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.
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