart rate whilst at the same time it helps to quieten your mind chatter.

This is basic meditation.

When you start to meditate on a regular basis, you will feel a sense of detachment from your surroundings, calm, relaxed, serene. At times emotions may overtake you during meditation, such as suddenly becoming tearful for no reason. However, you can be sure that there is a reason for these emotions, although it may have been buried deep within for a considerable time. There is always a reason. You will generally feel more relaxed in your day to day routines. You will not rise to anger or become stressful so easily.

This change from within will also become apparent to others around you. They will notice that you seem calmer, more in control. You do find inner peace.

If only more people took up meditation, just imagine what the world could be like.

By: Lisa.C.Moore

Meditation Timers

2008-08-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Meditation is a process of relaxing the mind and the body to release stress and recharge the self. Meditators use various types of meditation to get in touch with their energy body to enable overall health. However, it is found that an effective timer is required to make meditators aware of time lapsed while meditating. Meditation timers are designed to enable meditators clock their meditation time.

Meditation timers were mainly developed to allow meditators to know that the time has come to move out of their trance state. People usually have limited time and prefer to set a time period of five, ten, fifteen or thirty minutes in which they have to complete their meditation exercises. Some people also choose to use meditation timers as their alarm cloaks to help them start their day with pleasant sounds. Many meditators see meditation timers as a tool for progressive awakening, where they can work on their dreams as well as affirmations. Meditation timers are used in meditation classes to facilitate a gentle way of starting or ending meetings and sessions on time.

Meditation timers allow the meditators to direct their full attention to the meditation process and not worry about looking at the clock frequently to check the time lapsed. Meditators, who have limited time, can attune themselves into meditating without any distractions and gain the maximum benefit in the minimum possible time.

Meditation timers are usually designed with pleasant sounds of chimes and bells to bring a fresh clear sound in the surrounding. Meditation timers come in the form of an electronic device, a tape, or a CD recording. The taped recordings usually have a spiritual chant such as "Om" at the specified time interval followed by silence. Some meditation timers can even be attached with the phone to convert the conventional ring into a pleasant chime or music. They can be purchased locally or online after hearing the chimes integrated with the sound system of the meditation timer.

Meditation provides detailed information on Meditation, Meditation Techniques, Transcendental Meditation, Guided Meditation and more. Meditation is affiliated with Tai Chi Videos.

Yoga in India

2008-08-14T01:42:00.000-07:00

An exercise routine that has taken the world over was discovered in India around 3300 BC. When the Indus valley civilization was uncovered, many seals with figures in yoga poses were discovered. So it had flourished in the Indus valley.

Learning yoga has become an attribute for every Indian. At some point of time they are certainly affected by yoga. A few Asians learnt can keep you healthy for a very long time. They strengthen the digestive system. Increase the blood flow to various parts of the body that keeps you fresh and pepped up all day long. Investing a few hours in this exercise is a long-term assuredness of being healthy.

Many prefer to learn yoga from Rishis (holy men) as they perfect the asana and are able to help the learner perfect it. A wrong bend or a wrong posture can do much harm than good. Hence it is very important to learn the right posture.

As Yoga has been founded in India, it has spread over the centuries. Today you do not have to go to remote villages to learn the exercise from a meditating Rishi (holy man). Instead there are many instructors that are trained in the field to help you practice. It is best prescribed on an empty stomach and after a good rest.

Yoga finds its mentions in the Upanishads and the Puranas that have been composed by the Aryans in later half of the Vedic period. Hence it must have been pursued by Kings, Royals and most of the people as an exercise routine where cardio and weight training were unheard of.

There are 8 stages described by the teachers of Yoga:
1) Yamas - where one learns to abstain or restrain
2) Niyamas - here one studies to give up the ego and live in purity and contentment
3) Asanas - here are the exercises of healthy living
4) Pranayama - Breathing exercises
5) Partyahar - where the senses are withdrawn
6) Dhrana - complete concentration is achieved
7) Dhyana - from concentration, meditation is the next step
8) Samadhi - the super conscious state is achieved. To reach this stage many years of practice is needed.

And once you attain all the eight then Moksha that is redemption is said to be yours.

Yoga is an art of uniting the body, mind and spirit. The art comes through various sources of physical influence, mental instability, or inspirational sources like inspirational quotes or inspirational speeches. Also check out some interesting facts about cosmetics and herbal on our website.

The Power of Concentration Meditation Technique

2008-08-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

Meditation is an invaluable and proven science to optimize health and elevate the quality of one's life. It not only promotes physical health, but also markedly improves emotional balance and psychological wellbeing. There are many types of meditation and in this article we will explore the popular and powerful Concentration Meditation Technique.

Concentration Meditation Techniques:

These are probably the most common and well know of all the meditations and often meditation is defined by these kinds of meditations exclusively. They are closely related to the Insight Meditation Techniques, with the difference being that Insight Meditation Techniques utilize the active application of intelligence and discernment, while the Concentration Meditation techniques use the power of focused attention to a greater degree. To some extent these meditations lay the groundwork for the Insight Meditations which need a high degree of concentration as a prerequisite to being effective.

1. Breath Meditation Technique (Zazen):

The heart of Zen Meditation is Zazen, the meditation of the Buddha. In this meditation, awareness and concentration are brought to the breathing process to help build mastery over the mind and free the system from dualistic thinking.

To practice Zazen one takes a seated posture and then begins to count the flow of one's breath. Counting each inhalation and exhalation starting from one to ten. So, an inhalation is one, the next exhalation is two, and so forth. When one reaches the count of ten, one returns to one and starts counting again. This helps focus the mind and prevents it from drifting endlessly from one thought to another.

As one develops one's ability to count undistracted from one to ten, one starts to count each breath cycle, instead of the inhalation and exhalation separately. So now one counts an inhalation and exhalation as one, the next complete breath as two and so forth till one reaches ten. After reaching ten, one returns to one and repeats the meditation.

In the advanced form of Zazen, one simply becomes the breath. In this form counting is dropped altogether and only keen awareness of the breath is maintained. One should not progress to this level until one has mastered the previous two.

Zazen breath meditation helps develop the power of focused concentration and creates a serene, peaceful mind capable of penetrating the veil of dualistic thinking.

2. Another breath based meditation is Vipassana:

In Vipassana one extends one's awareness from one's breath, to the body and the sensations that rise and fall within it. The objective being to have insight into the workings of the mind through self-observation. This form of meditation is also called Insight Meditation as it helps one develop insight into the true nature of things.

3. Object Concentration Meditation Technique:

There are many meditations that utilize an external object as a focus point for the mind. Zazen and Vipassana belong in this sections as well, but due to their widespread use I mentioned them separately.
The objects of focus can be anything from a point on the ceiling, to a flower, to external sounds in the environment. These meditations all develop focus, concentration, self knowledge, calmness and the witnessing consciousness. Their ultimate objective, though, is to have the meditator finally drop the object of concentration and encounter the non-dual nature of Reality directly.

Some examples of these meditations are Sound Awareness Meditation Technique and candle flame gazing (Trataka). Both these meditation utilize the sense modalities to accomplish the goals of concentration meditation.

Summary:

So you see from above that there are many types of concentration meditation techniques. This allows one to choose a type that is most suitable for their personality and disposition. The best way to discover the enormous benefits of meditation is to jump in and participate. What are you waiting for?

Anmol Mehta is a Yoga & Zen Expert. His site, Free Guided Meditation & Chakra Kundalini Yoga Exercises, offers Free Third Eye (Ajna) Chakra Yoga Meditation Technique. Also, find great discussions on the Free Guided Meditation Practice, Kundalini Yoga Poses & Zen Meditation Blog.

Concentration Meditation Techniques:

1. Breath Meditation Technique (Zazen):

Zazen breath meditation helps develop the power of focused concentration and creates a serene, peaceful mind capable of penetrating the veil of dualistic thinking.

2. Another breath based meditation is Vipassana:

3. Object Concentration Meditation Technique:

Summary:

Concentration Meditation Techniques:

1. Breath Meditation Technique (Zazen):

Zazen breath meditation helps develop the power of focused concentration and creates a serene, peaceful mind capable of penetrating the veil of dualistic thinking.

2. Another breath based meditation is Vipassana:

3. Object Concentration Meditation Technique:

Summary:

Active Meditation - Meditation On The Move!

2008-08-07T01:26:00.000-07:00

Introduced by Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh or 'Osho' as he was called, active meditation is widely practiced today by millions of people across the world. The core belief behind active meditation is that it is not essential to be stationary or sit in one place to achieve the benefits of mediation. It is possible to meditate just as effectively by being involved in physical and emotional activity, since meditation simply involves reaching a mental state where the mind is free of thought, while being alert to what is happening around you.

How It Works

The Osho active meditation techniques are based on scientific research and take into account that it is not always possible for every individual to sit still for long lengths of time as in traditional meditation. Some people become even more uncomfortable at the end of the meditation, than before. Therefore, Osho active meditation begins with some kind of activity that helps loosen your body, relaxing it and clearing your mind gradually. People who are naturally restless can get rid of this restlessness through activities allowing them to unwind their mind. This leads to a state of calm and quiet.

Active Meditation Techniques

There are seven active meditation techniques. Let us take a brief look at what each technique involves:

1. Dynamic Meditation is best done in the early hours of the morning. It takes about an hour and involves five stages to release tension and gather the energy needed to keep the individual refreshed throughout the day.

2. Kundalini Meditation involves an hour consisting of four stages. This is a great stress reliever that lets you unwind at the end of the day.

3. Nataraj Meditation has three stages stretching through sixty-five minutes that requires you to dance your tension away, letting you gradually 'turn in' to yourself to inner peace.

4. Nadabrahma Meditation involves sitting for an hour where you hum along with hand movements. The aim of this is to reach an inner equilibrium and calmness.

5. Gourishankar Meditation is best done at night and involves breathing methods as you steadily look at a light performing slow body actions.

6. Mandala Meditation techniques aim at creating a full circle of energy resulting in quiet at the center.

7. Whirling Meditation or Sufi whirling is very active meditation.

All of these include some form of activity that could be jogging, singing, dancing and laughing aloud, shouting, etc so that the individual can transit to the passive stage with ease. Another technique used by Osho Active meditation is 'gibberish' where you use sound combined with movements of the body to cleanse the mind and lead it to relaxation.

The Advantages Of Active Meditation

Everyone experiences stress that prevents him or her from functioning at optimum levels. The aim of active meditation is to refresh our energies whenever required and to get into a state of calm and relaxation. By doing this, we recognize the abilities hidden within us and make the effort to grow to our full potential.

Through constant practice, it is possible to feel the effects of active meditation throughout the day even while not meditating, no matter where you are. In fact, active meditation can also be practiced when you are sick and confined to your bed with concentrated breathing.

Discover the hidden secrets to buddhist mediation, christian meditation, and other types of meditation by going to: http://www.OnlineMeditationGuru.com

Best Meditation Methods

2008-08-06T02:50:00.000-07:00

Discovering the best meditation method for you is one of the highs you can experience in modern day life.Too often, we are too stressed even to contemplate meditation, even though taking a few quiet minutes to meditate could be one of the best things we could do in our lives.
For the next week, experiment with a different meditation method each day and note down the effects. You'll then have a much clearer idea of the best meditation method for you.

Breathing meditation. This is one of the simplest meditation techniques and focusing on your breathing is quick and easy.
Walking meditation. Take a leisurely walk. Breathe in the air. Notice the sounds and smells!
High tech meditation. Put on your headphones and a binaural beats track. Sit back and let the technology do the rest.
Mantra meditation. Repeat your chosen mantra over and over, either out loud or in your head.
Candle meditation. Light a candle somewhere safe, sit down and focus on the candle flame. Let all other thoughts drift out of your mind. Keep focussed on the flickering flame.
Guided meditation. Put on your headphones and listen to a pre-recorded guided meditation talk you through the process of relaxing your body and clearing your mind.
Mirror gazing. No, you're not doing an impression of Narcissus! Simply gaze into your reflected image. Focus on the wall just behind your head. Let all other thoughts fall out of your mind.

Read my review of the one of best meditation methods I've come across to date at http://personaldevelopmentreviews.org/index.php/2007/04/17/secrets-of-abundant-energy

Best Meditation Technique

2008-08-05T00:33:00.000-07:00

Meditation, just like anything else, has been through a lot of changes since its first inception thousand of years ago. Today, we know people are practicing Healing Meditation, Transcendental Meditation, Zen Meditation, Mantra Meditation, Hindu Meditation. The list goes on with Moving Meditation, Passive Meditation, Candle Light Meditation, and a few others. For beginners, the overwhelming numbers of techniques, literatures and advertisements could be very confusing. For those who has already started one technique, this could also create a problem, because each technique claims that it's the best technique.

Before we go on deciding which technique is the best, let's begin with what is Meditation? Meditation is one way you communicate and become one with The One, The Beginning of Everything, or God we used to call It. The true essence of meditation is to feel and experience the unity itself. After all, we are all Light Beings seeking human experience, not the other way around. A lot of beginners are not well informed about this, and they meditate for healing, for "spiritual growth" or even ascension without really understanding what that means.

Some people go all the way to meditate with an extreme measures, just because it has been the only way in their cultures. Some belief meditation could make one to become "God like" or some kind of super human. People are doing this because they feel that they are only human who needs more power to become more like Spiritual Beings. They forget that we are all part of The One. We do not need more and special power to become like Him, we only need to be fully conscious that we are part of Him. We already have the Power.

Now that we are fully aware what meditation is all about, and what meditation could and could not do to you, what is really the best Meditation Technique? The best technique is the one which brings you closer and closer to The One. The best technique is the technique which "remind" you who you really are , regain your full potential and full consciousness. This technique never ask you to give your power away to any living person or even Light Masters. It could be accessed directly from The One, not through any particular ritual or certain teachings.

The fact of the matter is, meditation technique is as personal as the individual itself. Trust your intuition, follow your heart, and go with the technique you're most comfortable with. Always think of your teachers as your fellow traveler with respect, but do not give your power away.

Do your meditation regularly in the stage of Pure Unconditional Love. This must not feel like a chore, do it because you are fully aware that we are all part of The One, we are all Light Beings seeking human experience. Happy Meditating.

Alex Lee is the founder of Divine Love & Light Meditation Technique, a very simple meditation technique, making it easy for Everybody to experience deepest state of meditation in just a matter of seconds.

For more information on Divine Love&Lights Meditation go to Secret Of Meditation

Discovering Meditation Secrets

2008-08-04T01:21:00.000-07:00

Meditation helps us free our minds, alleviate stress, and create an understanding between man and universe.

There are many different ways to meditate. Some people sit down on the floor, some stand up, while others sit in a chair and close their eyes. All of us need to find what works for us in order to get the most out of our meditation sessions. Here we will explore some meditation secrets that will help us achieve a better understanding of the concept of meditation and how to get the most out of every session.

Meditation Secrets

• Realize the true reason for meditation - Don’t get lured into all the hype surrounding meditation. It is easy to become fascinated with the mystic visions we commonly associate with meditation. People often see themselves being able to see things, resulting in higher psychological functioning. Although some of this is true, the real purpose for meditation is to have us come in contact with our higher consciousness so we can feel more in touch with ourselves and our environment.

• Being Distracted - There is a myth surrounding meditation. Many think becoming distracted during a session, meaning your mind wanders off the focus of the object at hand, results in a failed session. This is not true. Meditation secrets reveal that if you become lost or confused during your session, then just accept these thoughts and turn your attention back onto the object of focus. Don’t resist outside thoughts. This will only hinder the meditation process.

• Let Go - Find a style that suits you. Once you have chosen a style, try to let go of negative thoughts. Do not focus on the ‘hows’ of being able to get everything you want from this life. Let it come naturally by investing some trust into your unconscious mind. These meditation secrets are the key to success during every session.

Find out more meditation secrets and discover how meditation can help you relax and de-stress in today's hectic world by visiting learn how to meditate.

Meditation – How To Learn Meditation?

2008-08-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

Meditation is an art that focuses on total concentration. It is a unique union of body and mind one experiences while in the state of meditation. Most people meditate regularly.

Different set of people meditate for different purposes. Some aim to find solace and relief from the problems they face in their daily life, some desire improvement in health, desire want to enhance memory and other would like to transform their personality or want to get acquainted to their true self.This is amazing yet true because there are several benefits of meditating.

However, most people who are keen on learning meditation cannot actually learn this unique art because they are unaware of how to do it correctly or how to actually start if off and continue it for the coming future. They are just not able to focus on their main aim to meditating.

If you are keen on learning meditation and don’t know how to go about it, here is an elaborated information on how to learn meditation.

There are several courses on meditation available these days. You can easily learn all meditation techniques via enrolling into one of these meditation courses.

Another method to learn meditation is the self help method. Try to visit a local library or a website and study old materials available on this subject. This will arouse your interest in meditation. You will start believing in the benefits produced by meditation. This further let you meditate more seriously and passionately.

Another method is to trust a meditation starter pack available on the market, these days. You can also purchase a CD that will guide you through the process of learning meditation.

You can easily purchase these CDs from an online retailer. These are not very expensive.

Try to find a personal trainer who would train you on how to meditate. Make sure that the trainer you appoint for yourself is experience and has been practicing for a long time. Try to talk to him personally and discuss what meditation is, how it works and what benefits you can enjoy while practicing it. His answers of these topics will definitely give you an idea on how to meditation and whether the trainer is skilled enough to train you on meditation.

While learning meditation, you need to focus on there important aspects. Here are some of the aspects you need to be concerned about while meditating:

a) Posture

This is an important part of a meditation session. This helps you to learn how to relax. You would also learn how to keep your spine straight. This in turn, improves blood circulation in your body and also improves nerves and its’ functioning. You are an alert person now.

b) Breathing

It is an important element when learning meditation. When meditating, a person learns to take slow even breaths that come through diaphragm.

c) Attitude

Correct and positive attitude is very important when learning how to meditation.

Meditation is a great technique to make you lead a comfortable life. Learn meditation to make your life more beautiful, stress free, healthy and problem free.

By: Bertil Hjert