The concept of meditation:
Meditation has become a common term among society at this time. It has spread its roots deep from the corporate world to the common mass.
The number of yoga institutions has exploded recently and numerous terms for meditation practices are being coined to attract people on this path.
The meditation categories are various in number. Some are listed below.
- Classic: This is the generic that does not follow any specific guidelines. It usually arises from belief and personal tendency.
- Instructed: These are personally prescribed by spiritual guides or Guru and follow a defined method.
- Guided: In this process; someone gives live instructions (vis-à-vis or through digital media) to a single person or a group of people to enter a trance state where thoughts seem to slow down and the mind goes numb.
- Mantra: The chanting of a specific syllable (for example, “OM”, “HUM” or some vague sounds) repeatedly stops the chattering of the mind and dissolves it. This method is quite common in Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, etc. eagerly followed by the common people.
- Zen: This meditation is also known as zazen. It was done in a sitting position (as the word Zazen describes: sitting meditation). It is widely practiced in Japan and China, but its origins are connected to Buddhism in India.
- Vipassana: It is a Pali word meaning clarity of perception. This method emphasizes the breathing pattern or conscious breathing. This is effective in quieting the mind.
There are many more techniques like “Metta”, “Self-inquiry”, “Kriya Yoga”, “Tao”, “Qigong”, etc.
Whatever the techniques; the goal is the most important of all. But, there are some misconceptions related to this wonderful faculty. I will try to eliminate five of them.
the myths
1) Mediation can be done!
The term meditation is related to the term “Dhyana” in Sanskrit. “Dhyana” is the seventh stage of the “Patanjali Yoga Sutra”.[1]
Patanjali Yoga Sutra is the oldest and most vivid documentation that describes in detail the psychophysiological connections and analyzes the minute layers of the mind and intellect.
According to this 8-part system, meditation (Dhyana) is stillness of mind with active awareness. Then the ‘I’ consciousness slowly dissolves into consciousness and merges into one (The last step: Samadhi). So meditation could not be done. We enter it or rather we slip into meditation. What we think of as meditation is actually the practice of concentration with an active mind. The state of meditation can be achieved but cannot be practised. So; to gain the desired level, start practicing concentration religiously.
two) You can only practice!
It was well understood that without having a healthy body; practicing meditation (read concentration) is not recommended because it can lead to mental numbness.
This latency can provide an inner emptiness that is basically due to the inactivity of mental conditions. It can be compared to a self-hypnotic condition that eventually results in drowsiness. The brain gets confused about physical and mental inactivity and treats this state as a pre-sleep stage. It secretes the hormone melatonin which naturally induces sleep as it does when someone is preparing to sleep.
This state is sometimes related to actual mediation, but it is quite far from it.
So, to get into the basics of meditation; one must have a healthy body and sound sleep. The right nutritious food helps to enter into a productive meditation.
A little freehand exercise, proper food and sleep, and cultivate dispassion; when maintained regularly it can lead to the goal.
3) Meditation is a religious practice.
This is a practice to quiet our mind. A still and focused mind leads to a wide awareness. This awareness ignites the consciousness (Viveka) which becomes a vehicle for the inner journey. This “Viveka” is also a tool to make the indoor unit.
This journey is common to all, the path may vary. Therefore, practicing concentration to achieve the meditative state does not fall into any classification based on religion or belief.
You are totally free to choose your path if you want to walk independently. You will get there, regardless of any religion.
4) The practice takes a long time to provide benefits.
This may vary with the effort made, but the benefits of practicing concentration generate immediate effects on the psychophysiological system. Within a week, a devoted practitioner will feel a drop in blood pressure (if any), a release of stress, a decrease in anxiety, and a heightened experience of inner serenity. It also enhances memory, the feeling of empathy. Regulates the sleep cycle for proper cleansing of toxins from the body. It eventually develops the person with a higher sense of humanity.
5) It’s hard!
This point should have been the first, but I mentioned it as the last point because it is the last hurdle to cross. Things get harder little by little, so this is the last one to beat. I’m sure you can!
Nope! Practicing concentration is not difficult. On the contrary, it may be one of the easiest things you can do. It doesn’t need anything more than your time, a quiet space and little and YOU.
You have all the tools ready within your body and mind to reach the highest level. In this process; you don’t have to do anything but sit still and watch your thoughts without becoming attached to them. Stilling a mind can be a challenge and we may end up losing the battle. Therefore, it has been said in the scriptures to stop struggling with wandering thoughts and observe them with absolute detachment as we look up at the passing clouds without any emotional connection.
This observing state of our mind will bring dispassion to bubbling thoughts and these thoughts will gradually fade away leaving behind a still mind; ready for your inner journey.
to wrap
I hope that the author has more or less managed to clear the false doubts and myths about meditation. It’s easy, it’s robust and it’s for you.
Start practicing it from today. You will be overwhelmed with its benefits.
[1] Patanjali Yoga Sutra: It is a text on yoga based on “Samkhya Darshana” (a path of Indian philosophy) in which the eightfold path of yoga is vividly described. It begins with our habits of daily life that lead slowly to the inner truth. This is separate from the Vedantic system of meditation practice. “Yogi Yagyavalkam”, written by Rishi Yagyavalka, is also based on eight methods that align with Vedantic concepts.[Authors note]