MEDITATION

                                                                                                Revised :31  July  2003

                                                                A.C.Sekhar

 

 

 

 

 

                                        Meditation is both a science and an art. It is a science  exposing the methodology for self- improvement and self- realization. It is an art of exposing  the beauties of life and Creation. It is not concentration or relaxation but a sort of spiritual exercise  to attain a desired goal. Several centers of  teaching and learning meditation   have come up  in different countries, several web-sites exist, several types of reading material are available, to regularly practice meditation,  but ‘Meditation’ is something to be experienced, understood,  and practiced individually and not a knowledge to be obtained by the usual audio-visual learning processes. It will experience  a joy and bliss much more than any worldly activities of pleasure if practiced systematically and regularly.. As in different forms of  creative  expressions like music, dance, painting etc. or as in Scientific techniques of chemistry, physics, and mathematics, so also in  Meditation there are  specific tools, symbols, and aids that require to be used carefully and methodically at different stages and levels of meditation for the particular goal to be achieved. During  Meditation certain vibrations are generated in one’s body which, if in resonance with the vibrations of  in Nature and the surroundings, will  increase the level of energy in  one’s self and will set up thought waves in the right direction to attain the desired goals whether they be material or spiritual. Different religious groups like  Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Muslims  seem to have all developed  different techniques of meditation to suit individual perceptions and circumstances, but on a closer examination there are many common features for any to reach the required  goal through the chosen spiritual exercise. Every technique of every religious group  prescribes some postures of meditation, a suitable place and environment, some regularity and rituals at specific times, which can all be linked with the five basic elements  of Creation , namely, Matter, Energy, Time, Space and Cosmic power (Maya). These aspects as generally followed or recommended in Hindu systems ( as per Vedic traditions  of more than 5000 years old) are briefly described below, but it is always advised that each individual should practice and develop his own techniques  as suited best for  his own circumstances.

 

1. Environment : There are several types of electro-magnetic  waves passing through any Space and such waves around the place of meditation have tremendous influence on the body and mind of the individual in Meditation. The place should be calm and serene, free from physical disturbances, abnoxious odors, loud noices, extremes of temperature and humidity. All material objects in the surrounding space should preferably be religious or spiritual oriented. .Some Rishis and Sages of old days used to select forest areas surrounded by beauties of Nature. Some modern homes have Puja  rooms or special areas of spiritual activities with idols, photos, flowers, sweet smell incense, melodious sounds of prayer hymns etc.                            

 

2. Posture: Posture has a profound influence on Meditation. It will help the flow of blood to match with the thought-wave impulses. Some ancient Rishis did  meditation in standing postures even on one leg. Others did while walking or lying at one place. The best and most recommended posture is  Padmasana, the lotus-style sitting posture, with erect spine, high neck, straight head, slightly closed eyes, mouth closed, and with empty stomach, with palms in upright position near the abdomen. All these should be suitably adopted to the exact physical condition of the body

 

3. Regularity: Meditation  is best  done every day at the same place and time for the same lengths  

              of periods before sunrise or immediately after sunset, or when the sun is crossing the meridian of

              the place (Sandhya Samay). Other suitable times also can be chosen depending on the convenience

              of the individual so long as some regularity is maintained. This is to match the diurnal changes in

               the body with the changing forces in the surroundings and adjust the  energy developed in the

               Meditation

 

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4. Rituals: Setting the place in Puja styles, uttering  hymns in praise of God, or extolling beauties of

        Nature as in Vedas, directing the thoughts to reach the cherished goals, regulating breathing

        (Pranayama) for the control of inhaled oxygen and exhaled carbon-di-oxide, some personal acts

         like bath and dress before and after meditation are considered as useful and necessary ritualistic

          parts of complete Meditation to invoke the Cosmic  Power which is ultimately responsible for

          bestowing the cherished goals.

 

5. Goals: Meditation with a blank Mind does not lead to anything. But Meditation with a  purpose

        will show the desired results.. The purpose may be material to improve the condition of your body

        or  cultivate positive moods to develop some  types of material happiness in the community, or

         the purpose may be spiritual to attune your Mind to realize the Truth of something. There are

         some cases of aiming at evil desires but they also tend to  develop negative forces and cause

         damage to the body.

 

                                            Other religions and non-religious groups also have prescribed similar aids and tools for full benefits from a complete Meditation. Hence if this is made one of the daily routines of man he will not only enjoy a BLISS which no other material activity can confer on him but would also achieve his goal when  other material aids fail.