This video explains the essentials of meditation .For a beginner the basics are clearly explained.The ease at which it can be done makes the whole excercise worthwhile.
HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE NUMEROUS MEDITATIONAL AIDS USED?
While practicing your meditation you could use outside or external aids to make the whole experience more relaxing and easier. There are different aids used for different types of meditation like the Hindu,Budhist ,Japanese or Taoist.You could make yourself familiar with some popular aids with the list below.
TAOIST /JAPANESE aids:
INCENSE STICKS: They are handmade sticks coated with natural aromatic material and which give out sweet smells when burnt.They are used frequently for religious and meditational purposes.
When used they provide a sense of calm and appeal to your senses and helps your mind settle down and focus.
TIBETIAN SINGING BOWLS: These are bowls usually made of ‘Panchaloha’ (in Sanskrit) or commonly known as the five metals.The new singing bowls are usually made of bronze and are made in Nepal , India, Korea and Japan.There is also a wooden, plastic or leather mallet along with the bowl which is used to the strike the bowl to create multiple harmonic overtones due to the vibration of the rim. These are used for meditation, trance or prayers.
BUDDHIST:
The budhist aids also consist temple bells, chimes, prayer bells and gongs which are made of timber or wood in different sizes.
INDIAN AIDS :
MALA BEADS:They are usually used for the mantra style of meditation ,where you choose a particular word or mantra along with each bead passes between your fingers.There are different kinds of beads and are used for various spiritual and religious purposes .Like the Rudraksha beads etc.
SHAWLS AND ROBES :There are a lot of people who like to wear silk or cotton shawls while meditating which usually have some scripts,mantras written on them to keep them warm.
MEDITATION FURNITURE
CUSHIONS: They help in providing support and comfort while sitting for a meditation session whether for a little while or for a long duration.
ZAFU: is a cushion which is round and filled with kapok or buckwheat.You could also make your own Zafu Cushion at home. check out http://zen.columbia.missouri.org
ZABUTAN: is a mat which is a little bigger than a Zafu cushion and it is square and flat.
MODERN AIDS:
YOGA MATS: There are mats which could be used for meditation well as Yoga.
STOOLS: It is a myth that Meditation could be done only by sitting on the floor but its not true. It could be performed even by sitting on stools .This makes a session comfortable especially for people who suffer from back problems etc
TIMERS: If you are beginner and you would want to plan your sessions, it would definitely help to have a timer to clock your minutes .This would help you concentrate on the meditation process rather than keeping a track on the time you need to spend meditating.
MUSIC:
It is a wonderful aid while meditation as it keeps your mind more calm and does not let it wander.You have various kinds of music available and in different formats ie in CD’S or also in downloadable formats.
CD:There are many music cds available which help you concentrate on the meditation technique you are involved in.They are available online on many stores like Amazon etc and also have downloadable versions for better prices.
MEDITATION MACHINES: Various machines have been developed to ease the whole experience of meditation of which some are also scientifically tested .They work on the brain by energising the alpha, theta brain waves and make it easier to achieve a meditative state. You could find some like the Proteus machine.
AMETHYST POINTS CANDLE HOLDER:I came across this candle holder which is made of amethyst and could be used as a candle holder for various focused meditation techniques. Also the colour is very pleasing and makes the mind calmer.
ALTAR: An altar is usually set by a person who wants to meditate .It could be a table or chest on which the objects which inspire and have a meaning are placed .
There are different altars available in the markets which are made of pine wood in Korean, Thai and Zen styles.Sometimes you could also find carved altars which have draws and doors for spiritual reasons or according to individual tastes.
What is Transcendental meditation or the TM Technique?
With so many types and techniques to meditate one cannot help but wonder what they all mean and how different they are from each other.Lot of people ask this question .
Firstly let us see what Transcendental Meditation is all about.In simple terms it is meditating with the help of a Mantra(in Sanskrit) or a sound .Here the mantra is used as a mere vehicle to engage your thoughts in and facilitate a change in the state of your mind from an active state to a less active state. In a way it actually helps your mind to settle down.
The mantra functions to focus your mind on a single perception, representing the “oneness” of the universe. You need to be passive, accepting while repeating your mantra. Sometimes you get distracted but you need to simply observe the thoughts.
Now what does observing your thoughts mean? Probably the best way to describe it is when your mind throws these innumerable thoughts at you ,you do not need to try and stop thinking about them or get lost in these thoughts But, It only means that when thoughts occur just let them happen and don’t fight them, you just channel your awareness to the sound or mantra very gently.
The video of Sri Maharshi Yogi posted below is worth a watch.
OM
HIS STORY OF TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION
I always like to dig a bit deeper into the history and know more about things I take an inclination to. Though the history of Transcendental meditations is very old, i.e. goes many years ago I will try and keep it simple so we know what we are referring to when we say Transcendental Meditation.
This form of meditation has originated derived from the Vedas and was followed by many rishis (sages).One of the names which will always be linked to Transcendental meditation is ‘Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’. He was a disciple of Swamy Brahmananda Saraswati in the 1940, s.After the death of his guru he went on to revive this technique which is one of the most practiced and followed form of meditation now.
The Maharishi began teaching Transcendental Meditation in various parts of India. He also started publishing his work in various publications. As it became well know he began worldwide tours .He also started teacher training in the 60’s.Slowly it spread to the west and some of the well known figures of the west, the likes of Beatles, Clint east wood and Deepak Chopra became followers of transcendental meditation.
He also set up a very well known University in Santa Barbara called Maharishi International University,
Later on he also taught advanced techniques like the ‘Sidhi programme’.In which included a technique called yogic flying.This later became very controversial and much discussed.Today there are practitioners all over the world who believe and encourage peaceful and loving thoughts and claim this practice benefits people who follow and practice it.
OM
Power of Now
Stress is caused by being ‘here’ but wanting to get ‘there’ or being in the present but wanting to be in future. It’s a split that tears you apart inside. To create and live with such an inner split is insane. The fact that everybody else is doing it doesn’t make it any less insane.
Ekhard Tolle, The Power of Now
WHAT IS GUIDED MEDITATION?
Many times before i really started meditating ,I would wonder how do i go about it .I did help my self with some books .I would wonder if i was meditating the right way and if the sensations i felt were real and if they happen to everyone?I soon realised that all this was just my mind at work.
Though you have many options available where your meditation could be guided or by a leader,instructor or a CD.
This could facilitate your practice and could also help you focus on releasing painful memories,stress or activating chakras etc.If you are unsure about the way you meditate it might be helpful to follow a guide.
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