A Simple Guide to Meditation

In the relentless pursuit of worldly desires and the ephemeral pleasures that accompany them, it's easy to overlook the profound essence that transcends the transient nature of life. This truth becomes most evident in the face of mortality, where the body, desires, and ego fade into oblivion, leaving only a timeless essence. Surprisingly, many dedicate their entire lives to the fleeting needs of the body, neglecting the exploration of the enduring self.

Life, with all its materialistic joys, is a temporary affair, and the inexorable march of time will eventually claim every possession. As the body succumbs to mortality, individuals find themselves in a dark abyss, grappling with the transmutation of their once communicative brains into mere mud. Amidst this inevitability, the call to connect with the eternal essence that outlasts the physical form becomes imperative—a call answered by the practice of meditation.

For those who embark on the journey of meditation but find themselves grappling with thoughts, concentration challenges, or a sense of monotony, the solution lies in a simple yet empirically proven approach—Cosmic Meditation. Distinct in its simplicity, this method involves transacting with cosmic energy and channeling other energies to pave the way for cosmic waves. While various techniques exist to achieve the same goal, the four fundamental steps of Cosmic Meditation provide a gentle initiation into the realm of meditation.

Unlike complex tantric or transcendental meditation practices, Cosmic Meditation offers an accessible path for beginners. The effectiveness of this technique lies not only in its simplicity but also in its adaptability to individuals leading ordinary family lives. Patience, consistency, and a willingness to explore the depths of one's inner self are crucial for success in mastering this method. Testimonials abound of individuals who, through the practice of Cosmic Meditation, achieved self-healing, heightened confidence, stress relief, and greater success in their daily endeavors.

In essence, this cosmic journey into meditation offers a transformative experience—one that invites individuals to discover the vast realms of their inner selves, unlocking a state of profound tranquility amidst life's tumultuous currents.

Embarking on the journey of meditation requires not only a commitment to inner exploration but also a conscious shift in lifestyle. The first prerequisite for those seeking the profound benefits of meditation is a departure from non-vegetarian food and alcohol. This foundational step sets the stage for a clear and receptive mind, essential for the meditation practice ahead.

Step 1: Sitting Posture - The Gateway to Pranic Balance To harmonize the flow of prana, or life energy, beginners are encouraged to adopt the Padmasana, or Lotus posture. While initially challenging, dedicating just 5 minutes to this posture and gradually increasing the time invested will ease its comfort. Padmasana ensures that your vibrations move in a straight line, facilitating the meditation process. While some teachers may advocate sitting in a posture of personal preference, aspiring for the complete meditative state necessitates adapting to the Padmasana posture. Consistency is key; what may seem difficult initially will transform into your most comfortable sitting posture with time.

Step 2: Breathing Technique to Balance Prana - Nadi Shodhan Pranayama Before delving into meditation, it is crucial to balance the prana within the body. Observing your breath, you'll notice that you predominantly breathe through either the right or left nostril at different times. This breathing tendency significantly influences individual personalities, with those favoring the right nostril exhibiting fiery traits, while left nostril breathers tend to be more peaceful. The imbalance in these tendencies can lead to adverse personality deviations. The key lies in balancing the Ida (left or cold Nadi) and Pingala (right or hot Nadi) Nadis, the main vibrational channels on the body's right and left sides. The central Shushumna Nadi, often inactive in common individuals, becomes functional in yogis.

For meditation, it becomes imperative to balance these vibrations through Nadi ShodhanPranayama. In Padmasana, without back support, utilize your right hand to alternately block and release the nostrils. Inhale slowly and deeply through the left nostril, exhale through the right, inhale through the right, and exhale through the left. This rhythmic alternation continues for at least 10 minutes, gradually increasing over time. Beginners can start with two sets of 10 minutes, slowly progressing to two sets of 45 to 60 minutes each. Consistency is paramount, and a gradual increase in time ensures a sustainable practice. Ideally, perform this alternate breathing in the morning before meals, or in the evening after a light, leafy vegetable meal with a three-hour gap.

Having completed the foundational practices of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama, it's time to embark on the next phases of this transformative journey. After gradually increasing the practiced for 30 days, you will likely notice a significant positive change in your personality and stress management. The benefits extend to respiratory health, stress reduction, improved self-control, memory enhancement, and even potential relief from lung diseases.

Step 3: "Increase Cosmic Vibrations." This step involves harnessing and expanding the cosmic vibrations within your body. Recognizing that these vibrations are eternal, akin to the concept of the soul, the goal is to make these cosmic vibrations dominant within your being.

This involves a technique called "Kumbhak-Rechak Kriya." During this process, you fill your belly with air, hold it until it becomes unbearable, exhale normally, and then forcefully exhale as much air as possible. The key is to hold the position after exhaling until it is uncomfortable, and then inhale normally. Begin with 10 cycles and gradually increase to 30 over a period of 60 days. This gradual progression is essential to avoid potential increases in blood pressure and giddiness due to a sudden rush of energy.

As you continue with Step 3, it's crucial to maintain the consistency of Steps 1 and 2. Step 3 enhances cosmic vibrations, but abruptly stopping the previous steps can lead to a regression in your progress.

Step 4: Root of Thinking Pattern. Upon completing Steps 1, 2, and 3 continuously for 90 days, you are prepared to move to Step 4: "Root of Thinking Pattern." This step involves delving into your thinking process, understanding the source of your thoughts, and recognizing the illusion of the ego. By sitting quietly with closed eyes, you catch each rising thought and trace it to its source, ultimately reaching the silent space beyond the cluster of memories—the ego.

Regular practice, spanning 30 minutes and gradually increasing, leads to moments of complete thoughtlessness. This profound stage offers a glimpse beyond the identity constructed by memories. As thoughts and their source naturally quiet down during meditation, you begin to experience a new dimension of existence, transcending your perceived self.

This stage, if continued, can open the door to a connection with Parmatma (the Supreme God), which is the most powerful soul. It unveils the truth that you are a pure divine power—an experience that goes beyond words and can only be truly understood through direct experience.

In its essence, this advanced meditation journey serves as a potent instrument for self-discovery, peeling away the layers to reveal the profound nature of your existence as a divine being. The ultimate objective is to establish a connection with your authentic self before the inevitable cessation of this mortal vessel. Through meditation, the fear of death dissipates, for you no longer reside in an illusion; instead, you comprehend the path that lies ahead. The practice becomes a guiding light, illuminating the journey beyond the physical realm and into the boundless realms of consciousness.

 

 

By Pradeep Mahaur – Pradeep Mahaur Magazine

Insights on Hindu Wisdom and Global Affairs from an Indic perspective.