What Is Exactly Meditation?

What Is Exactly Meditation

The moment we utter the word meditation, there are all kinds of misconceptions about it. First of
all, the English word meditation doesnt mean anything in the sense, if you close your eyes and sit; in
English we call it meditation. You can sit with your eyes closed and do many things. There are many
dimensions. You can do japa, tapa, dharana, dhyana, samadhi, shoonya. Or you might have just
mastered the art of sleeping in vertical postures!

So what is this thing that we call as meditation?

Generally we assume that people are referring to what is known as dhyan or dhyana. In that context
of referring to dhyan as meditation, it is not something that you can do. Nobody can do meditation. The
reason why most people who have tried meditation have come to the conclusion that its very difficult
or impossible is because they are trying to do it.
You cannot do meditation but you can become meditative. Meditation is a certain quality. It is not a
certain act. If you cultivate your body, your mind, your energies and your emotions to a certain level of
maturity, meditation will naturally happen. It is just like if you keep the soil fertile, if you give it the
necessary manure and water and if the right kind of seed is there, it will grow and bloom into flowers
and fruits.
Flowers and fruits will come out of a plant not because you want it, but simply because you created the
necessary, conducive atmosphere. Similarly, if you create the necessary atmosphere within yourself, on
all the four dimensions of who you are, then meditation will naturally flower within you. It is a certain
fragrance that one can enjoy within himself.

What is the secret to a happy life?

While we definitely use our mind each and every day, very few of us have taken time to cultivate a
deep understanding of its nature and function. Chances are, unless we have studied and trained in
Buddhas teachings, we probably know very little about the different types of mind, how they are
generated and what impact they have on our lives. It is quite difficult for most people to recognize
states of mind as they arise, and especially to distinguish between those that are virtuous and those that
are non-virtuous. Moreover, we are often at a complete loss as to how we might cultivate the former
and abandon the latter. What does understanding the mind have to do with creating a happy life?
Happiness and suffering are both merely states of mind. Therefore to truly be free from suffering and
enjoy happiness in every moment, it is imperative that we possess a thorough and profound
understanding of the mind and how to maintain control over it. This is the best, most reliable way by
which we can greatly improve our quality of life both now and in the future.

Sometimes things dont go the way we want them to. Sometimes we feel inundated with challenges and
difficulties. Out of habit, our normal reaction to these events is to regard the situation itself as the
problem. Happiness and suffering only exist within the mind.In reality; however, all of our problems
arise from our own mind. To those unfamiliar with their mind, this sounds counter-intuitive or
completely false, but if we take the time to investigate deeply we will discover this truth for ourselves.
When we can respond to lifes difficulties with a positive and peaceful mind, they suddenly seem to melt
away into nothing right before our eyes. Indeed, we may even come to view them as exciting challenges
for personal and spiritual growth. Problems only really arise when we adopt a negative state of mind in
response to a difficult or unexpected situation. Because of this, if we want to free ourselves from all our
problems, we must gain control of our mind.
It is true that this modern world continues to discover new knowledge and develop new ways to
influence our surroundings. Recent years have especially born fruit to extraordinary developments.
Progress marches on! But if we look carefully, we will find that suffering around the world has not
decreased, and there are no fewer problems to be found. One could say, in fact, that even greater and
more varied problems exist today than ever before. Clearly, true happiness cannot be attained by ever
increasing control over our external world. Happiness and suffering only exist within the mind, and so
their origins cannot to be found outside the mind. In order to really achieve permanent happiness and
freedom from all suffering, we must first achieve a thorough understanding of the mind.

The Source of Our Problems

Why it is so hard to maintain a continually happy and peaceful mind if we have all this potential
for peace and happiness within us? The answer is because we habitually succumb to deluded thoughts
that consume our mind and destroy our inner peace. There is no such thing as an intrinsically bad
person. Delusions are distorted, deceptive ways of viewing our own self, others and the world around
us. Anger, for example, corrupts our view of others so that they appear intrinsically bad. However, there
is no such thing as an intrinsically bad person. Desirous attachment, on the other hand, sees its object of
desire as intrinsically good, beneficial or absolutely necessary. If we have a strong desire for chocolate
cake, then to us that chocolate cake appears intrinsically, irresistibly good. But after the third piece we
begin to feel sick, and then it no longer seems so delicious we may even find it repulsive! This clearly
shows that, like all things, chocolate cake itself is neither delicious nor disgusting. Rather it is the
deluded mind of attachment that projects all sorts of attractive qualities onto whatever we behold and
then relates to them as if those qualities come from the object itself.

The modern spiritual path

The modern spiritual path
These days it is service, otherwise known as karma yoga, which is more important than the lofty goal of
meditation and enlightenment.In karma yoga, all the stages on the path to enlightenment will be
reached without undue force when the karma of the path brings us these opportunities. Of course the
student of karma yoga can still practise breathing or other yoga exercises as they offer many benefits.

how to keep your body absolutely still, then your mind will also become still. I want you to just observe
yourself and see how many unnecessary movements your body makes when you stand, sit or speak.

Choose a Convenient Time

Meditation is essentially relaxation time, so it should be done entirely at your convenience. So, after the
meditation you do right now, for the subsequent meditations, choose a time when you know you are
not likely to be disturbed and are free to relax and enjoy.
1. The hours of sunrise and sunset, while nature transitions between day and night, are also ideal for the
practice..
2. Choose a Quiet Place Just like a convenient hour, choose a place where you not likely to be disturbed.
Quiet and peaceful surroundings can make the meditation experience more enjoyable and relaxing.
3. Sit in a Comfortable Posture Your posture makes a difference too. Make sure you are relaxed,
comfortable and steady. Sit straight with your spine erect; keep your shoulders and neck relaxed, and
eyes closed throughout the process.
That you have to sit in Padmasana (the lotus position) to meditate is a very common myth of
meditation.
4. Keep a Relatively Empty Stomach A good time to meditate is before having a meal. After food, you
might doze off while meditating. However, do not force yourself to meditate when you are very
hungry. You will find it difficult because of hunger cramps or you may even keep thinking about food
the whole time! In this case, you can meditate after two hours after having food.
5. Start with a Few Warm-ups
A few warm-up or sukshma yoga exercises before sitting to meditate helps improve circulation, removes
inertia and restlessness and makes the body feel lighter. You will be able to sit steadily for a longer time.
6. Take a Few Deep Breaths this is again preparation for easy meditation. Deep breathing in and out as
well as doing some nadi shodhan pranayama before meditating is always a good idea. This helps to
steady the rhythm of the breath and leads the mind in to a peaceful meditative state.
7. Keep a Gentle Smile on Your Face You will see the difference!
A gentle smile throughout keeps you relaxed, peaceful and enhances your meditation experience.
8. Open Your Eyes Slowly and gently As you come close to the end of the meditation, don't be in a hurry
to open your eyes and start moving about.
Open your eyes slowly and gradually and take time to become aware of yourself and your surroundings.

Feeling lack of motivation or restlessness? Are emotions taking a toll on your personal and work life? Fill
in the form below to learn more about how meditation can aide you in overcoming daily issues and
improve your life.