Meditation for Beginners | Beginners Meditation Techniques, Beginners Meditation Tips

OSHO: Meditation Is a Very Simple Phenomenon

2011-06-12T03:19:00.000-07:00

swami rajneesh on osho dynamic meditation technique & trees

2011-05-25T04:32:00.000-07:00

osho rajneesh - what is conditioning

2010-11-27T03:31:00.000-08:00

Osho Enlightened Disciple Swami Rajneesh speaks in italy with italian translation - on mind conditioning and misunderstanding of therapists.

Meditation is the path of awareness

2010-05-31T03:43:00.000-07:00

Meditation is the path of awareness.

To meditate is to become aware of one's desires.

Meditation is awareness in action.

A meditator has to become conscious of his thoughts and actions.

No activity should be done unconsciously or mechanically.

A silent current of awareness should follows each activity of a meditator.

In shot, any thing done with awareness is meditation

and any thing that is done with unawareness is sin.

According to Osho and Buddha - the real definition of Sin
is a action which is done with unawareness.

The only way to live life is to live with awareness

2010-05-30T02:21:00.000-07:00

Meditation is the art of being present in this very moment.

Meditation means to be here and now

Meditation is to be fully conscious in this very moment

Meditation is the art of enjoying life as it comes, moment to moment

Mind is the instrument for missing life and day dreaming

Mind helps in misguiding us and taking us to past or future.

If you want to miss life then listen to the mind.

If you want to enjoy life then be aware of the mind.

Life is always in this present moment.

The only way to live life is to live with awareness.

One needs to be persistent, patience and regular in meditation

2010-05-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

Meditation is a knack which anyone can learn easily.

but one needs to be persistent and sincere in his efforts.

We are living unconsciously for so many lives

and it takes time, conscious effort and dedication to break this habit,

of doing things mechanically and unconsciously.

So being persistent and regular in meditation
is one of the key requirement in learning meditation.

No matter, what happens we should not give up hope and stop doing meditation.

One needs to be persistent, patience and regular in meditation.

Meditation Quotes and Sayings

2010-05-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

Meditation Quotes and Sayings

Meditation is the knack of detaching oneself from the mind and its activities.
Meditation is not separate from life but it should become the part of every activity.
Meditation is the art of becoming more conscious and more aware in our activities.
Any action that is done with awareness becomes meditative.
Meditation is not concentration but expansion of consciousness.

osho rajneesh - mind duality conflict & silence

2010-03-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

osho rajneesh speaks - the source of action

2010-03-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

osho rajneesh on meditation - what is meditation

2010-03-02T10:00:00.001-08:00

But it becomes much difficult to see our own faults

2010-02-19T03:51:00.001-08:00

If we can understand our desires, motives and seeking
then know well that we are in meditation.

We can easily see the mistakes of others
because we are not identified with their problems.

Identification with the ideas, things, relationships
blinds our vision and we cannot see the things as they are.

Instead of seeing reality
our mind starts projecting its desires and ideas into the reality.

Meditation is all about seeing things as they are.
Meditation means to see reality without bringing our mind in between.

Our mind is a set of memories, experiences and conditioning.
Mind can never see the thing as it is.

Seeing the things without mind is meditation

Meditation means the state of No-Mind

Meditation is not separate from daily living

2010-02-09T03:57:00.000-08:00

Meditation is not separate from daily living. Meditation is not something which is done for few hours in a day and then can be forgotten. Meditation is a way of living life consciously. Meditation is to be aware of our actions and thoughts through out the day. Meditation is to act in a moment out of our consciousness.

Meditation is the art of responding to the situation without bringing our prejudices, conclusions, memories, past, desires, expectations or conditioning in between. We can respond to a situation in two ways:
1) We can react to a situation by using our Mind - Any response that comes from our Mind is always colored by our past and memories and it can never be the right response to a situation. Because our response is already limited and influence by the past memories and experiences. Existence never repeats anything. All the situations in our life are new and they requires fresh response from us.

2) Second way to respond to a situation is from our no-mind and this decision is always fresh and new. It is not based upon our previous experiences but it is to respond to the present situation as it arises. For this one need to be aware in each and every moment.

Note - Mind is a useful instrument for certain situations in life like calculation, driving vehicle, purchasing groceries, making travel plans etc. So one need to learn the art of using the mind when it is needed and putting the mind aside and responding from awareness when mind is not needed.

Meditation does not have any motive

2010-01-29T10:27:00.000-08:00

Meditation does not have any motive. If we meditate just because we have any desire or motive in the background then it means mind is still at work and meditation has not even started. Real Meditation is totally unselfish. One simply meditates for the sake of meditation. One meditate because one enjoys it. Meditation is the only act where one does not desire but watches that desire in a detached way.

OSHO: A Buddha Will Be Misunderstood ? (1 of 2)

2010-01-13T22:33:00.001-08:00

OSHO: A Buddha Will Be Misunderstood ? (2 of 2)

2010-01-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

osho rajneesh - orgasmic stillness 1 - 2

2010-01-13T22:31:00.000-08:00

orgasmic stillness -osho rajneesh - www.oshorajneesh.net - talks antwerp

osho rajneesh - orgasmic stillness 2 - 2

2010-01-13T22:30:00.000-08:00

Ambitious mind can never know Meditation

2010-01-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

The very nature of our mind is desires. Mind keeps on desiring, seeking and running after goals.
Mind is either in future or in the past But it is never in the present moment. Whereas Meditation means to stay in this present moment.

A seeker of truth should realize that whatsoever we will do or achieve, he mind is not going to be satisfied. De-Satisfaction is the main trait of the mind. So any amount of our efforts are not going to give satisfaction to our mind. As long as we are going by the dictate of mind we are going to live a unsatisfied life.

So, what is the solution?

The solution lies in transcending the mind. That is, Meditation which is to live in this present moment and enjoy its beauty moment to moment. The ambitious mind can never realize the beauty of meditation and this wonderful life.

To enter in the world of meditation one should stop chasing dreams because Mind can easily make goals in the spiritual world. This happens with many people. They start chasing occult powers or go after guru trips. Ambition is destructive quality which separate us from real life.

Meditation is the another name for 'relax awareness'

2010-01-05T22:34:00.000-08:00

In the current time, the mankind has become too much ambitious. We are trained from the childhood for competiting with others. Everyone wants to come first and prove oneself to be the best. This mental conditioning of coming first is OK in the outer world. But in the inner world we do not need to prove ourself, instead we should accept ourself the way God has made us.

If someone wants to succeed in the materialistic world then struggle is the way. But if someone wants to succeed in the inner world then 'let go' is the way. In the inner world, Relaxation is of more help then struggle. One has to come in terms with oneself. Instead of becoming something big or macho or stud.... One has to start accepting oneself as God has made us. In a way start loving oneself.

Most of us hardly spend time with themselves. We hardly watch our thoughts. We are always in a hurry to chase things and dreams. The sad things is that many times we are doing things because others are also doing the same thing. This confusion and uncertainty in life is because we are hardly in touch with our inner state. We do not know our authentic being.

Spending time with oneself and watching the inner drama of mind is meditation. First of all one should be at ease with the things. One should be relax. Meditation is the another name for 'relax awareness'. In meditation state one is watching everything going inside the mind in a relaxed state.

Relaxation is important and necessary, As there is always a danger that mind can make meditation a goal to be achieved. So it is recommended that one should make meditation a joyful experience. Its better to start enjoying the meditation session. Its better that we practice meditation because we enjoy it and not because we are expecting something out of our meditation session. Otherwise 'going deep in meditation' can become another goal for us.

Meditation is the another name of understanding mind and transcending it

2009-12-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

Meditation has no goal or ambition to achieve. But the mind is always ambitious. Ambition is the very nature of mind. Either the mind is ambitious in the materialistic world or it becomes ambitious in the spiritual world.

In the spiritual world mind becomes ambitious for spiritual powers, experiences, occult knowledge etc. Many times it happens that we have a good experience in meditation and we feel at ease and calm. But the mind tries to have that experience again and again. This creates frustration in the meditator as the demands of mind can not be fulfilled.

Meditation is the another name of understanding mind and transcending it. We do not meditate for achieving bliss. It's another matter that when we meditate, bliss is the by product of real meditation. Meditation is all about understanding oneself and our desires.

Perseverance and Patience is important in meditation

2009-09-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Perseverance and Patience are key ingredients in the meditation. We are living unconsciously for so many lives and it will take time for us to break this habit of living unconsciously. Meditation is an knack and we never know how much time one will take to learn it. But if someone is patience in learning meditation, then it is much easier to learn meditation. Person with patience will be relaxed about his growth in meditation and relaxation is one of the key thing in meditation.

But our Mind is always in a hurry to achieve its results. As a matter of fact, meditation has no goals or ambition. All these goals are the creation of the mind and meditation is all about witnessing these desires and goals of mind. In meditation we don't chase any goals or targets but we become aware of our mind and its desires. So, its better if from the beginning we don't have any expectation from the meditation. Instead we should enjoy our meditation practice. Let the meditation be playful and natural. Meditation should not become another ambition of the mind.

If someone is doing meditation in the hope of having any gains through the meditation, then he is starting his meditation journey with an wrong attitude and this might hinder his progress in meditation. In fact when we are totally relax, natural and playful with meditation then we can easily go deep in meditation. Just enjoy the meditation and do not worry about results.

Meditation means awareness | Being aware of our thoughts

2009-09-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Meditation means awareness. Meditation is the art of being aware in our actions. We have to learn the knack of awareness, that is to detach oneself from the mind and watch it passively. There are many meditation techniques which helps in learning the knack of awareness. One of the simplest method is to watch the thoughts.

Normally we keep on thinking continuously and we are very much identified with our thinking. In meditation we don't identify with the thinking but we just watch the thinking. It is a passive watching which means we don't get involve with the thoughts. We don't judge our thoughts as good or bad, we don't give our cooperation or involvement to the thoughts. We just stand aloof and watch them. We watch each and every thought that comes to out notice. Let no thought skip with out being watches by us.

One thought comes we see it. Then another thought comes we see that also. Thoughts will keep on coming and going but we stand aloof and watch them. Between two thoughts there are gaps also. There is a always a gap between two thoughts but normally we are not aware of it, as we get involve with our thinking. In meditation we not only watch the thoughts but we also watch the gaps between two thoughts.

As we watch our thinking passively then we will notice that these gaps are increasing. Some times there are moments when there is no thought and a silent gap is there. It simply means that we are growing in meditation and we have stopped giving energy to our thoughts. More we get involve with the thoughts, more energy we give to them. But as we start witnessing the thoughts then we become more aware about them and mind starts losing its grip over us.

This art of watching thoughts with out getting identified with them is awareness. More we practice awareness, more it grows. It is a rule of life that in any activity of life where we give our energy grows. So, to be more aware in our actions we have to become more aware and practice more awareness.

Watching the breathing is one of the easiest meditation technique

2009-09-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

Breathing is an excellent point for developing awareness in our life. So many times in our day there are moments when we ideal and we can easily witness our ingoing and outgoing breath. Watching the breathing is one of the easiest meditation technique which can be practiced even in a bus stand.

More we watch our breath, more the breath slows down and our mental state also changes according to the breath. As the breath becomes more slow and harmonious, more we become silent and calm. Watching the Breathing can be done any where and at any time. The key lies in just watching the breath with out interfering in our breathing pattern. Let the breathing be as natural as possible. Because if we put any kind of effort to manipulate the breath then mind will enter. So just allow the breathing to be as natural as possible and keep on watching the breath.

Nothing else is needed except the witnessing. Watch the incoming breath, watch the outgoing breath. There is a gap between incoming and outgoing breath, watch the gap too. There will be moments of distraction and forgetfulness, but no need to condemn oneself about them. Instead the moment we remember that we have missed watching the breath, start watching again with out any self-condemnation. Slowly this practice develops the awareness which we can take in our daily life. Slowly we will also come to know how our mental state is related with breathing and how mind controls our life.

Mind can never be stopped by force or by fighting

2009-09-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Mind can never be stopped by force or by fighting. More we fight with the mind, more it gains strength. Mind gains energy when ever we get involved with it. Only way to stop the mind is to stop giving power to it and the key lies in getting dis-identifying with the mind.

Dis-identification with the mind means witnessing the thoughts and feelings. When thoughts and desires comes to us, then we just need to witness them. But if get identified with these thoughts, then mind gains strength and our witness is lost. We just need to witness the thoughts instead of getting involved with them.

Meditation means putting our mind to rest

2009-09-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

Meditation means putting our mind to rest, giving it a few minutes of non-occupation. Normally the mind is working all the time and we have no device to put it to rest. But meditation is the way to relax our mind and just become totally silent and free from desires.

In the beginning meditation is very difficult because mind is chattering for so long and we have never tried to put it off. But once we learn the knack of meditation then it becomes easy.

In the beginning when somebody just sit for meditation and tries not to do anything but watch the mind or breathing, then he becomes fidgety or he starts feeling that ants are crawling on the legs or any body part is aching or legs are becoming heavy or something else is happening in the body.

In the beginning these things happens with many meditators and they become restless. Because they only know how to use the mind and they have never tried to put the mind off. For them Mind is always on and chattering all the time. Their mind is always occupied with one thing or other. It is like a car, ignition on, the engine humming, although the car is not going anywhere, but the engine is humming and becoming hotter and hotter. We have forgotten how to put the ignition off. That’s what meditation is: the art of putting the ignition off. In meditation we put the button of mind off and put it to rest. Everyone has to pass through this restless stage in meditation. Just watch this restlessness in the body while meditating. Whatsoever happens in the body, just become a witness to it. Nothing else is needed in meditation except witnessing.

What is Meditation

2009-09-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

I was surfing the internet and I came across this beautiful article on what is meditation. I would like to suggest beginners to go through this page on what is meditation

Jiddu Krishnamurti has spoken much on what is meditation and it seems that the write is an lover of J Krishnamuri as the way of writing and approaching the problem of meditation is quite similar to J Krishnamurti.

Its an long article but worth reading.

Meditation Time | Early morning time suits Mediation

2009-09-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

Many people want to know what is the best time for meditation?

Meditation can be practiced at any time of the day and slowly it should become part of every activity. Any act can be done with awareness and any act done with awareness becomes meditation.

There are some times in a day which are specially suited for meditation. Early morning time is one of the most suited time for meditation. Although, we feel separate from others, but at the deepest level we all are connected. We are like different wells of water who at the deepest level are connected to the same water stream. Every one of us affects each other and contribute in the situation of present day world.

In the early morning time, nature is calm. There is not much disturbance in the ether or the mental state of people is calm and fresh. Moreover after a good night sleep we are also charged and fresh to start the new day. All these things affect positively in the meditation. Overall there is a lot of upward thrust of the energy. As everything is rising in nature. Sun is rising, people are fresh and getting up from sleep charged and more fresh. So one can easily ride on this energy.
On the other hand, if we meditate at some other time like afternoon then we have to face lot of unconsciousness, stressful thoughts of everyone including ourselves.

But every one can not wake up early in the morning. So one should first complete his night sleep and then only sit for meditation. In Half zombie state no one can meditate. Early morning time is one of the good time for meditation but at the same time one should keep in mind ones body clock too. If our sleep is complete and we can get up early in the morning then early morning time becomes one of the best time for meditation.

abc's of meditation | What are abc's of meditation for beginners

2009-09-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

For a beginner in meditation there are few guidelines which can help him in going deep into the meditation. These recommended guidelines or abc's of meditation are as follows:

Meditation should be practiced every day. One should be regular and sincere in the meditation. If possible then practice the meditation at the same time every day.
Creating a special meditation space helps in the deepening of meditation. Meditation space gets charged with our meditation energy over a period of time.
One should sit with the spine straight and vertical. It is helpful if we can sit with crossed legged position. But for western people it is not easy to sit in a cross legged position, so its OK if they use chair.
Its helps to keep the eyes close in the beginning and use some hand mudras.
If you are doing sitting meditation then do not sit directly on the earth. Use a mat or piece of cloth and sit on top of it. This is to prevent the energy going into the earth.
Meditation should be preferably done before a meal rather than after a meal. We are more bound to feel sleepy after the meal.
Early morning time is one of the best time for meditation provided our sleep is complete.
Meditation can be done at any time of the day but one should be fresh and alive. With a tired body or mind we can not meditate easily at a beginner level.
Its OK, if thoughts trouble us in the beginning. This is bound to happen and the reason is that these thoughts are always there but now we are becoming aware of them. Just witness them and soon they will lose their energy as they feed on our energy, cooperation or identification.
Meditation needs time, persistence and patience from our side. We should not make meditation any goal to be achieved. Mind tends to make goal out of any thing. Avoid it and instead watch this tendency of the mind.
There is no need to be serious in meditation but one has to be sincere in the meditation.
Meditation is a personal experience and every one has unique experiences in the meditation. So there is no need to compare notes with fellow meditators as some times it can lead to confusion. In general every one is at different level of meditation and our energy states are different. There are various meditation experiences and they always vary from person to person. Its OK, if you are not having any meditation experience which others are having. Mind craves for experiences in meditation, So better watch this tendency of the mind.

Should I meditate with my eyes open or with my eyes closed

2009-09-02T00:36:00.000-07:00

When ever our eyes are open then we lose energy from our eyes. It is been observed that eyes are a major source of our energy leakage. When we keep our eyes close then also small amount of energy is leaked, but it is OK.

It is always better for a beginner to practice the meditation with eyes closed. Once one has learn the knack of meditation then with open eyes also he can witness his thoughts, desires, moods or actions. But in the beginning it is better if we conserve our energy and try to use this pool of conserved energy for going deep into meditation.

For a beginner, if the eyes are open then any thing moving can become a distraction or any object can bring thoughts or ideas. In the beginning stage, its better, if we focus on learning the knack of witnessing.

Note : When our eyes are half closed and half open then we lose minimum or no energy from the eyes. This state of half closed eyes happens on its own in a very deep meditation. My suggestion to beginners is not to try this half close eyes for meditation in the beginning as its not spontaneous and requires effort from our side. Its better to close the eyes and practice meditation. Meditation could be witnessing thoughts or breathing or any other meditation technique.

Meditation does not answer our questions but it dissolves all the questions

2009-09-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

Contemplation never leads to any conclusion. No matter how much we contemplate or think on a topic, it never leads to any solution but it only add more confusion. The more we contemplate, more we come to know pro's and con's of any problem. But the solution never comes. In fact as we go deeper into the problem, more confuse we become.

Reason for this confusion is very simple. Mind itself is the confusion and it is always divided. Mind can never be clear or decisive on any topic. More we get engaged with mind, more confusion we will be bringing in our life. Moment the mind is not there then suddenly we feel the clarity in our life.

Mind is like the cloud which hides the beautiful sky. Moment the clouds disappear then the sky become clearly visible to us. Similarly, mind is that cloud which adds confusion in our inner sky. Moment the mind is not there, we feel clarity in our inner space.

So in meditation, we don't try to solve any problem. Because there is no problem except the mind. So in meditation we try to put this mind aside by witnessing it and the moment mind is not there, then all confusion and questions just disappears. Meditation does not answer our questions but it dissolves all the questions.

Group Meditation is more powerful than meditating alone

2009-09-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

When we meditate in a group then the meditation becomes more powerful than meditating alone. For a beginner it is quite helpful to meditate in a group where all people are doing the same meditation. One can easily go into deep meditation by riding on the energy of the whole group.

In a very later stage, for an advanced meditator group meditation may not be good under certain conditions but for a beginner it can be very helpful. When we meditate in a group or with friends then 1+1 is not 2. Sometimes 1+1 can be 3 or 4 or 6 or at the peak of meditation 1+1 can be 11 also.

It is important that in a group every one is practicing the same meditation technique and is sincere in his meditation. Feeling of brotherhood in the group helps a lot. In the group meditation, we all become connected and our energies fuses together to become a group energy and every one can make use of the group energy to go deeper into meditation. Whereas when we meditate alone then its our own energy.

Meditating alone and meditation in group, both have their own benefits. For a beginners it is better to try meditation some times in a group too, as it helps a lot.

Osho Dynamic Meditation technique Video

2009-09-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Osho dynamic meditation is an one hour of meditation having five stages. It is considered as one the main Osho active meditation technique. In almost all Osho meditation camps, the day begins with dynamic meditation. It is more powerful when done in a group.

Dynamic meditation is specially devised for the beginners and it helps in releasing lot of suppressed emotions through catharsis. It is recommended to wear loose and comfortable clothes while doing this meditation. One has to put his total effort in each stage to go deeper in to the meditation. Totality is the key in this meditation

Meditation is not about questioning, contemplating or thinkin

2009-09-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Meditation is not about questioning, contemplating or thinking endlessly on any topic. Mind loves asking questions and this is one of the way mind keeps us engaged in its stupidity. If some how we are able to answer one question of mind then instantly it will produce 100 more questions. Mind is good in asking questions and it is going to keep on asking question as long as one is entertaining them and not taking the jump towards meditation. One has to forget about getting answers to mind questions but start focusing on meditation.

Mind frames the question in such a way that one feel that he is coming closer to the solution or one is going deeper into the solution. But this not true. The fact is that the more we try to answer the questions of mind then more will be confusion, more we will get engaged in the mind trap.

Mind is a very very clever device and it can ask thousands and thousands of questions. Every question of mind looks very logical and thought provoking. But there is no way to answer any question of mind so that it does not produce any more questions. People in the west are still trying to answer these questions and many of the western philosophers have missed attaining to meditation, just because they got involve with the mind.

In india, sages understood this problem very early and they gave more emphasis on meditation rather than on discussing mind. People who are stuck with mind can end up being a good intellectual or philosopher. But one who takes the little jump and move towards meditation becomes the buddha. Now we all have the choice to become a philosopher or a buddha. Meditation does not answer the questions of mind but it takes away the very mind which ask these questions and that is to cut the problem from its roots.

Few characteristics of mind

2009-09-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

It is very important that a meditator knows and understand the mind. Can we operate any machine with out knowing about it. Similarly, the meditator should be very much aware about the mind and its working. Mind is the biggest hurdle in the meditation and it put lot of traps and excuses in the path of meditation. Few of the prominent characteristics of the mind are as follows:

Mind always lives in the past or in future. Mind never stays in this present moment.
Mind is a stream of continuous thinking. Thinking means mind.
Mind is always seeking and desiring for one thing or another. Mind can never be satisfied with any thing. If one desire is fulfilled, then it will produce another desire for us to pursue and so on.
Mind loves to produce guilt in us.
Mind loves rationalizing every thing for its own benefit.
Mind is always confused and divided. Mind can never come to an conclusion because it is always divided.
More we fight with mind, more strong it becomes. Fighting is not the way but we have to become aware of our mind and its desires.
Mind is always against meditation as meditation means death of mind.

We have to be aware in all our activities

2009-09-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Meditation is not some thing which we do for one hour and rest of the day we live unconsciously. We have to be aware in all our activities. One hour of meditation can not counter the unconsciousness of rest of the day. Any how we are living unconsciously for so many lives. So it takes effort and time to develop the knack of meditation. But if we are sincere in the meditation then slowly our actions become more conscious and meditation becomes more spontaneous.

Breathing is directly related with our mental state

2009-09-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Our breathing is never natural. Our breathing is directly related and influenced by our mental state. The moment our mood changes then our breathing also changes as per the mood. e.g. If we are little angry, then the anger changes our breathing. If we are full of passion, lust, then our lust changes our breathing pattern. If we are jealous, then our jealousy is reflected through our breathing. Lust has a different breathing pattern, anger has different breathing style and so on.

After every few minutes our mood keep on changing and that change is continuously reflected through the change in breathing. We can watch the change which our mood brings in our breathing. It is almost impossible to become angry, jealous, greedy or lustful with out changing or disturbing the breathing. The breathing has to change first for the mental state to change.

Osho says on breathing "When you are in a moment of lust, watch, keep the breathing natural, and you will suddenly find the lust has disappeared, the moment came and passed. By and by you will be able to see each mood is reflected in your breathing, so your breathing is never natural, because there is some mood or other. The natural breathing means there is no mood: that means there is no mind - neither anger nor greed nor lust nor jealousy nor love nor hate. No-mood means no-mind. In that state of no-mind the breathing is natural. Then there is a song to it, then there is a totally different quality to it. Then it is pure life. Then the flame is without smoke."

Witnessing is the essence of meditation

2009-09-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

Witnessing is the essence of meditation. In witnessing, we witness whatsoever happens in our mind. We witness our thoughts, feelings and moods. For a normal person who does not meditate, mind is always chatting and there is no way he can stop his mind. Mind is nothing but a stream of continuous thinking and contemplation. This
thinking varies from person to person as per his conditioning and social upbringing and experiences in life. This current of constant thinking is mind which never stops.

But in a meditator life, there are two currents. One current is of the thinking and another current is of the witnessing. A meditator witness the thinking. Slowly as we grow in our witnessing, mind starts slowing down. As our witnessing grows, mind starts losing our grip on us. When our witnessing is 99% then thinking is only 1% and when witnessing becomes 100% then thinking becomes 0.

In witnessing we come to know our real self. Witnessing is the way to know our real nature - what we call as atma or soul or self or inner center. Witnessing is done by the soul. Right now mind has created a cloud of dust in our inner space and that's why we are not able to experience our inner nature. But as we become more stable in witnessing then slowly the mind starts settling down and inner sky becomes more clear and we starts having glimpses of our real self.

Witnessing of thoughts means just watching the thoughts with out getting involved with them. There needs to be a gap/separation between our thoughts and us. If we get involve in thinking then only one current of thinking remains and the witness who watches the thinking is lost. So stay separate and watch the thoughts coming and going.

One thought come and then another thought come. There is gap between two thoughts, Watch this gap too. Thoughts always come in relation to each other. Suppose we have a thought about india then next thought could be of prime minister of india and then about indian govt. Key thing is that thoughts always come in bundle of like minded or related thoughts.

If we get involve with one thought and lose our witness then we will be trapped in endless chatter till we again became aware of our thoughts. So stay relax and keep on watching the thoughts. These thoughts don't have their own energy. They feed on our energy. When we get identify with the thoughts then we give our energy to them. Identification of thoughts means the idea that this is my thought. In reality no thought is ours but they come from outside.

For a beginner who has just begin to meditate this idea will be weird that no thought is ours. But this is true and as one advances in meditation, one comes to know that our true nature is beyond this body and mind. For witnessing thoughts it is very important that we are detached from our thoughts and stay separate from them. We should not get identified with any kind of thoughts. Whether the thought is good or bad or ugly, stay separate and watch it. Just see it coming and soon if we don't get identified with it then they will leave our inner space and another thought will enter.

Stay alert and keep on watching these thoughts coming and going. Watch the gap between two thoughts too. Let no thought leave our inner space with out being noticed by us. There is no need to start a war or being tense about witnessing. Stay relax and enjoy it. Its OK, if we miss witnessing any thought but the moment you realizes that you have identified with the thought, start the witnessing again with out any condemnation or guilt. Guilt is another trick of mind and it will produce more thoughts.

As our witnessing grows then this gap between two thoughts will keep on becoming bigger and bigger. In this gaps when mind is not chattering there is lot of silence, calmness and bliss.
While Witnessing thoughts we are not suppose to interpret the thoughts as good or bad. There is no need to stop the thoughts or to judge them. All this judging, stooping or interpreting will give arise to new thoughts. Its a mind trick so stay alive. So instead of judging, stopping, interpreting, getting identified with thoughts just stay separate and watch them. This passive watching with out reacting to thoughts is witnessing and is the art of meditation.

Not knowing the Past lives is a blessing

2009-08-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

Many people are interested in knowing their past lives. Either they try the hypnosis or meditation to know about their past lives. Many of them don't know that some where it is a blessing for us that we are not aware of our past lives.

We are not able to deal with our present life traumas and if we come to know our past life traumas too then some times it becomes too much painful. Moreover many of the people in this life are known to us from our past lives. e.g. our mother in this life could be our sister, wife or daughter in previous life. So suppose our wife in this life was our sister in previous life, then we will be in confusion and in a big dilemma in the current relationship.

Its better to deal with current life issues first and then look into the past lives. When we go deep in meditation and are able to handle this life traumas easily then existence opens the door of past lives on its own to us.

Osho Dynamic Meditation Technique

2009-08-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

Osho Dynamic meditation technique is one of the most recommended meditation technique for the beginners. It is an active meditation which last for one hour and has 5 stages. Dynamic meditation technique involves lot of physical activity and catharsis. Catharsis helps in releasing our suppressed emotions like anger, jealousy, sexuality, hate etc.

Once we have rid of these negative blocks of energy then it is easier for us to do sitting meditations like vipassana, watching the thoughts etc. Osho dynamic meditation is done with a meditation music which is specially devised for this meditation under the guidance of Osho.

Dynamic meditation can be done alone but it is more powerful if it is done in a group. Awareness has to be carried out in the first three stages.

Dynamic meditation technique stages are as follows:

1. Breathing Chaotically - First stage is of chaotic breathing for 10 minutes. In this stage we have to breathe chaotically through the nose and always concentrating on exhalation. There is no need to take care of inhalation as body will take care of the inhalation on its own. We just have to exhale in a fast and chaotic way. It is better if we blow off our nose before starting the meditation. Our breathing should be deep and fast. One should put his total effort in breathing and breath should move deeply into the lungs.

In short, Breathing should be Deep, Fast and Chaotic. If the first stage of fast chaotic breathing is done correctly then second stage is much easier and happens spontaneously. One should breathe deeply and put his total energy into the breathing and keep on putting more and more effort, until one become the breathing. We can use our natural body movements to help us in breathing and in building up our energy. But while doing all this chaotic breathing we have to be aware all the time.

2. Catharsis - Second stage is of 10 minutes of catharsis. The fast and deep breathing in the first stage builds up a lot of energy. This energy hits at the points in the body where suppressed emotions are stored and they naturally come on surface and now in this second stage we have to express these suppressed emotions freely.

So the first stage is crucial and as it triggers the release of emotions in the second stage. Now, in second stage we have to express every suppressed emotion that has come to surface. Just throw these emotions out. Whatever we have suppressed or whatever is hurting us, any trauma or pain just throw it out by screaming, shouting, crying, jumping, shaking, dancing, singing, laughing, rolling down on earth, hitting with fist in air.

Make use of body movements or expressions to release the suppressed emotions. These emotions could be any thing. Society stops us from being natural. So some times one may feel like crying, laughing, fighting, hitting some one etc. So whatsoever it is, just go completely mad and throw these suppressed emotions outside. Express them in their totality. Live these intense feelings in the totality. Be wild in your expression. Do not hold anything. All of this is garbage which brings lot of frustration, anger, hate, jealousy, sexuality etc in our life. Get rid of them.

There is no need to worry about other people reaction as every one is busy in bringing out his/her mad insane world. So hold nothing, go completely mad and throw yourself around. Hold nothing back; All this madness is rubbish, so be total and no need to be a miser.

Keeping the whole body moving helps. A little acting also often helps to get started. But if the first stage is done properly, then this catharsis of emotions is natural and easier. Never allow the mind to interfere with what is happening. Be total, be whole hearted. Remember to be aware.

3. Chanting the Mantra "Hoo Hoo" - Third stage is of 10 minutes. In this stage we have to raise our arms and jump up and down shouting the mantra, “Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!” as deeply as possible. Each time we land, on the flats of our feet, then this sound of Hoo should hammer deep into our sex center. We should put all our energy in this and exhaust ourself totally. Remember to be aware.

4. Fourth stage is of 15 minutes still witnessing. As mentioned before, dynamic meditation has a special music which is played with the meditation. Fourth stage begins with the sound of 'Stop' in the CD. When we hear this 'Stop' - Freeze wherever we are, in whatever position we find ourself. There is no need to change the body position in any way. If any of your body parts is in uncomfortable position then let it be. Do not try to come to a comfortable position. But if our hands or any body part is naturally or spontaneously coming down slowly slowly, then be a witness to this. Its ok, if the hands are coming down on their own.

This is the most crucial stage of meditation. If one has done the three stages correctly then one can easily see that we are not the body nor the mind. But we are the witness of everything that is happening in the body-mind. All this bullshit and hyper activity in the first stages and then sudden stop to stillness gives a shock to the mind and it suddenly stops. This is a very rare moment in our life because normally mind is chatting all the time and we never feel our real self. Now in this moment when mind has stopped for a while, one finds himself to be separate from body and mind.

After few seconds mind starts coming back and it gives lot of excuses like what the hell I am doing, my arm is aching, I should sit down. One should witness all this verbalization of the mind. Body will be making its own demand. Witness the body also. Our consciousness will be drifting between body and mind and sometimes on both of them.

For a beginner, the word consciousness will be more clear when he will experience this stage. It is an amazing experience.

A cough or any movement from our side will dissipate the energy flow and the whole effort will be lost. Be totally still. Be a witness to everything that is happening around us and we will see that alertness has come to its peak. Be a watcher of the reaction in body-mind.

5. Fifth stage is of 15 minute Dancing- Celebrating, Dancing. Celebrate through dance. Dance in any way you feel like, Let your body move and sway. Let your energy and feeling decide the movements of dancing. Its better to close the eyes and feel your energy and dance accordingly. This will be a natural dancing and won't be influenced by dancing in movies.

This last stage was added later on in the meditation by Osho and the reason was that after 4th stage people were feeling lot of gratitude for existence or they were becoming very silent.
If we have done the 4 stages correctly then we don't have to do dancing, it actually happens and that inner dance or feeling of joy stays for most part of the day. Just dance your way and express your gratitude towards the existence. Carry this silence and bliss with you throughout the day.

Note - Dynamic meditation is all about Totality and we have to be aware in the first three stages. In Fourth stage alerness comes to a peak. Can totality and awareness go hand in hand in first three stages? Yes - when we are total then we are aware also.

Our past lives have a major influence on our present life

2009-08-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

Our past lives have a major influence on our present life. In every life our soul is supposed to learn some lessons and grow spiritually. So, in every life we are supposed to become more evolved and advance in our spiritual practices.

But at the same time, it is not necessary that in every life we will grow spiritually. If we are not sincere in our life and we start indulging into sinful activities then it is observed that instead of growing, some times we fall down on the evolutionary scale.

For growth we need to put effort and struggle with those forces which keeps on pulling us down. Most part of humanity is unconscious and believes in shortcuts. Whereas spirituality has no short cut and it is all about getting in tune with our inner nature. We all are conditioned by society to act as per social accepted pattern and very rarely we are allowed to be our self or to do
things which we really wanted to do from our heart. Parents, friends, teachers tries to mould the child as per their understanding but they never try to see what actually the child wants. Real Spirituality is all about becoming oneself.

Most of our mental tendencies are influenced by the past lives. We also get the fruits of many karmas we have done in the past life. Some time these karmas are positive and some times negative. We see many children who are genius in their field at a very young age, this is because they had pursued the same field in their previous lives also.

We carry karmas, mental tendenices, skills and relationships chords from one life to another. Some one who has practiced meditation in his previous life can easily master the knack of meditation in this life also. We have to note the fact that every one has to begin in his spiritual journey at one point or another. If some one has not started meditation then this life is a good chance to begin that journey.

Meditation & Relaxation - Meditation is not Relaxation

2009-08-30T02:42:00.000-07:00

Relaxation is very deeply related with meditation but it is not meditation. Relaxation is important and is one of important aspect of meditation. A good definition of meditative state is "Relaxed Awareness". If we add awareness into our relaxed state then it becomes meditation.

Many meditation techniques make use of relaxing the body and mind. Our body and mind are very deeply related. If we relax our body then our mind also relaxes and vice versa. Mind is always tense and desiring some thing or other. When we relax our body then in turn our mind also slows down and we can easily witness our thinking. When we are tense then it means our mind is very much active. A tense mind keeps on bombarding us with various thoughts.

Our breathing pattern is always related with a corresponding mental state. It is observed that in deep meditation our breathing is very harmonious and slow. That is the reason many meditation teacher ask us to take deep breath and relax the body. Relaxation is an preparation for the real meditation to happen.

Relaxation aids in meditation but it is not an meditation in itself. We have to add awareness in our relax state for the meditation to happen. Relaxation reduces the tension but it does not bring any transformation, awareness or understanding in us. We are same person and again some thing or other can make us tense. Relaxation is just the temporary slowing down of the mind. We can still be affected by the mind as we have not gone beyond it.

Whereas meditation is relaxed awareness. In meditation we go beyond the mind or we learn the knack of putting the mind aside and enjoy the present moment. No doubt, relaxation helps in meditation but it is not a meditation in itself. Any activity which bring more awareness in us can lead us to meditation. Always take awareness as the thumb rule in deciding about the meditation.

Witnessing is not concerned with any object

2009-08-30T01:10:00.001-07:00

Witnessing is not concerned with any object. Whatsoever comes we just witness it. In witnessing, we don't choose or discard or block any thing but we just watch every thing that comes to our notice with out getting identified with it.

Witnessing is the art of not choosing any thing in particular but watching silently. The more we witness, more rooted we become in witnessing. Witnessing transforms our energy and the actions and the whole art of meditation lies in witnessing. One can witness his thoughts, desires or breathing. Object does not matter, what matter is our witnessing. If we witness any thing then it simply means that we are standing aloof and detached from that thing and we have not got identified with it.

Meditation & Prayer - Meditation is not Prayer

2009-08-30T00:49:00.000-07:00

Prayer is often considered a very religious thing and many religions give importance to prayer. But Prayer and Meditation are two different things and meditation is not praying to god. Instead meditation is to understand the mind which prays to god for its desires to be fulfilled.

Most of the time our prayers are not of thanksgiving but they are for asking one thing or another. We rarely thank existence or god for all the blessings we have been given in this life. Instead of thanking, mostly people pray to god for fulfillment of their cherished goals and desires. Prayer has thus become a mean to ask for the fulfillment of our goals.

Now, the harsh fact is that our mind can never be satisfied. Moment one desire is fulfilled, the very next moment mind creates a new desire. Desiring is the very nature of mind and it is never satisfied with any thing. So Buddha's down the ages have insisted on witnessing the mind. In meditation we don't pray to god for fulfillment of our desires but on the contrary we witness and understand the mind who keeps on desiring.

Meditation is the way to transcend our desires. Meditation is to transform our energies and go beyond the mind. In fact meditation is the real prayer. As long as we desire any thing from god then some where it also conveys that we are not satisfied with his intelligence. A intelligent person trust existence and knows that whatsoever is given to him is the best thing for him and he has to make best out of the present circumstances. An intelligent person is content with the things as they are and from that deep contentment comes the real prayer of thanksgiving.

At the same time, I would like to make clear that when ever we ask existence or god from a pure heart. Then the whole world conspires to help us in achieving our desires. Whole existence responds to our call. That's another matter that existence takes its own time to answer our call but it does. Any prayer from a pure heart never goes unanswered. But still that prayer is not a meditation. Meditation is the real prayer.

Physical benefits of Meditation | Meditation Benefits

2009-08-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

Meditation is all about being aware of our body-mind. In meditation we become aware of our thoughts, feelings and body movements. This awareness of our body-mind affects our body-mind in a big way. Many research has been done on knowing the benefit of meditation. People who are meditating for long period of time are reaping many benefits of meditation. Here are some Physical benefits of Meditation:

Normalizes Blood Pressure
It decreases respiratory rate.
Drop in cholesterol levels.
Helps in chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis etc.
Enhances the immune system
Increased Brain-Wave Coherence
Leads to a deeper level of relaxation and reduces tension and anxiety.
Higher skin resistance. One reason for Low skin resistance is higher stress and anxiety.

Mind can deceive us in many ways

2009-08-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

To go deep in meditation one should understand the traps of mind. Mind is a very clever instrument and it tries different ways to distract us from meditation. There are many ways by which mind can deceive us.

Mind loves Rationalizing. It can rationalize any thing to stop us from meditation.
Mind loves comparison - It loves comparing things, facts, people and for comparing we need to think and thus mind has enter again. Thinking is the medium through which mind enters again and again.
Mind produces Guilt - This is one of most common tendency we all are carrying inside us. Mind pull us down by making us feel guilty.
Mind survives in past or future. If we stay in the present moment then mind can not exist, so mind always tries to move into past or future events.
Mind loves uncertainty in life - Mind is a collection of past experiences, conditioning and memories. Mind always make decision on the basis of past experiences. So any new situation about which mind is not aware will put it in a uncomfortable position. Some times mind just stop for a while in a new situation and that is the reason we feel very good on some rare occasions.
Mind loves contemplation - Mind can spend hours and hours together on contemplating on any thing.
Mind is desire - It survive through desire and hope. Desire is misery and any form of identification is food for the mind to survive.
Mind is very ambitious - It can put any ambition or the desire to achieve any goal. So be watchful of the mind.

Vegetarian food is conductive for meditation

2009-08-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Our body and mind are not two things but they are one. Body and mind are very closely related. Anything which affects our body also affects the mind and vice versa. The kind of food we eat has a direct influence on our mental state. Whatsoever we eat becomes a part of our system. We get major source of energy from the food. Every food has different type of energy and thus affect us in a unique way.

e.g. Non-vegetarian food will make us more violent, aggressive, gross, sexual. Eating non-Vegetarian food is like adding the animal tendencies in our body-mind system. On the other hand, energy of Vegetarian food is subtle, harmonious and is best suited for meditation.

If someone is eating non-vegetarian food then one can still meditate but that person has to transform the energy of non-vegetarian food. e.g. He has to transform sex into love, hate into compassion etc. This is an extra burden one has to carry on the path of meditation. So best is to avoid the non-vegetarian food or slowly cut down the intake of non-vegetarian food.

Non-Vegetarian food pulls our consciousness down and makes us more unconscious. Consciousness of men lies in between that of a animal and a buddha. A meditator should make every effort to raise its consciousness and become a buddha.

Osho Active Meditation Techniques

2009-08-29T13:06:00.001-07:00

Osho active meditation techniques are very popular among the meditators. Osho has devised many meditation techniques for modern men. According to Osho, humanity has changed a lot in last 100 years. Life has become very fast and modern men has to go through lot of tension, stress and has to face tough competition to earn bread and butter.

Moreover most of the time men is doing sitting work and unlike old time, people are not so physically active. Modern men is now spending more time in office than in agricultural field. Machines have made the work of men much easier. Even in a agricultural field, now farmers are using tractors and modern equipment. Life has totally changed and has become much more comfortable than before.

According to Osho, old meditation techniques were useful at that time and were suiting the need of old era. But for modern men there is a need of new meditation techniques which can help the modern men in releasing his suppressed emotions like anger, hate, jealousy, frustration etc.

For example, In old time Men used to do lot of physical work like working in agricultural field or cutting trees etc. In these physical activities lot of his anger used to get released and men was more peaceful than the current men.

Moreover for most part of the day modern men is doing sedentary work and passive meditation won't suit him directly. Keeping all these things in mind, Osho devised a lot of active meditation techniques. According to Osho, beginners should start with the active meditations and then slowly they should move to the passive meditation techniques. Few of Osho active meditations are dynamic, kundalini, whirling, no dimension meditation.

Osho Kundalini Meditation Video of Osho Rajneesh

2009-08-29T12:41:00.001-07:00

Osho Rajneesh is an enlightened disciple of Osho. In this video Osho Rajneesh is giving insights into Osho Kundalini meditation technique.

Osho Kudnalini meditation is an active meditation technique and has four stages each of 15 minutes. The meditation last for one hour. It is done along side with a meditation music which is specially devised for this meditation under the guidance of Osho. Normally this meditation is done in the evening and it is an excellent technique for removing the energy blocks and make the energy start flowing in our energy bodies.

Osho Rajneesh has given lot of insights in this wonderful video on kundalini meditation.

Osho Kundalini Meditation Technique video - Part 2

2009-08-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

This is the second part of Osho Kundalini meditation Video. In this video, Osho Rajneesh enlightened disciple of Osho, is explaining the kundalini meditation technique. Many hidden facts about the Kundalini meditation technique has been shared in this video.

After doing this meditation, it is important to take the meditative quality in our actions. Normally after completing the meditation, people just get up and start leaving the meditation hall. Ideally, we should make use of the energy and should go deep in meditation. There is no hurry to get up and start the mundane life. Feel the energy and the inner dimension which the meditation has open for us. Kundalini meditation is an excellent meditation for arousing our kundalini.

How much time one should spend in Meditation

2009-08-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

Beginners in meditation often ask the question that how much time one should spend in meditation?

In reality, Meditation is not an separate activity. If one knows the knack of meditation, that is to be aware of ones actions then there is no need to sit separately and practice a meditation technique. A meditative person who is aware of his thoughts, feelings and actions can be meditative even in a market place. Meditation can be part of all our activities and there is no need sit separately for practicing meditation. Any action done with awareness is meditation.

It is for people who don't know the art of being aware that they have to practice the meditation techniques. Meditation techniques helps us in becoming aware of our thoughts, feelings and actions. Slowly we bring this awareness in our daily activities. Once we know how to be aware in day to day life then we can drop the meditation technique as now meditation has become part of all our activities.

So the key thing is to be aware in our actions. Now being aware in our actions is a knack which one has to develop by practicing any meditation technique. So the more time we spend in practicing a technique, earlier we might learn the knack.

Normally beginners in meditation are recommended to meditate at least for half an hour or one hour. One should be sincere and regular in the practice. Skipping one day of meditation breaks the energy channels and spoil the effort of many days. So, regularity in meditation practice is important.

Meditation Tip : There is no short cut in meditation. One has to be more aware to become more aware. More we practice meditation in our life, more meditative will be our actions and life.

Meditation is not an separate activity

2009-08-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Meditation is not an separate activity but it should become part of all our activities of the day. Any action can be done with awareness. Only thing that is essential in the art of awareness. If one knows how to be aware of his thoughts, feelings and actions then all our acts become meditative.

In reality meditation is to act with awareness. Any action done with awareness is meditation. So for a meditator the action does not matter but the quality of action do matter. A meditator has to be aware while performing his actions. In fact meditation should be connecting thread in all our works.

Mind is totally against meditation

2009-08-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Mind is totally against meditation. Meditation is death for the mind. Mind is all about thinking and contemplating. Whereas meditation is all about witnessing our thinking process. In meditation we don't contemplate but we witness our contemplation. When we go deep in meditation then thinking slows down. Slowing down of thinking means mind is losing its grip over us. That's why mind resist meditation and wants to avoid it at any cost.

As we go deep in meditation then we can easily get detached from the mind and can put it aside for rest. Mind does not like all this. It wants to be master of our life and control our actions. For an ordinary person it is not easy to put the mind to rest. There is no way for him to become the master of mind. An ordinary person life is majorly controlled by the mind because he does not know how to stop the mind or put it to rest. But an advance meditator can easily go beyond the mind. A meditator has to be very much aware of the traps of the mind to go deep in meditation.
Meditation can easily go deep if we become aware of mind and its traps.

Meditation Excuses | excuses for not doing meditation

2009-08-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Meditation is not difficult. Many people can easily meditate but they miss meditation because they are distracted by the mind. Mind is the biggest hurdle in meditation and it comes out with many excuses for not doing meditation. Few most common excuses for not doing meditation are:

I don't have time for meditation - In reality we always have time for things which we want to do. Not having time for meditation means practicing meditation is not in our priority.
I can not do meditation - In reality every body is born with the capacity to meditate. Its another fact that whether we want to make use of our capacity to meditate or not. Meditation needs time, patience and right guidance to flower.
Meditation is boring - Meditation is boring for the mind because deep meditation is a subtle death for the mind. Meditation will always be boring for the mind and mind will always be against the meditation. So beware of mind, if one wants to go deep in meditation.
I am too young to Meditate - Earlier we start the meditation practice, better it is. One can go more deep in meditation when we are overflowing with our energy. In our youth we need more clarity which comes easily with deepening meditation.
I have better things to do - Meditation is the most creative act in our life. Nothing can transform us more than the meditation.

Meditation Misconception | Wrong notions about Meditation

2009-08-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Meditation is a very simple method of being aware in our actions. But many people have wrong notions about meditation. These wrong misconceptions about meditation stops many people from learning right meditation method. Lets have more clarity about meditation.

Meditation is not an eastern method. But it is equally applicable to person from any area, status, community or religion.
Meditation is not only for religious people. But every person irrespective of their religious views or inclination can meditate.
Meditation is not concentration. In meditation we don't exclude any thing neither we concentrate on any thing. But we become aware of every thing.
Meditation is not contemplation. Contemplation is done by the mind and it is the process of continuous thinking on any subject. Whereas meditation is all about witnessing the thinking process.
Meditation is not relaxation. But it is relaxed awareness of our body-mind phenomena. Relaxation helps in meditation but meditation is more than just relaxation. Meditation is relaxed awareness.
Meditation is not prayer. But it is to be aware of our desires and fancies. Most of the time we pray to god for favors. But in meditation we become aware of our desires or the mind which pray for its desires.
Meditation is not chanting mantras. Mantra chanting is a good religious practice but it is not meditation. Meditation is to witness our thoughts or any kind of verbalization. That's why Transcendental is not a meditation technique. No transformation comes by transcendental method because we are just chanting any word. Transcendental meditation has nothing to do with any awareness or witnessing. So it is not a proper meditation technique

Meditation & God | Concept of God in Meditation

2009-08-29T05:14:00.000-07:00

There are basically two paths in the spirituality.
1) Devotional Path
2) Meditation Path

In the path of Devotion 'other' exist. There is Duality. Devotee and the Object of Devotion both exist. Devotee surrender his ego to the Beloved God or the Guru and reach the divine. Surrender is the key thing in the Devotional Path. This path is very easy for people who are trusting, heart oriented or can surrender easily.

Whereas Path of Meditation, there is no other. One has to reach non-duality not by surrender but by awareness. In devotional path also one reaches to non-duality and 'Other' disappear in the end but approach is via surrender. But in meditation,the path is of awareness. We become aware of everything.

There is no duality in the path of Meditation. All duality exist as long as mind is there. Even the concept of God is a technique or belief to reach divine. So in meditation we don't believe in any idea or dogma but we become aware of all the belief system. So belief or idea of God has no place in Meditation. Buddha discarded the concept of God all together. According to Buddha, if your master appears in your dream then cut his head with your awareness. Concept of God is good in devotional path but in meditation path only awareness work.

Stopping the mind | Mind can not be stopped by fighting

2009-08-26T23:34:00.000-07:00

We can not stop our thinking. Neither we can fight with our thinking. Some one who is interested in stopping the mind has to stop his cooperation with the thinking process. Its a known fact in the meditation world that thinking can not be stopped by force. When we stop giving our energy to thoughts then thinking stops on its own. But it never stops by fighting with the mind.

Fighting with the mind is never the way. It only helps the mind. More we fight with the mind, more strong it becomes. More we try to stop a particular thought, more it comes to us. So spending energy in stopping the mind is a sheer waste and it only makes the mind more strong.

Only way to stop the mind is to stop giving energy to it. Our thoughts feeds on our energy and cooperation. When ever we get involve in the internal dialog of thinking then we give our energy to them. Instead of participating in the internal dialog we should witness the thoughts passively and slowly the mind becomes weak. Mind becomes weak in the sense that it loses it grip on us. Mind still exist but now we become the master of it. For an advanced meditator it is easy to put the mind aside when it is not needed and use the mind when it is needed.

In meditation we stop cooperating or indulging in the thinking process. We don't fight with thoughts in meditation but we watch them silently. Meditation is the knack of witnessing the thoughts passively. In meditation we allow the thoughts to be inside the mind as long as they want and the miracle is that they leave on their own with out affecting us. Thoughts are like uninvited guest. They come on their own and if we don't give our cooperation to them then they leave and slowly they stop bothering us.

Contemplation is not meditation but mind loves Contemplation

2009-08-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

Mind loves contemplation. It can keep on thinking, discussing or contemplating on any topic for hours but will still not reach to any conclusion. The very nature of the mind is confusion, indecisiveness and division.

Internally, mind is always divided. Half the time it will be in favor of one thing and other half it will be against that thing. Internal dialog in the mind is always in conflict and in confusion. No matter how much we think, we can never come to an conclusion. In the end of contemplation, if some how mind decides to do any thing then also the decision is half hearted.

Mind is still not sure of the decision because internally it is divided and the decision is taken because we have to do something about the issue and now time has come to make a decision. But if there was more time then mind would have checked the pro's and con's for little more time. But no matter how much time mind takes for the contemplation, it will always be like this - divided and confused.

No matter how good the thoughts are but they are still in the realm of mind and soon bad thoughts will follow to balance the good thoughts. Mind has to balance. There is no mechanism in mind to think good thoughts all the time. At the most we can suppress the negative thoughts but then they keep on growing in our unconscious mind and when the right opportunity comes then they resurface in conscious mind with more intensity than before.

Contemplation is never a door for meditation. Because meditation is all about witnessing our thoughts. In meditation we don't participate in any internal discussion but we witness this internal dialog which keep on going in every person mind. Only through meditation this internal endless discussion stops and mind rest for a while. Meditation is all about witnessing our thoughts in a passive way. In meditation we don't argue or fight with our thoughts but we watch them with out any judgment, interpretations, involvement or reaction.

Meditation is not an separate activity

2009-08-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

In reality meditation is not an separate activity. Meditation is the art of being more conscious and alert in our actions. Or in other words meditation is to be more present and rooted in this present moment. But it is not easy as we are living unconsciously for so many lives. Doing actions unconsciously has become a habit for us.

It is recommended for a beginner to start with 30 minutes or one hour of meditation so that he can learn the knack of meditation. Once we know the knack of meditation or being alert in our actions then we don't need to sit and meditate. Then we don't need to find time for meditation but all our actions becomes meditative. But for that we should know the knack of meditation. Meditation techniques are devised so that we can know how to be aware and more alert. So more time we spend in meditation, better it is.

Meditation Quotes | Watcher is always beyond the mind

2009-08-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

The moment we become attached to any thing then it means mind has come back. Identification or attachment is root of all misery. Living life according to mind is the cause of misery. When we identify with any thing then it feeds the mind. We get identify with out thoughts, ideas, feelings, emotions, things and so on. Mind survives because of our identification with it. All this identification or attachment is mind oriented.

Our inner most core or watcher is beyond all these attachments. Watcher is always beyond the mind. We just need remain a witness to the thoughts or to the desires. We just need to see the desires. Nothing else is needed. Just sit silently and watch whatsoever goes on happening inside the mind. Soon the mind will lose its control on us. Meditation is all about putting the mind aside and going beyond it.

Meditation Quotes | Meditation means awareness

2009-08-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Meditation means awareness. Another name for awareness is watchfulness. In meditation we become aware of all the processes of the mind, of all the tricks, games and desires of the mind. When we don't feed the mind with our energy then its hold on us become weaker. With out our cooperation and energy mind is nothing but a useful servant.

As our awareness deepens, the mind starts evaporating. When the awareness is total then mind becomes nil, a zero. And the disappearance of the mind gives a clarity. But for this to happen we have to be aware or watchful of our mind and its activities and its games which he plays with us.

Concentration & Meditation - Meditation is not concentration

2009-08-25T09:17:00.001-07:00

Meditation is not concentration but still many teachers teach concentration exercises in the name of meditation. Concentration is the art of focusing our attention on a single object. In concentration, we exclude everything and choose to focus on a single object. That object could be a mantra, deity image, any spot where we can or any thing else.

Object does not matter but what matter most in the concentration is our total focus on that object. The object becomes our center of attention. So we narrow down our attention to a single object. It is like converging the sun rays on a single point using a lens.

Where as meditation is expansion of our consciousness. In meditation we don't exclude any thing neither we choose any thing. But on the contrary we become aware of every thing. Meditation is choiceless awareness. In meditation we become aware of our thoughts, feelings, actions.

Concentration is all about making the mind strong and pin-pointed. Whereas meditation is all about putting the mind aside and being present in this moment. Meditation is to go beyond the mind.

Meditation makes us the master of our mind

2009-08-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Meditation at the highest level is to be present in this moment. Most of the time we are either in the past or in the future. But we are never present in this moment. This is because all the time our mind is thinking. We can not stop our thinking.

Its looks weird but one can try and see for oneself that we can not stop our mind or thinking. This is because for so many lives we are living like this. So one need meditation techniques to become aware, more alert, more present in this moment. Meditation techniques are needed in the beginning so that we can come out from the trap of mind which is controlling all our life.

Meditation is a way to be more alert and conscious in our actions. In meditation we become aware of our thoughts and feelings. But for a beginner the first step is to see and find out. Can he stop his thinking? Can he remain with out thinking? Can he give break to his mind for a while?

Many times it happens that there is no need of thinking and we can give rest to our mind or we can simply relax it but we don't do it. There is no way to rest this mind except the meditation. Meditation is the only art by which we can put this mind aside for a while when it is no longer needed and enjoy the present moment. Meditation makes us the master of our mind. When we need the mind we use it and when we don't need it then we can put it aside.

Right now our life is with in the realm of mind. But once we start meditating then meditation takes us beyond the mind. Meditation means to be in this moment and enjoy what so ever existence has to offer to us in this moment.

Meditation & drinking Alcohol | Drinking Alcohol is escapism

2009-08-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

Life is full of choices. Every moment we have to choose one thing out of many options. Most intelligent people choose meditation over other things. Meditation is one of the biggest art in the world. Meditation is to create a conscious human being.

For many lives we are living unconsciously. But in the present life we can choose to be more conscious, more alert in our actions. In this life we all have the chance to break the unconscious pattern of so many lives.

Any thing or activity which brings unconscious in us should be avoided by the meditator. e.g. drinking alcohol, taking drugs makes us more unconscious. These things bring our consciousness down and make us more sleepy. Whole art of meditation is all about bringing consciousness in our actions. So, as a thumb rule any thing that bring our consciousness down should be avoided.

By drinking alcohol, we are just avoiding the tension, sadness, loneliness, boredom or pain. But drinking alcohol does not solve the problem. Because the moment we come out from the alcohol effect, we have to face the reality. So, drinking alcohol is not a solution. It does not bring any transformation in us.

Drinking alcohol is a very childish and stupid way to deal with problems. It is better to deal with the problem rather than avoiding it and I feel we all have to be more creative in our life and pursue what ever unique talent is given to us by the existence. Sadly, very few people are doing the work which they really want to do from their heart. This type of pseudo living creates a lot of problem and slowly life becomes a sad and lonely walk from cradle to grave.

Psychological benefits of Meditation

2009-08-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

Meditation in pure sense has to aim and ambition. But people who practice meditation often gets many benefits through meditation. In reality there are many Psychological benefits of Meditation. This is because most of our Psychological troubles are because of the mind. All the Psychological troubles like tensions, anxiety, stress, jealousy, greed, lust, anger are because of the desiring mind. More the mind is exercising its control in our life, more we will be having these Psychological problems.

When we meditate deeply then the control of mind on us start becoming weaker and we experience Psychological as well as Physical wellness. Psychological well being is a by product of meditation. Few Psychological benefits of meditation are:

Increased emotional stability - Mind is always fluctating and our moods keep on changing many times in a day. After few minutes our mental state changes. If we don't know how to dis-identify with these changing moods then we are not emotionally stable. With deepening of meditation, our emotional stability also increases.
Increase in creativity - We never give rest to our mind. All the time we are thinking, worrying or dreaming. There is no break for mind. It is always working. If we can give rest to our mind then it becomes charged and that leads to more creativity. As a thumb rule, mind can never be creative. For real creativity we have to access the dimension of no- mind.
Increased in Intuition and Relaxation - Most of the big scientific discoveries are based upon on intuitive insights. Intuition comes to us when we are relax. Meditation makes the hold of mind on us weaker. As long as we are controlled by mind we can not relax deeply. Reason is because mind is always seeking and desiring. Mind always says "I will achieve this thing and then I will relax and these desires are endless". So a meditative person just witness these desires and relax in the present moment.
Freedom from phobias & fears - Actually most of our phobias and fears are related with the mind. Some fears are actually good and they are needed for protection of life. e.g. if we are not afraid of fire then we can burn our hands. But unnecessary fears and phobias can be easily resolved if we meditate on them. Meditation is a great tool to come out from these imaginary fears.

So, we can say that there are two types of fears. One which is actual and other which is imaginary. If we don't know how to swim then fear of deep water is real and it is more real if we are standing on the edge of a river. But unreal or imaginary fears are unnecessary and can be resolved through meditation and should be resolved.
More clarity and bigger vision - A meditative person vision is not clouded by the mind. Mind is always confused and can never come to an conclusion on any issue. It is always indecisive. That's why when we are contemplating on any issue then even after hours of contemplation we don't come to any conclusion but when the time comes to make decision we know what we have to do. It is because in the moment of real crisis mind step aside and we make decision from our inner being or soul. So the more meditative we are, better will be our vision and clarity about things and situation.
Increase in joy and well being - Meditative person is less dependent on relationships, material things for happiness. He founds a inner source of well being and can be in touch with this inner well being at any time. He is more joyful than an ordinary person.

There are many more Psychological benefits of Meditation. But all these are just preliminary as compared to the bliss which deep meditation brings. Bliss is beyond happiness and sadness. Happiness and sadness are two side of same coin. If we choose one then other will also follow. But bliss is some thing which is beyond these two and greatest gift of meditation is bliss. I wish that every soul achieves that inner state of bliss and well being.

Meditation Quotes for beginners in meditation

2009-08-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

No one can learn meditation by reading a book on meditation. Meditation is a knack and one has to learn this knack by practicing meditation. But books, meditation videos and spiritual masters discourses helps a lot in understanding meditation and they clear many of the doubts too. These meditation quotes are written for clearing doubts of beginners.

Meditation is a simple process of watching the mind or understanding the mind by becoming a passive watcher of the thoughts and desires.
In meditation, we don't fight with the mind, nor do we try to control the mind. But we witness the thoughts in a non-interfering way. Which means we don't stop, alter or judge the thoughts, nor do we get involved with them. Instead of all this, we just watch the thoughts as we will watch the vehicles going in a traffic signal.
Meditation is not contemplation, concentration or Prayer. All these things concentration, contemplation and prayer are done by the mind. e.g. in concentration we narrow our focus or attention on a single object. Whereas meditation is expanding our consciousness. In reality, meditation and concentration are two opposite things.
Meditation is all about not getting identifying with any thought or feeling. Meditation is to go beyond the mind by becoming a watcher of the mind. In reality, no thought belongs to us but they do feed on our energy. When ever we get identified or involve with any thought then we give our energy to it. Or in other words, we give energy to thoughts by judging them as good or bad, Or by interpreting them, Or by reacting to them. A meditator is just supposed to watch the thoughts coming and going.
When we just witness the thoughts and don't give our energy to them then they leave on their own with our affecting us in any way.
Meditation techniques are needed in the beginning because we don't know the knack of awareness. Once we know how to be aware in any moment then there is no need to practice any meditation technique and we can drop them. So meditation techniques are just needed in the beginning to learn the art of meditation.

Breath Watching meditation | Watching incoming outgoing Breath

2009-08-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Breathing is a very important door for learning meditation. Our mental state is very deeply related with our breathing pattern. What ever mental state we our, it will have a corresponding breathing pattern. Suppose we are angry then our breathing will be different and in a mood of happiness breathing is always different and so on.

If we can change the pattern of breathing then we can alter our mental state. So, mystics down the ages have devised many meditation techniques around the breath. The meditation technique we are discussing here is Breath watching. Breath watching meditation can be done any where and at any time. Suppose we are standing in a queue and waiting for our turn then one can simply do this breath watching meditation. Breath watching is a very simple and effective meditation.

Breath watching meditation can be divided into 5 parts

Watch the Incoming Breath. Close your eyes and start watching your incoming and outgoing breath. First, start with the inhalation. Watch from where the breath enters your nostrils and follow it right down into your lungs.
When inhalation is complete and exhalation has not started there is always a gap. Watch this Gap that follows at the end of the inhalation and before the exhalation. Watching this gap is of immense value because mind stops for a while in this gap. Breathing and thinking are very much related. If we stop our breath completely then we can not think. Watching this gap helps in developing the knack of awareness. Between two thoughts also there is a gap but normally we are not aware of it as we never watch our thinking nor we know the art of witnessing. So watching incoming and outgoing breath and the gap helps in awareness.
Watch the Outgoing Breath. Now watch whole process of exhalation from lungs to nostrils.
Again when we have exhaled and not inhaled there is a gap. Watch this second Gap too. Do these four steps for 2 to 3 times – just watching the breathing cycle, not changing it in anyway, just watching the natural rhythm. We don't need to alter the breathing pattern. Remember, breathing happens on its own. It does not need our cooperation or any effort from our side. So, allow the breathing to be normal and do not interfere in any way. But just watch the cycle of breath.
Now start counting the incoming Breaths. Inhalation – count 1(don’t count the exhalation, only inhalation need to be counted), inhalation – 2, and so on, up to 10. Then count from 10 back to 1. Sometimes you may forget to watch the breath or you may count beyond 10 or you may forget to count. When this happen then start the counting again, at 1.

Two things which are important to be remembered is watching the breath and particularly the gaps at the top and the bottom. In this gap, mind is not there but our innermost core or being is there. This innermost being is always there. It is always calm, still, relax and watching.

Second important thing to remember is to go on counting, but not more than 10. Count up to 10; and then start the counting back to 1 and only count the inhalation. These things help awareness. In this meditation, if we are not aware, then we will start counting the exhalation or forgot to count or we will count beyond 10. So, we have to be aware of the inhalation, exhalation, counting etc. This helps tremendously in awareness. If you enjoy this meditation, continue it.

Beginners in meditation should choose a meditation technique

2009-08-24T00:33:00.000-07:00

A beginner in meditation should go through the meditation techniques and start with a meditation technique which attracts him most. One should always listen to one's inner voice or gut feeling in choosing a particular meditation technique.

Some one who is physically active and can devote one hour in meditation every day, then ideally it is better for him to start with Osho active meditation techniques. Active meditation techniques are designed by Osho, keeping in view the problems faced by modern men. If we are doing sitting work in our office then practicing Active meditations makes more sense. More over active meditations are important in releasing the stress, tension and repression from the mind and makes the meditation smoother.

After chossing a meditation technique, one should sincerely devote few minutes for meditation. One can spend 15 minutes to one hour every day as per one convenience. More time we can devote to meditation, better it is. Lets say we decide that I am going to meditate for 30 minutes every day. Then one should be sincere in this decision and should not ignore the meditation time for any other work. Regularity and sincerity are very much important.

Mind always tries to ignore the meditation and find one excuse or another for avoiding it. So a meditator has to be very clear that he has to meditate. But if there is a very important work then one can skip the meditation also. Ultimately we are the best judge and if we are sincere then nothing can stop us from learning meditation.

Few important things which can kick start the meditation practice are:
1) Get to know of various meditation techniques, read them and find out one techniques which strikes us the most. While going through the meditation technique, it is better if we are in a relaxed state and away from outside disturbances.
2) Practice that technique Sincerely every day.

Meditation for Beginners | Meditation technique is needed for Beginners

2009-08-21T02:36:00.000-07:00

Meditation should become a part of education and every one should learn the knack of meditation. Meditation is not a very complex and difficult thing. But a beginner needs proper guidance to learn the knack of meditation. Every one of us can meditate but only very few people are really interested in meditation.

Those people who wants to learn meditation should ideally start with a meditation technique. Meditation techniques are needed in the beginning, So that beginners can learn the knack of meditation. A meditation technique helps in learning the art of being aware and conscious in our action.

In reality, meditation is not an separate activity but it has to become a part of every activity. Meditation is all about being conscious and alert in our day to day activities like walking, talking, eating etc. But for so many lives we are living unconsciously. Unconsciousness has become a very deep rooted habit. To break this habit of acting unconsciously we need to practice a meditation technique. When we practice meditation technique then we come to know, what it actually means to live consciously and we also learn the knack of meditation.

Living consciously means living moment to moment and not drifting in to past or future. In normal living we are either thinking about the past or dreaming about the future. Our mind is always thinking and we are just enough conscious to do our day to day activities. Meditation means to act consciously in our actions. Meditation is to live in this moment and be fully present in this moment. It looks very easy but in reality it is not. It is very difficult to live in this moment for a beginner.

A beginner has to choose a meditation technique and slowly bring more alertness and consciousness in day to day living. There are so many meditation techniques and beginner has to go through these techniques and which ever technique click or strike most appealing to the ehart should be given a try for around three weeks. If it does not fit with the beginner then he can try a new technique. But in the beginning, it is important to start practicing a meditation technique sincerely.

Finding time for meditation | How to find time for Meditation

2009-08-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

Many people don't have time for practicing meditation. Although many times they think about learning and practicing meditation but they do not find enough time to meditate. This is one of the most common reason given by people for not being regular in their meditation practice.

In reality, the real reason behind this world wide phenomena of not having time for meditation is the mind. Mind is always against meditation. If some one goes deep in meditation then it is a death for the mind. So mind tries its best to distract us from the meditation.

Mind is a very clever and cunning in finding excuses. It will always come out with the best excuse to take our attention away from meditation. One of the most common excuse given by mind in this regard is that I have better things to do and Today I don't have free time for meditation, so I will do it tomorrow.

A meditator should witness this excuse and do not entertain it. One has to be very sincere and determined for meditation. Otherwise we will keep on postponing the meditation and will never be able to go deep in it. We always have time for things which we want to do. So, one solution to this problem is to make meditation a top priority in life. If we are really sincere about practicing meditation then we will not listen to the mind excuses and we will always have time for meditation.

Transcendental meditation is not meditation

2009-08-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

Transcendental meditation is one of the most popular method used in the west. Many people think that this is one of the most popular meditation technique. But this is not right.

In reality transcendental method of chanting mantra is not meditation. It does not even come close to be called a meditation technique. In the east, for thousands of years people are chanting the name of Gods and that practice is still very much followed in the eastern countries. Many religious people chant mantra's through out their life and one of their main desire is to take the name of their beloved god with their last breath. Its a good religious practice but certainly not meditation.

If some one talks about meditation, then transcendental is not a meditation technique. It is just a mechanical way of chanting any mantra or name. It does not add any awareness or alertness in us. Meditation is all about effortless awareness in our actions.

Thumb rule for deciding the validity of any meditation technique is that it should add awareness to our life. Any technique which makes the hold of mind on us stronger can not be a meditation technique. Transcendental meditation works within the realm of mind and it has nothing to do with meditation except that the word 'meditation' is associated with it. Real Meditation is all about dis-identifying with the mind, witnessing the thoughts, actions and feelings. Meditation is all about going beyond the mind.

If some one chant the mantra consciously then it is a meditation but a person who practice transcendental meditation may never have any idea about alertness or awareness. Transcendental meditation will definitely have some health benefits but it will also make us stupid and dull. I will not recommend transcendental meditation to my readers.

Meditation Quotes | Meditation Quotes for beginners

2009-08-20T22:15:00.001-07:00

Meditation Quotes for beginners

Mind does not like meditation as deep meditation is a death for the mind.
To escape from meditation, mind will always have some excuse or other. Those who are really sincere about meditation just witness this tricks of mind.
Meditation should be slowly brought into all our actions. Meditation does not interfere in our actions but it do add grace to our actions.
Meditation can be part of our actions like walking, talking, eating etc provided we know the knack of meditation, that is to act with awareness.
Meditation is not concentration. In concentration we focus on an single object and exclude rest all. But meditation is to be aware of all and do not exclude any thing.
There is no short cut in meditation. Mind always looks for short cut. In meditation we watch the mind and do not seek any goal.
To be more aware in our actions we have to become more aware about our thoughts, feelings and actions.
If we can be aware in this moment then we can take this awareness in next moment also. Real challenge is to be aware and present in this moment.
Meditation is another name of staying in the present moment with out drifting into past or future.

Biggest Hurdle in meditation is the mind itself

2009-08-19T01:36:00.000-07:00

Biggest Hurdle in meditation is the mind itself. Mind will always try to distract us from meditation. Meditation is a death for the mind and till the last moment mind tries its best to distract the meditator. Few points to remember regarding this issue are:

Mind may like to go for spiritual powers or siddhis in the realm of meditation. A meditator should not never make use of any occult power because it ultimately led to the downfall of meditator. If we don't use this powers then these occult powers goes away and energy is moved towards higher chakras.
Mind will always find one excuse or another for not doing the meditation. Many people just keep on postponing the meditation and in the end death comes and take us away.
Mind might say that meditation is not for me or meditation is a very difficult thing or I am too old to practice Meditation or I don't have sufficient time, energy or guidance to practice the meditation. A meditator should just witness all these thoughts and should not get identified with them. identification with any desire or thought leads to misery and ignorance. Choiceless awareness of thoughts is meditation.
Mind will always tries to arouse many desires in us and these desires may look very noble. e.g. earn more money so that I can set up charitable hospitals.

Meditation techniques are very helpful for the beginners

2009-08-19T01:02:00.000-07:00

Meditation techniques are very helpful for the beginners. Ideally, every one has to start with a meditation technique. Practicing meditation technique over a period of time one gets the knack of real meditation. As one grows in meditation, the meditation technique keeps on evolving and changing. In the end, one has to drop the meditation technique and become meditative in all the actions of life.

Real meditation is the quality of meditativeness in day to day living. Which means we don't sit separately for practicing meditation but our whole life has a become a meditation. What ever we action we perform is done with awareness. Simple acts like walking, talking, eating etc are all done with awareness. Any action done with awareness is meditation.

Initially one has to start with a Meditation technique but that is not the end and sooner one has to drop the technique also. One should not get stuck with a technique as then the technique itself becomes a hurdle. To avoid this one should bring the meditative quality in their daily life. One should always try to be more aware in their daily actions. Only way to become aware is to practice more awareness in life.

Art of meditation is to dis-identify with the mind

2009-08-16T23:52:00.001-07:00

For practicing meditation we don't need to go jungles or mountains. Meditation can be easily practiced in our home also. But one has to be very sincere in his practice. Meditation should be the top most priority in our life and then which ever place we stay, we can be meditative. On the other hand, if meditation is not our top priority, then even if we stay in jungles or in a monastery then also we may not be able to meditate easily.

Which ever place we go, our mind goes with us. As long as we are identified with the mind then we are stuck with it. Whole art of meditation is to dis-identify with the mind. In the end where ever we stay, we have to dis-identify with the mind. Meditation takes us beyond the mind. Dis-identification with the mind by being a passive watcher is real meditation.

We think that thoughts and feelings belongs to us and we get identified with them. But in reality we are not the body, we are not the mind. No thoughts or emotions are ours. All our thoughts and feelings are part of conditioning. For a brahmin eating meat is sin but for a muslim it is ok. So our conditioning affects our emotions. We just need to watch these emotions and feelings. In meditation, we witness our thoughts and feelings passively. Meditation is all about being passive aware of our actions, thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Meditation Quotes for meditators

2009-08-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

Meditation quotes not only inspire meditators on the path but they also clear many doubts and confusion regarding meditation practice. No wonder meditation quotes are popular among many people. Here are few meditation quotes for the seekers

Meditation is the art being fully conscious in our actions. Any action done with awareness is meditation.
Meditation has nothing to do with concentration, contemplation or prayer. But meditation is all about being more conscious, more alert and present in this moment.
Meditation is not concerned with mind. But it is all about going beyond the mind by getting dis-identify with it. Meditation is to witness our thoughts, desires and feelings.
Meditation does not have any goal or aim. But in meditation we face all our desires, dreams and ambitions with passive awareness.
Meditation does not affect our past but it changes our perspective and vision about the past. Meditation is to live in this moment rather than moving into past or future events.

Meditation does not belong to any religion

2009-08-11T04:22:00.000-07:00

There are many misconceptions and myths about meditation. Some people take meditation as concentration or contemplation. Many people think that only spiritual people should meditate. Or some people think that it is a difficult thing and only certain people can do it.

But in reality every one can meditate. Meditation does not distinguish between caste, color, religion, profession, age or social status. Any one can meditate. Meditation does not belong to any religion. Meditation is as simple and natural as breathing.

Every one can practice meditation. But one should have the desire to learn it. Meditation is such an beautiful phenomena that it should be made available to every one. Meditation has the power to transform our life. We all responsible for our misery but only a meditative person can realize where he/she is stuck in misery and through meditation he/she can come out from the misery. The real question is not that whether can I meditate? But the real question "do I want to practice Meditation". Most important thing needed for practicing meditation is the desire to meditate.

Watching thoughts passively - How to watch thoughts passively

2009-08-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

Most of our life is controlled by mind. We are always thinking and desiring. Our mind is never at rest. Twenty four hours our mind keeps on working, thinking, desiring and making plans for better future. Very nature of mind is to desire and seek more. No matter how much we get in life, mind can not be satisfied. That's why there is so much discontent in the world because our life is controlled by mind which is always desiring for more and will always be unsatisfied.

Most people don't know the means to put this mind to rest. But through meditation one can put this mind to rest or slow it down. Someone who really wants to live a satisfied life has to learn meditation. As long as mind is our master of life then we can never be satisfied. Meditation opens the door of self-mastery.

Meditation is the art of dis-identifying with the mind when the mind is no longer needed. Meditation means to be aware of ones actions, thoughts and feelings.

Now what does it means to be aware of one's thoughts??
Normally whenever any thought comes to us then we get involve with it. We start analyzing or interpreting it as god, bad or ugly. The moment we get involve with the thought, then indirectly we have got involved with the mind. Our involvement with the thoughts is a trap and we have to avoid it by being non-interfering with the thoughts.

In meditation whenever any thought comes then we just watch it passively. Watching the thoughts passively means we don't analyze, condemn, interfere or interpret the thoughts. But we just see them in a relax and calm way. Its like standing on a traffic signal and watching the vehicles coming and going. Let the thoughts come but we should not involve with them. Inner chattering is there but we are not participating in the inner chattering.

If we start involving our self with the thoughts then we have got involved with the mind. We just need to be relax and still in watching. This is called as passive awareness - watching the thoughts coming and going with out interfering with them in a relaxed way. The beauty lies in the fact that if we don't interfere with the thoughts and just watch them passively, then they leave on their own.

This passive witnessing of thoughts is another name of meditation. One has to practice it to know the real taste. Key things in watching the thoughts are:

Don't try to control the thoughts. Let them come and go on their own. But watch them silently.
If we don't give our cooperation (involvement) to them then they don't get any energy from us and dies away. Thoughts feeds on our energy.
Stay relax. There is no need to classify thoughts as good or bad. Thought is a thought and no thought belongs to us. They come from outside, so no need to take pride or feel guilty for any kind of thought.
In traffic signal if we try to stop any fast moving vehicle then accident can happen. Similarly, while watching thoughts, don't get involved with them. Just wait and watch, they will pass the signal of our mind.
Be passive in watching the thoughts. Which means no need to be in a hurry or in tension. Relax or be still as much as possible. No matter how much exciting or ugly the thought is, don't lose your calm. Stay be with your passivity

Meditation & Contemplation, Meditation is not Contemplation

2009-08-10T23:07:00.000-07:00

Meditation is often confused with contemplation. If contemplation is done by the mind then, meditation is not contemplation. Contemplation on god can be called a good religious practice but still it can not be called as meditation. Contemplation on god is another way to reach god.

Meditation does not involve mind and meditation is the art of going beyond the mind. Whereas concentration, contemplation or prayer makes use of the mind. Anything that involves mind or makes the mind stronger can not be meditation. Mind is very much needed to work in the office and we should use the mind when it is needed. A meditative person tries to dis-identify with the mind when mind is no longer needed.

Contemplation if done by mind then it never leads to any fruitful results. Because mind is always divided and it can never come to any conclusion. Moreover contemplation makes the mind stronger and we unnecessary waste time and energy in it.

If someone contemplates on god then it is a all together different thing and good practice for beginners or for many people whose path is to remember god all the time. Many Gurus like Nanak and Kabir have given importance to remembering Gods name. Taking God name can be called as highest form of contemplation. But normally the contemplation which people does is not at all of any use and can not be called as meditation.

Thumb rule for meditation is :
Any thing which makes the mind strong can not be meditation. Any thing done with awareness is meditation. Meditation means to stay in the present moment.

Meditation means to stay in present moment

2009-08-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

Meditation is the art of staying conscious and alert. Conscious means to be aware of our actions, thoughts and feelings. Meditation means to stay in present moment and do not move to past or future.

Meditation is not concerned with any act but it adds awareness to every act. What really matter is our awareness. Whatsoever act we do, if it is done with awareness then it becomes a meditative act. Any thing done with awareness is meditation.

Most of the time thoughts are there and they keep on coming and going. A meditative person just watches these thoughts and do not involve himself with them. Instead he is just a passive watcher of these thoughts. Thoughts feeds on our cooperation. If we just witness them, then mind slows down. Meditation is all about dis-identification with the mind when it is not needed and use the mind when it is needed

What is Meditation - few points about what is Meditation

2009-08-08T00:59:00.000-07:00

Few points about What is Meditation.

Meditation in the purest form is to become aware of our actions, thoughts, feelings and moods.
Any thing that is done with awareness is meditation.
In the world of meditation, what matter is awareness. Meditation is to be more aware in our actions. Meditation adds awareness and grace to all our actions.
Meditation is living in the present moment. Most of the time our mind keeps on moving into past or future. Meditation is the art to stay in this present moment and respond from our awareness. Meditation means to act from awareness.
Meditation can be practiced all the time and should be practiced all the time except on those occasions where we have to use the mind.
Meditation is go beyond the mind and not use the mind when it is no longer needed.
Any activity can become meditation provided we are aware while doing it or we are in in the present moment.

Meditation Myths - Top Meditation myths and misconceptions

2009-08-08T00:45:00.000-07:00

Meditation is a very beautiful phenomena and a greatest blessing in life. If one can learn to meditate properly then the whole life is transformed. But it is important that we learn the right meditation technique. There are many myths and misconceptions in the world of Meditation. Many people teach wrong kind of meditation techniques and some times the technique they teach has nothing to do with meditation. Here are few myths or misconception about meditation.

Meditation improves concentration - Meditation is not concentration but it is opposite of concentration. In concentration, we narrow down our attention to a single object, mantra or deity. Whereas in meditation we expand our consciousness and does not block any thing but we become aware of every thing. Awareness in action is meditation. Meditation is to live in present moment and not moving into past or future.
Meditation is prayer - Most of the time our prayers are nothing but asking for favors from god. In fact, Meditation is the real prayer where we become rich within our self and are totally content. Any thing that has its origin in mind can not be meditation. Mind always desires or seek for something or the other and meditation is to observe all this activity of mind with passive awareness.
Meditation is to chant mantras - This is not correct. Chanting mantras is a good spiritual practice but it is not meditation. Chanting mantra can become meditation provided there is a distance between chanting and the person who chants. Which means that we are aware of the chanting. This is a very rare phenomena and 99.99% of the cases chanting is not meditation. Chanting makes the mind dull, sleepy and one pointed. Meditation is to go beyond the mind.
Meditation is contemplation - Contemplation if done by mind is again not meditation. So meditation is not contemplation also.
Transcendental meditation - many people think it is a ideal meditation practice and one of the most popular meditation method. In reality transcendental method of chanting mantra is not meditation.
Meditation is relaxation - Relaxation helps in meditation but relaxation is not meditation. Real Meditation is relaxed awareness.

Meditation is another name of going beyond the mind

2009-07-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Meditation is another name of going beyond the mind and putting the mind to rest. For daily living and performing our activities we don't need to use the mind all the time. On some occasions it is not at all necessary to use the mind. In those moments when mind is not needed, then ideally it should be put to rest. Putting mind to rest or giving it a break has its own benefits. e.g. it recharges the mind and makes its more efficient. Unnecessary use of mind makes it dull and creates tension, frustration etc

Meditation is that art by which we can put the mind to rest. Some one who knows how to meditate use the mind when it is needed and can put it to rest when mind is not needed. Meditation means to go beyond the mind in a state called no-mind. This no-mind state is very blissful and relaxing.

Meditation has nothing to do with mind but it is an art to become master of Mind. Normally mind is our master. Mind controls our thinking all the time and we don't have any control over it. Even if we want to stop the mind we can't. But a meditative person can put the mind to rest. So for a better living everyone should learn how to meditate and become master of mind.

Meditation has no aim and ambition

2009-07-30T00:48:00.000-07:00

Meditation goes more deep when it is practiced every day. Every habit takes time to make its roots in our life. Meditation is one of the important activity which we should be cultivated in our life and it takes time for the meditation to really happen in our life. For beginners it is very important that they practice meditation every day for a certain amount of time and it is better if meditation is practiced at the same time and at the same place.

But as our meditation deepens then it is important that we bring this meditative quality in our daily actions also. e.g. we can talk, walk, eat without losing our awareness. Many things in life can be done with awareness, provided we put effort in being aware. Being aware in action is to be in meditation. Any thing done with awareness is meditation. Meditation is all about staying in present moment and being totally conscious of our actions, thoughts and desires.

Nothing worth while in life comes with out a struggle. Similarly, we have to put effort in meditation and wait for it to flower in our life. Meditation can not be forced but it happens when we are not ambitious about any thing in life and that includes meditation also. Meditation has no aim and it not about having any psychic powers or to live a better life. But meditation is all about being aware of oneself. Being aware of one's desires, thoughts, actions is true meditation. Meditation is to know our real nature and live the life more consciously and meditatively.

Healthy body and diet is helps in meditation

2009-07-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

Healthy body is very much essential for going deep in meditation. A yogi can channelize his energy to upper chakras irrespective of his good or bad physical state. But for a beginner in Meditation healthy diet and body is very much important.

If our physical body is not healthy then lot of energy will be used in healing the body. More over we can not sit still for meditation for a longer period of time. Body cooperation is very much needed in meditation.

On a more subtle note, body and mind are very much connected and are one. Mind is a more subtle form of body. What ever we eat affects the mind. e.g. if we eat non-vegetarian food then it leads to gross unconscious tendencies in our mind. Whereas Satwic diet leads to pious and calm mind. Thus food intake affects our mind a lot. Right food, Right amount of sleep, few minutes of physical exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy body.

Correct Meditation posture - Tips for right meditation posture

2009-07-24T00:31:00.000-07:00

Correct Meditation posture helps in going deep in meditation. It is specially helpful for someone who is still a beginner in meditation. A advanced meditator can be aware of his thoughts and feelings even in a market place. But for a beginner the posture is very important and it should not be neglected.

Meditation is all about channelizing the energy to upper chakra's and if our posture is correct then it helps in the flow of energy in our energy channels or nadi's. Some tips for correct meditation posture are:

Best posture is to sit cross legged with eyes closed. But for many western people sitting cross legged is difficult, so they can sit in a chair but the backbone should be straight.
Eyes should be closed. We lose 80% of our energy from the eyes. Even some amount of energy is lost with closed eyes also. That's why yogi's keep their eyes half closed and half open. In half open eyes least amount of energy is released.
Mudra's - There are various mudras which creates different energy flow in our body and one should use the mudra which suits best for meditation.
Don't sit directly on the floor. Sit on top of a blanket or meditation cushion.
Sitting under Big tree also helps.
Tying a cloth on the head also helps a lot in conserving the energy.

Use of above methods will help not only in preserving the energy but also in easier flow of energy in our bodies.

Witnessing thoughts, Tips for Witnessing thoughts

2009-07-13T23:43:00.001-07:00

Witnessing thoughts is a knack and it can make our life much easier. Meditation is all about witnessing everything, every thought, every desire. Witnessing thoughts is not always easy for the beginners. But with practice and time everyone can learn the knack of witnessing.

Some tips which can help in witnessing thoughts are

Don't label thoughts as good or bad. Stay neutral.
Don't choose or resist or fight with any thought, Stay detached and separate. More we fight or indulge with any thought, more power we give to it.
Stay relax and still. Stillness is key thing in meditation. Another name for meditation is relaxed awareness.
Practice more awareness in daily living. If some times we forgot to witness any thought then its alright. But start witnessing the thoughts whenever we become aware of our unawareness.

Best time for Meditation

2009-07-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

A sincere meditator should practice meditation all the time. Meditation should be practiced 24 hour in all our acts. If we just meditate for one hour in a day then one hour of awareness can not tackle the unawareness of rest of the day. Meditation only goes deep when we try to be aware in all our acts.

But for a beginner point of view, who just wants to devote one hour every day for meditation then this question of finding the best time for meditation becomes important. For most of people best time for meditation is early morning. One can take a bath and then sit for meditation in the morning when our body and mind are both fresh. Existence energy is also rising in the morning and that also help us in going deep in meditation.

But now a days many people do night shifts in their office then early in the morning they will be feeling sleepy. So, in that scenario, early morning time may not be the best time for them. Our sleep should be complete and we should be fresh for practicing meditation. Ideally, the morning time is best but one has to see his lifestyle and body clock also to find the best time for himself.

Witnessing thoughts is not easier for beginners

2009-07-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Witnessing the thoughts is not always easier, specially for the beginners who have just started meditating. But the key is to practice awareness as much as possible. We have a long habit of living unconsciously and it will take time to break this habit and become more conscious in the actions.

Moreover, when we start meditating then some times we see flood of thoughts coming to us. Many meditators complain that more thoughts come to them when they sit for meditation than in the normal working conditions. This is because of two reasons.

Mind does not like meditation. As meditation means mind is losing its grip on us. Mind uses all sort of tricks and traps to distract us and the key is go on meditating and be aware of all the mind traps.
Thoughts are always there but we were not aware of them. So, now when we sit for meditation and we witness the thoughts then for the first time we become aware of them and we start thinking that from where so many thoughts are coming. These thoughts were always there and will remain with us as long as we don't become fully aware of them.

We should practice meditation as much as can. Only awareness has the power to remove darkness and ignorance from our life

Osho No Dimensions Meditation video

2009-07-09T03:19:00.001-07:00

Osho Whirling Meditation Video

2009-07-09T03:18:00.001-07:00

Whirling meditation is one of the important meditation technique used by Osho. Whirling is basically a sufi meditaton technique which is very much used by Sufi mystic Rumi.

Osho Meditations - Meditations for Contemporary People

2009-07-09T03:16:00.001-07:00

Osho on how to select a meditation technique. All the techniques that I have developed are for contemporary people. People need first cathartic meditation methods -- like OSHO Dynamic Meditation - then they can move to silent methods..

Right meditation technique - What is right meditation method

2009-07-08T00:21:00.000-07:00

Many people often wonder at their meditation practice and want to know whether the meditation technique they are practicing is right or not?

There is a very simple criteria to judge a meditation technique. If the meditation technique is making the mind stronger and stronger then it is not a right meditation technique. Whereas any meditation technique which makes us more detached and makes the hold of mind on us more weak, then that meditation technique is right.

Meditation is all about going beyond the mind. Meditation does not have any aim and it does not tries to change or correct the mind. Meditation is all about knowing oneself. We all have good and bad desires. Meditation is about witnessing these good as well as bad desires and slowly, slowly coming out from the hold of these desires and mind which controls our life in a major way. At present most of our life is dictated by mind but when meditation starts flowering in our life, then we don't make decision based upon our mind conditioning and desires. But we act from our awareness and our response comes from our meditation.

Any activity can become a meditation. Meditation can come to our life through so many creative expressions like cooking, gardening, watching birds, painting, dancing etc - provided we lose our-self completely in these acts. Osho has worked majorly in this aspect, that is to use all creative expressions like dancing, gardening, cooking etc as a meditation technique to transform our life.

Meditation should be practiced in every activity of life

2009-07-06T00:59:00.000-07:00

Meditation should not be a separate activity of the life. In fact, it should become a part of every activity of life. In the beginning it is good to start the mediation practice with one hour or thirty minutes meditation practice. But eventually the current of meditation should become a part of every activity.

Every action of life can be done with awareness and that is what meditation is all about. Meditation does not interfere with any activity but on the contrary, it adds grace and beauty to our actions. If we meditate only for 1 or 2 hours in a day then this one hour meditation can not counter, our unawareness in the rest of the day.

Slowly, slowly we should bring the meditative quality in our daily actions. We should try to become more aware in all our actions. Initially it is difficult but as we grow in meditation then it becomes more spontaneous and effortless.

Note - there are some activities of life where we have to concentrate like doing mathematics, or driving a vehicle etc. So it is alright, if we are concentrating on these occasions. When we say meditation should be practiced all the time, it means we should not allow the inner chattering of the mind when mind is not required. Key is to use the mind when it is required and when the work is done then switch off the mind and then our inner state should be silent. There is nothing wrong in using the mind but we should be master.

Meditation Tips - Top meditation tips for Beginners

2009-07-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

Meditation is one of the most important activity in which an individual can spend his time and energy. In the beginning every one needs some sort of guidance and encouragement to continue the meditation practice smoothly and effortlessly. Here are some meditation tips which can help a beginner in his meditation practice.

Meditate at the same place. When we meditate at the same place then that place gets charged with our energy and helps in meditation.
Sit in the right meditation posture. Correct meditation posture helps in easy flow of energy and witnessing of thoughts and feelings.
Meditate at the same time every day - When we meditate at any fixed time decided by us every day then it brings a regularity and discipline in our practice. Moreover our energy also starts aligning with that time.
Create a seperate space for meditation - Choose any place in the house or a corner of a room and use that place only for meditation and avoid using it for any other purpose.
Wear loose and relax clothes. Its better to relax the body and then start the meditation. Taking deep breaths also helps.
Meditate early in the morning or at the time when body and mind is fresh and not tired.
Playing soft instrumental music also helps.

Real meditation is to understand the mind

2009-07-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Meditation is not forcing the mind to be still. Neither it is to achieve some kind of peace or tranquility. Meditation is not about chanting any mantra to still the mind. Meditation is not to concentrate on any object, point, image or forcing the mind to be quiet. Meditation is not contemplation or prayer.

Real meditation is to understand the mind and see its working in its totality. Meditation is all about seeing the mind content in a passive, non-interfering way. We don't analyze, judge or interfere with the mind but we understand it and with understanding the mind gets transformed. Or in other words, with understanding desires disappears on their own. Understanding or Awareness beings a transformation in our energy.

Meditation is all about sharpening ones awareness in day to day living and raising ones consciousness. In meditation we become aware of our actions and thoughts. We don't try to fulfill our desires but we become aware of our desires. That is we just see the desires with out getting identified with them.

Concentration & Meditation, Meditation is not concentration on mantra

2009-06-24T01:59:00.000-07:00

Meditation is not concentration. In fact meditation and concentration are totally opposite to each other. Concentration means narrowing down of consciousness to an object, image or mantra. e.g. when we chant any mantra then we are putting our total attention on that mantra and ignoring all other sensory perceptions. Out total focus and attention is on mantra chanting. That is we are excluding everything from our attention and totally focusing on chanting. That exclusion from every thing and Focusing on one thing - object, mantra,image etc is Concentration. It is narrows our attention to a small area of reality.

Where as Meditation is expansion of Consciousness. In Meditation we don't exclude any thing. It is an experience of Expansion. In meditation we allow all sense organs to work at their fullest. Its about living in the moment and experience everything as it is. e.g. we are sitting then birds may be chirping then we are hearing their sound. We are aware of all sounds reaching our ears, our thoughts, our feelings. In short in meditation we don't block any experience to come to our knowledge. In meditation, we see and experience the nature and life in its full glory.

Concentration makes the mind strong and it brings lot of tension to it. Where as Meditation makes us calm, relax and gives us experience of No-Mind state and practicing meditation is ideal for a spiritual seeker.

Meditation Tips - Osho Dynamic Meditation Tips

2009-06-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

Osho has devised many new meditation techniques for the modern men. Dynamic Meditation is one of main meditation technique of Osho. This technique is a active meditation and needs lot of Chaotic breathing and effort from meditators part. Many Osho sannyasins recommend it to the beginners and they say it should be ideally done for 9 months, before moving to passive meditation techniques. Dynamic technique is quite useful in clearing repressed emotions and negativity from our unconscious mind.

Some useful tips for doing Dynamic Meditation technique are -

1. Every stage in this meditation is connected with the previous stage. Much depends, how we do the first stage. If the first stage is done in a proper way then 2nd stage will follow spontaneously, on its own. e.g If one does the chaotic breathing correctly then the catharsis in the 2nd stage will be spontaneous and easier.

2. In 4th stage we should not move our hands or body. we have to stay still from the moment we hear the bell indicating the start of 4th stage. Even a slight movement from our side is not recommended and can spoil the whole purpose of this meditation. But a spontaneous movement from body is allowed. Suppose our hands are up in the 4th stage and they are slowly coming down on their own, then this body movement is OK and acceptable. But if we ourself are bringing our hands down because they are paining then that is not right. In another scenario, suppose our body is aching then also we have to be in that position and we should watch the aching.

3. Many people don't do chaotic breathing correctly. It is always better to learn it from some one who knows, how to do the chaotic breathing as taught by Osho. Correct breathing will make a lot of difference in the meditation.

4. Every stage in this meditation is connected with the previous stage. Much depends, how we do the first stage. If the first stage is done in a proper way then 2nd stage will follow spontaneously, on its own. e.g If one does the chaotic breathing correctly then the catharsis in the 2nd stage will be spontaneous and easier.

5. We should not hold our repressed emotions in the 2nd stage and allow them to come on surface. So one should choose the place for doing dynamic meditation where there is no fear from neighbours or any worry about other people reactions and judgement.

6. Best time to do this meditation, is in the morning. It is basically a morning meditation.
It is better, if Osho sannyasins all around the world do it simultaneously. Many of the sannyasins do dynamic meditation at 6am. For them it may be an ideal time, but we should listen to our body timing clock and decide what is the right time for us.

7. Last stage in this meditation is Dancing. Dancing transforms the whole quality of our energy. Do enjoy the beautiful experience of letting go while dancing.

8. Many times meditator feel like vomiting after doing the meditation. It is Ok and one should allow the vomiting and not suppress it. This can clear lot of negativity and cleans the system.

9. Night sleep should be sufficient for doing this meditation early in the morning. If we have slept late in the night then it is better to avoid doing this meditation in half asleep stage. Totality is the keyword for this meditation. One has to be really total while doing meditation and give ones 100 percent.

9. Meditator should wear comfortable and loose clothes which does not inhibit the free movement of body.

Jiddu Krishnamurti - Meditation is the ending of thought

2009-06-13T22:50:00.001-07:00

Jiddu Krishnamurti - Meditation is the ending of thought, in which the continuance of the thinker ceases. The thinker, in disciplining his thought from which he has separated himself, gives continuity to himself through property, family, through knowledge and belief. Problems will continue as long as the thinker separates himself from his thoughts. When there is an awareness of the total process, then only is there self-knowledge; self-knowledge is the beginning of wisdom. Time, as memory, ceases only through self-knowledge.

Jiddu Krishnamurti - Meditation is the emptying the mind of all thought

2009-06-09T11:31:00.001-07:00

Jiddu Krishnamurti - Meditation is the emptying the mind of all thought, for thought and feeling dissipate energy; they are repetitive, producing mechanical activities which are a necessary part of existence. But they are only part, and thought and feeling cannot possibly enter into the immensity of life. Quite a different approach is necessary, not the path of habit, association and the known; there must be freedom from these.

Meditation is the emptying of the mind of the known. It cannot be done by thought or by the hidden prompting of thought, nor by desire in the form of prayer, nor through the self-effacing hypnotism of words, images, hopes and vanities. All these have to come to an end, easily, without effort and choice, in the flame of awareness.

J Krishnamurti - Meditation is not the pursuit of pleasure

2009-04-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

Jiddu Krishnamurti - Happiness and pleasure you can buy in any market at a price. But bliss you cannot buy for yourself or for another. Happiness and pleasure are time-binding. Only in total freedom does bliss exist. Pleasure, like happiness, you can seek, and find, in many ways. But they come, and go. Bliss that strange sense of joy has no motive. You cannot possibly seek it. Once it is there, depending on the quality of your mind, it remains timeless, causeless, and a thing that is not measurable by time.

Meditation is not the pursuit of pleasure and the search for happiness. Meditation, on the contrary, is a state of mind in which there is no concept or formula, and therefore total freedom. It is only to such a mind that this bliss comes unsought and uninvited. Once it is there, though you may live in the world with all its noise, pleasure and brutality, they will not touch that mind. Once it is there, conflict has ceased. But the ending of conflict is not necessarily the total freedom. Meditation is a movement of the mind in this freedom. In this explosion of bliss the eyes are made innocent, and love is then benediction.