Meditation

True meditation is the removal of attention from all external, bodily and mental conditions, so as to experience pure levels of awareness or states of consciousness. To do this the meditator must be concentrated. An ancient yoga text describes meditation as the constant flowing of attention to one point of focus. Techniques, such as mantra, are often employed to help the practitioner to internalise their attention, calm their mind and become focused.

The primary purpose for practising meditation is to experience more clarified states of awareness and higher states of consciousness. Superconscious meditation occurs when the practitioner experiences states of deep, inner peace, whilst remaining alert and attentive, simply witnessing them as they occur. Practising regularly in this way, refines both the nervous system and the brain, facilitating the meditators awakening to greater understanding. Consequently, those who meditate, cultivate a more heightened awareness which enables them to partake in their daily lives with greater appropriateness and ease.

When meditating your breathing slows down and as a result so does your heart rate. Your blood pressure balances out and your body experiences greater relaxation. During meditation, activity in the brain is dispersed throughout both the right and left frontal cortex of the brain, inducing calm and clarity and improved concentration. All this contributes to reducing stress and anxiety, and reducing high blood pressure which can otherwise lead to the development of heart or kidney problems. The adrenal gland produces less cortisol, a steroid hormone released to deal with stress, which in turn slows down the body’s ageing processes and restrengthens the immune system.

Meditation cultivates within us a heightened appreciation for life. Empowered to relinquish ourselves of negative tendencies and replace our bad habits with good ones, we take greater control of our lives. We approach all our experiences with optimism. We feel inspired, demonstrating improved intellectual skills and creativity. We begin to recognise the universality of life and endeavour to do only what is of benefit to us, other living things and this planet.

Why Should We Meditate?

How Is It Practised?

God, the only Reality in the universe, is not comprehensible by the average person until awareness is elevated above the attributes of nature. - Sri Yukteswar

Meditation in its essence is not difficult. When first tried, it can be surprising to discover how uncontrollably dominant our minds have become. It is important not to be discouraged at these initial stages. Remain patient as you gradually become familiar with the process. By integrating it into your daily routine with a genuine enthusiasm to experiment and an aspiration to know more of your inner nature, skill in practice improves naturally.

A simple meditation process, using a technique called mantra, is outlined below. Many different meditation techniques exist for cultivating continuous concentration and clarifying awareness. Mantra is the use of a word or a sound as the point of focus.

-First, sit comfortably on the floor or on a chair with your back upright, shoulders back and your hands relaxed on your lap. Close your eyes, allowing your inner gaze to settle on the point in the centre of your forehead.

-Breathe in deeply, filling your lungs. Hold the breath briefly and exhale. Do this three or four times to help you relax.

-Choose as your mantra, any word which is pleasant to you, such as; ‘Peace’, ‘Joy’ or ‘God’. Allowing your breathing to flow naturally, without trying to control it, mentally say the word as you inhale and exhale. Whenever your mind drifts, gently return your attention to the mantra.

-Continue using the mantra until you find you are concentrated, resting in a state of calm. At this point, simply sit in the silence. Remain attentive, investigating the silence and your relationship with it.

Meditate in this way at least once a day. Begin by meditating for twenty-minute periods, gradually extending your practice as you become more proficient. Meditating for longer intervals allows one to experience greater clarity of awareness and the unfolding of their own innate knowledge.

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A free copy of the booklet, ‘An Easy Guide to Meditation,’ published by Centre for Spiritual Awareness, Georgia, can be requested by contacting meditation4k@gmail.com

A package of free introductory literature can be requested from the Centre for Spiritual Awareness (CSA).