The mind is a wild thing that we spend most of our lives giving complete freedom to and domination over our better self. In India they call it the 'monkey mind' and with good reason - it jumps around from idea to idea, from distraction to distraction and leads us a merry dance.
Taming this wild creature is an initial reason for meditating. Once having harnessed it by concentrating on a single object - the breath, a candle flame, a beautiful part of nature, mandala or sacred image - it is then possible for the meditator to absorb her(him)self into the object and then merge the deepened meditative state (dhyana) revealing the Oneness within all.
This state is called Samadhi , which is the final limb of the yogic path. The Buddhists call this state, Nirvana (extinction of the ego); the place where there is no thing.
"Meditation is that light in the mind which lights the way for action; and without that light there is no love" J. Krishnamurti
How does one meditate?
Meditation is, unlike many things, something that requires little else other than stillness, to be accomplished. Being comfortable and preparing oneself by making space for a period of quiet time is important. The actual process of preparation for meditation is simply stilling the mind and body.
Within that still space, awareness arises - awareness of whatever - outer things, inner feelings and sensations, objective observations of how things are - and this gradually increasing, uncluttered observation of what is, presents itself. Sounds easy, doesn't it?
It is and it isn't! - The paradox of life.
One of the hardest nuts to crack in being able to create meditative space is finding the time - How many times have you heard yourself say - "Oh yea, for sure...if only I had the time."
Making time for meditation is a commitment. Making that commitment is an intention to meditate. Intention can be one of the most powerful tools we own. In fact, I would go as far as to say it is the most useful tool we own.
Now that is not to say that just because we own it, it becomes a miracle cure Just look at how often we bend intention to weaker ways and thus drain its power for good. It needs to be filled with a strong commitment for the best.
In truth we tend to be ruled and overruled by time. So by making a definitive commitment to a small space for 'quiet time' offers the gift of loving kindness and also prepares us mentally to know this is our own space and time for ourselves.
Techniques for meditation
There are all sorts of techniques that one can utilise for meditation. After finding the time, a comfortable spot and seating, it is important to give the mind something to focus on. Among these can be:
The breath - Breathing is one thing that is always available - free and able to be drawn on instantly(literally).
A candle - By focusing on the flame of a candle the mind is given an easy and obvious focal point.
A mandala - With the intricate and sacred geometric design of mandalas it is possible to become deeply absorbed and drawn into the magical and profound dimensions around which mandalas are constructed.
An image of a saint, spiritual being or religious icon - all of these carry, extol or represent aspirations and examples of a higher state of consciousness.
By studying their acts and example it allows the meditator to aspire and hopefully emulate this way of being.
Chant and devotional singing (kirtan) - the use of sound (Nada yoga) is a means of using chanting or singing to soften and thus focus the mental state to an opening of the heart and to a higher sense of self.
Breath as a powerful focus for harnessing the mind is well utilised in Vipassana meditation. In the practice of Anapana meditation, a preparation of sharpening the focus of the mind, it brings awareness and focus onto the moment, fine tunes and sharpens perception, to then proceed.
Anapana meditation is suitable for anyone to practice. It entails watching the incoming and outgoing breath as it passes over the upper lip and under the tip of the nose, into the body and out again.
Alternately one can observe the gentle rise and fall of the area around the abdomen as it moves with the in and ougoing breath.
Also just focusing on the sound of the moving breath develops a stilling of the mind.
Jack Kornfield's excellent meditation CD and video expands on this.
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