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Meditation Techniques
Meditation Techniques
MEDITATION TECHNIQUES
STEPS TOWARDS FREEDOM & ENLIGHTEMENT
DEDICATION
I offer this book to us - humanity.
That we may realize our true Divine Nature
and manifest it here on Earth
through thoughts, words and actions
permeated with Love, Peace,
Harmony, Truth and Righteousness.
CONTENTS
2. What Is Meditation??? 5
5. Types Of Meditation 8
7. Meditation Techniques 12
On a regular basis meditating will help you feel positive about your day -to-day life, rejuvenated, and spiritually
attuned. Meditation is a great source for preventing feelings of distress and overwhelm, frustrations that often
stem from modern-day stresses. We scurry from place to place, troubled by our cellular phone* and our pagers,
consumed by the demand and convenience of e -mail. We have so much to pay attention to that the priority of
our relationship with ourselves, the most significant relationship of all, is badly ignored. The fact that you're
curious about meditation Signifies that it's not too late to begin your journey towards a healthier, better life -
style. You must remember that you're the foundation of all that swirls around you. When you are sp iritually Fit,
you will be able to serve other people. Have in mind the saying by President Lincoln, You don't strengthen the
weak by weakening the strong. Every building bears a base. The larger the building, the Firmer the base. Once
the building is fully built, the foundation is covered. It is buried deep into the earth, even though it holds the
entire construction. Try to look at building your own spiritual strength in this manner. When we forget our
roots, our foundation, life is full of stress and f ear. Only by diving deep inside can we reconnect with our own
roots, our own foundation.
In the East, however, meditation does not mean thinking at all but setting the mind in a spiritual ideal, to be one
with it, or the thought-process fading out in the consciousness of it. According to Zen, meditation does not
imply any concept but is an consciousness of inner muteness.
Meditation is not a technique but a way of life. Meditation means a cessation of the thought processes. It depicts
a state of consciousness, when the mind is liberal of illogical thoughts and various patterns. The observer (one
who is doing meditation) realizes that all the activity of the mind is brought down to one not practicing it.
Others:
The whole purpose of meditation is to make you aware of your kingdom, to make you aware of your highest
potential.
Meditation is the study of attention. Attention is cognitive phenomenon. Meditation is the capacity of the brain
to attend to something over a period of time.
1. To unwind the body and mind and rejuvenate ones flow of energy in order to more efficiently face the
responsibilities of ones demanding and active life.
6. For larger ability to pierce into the core of problems and find inspirati onal solutions. This has been found
especially useful by scientists and businessmen.
8. For liberation of oneself from addictions such as cigarettes, narcotics and tranquilizers.
Meditation has been and is being used for a wide variety of other realistic uses, which there is no space to talk
about here. The possibilities are countless, as the powers of the human mind are unlimited.
TYPES OF MEDITATION
There are two types of meditation - Active and Passive.
Active meditation relates to activities of everyday life such as walking, working, eating etc. This in
fact is the aim of Yoga, to experience a meditative state ineveryday life which has the effect of increasing
performance manifold as the work is done with more efficiency and energy.
To achieve active meditation, passive meditation is required which involves taking time out to be seated
and perform Meditation Techniques or practices. This is called passive as it involves withdrawing ourselves in
calm, sitting postures to achieve a meditative state that can help us in our active life. The aim of all
passivemeditation techniques is to still the mind from wavering and distracting thoughts and gradually make
one pointed. Passive Meditation Techniques though of many kinds, essent ially have the same modus of
operandi:
Stage 1: Introversion: Involves seating postures and awareness on an object. This has the effect of calming the
mind and making it 'receptive' to see what's inside.
Stage 2: Introversion leads to the free flow of tho ughts, visions, complexes, memories etc. from the lower mind.
Our passions, fears, doubts and desires arise and we are now in a position to observe these and remove the
undesirable content from our minds forever.
Stage 3: Having observed the lower mind, we are now in a position to explore the subconscious realms. It is
here that real meditation begins. Our limitless storehouse of energy and knowledge starts manifesting itself.
Stage 4: Self realization: As these stages are transcended, supreme bliss is atta ined. There are many mediation
methods known today. Some are best for beginners; others are better tackled after a few years of experience. So
to just give you a starting point the following method can be followed:
1) Body Position
The body should be in erect and relaxed stillness. The spine must be perpendicular to the Earth. The
stomach should be empty. A check should be made of each part of the body that it is relaxed and not tense.
Check especially the muscles in the abdomen, neck and shou lders.
If sitting on a chair, the feet are flat on the ground, muscles relaxed. If on the floor or rug, legs are
crossed in either lotus or half lotus position (this enables the back to remain straight for longer periods of time).
A pillow under the buttocks is helpful. The arms are resting on the knees with the palms relaxed opened
upwards. Check the shoulders to make sure they hang naturally and are not tensed upwards. In this position the
body will be of the least distraction and you will not be weighed down by discomforts and tenseness.
2) Movement of Breath
The rhythm and volume of the breath are directly related to our state of mind. A nervous or anxious mind
produces irregular breathing rhythms. Anger generates rapid, short breat hs. In a relaxed state our breath is deep,
rhythmical and longer in duration. We may reverse this process and affect the mind through breath control.
Relax the abdominal muscles and begin breathing with the diaphragm in long even inhalations
and exhalations. Nothing should be forced. Do only what comes easily and naturally. If youare not used to
breathing with the diaphragm, then spend some minutes each day on your back practicing this breath. It
will develop gradually. With time th e breath will be longer in duration; slowly and evenly in and out. There is
no need to retain the breath. Keep an even relaxing rhythm. (In later stages of meditation you may be guided to
retain breath. This is not suggested in the beginning).
It will be necessary to start the process consciously at first with a certain control over the
mechanism of breathing. After a while this will take place automatically as you sit down to meditate or
relax, just as you are now breathing automaticall y without thinking.
Eventually you will want to learn the "alternate breath" technique in which we alternatively breathe
in through one nostril (holding the other closed) and then exhale out of the opposite nostril (now hold the other
one closed). This technique is described in our book "SELF THERAPY", but you would do well to have an
experienced yoga teacher check your position and method.
This technique is a very powerful means of creating balance and harmony in the bioenergy and the
nervous systems. Scientific tests have shown that breathing only through the right nostril stimulates the left
hemisphere of the brain, and that breathing only through the left nostril stimulates the right hemisphere. Thus,
by breathing alternatively through one and then the other nostril, we create a harmonious balance in the nervous
system.
This corroborates the intuitive findings of the practitioners of yoga, thousands of years ago, who
named the technique "that which cleans theenergy channels". The energy channels are directly related to the
flow of nerveenergy and the quality of mental impulses. Alternate breathing harmonizes, purifies and calms
a) Equal Breath (1:1) in which the inhalation and exhalation are equal in duration.
b) Double Exhalation (1:2) in which the exhalation is double the duration of the inhalation. (For example, if
you count to 3 inhaling, then you count to 6 exhaling. Or 4 inhalation and 8 exhalation).
c) Triangle Breathing (1:1:1) in which the inhalation, the retention and the exhalation are all equal in duration.
d) Square Breathing (1:1:1:1) in which the inhalation, the retention (with lungs full), the exhalation and the
suspension (with lungs empty) are all equal in duration.
Choose any of these ratios which suits you best and breath slowly, counting silently within your
mind in order to keep one of these ratios. Have someone check you if you have any doubts. Perform this
conscious, slow, rhythmic breathing for about five minutes as a prelude to your meditation. Af ter this five
minutes of harmonizing your energy, leave the breath to continue on its own without your conscious
intervention.
Body Become Restless And Back Become Sore: This happens due to lack of preparation. It becomes difficul t
to sit for a long duration in the same pose as the body is not used to it. This is where yoga comes in - by which a
person can prepare his body to remain in a particular meditative pose for the desired duration of time.
According to Integral yoga a routine of asans, yoga nidra and pranayam should be followed prior to meditation.
Expectation Are Too Much: If you think mediation means instant peace or that it shall clear the hassles of
the mind in minutes then you are wrong .The state ofmeditation does not mean a warm, fuzzy feeling, a mind
full of loving thoughts. If you hope meditation will cure incurable diseases in several weeks, again you shall be
wrong. The first thing about meditation is that you should not have any expectations. Every person comes with
a different mind set when starting meditation. One person may be close to inner space and others may be years
away from basic relaxation. There shall be doubts and confusions, all of which will be solved by practice and
dedication in time.
Which Method Is Best Suited To Me: There are plenty of methods some for beginners, some for
experienced, some for intellectual, some for devotional or mystical kind of person. So the only way to find out
the best method suited to you, is to learn yoga under the g uidance of an experienced teacher who will be able to
guide you about a method, you may adapt depending on your lifestyle, your ability and your need. But then trial
and error has done no harm and you can go ahead and find out for yourself what suits you b est.
Experience Of Duality In Your Life: Many mediators have a dualistic kind of existence. Some people love
doing meditation but find that for many hours in the day they are unconsciously working against the very thing
they are trying to achieve in the ir quite times. If harmony is not created in the personality, then self control and
self-discipline will create more conflict rather than peace of mind. A person shall have to develop a harmonious
relationship between his personality and his lifestyle.
Many people sit down to meditate , but find it difficult to do so, because either they don't prepare themselves
enough, or they don't really know what's it all about.
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MEDITATION TECHNIQUES
There are a numerous meditation techniques for efficient meditation. Diverse cultures have different mediation
techniques, but one thing is sure - meditation isuniversal. The different techniques are well -matched to different
personality types. While some techniques are concentrative, involving focusin g, other techniques are expansive
such as 'Vipassana' meditation which allows for the free flow of thoughts and their observation. Presented
below are some of the common meditation methods. Only a brief insight is provided and meditation should be
learnt under the guidance of a Guru.
Mantra Meditation
Mantra, exactly means 'revealed sound', means a sound or mixture of sounds which develop spontaneously.
In mantra meditation, definite sounds are repeated (japa) to accomplish a meditative state. A Mantra is a
combination of sound vibrations which have a result on the mental and spiritual consciousness. Although
traditionally given by a Guru, in the absence of a Guru, the practitioner may choose his mantra. An important
criterion for mantra selection is that it must plea to the mind fully when spoken orally. Mantra chanting creates
powerful vibrations which are said to be focussed to the right "chakras" to draw divine forces. This procedure is
said to mysteriously cure the pious, physical & psychological body . It is significant that when the mantra is
chanted, the words and their rhythm must be enjoyed and one must give up oneself to this experience. Mantras
do not have any specific meaning. Their power lies not in the meaning of the word but through the vibratory
effects of the sound that they produced when spoken verbally or psychologically. In fact, a Mantrashould not be
confused with religion. Just because a mantra refers to a Hindu God, it does not mean that it cannot be said by a
Christian. Also, a Mantra should not be translated as this has the result of altering the sound vibrations wherein
lies the strength of the Mantra. Repetition of a Mantra forms the basis of Mantra Meditation. Mantras for pious
evolution should be practiced for a fixed amount of ti me each day. Repeating a mantra too much may not be
right for susceptible or psychic people as it may affect them adversely. Generally, if you repeat a mantra for
about 10 minutes every day, then, within a few days you will know whether the vibrations feel right for
you. Mantra Meditation is the easiest and safest form of meditation and can be practiced by anyone at anytime
and under any circumstances. The most ordinary way of practicing mantra Meditation is Japa. Japa (exactly
means 'rotate') is performed by repeating a mantra in sync with the turning round of a Japa Mala. A Japa Mala is
a rosary of 108 beads where each bead is turned after the mental or audible recitation of the mantra. Using a
Trataka (to stare steadily) has been followed by most spiritual systems including Christianity and Sufism. In
Trataka, a steady gaze is performed on a point. While, it strictly come s under the category of a yoga cleansing
technique, effective tratakapractice takes one to the shores of meditation. Trataka means steady gazing. It is a
very simple and beautiful Meditation Technique.
Method:
In this a ordinary candle is used, however any other object of choice can be used. The candle is set up at an
arm's distance, height with eyes, and steady gazing is first done with the eyes open. After a moment or two, the
eyes are closed, and the after picture of the flame is 'gazed at' with eyes closed at the eye brow center. Try not to
move through out the practice. Relax your breath, let it extend, deepen. This open gazing of the flame and then
with the eyes closed is alternated a couple of times before concluding the practice. If using a candle for Trataka,
the gaze should be fixed at the wick tip and not on the flame.
Caution:
If practicing Trataka on a Candle flame, do not continue the practice for more than a month or two at a stretch
as it may lead to damage of the retina.
Benefits:
It improves the optic function,both external and internal,such as poor eyesight and visualization abilities.It helps
develop concentration and mental resolve. Develops the ability to maintain one -pointed ness in amongst the
noise and distractions of daily li fe.Develops the psychic eye that is the ability to "see" or understand what is
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15 MEDITATION TECHNIQUES
inside and beyond the obvious. It develops the power of Intuition.
Chakra Meditation:
Chakras means "wheel" and represent the major nerve plexi which branch off the spinalcord to serve the major
organs of the body. Chakras represent a different level of energy manifestation and consciousness
development.Chakra Anusandhana means "discovery or search of the chakras". It is a simple way for beginners
to explore the chakras self-tutored. It helps in awakening them gently, and in a balanced integrated way.
How To:
It can be done sitting, or lying.Close your eyes, adjust your body, clothing.Let the breath relax, slow and
deepen, but do not control it. After a few minutes of settling in, commence Ujjayi pranayam, and carry on for
some time Now bring awareness to the spinal passage, such that awareness of breath is from bottom to
top, Spend a few minutes establishing this inner breath pattern up and down. Ascending with inhalation,
descending with exhalation.
Begin to locate chakras within that channel. Need not pin point the exact location, just focus on general area.
Try to feel the location of each station and mentally repeat its name as you pass by it. On your way up mentally
repeat from Mooldhara to Ajna, and way down reverse the order.Just before finishing let go of breath sound,
then names. And chant mantra' 'Om' 3 times.
Precautions:
Awakening of Chakra can have its side effects. Excessive mental energy can be a problem with t hose who do
not have abundant physical activity. Never meditate on one Chakra without qualified guidance. It can lead to an
imbalance and cause personality problems.
Vipassana Meditation:
Vipassana means "insight" -to see things as they really are, through a process of selfobservation. It means
insight into your own nature which enables one to recognize himself the cause of suffering and eliminate it.
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16 MEDITATION TECHNIQUES
Method:
It is usually done in a course of 10 days, when the participants refrain from reading, writing, and even talking
(except discussing difficulties faced during meditation with the teacher). Set aside 15 minutes. Find a quiet
place. Sit down cross-legged on the floor or a chair with a straight back. Become aware of your breath. Take a
mental note of whatever feeling you are experiencing. Open your eyes slowly after 10 or 15 minutes and get up
gradually. Do not worry if you do not get any great insights in your first session. Try to be aware of your senses
and emotions and their impact on you.
Benefits:
It is free of rites. Allows one to study sensation in the body like cold, pain, itching etc. One develops wisdom.
Raja yoga meditation fills the yogi with super -sensuous elation or ecstasy which is the highest and the most
wonderful experience. The bliss elevates the mind and raises the yogi above carnal pleasure, and moulds his bad
habits. A Raja yogi establishes a relationship with God. He withdraws from all the superfluous and preventable
worldly activities. He spends least amount time and resources on his personal comforts and devotes most energy
for noble cause i.e. spiritual awakening of his fellow -beings.
Zazen:
Method:
In this you sit in lotus position with back str aight to allow free movement of the diaphragm. The chin is tucked
in and the weight of the body equally distributed on both the legs.
Benefits: It is a way to discipline life, and makes one realize how much valuable time is wasted each day.
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17 MEDITATION TECHNIQUES
Nada Yoga:
Plug the ears with the thumbs as in Yoni mudra and concentrate on the internal body sounds. At first the sounds
will be faint and will progressively become louder. By listening to this sound mind becomes internally focused.
Very beneficial meditative object .
In our fast-paced and interconnected world tension is on the rise. Now, for people who are new to mediation
and other related areas, have to put more effort and time for relaxing their body and taking their mind to no
thought state. Modern science has chalked out a solution for them and that isBINAURAL BEA TS.
History of binaural beats: Binaural bests were first discovered in 1839 by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove. However,
Dove didn't realise the full potential of this technology, he merely observed that it occurred. It was another 134
years before Gerald Oster pen ned an article called "Auditory Beats in the Brain" which was published in
Scientific American in 1973.
What is it :It was proposed that a binaural beat occurs in the brain if you apply slightly different frequency sine
waves independently but simultaneou sly to each ear. This beat affect is created by the brain itself and is largely
due to the structure of the brain's internal wiring.
These binaural beats are auditory brainstem responses, originating in the superior olivary nucleus of each
hemisphere of the brain due to the interaction of the two different impulses.
The frequency of the two tones is between one and 30 Hz. Lets take the example that the difference between the
two tones is 10 Hz. This 10 Hz difference is experienced within the superior oliv ary nuclei as a beat . The brain
has a tendency, through the frequency following response, to resonate at the same frequency as the auditory
In layman's terms all this means is that you can relax, put on some stereo headphones and let your mind
synchronize with the binaural beat frequency to create real measurable changes in your mind and body.
Benefits: There are immediate benefits of using these beats such as the creation of relaxed states, aided sleep or
even energy boosts. However, this is not the limit of binaural beat technology. It is also possible to produce very
unusual states of consciousness like lucid dreaming, creativity, out -of-body experiences, and transcendental
meditation, to name but a few. However, there are also very real permanent benefi ts from using binaural beat
technology. This technology has been used to create some very dramatic life changes.
Dangers: Thousands of individuals use Binaural Beats every day with no adverse reactions. After all they are
non addictive and certainly not a busive in any way. There is a small number of people that should never use
these Beats. This should be read very carefully and if you have any doubts you should then seek the opinion of a
medical practitioner before using them.
People who suffer from any type of seizure should never attempt to use any type of Brainwave Entrainment
technology. These work by emitting a constant pulse of sound, which causes electrical impulses in the brain,
changing brainwaves. These may bring on seizures in people prone to t his complaint.
It is not advisable to use this therapy on children due to them being more prone to seizures. Even children that
have never had seizures before can sometimes be affected by the like of certain television programmes or
computer games.