So how to meditate. There are various meditative traditions that use different techniques to achieve the same thing whether its called Nirvana, Divine Ecstasy or Samadhi the goal is a permanent state of bliss consciousness that we experience when our soul realizes it’s divine heritage.
The method of meditation that you will be guided through here comes from the most ancient meditative tradition on earth – being the Hindu tradition and spoken of in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Elements of which having been dated as far back as 3000 BC and precedes all other religious and meditative traditions. It is indeed the root of all types of meditative traditions today.
As mentioned in our web page the are eight steps in the complete process of the Yoga Sutras and seven to reach the stage of meditation proper. However for those of you who just want a taste of the meditation process. I’ve stream lined the process to just three.
Elements in Good Meditation Practice
1) Asana – or meditation posture: It is important that you sit with a straight back during meditation, any posture that will allow you to sit with a straight back for a prolonged period will do. For many westerners sitting in a straight back chair is recommended.
Having a straight spine is important because it aids with the flow of energy that is moves up and down the spine during meditation.
Tip: Cover your Meditation Seat with a meditation blanket. Whether your sitting cross legged on the floor or on a chair always use woolen blanket, ideally with a layer of silk on top: – This is an ancient method that the Yogis of India used to insulate their bodies from the earths magnetic currents which has a tendency of drawing the energy built up during meditation down the spine toward the earth and therefore hampering the yogi’s efforts in meditation.
Tip: It is always good to start your meditation with a prayer, such as:”Father, Bless me with divine concentration. I dedicate this meditation to you as a symbol of my love.”
2) Dharana – or concentration: An important part when learning how to meditate is Concentration. It is essential for effective meditation. If you find it difficult it is important that you persist, for only with effort shall you develop this quality. Practice this following method for a few minutes’ morning and night to start with then gradually extend the length of time as you develop more confidence. This exercise will help you develop concentration and will naturally lead you into meditation.
Whilst keeping your attention at the point between the eyebrows be mindful of the inflow and outflow of the breath, not controlling it in anyway let it flow naturally. If the mind wonders in a relaxed way with out getting disappointed or tense just gently bring it back to the breath. This helps the mind get concentrated in preparation for meditation proper.
3) Dhyana – or meditation: Immediately after the preceding step, whilst keeping your eyes at the point between the eyebrows. Talk or prayer to God in a natural way as if your talking to a close friend. It’s important this is done with concentration.
It is good to start by genuinely thanking him for all the blessing in your life. No matter what your circumstance or difficulty each of us has more to be thankful for than we realise. I once met a formally very attractive woman who was struck down in the prime of her life with a horrible disease that ate away her skeletal system. She had to be cared for 24hrs a day yet she was a very positive and thankful woman.
Tip: This should form the longest part of your meditation. Remember that the sincerity, devotion and love that you bring into your meditation has a direct relation with what you get out of meditation.
For those of you who would like to learn more on how to meditate and about Yoga Meditation. Visit my site at http://www.historyofmeditation.net
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