Training the Mind To Introspect
To know innate reality, the powers of the mind need to be turned back upon itself. With concentration, the mind can access its innermost secrets, just as the darkest places reveal their secrets to the penetrating rays of light. We can then perceive the truths about the soul, whether life exists for five minutes or for eternity, and whether there is a God. To go even beyond the mind and our present reality, we need to use the instrument of the mind itself. Sage Patanjali in his Hatha Yoga Pradipika stated: "Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind" Yoga is the practice of awareness of mind and yoga never asks what our faith or belief is. All the different steps in yoga are intended to bring us closer to the superconscious state. Meditation techniques help us observe the truth of suffering within the nature of agitation, irritation or misery, none of which is possible without the mind's involvement. As you start observing, the cause of misery becomes clear. Because you reacted with negativity, with craving or aversion, you are now experiencing an unpleasant sensation in the body. But as you keep obser ving that sensation, it loses its strength and passes away And the negativity passes with it. This is how meditation reveals deeper truths about yourself. Our ego has convinced us that we desperately need it (the ego). The mind is like a camera - it creates, perceives and records reality. Its depth is immeasurable, its breadth unimaginable and its energy boundless. Meditation, which takes you beyond mind, raises the question, "Who am I really?" Many people think that meditation will make life hunky-dory and will take care of their problems of money, food or sex. It doesn't, of course. Meditation makes you more sensitive and aware. Instead of hiding the pain from you meditation will compel you to step right in the middle of it and face it. Meditation strengthens awareness; it is a direct and powerful way to engage in your own growth and evolution. And as is often the case - growth is at times painful, it hurts. Pay attention to your breath and follow its inflow and outflow. Or chant a simple mantra and give your entire attention to the sound and meaning of the words. One can meditate at any time, but an ideal time is at sunrise. Regular practice is necessary at least once or twice, a day. Quiet surroundings are helpful; outer harmony furthers inner balance. At home, it is helpful to create a special place for meditation. Prepare by freshening up. This dispels drowsiness and promotes a wakeful, energetic disposition. Sit with the spine straight, whether on a chair or on the floor in the lotus posture. Begin by taking a few deep breaths, expellin all tensions in the body and concerns of the mind. Tell yourself that for the duration of the meditation, nothing else matters. Be willing to surrender your self and encounter the greater self. Don't be con cerned about distracting thoughts, sensations and emotions. Neither welcome them nor repress them. Simply let them be and persist in your practice. Sooner or later your inner world will become calm. Every session is a step towards greater inner freedom. After your session is over, review it and affirm its positive aspects. Try to recall the inner peace created by deep meditation. Take on the discipline of not chatting about your meditation experiences to everyone, which would merely dissipate your energy and strengthen your ego.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in the Article above are Vikas Malkani kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it.
Courtesy: Vikas Malkani Speaking Tree,Times of India
Training the Mind To Introspect
To know innate reality, the powers of the mind need to be turned back upon itself. With concentration, the mind can access its innermost secrets, just as the darkest places reveal their secrets to the penetrating rays of light. We can then perceive the truths about the soul, whether life exists for five minutes or for eternity, and whether there is a God. To go even beyond the mind and our present reality, we need to use the instrument of the mind itself. Sage Patanjali in his Hatha Yoga Pradipika stated: "Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind" Yoga is the practice of awareness of mind and yoga never asks what our faith or belief is. All the different steps in yoga are intended to bring us closer to the superconscious state. Meditation techniques help us observe the truth of suffering within the nature of agitation, irritation or misery, none of which is possible without the mind's involvement. As you start observing, the cause of misery becomes clear. Because you reacted with negativity, with craving or aversion, you are now experiencing an unpleasant sensation in the body. But as you keep obser ving that sensation, it loses its strength and passes away And the negativity passes with it. This is how meditation reveals deeper truths about yourself. Our ego has convinced us that we desperately need it (the ego). The mind is like a camera - it creates, perceives and records reality. Its depth is immeasurable, its breadth unimaginable and its energy boundless. Meditation, which takes you beyond mind, raises the question, "Who am I really?" Many people think that meditation will make life hunky-dory and will take care of their problems of money, food or sex. It doesn't, of course. Meditation makes you more sensitive and aware. Instead of hiding the pain from you meditation will compel you to step right in the middle of it and face it. Meditation strengthens awareness; it is a direct and powerful way to engage in your own growth and evolution. And as is often the case - growth is at times painful, it hurts. Pay attention to your breath and follow its inflow and outflow. Or chant a simple mantra and give your entire attention to the sound and meaning of the words. One can meditate at any time, but an ideal time is at sunrise. Regular practice is necessary at least once or twice, a day. Quiet surroundings are helpful; outer harmony furthers inner balance. At home, it is helpful to create a special place for meditation. Prepare by freshening up. This dispels drowsiness and promotes a wakeful, energetic disposition. Sit with the spine straight, whether on a chair or on the floor in the lotus posture. Begin by taking a few deep breaths, expellin all tensions in the body and concerns of the mind. Tell yourself that for the duration of the meditation, nothing else matters. Be willing to surrender your self and encounter the greater self. Don't be con cerned about distracting thoughts, sensations and emotions. Neither welcome them nor repress them. Simply let them be and persist in your practice. Sooner or later your inner world will become calm. Every session is a step towards greater inner freedom. After your session is over, review it and affirm its positive aspects. Try to recall the inner peace created by deep meditation. Take on the discipline of not chatting about your meditation experiences to everyone, which would merely dissipate your energy and strengthen your ego.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in the Article above are Vikas Malkani kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it.
Courtesy: Vikas Malkani Speaking Tree,Times of India