Meditation

MEDITATION

The word meditation is derived from two latin words; meditari(to think, to dwell upon, to exercise the mind)and mederi(to heal). Its Sanskrit derivation 'medha' means wisdom.

Meditation means awareness. Whatever we do with awareness is Meditation. "Watching our own breath" is meditation; listening to the birds is meditation. As long as these activities are free from distraction to the mind , it is effective meditation. So meditation is not only a technique rather a way of life.

Traditionally, the classical yoga texts, describes that to attain true states of meditation one must go through several stages. After the necessary preparation of personal and social code, physical position, breath control and relaxation comes the more advanced stages of concentration, contemplation and then ultimately absorption. But that does not mean must perfect any one stage before moving onto the next. The integral yoga approach is simultaneous application of a little of all stages together.

With regular practice of a balanced series of techniques,the energy of the body and mind can be liberated and quality of consciousness can be expended.

BENEFITS OF MEDITATION

• It lowers oxygen consumption.
• It decreases respiratory rate.
• It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
• Reduces emotional stress.
• Helps in post operative healing.
• Reduces pre-menstrual syndrome.
• Builds self confidence.
• Decreases muscle tension.
• Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
• Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the P.B to normal.
• Leads to deeper level of relaxation.

Six stages of Antar Mouna

ANTARMOUNA

The word antar means 'inner' and mouna means 'silence'. Therefore the exact translation of antar mouna is 'inner silence'. Antar mouna is a meditative technique that leads to inner tranquility and silence. Antar mouna is a basic practice of yoga. It is a fundamental part of Buddhist practice, though it is known by a different name (vipasana) and is used in a slightly modified form. Some of the principles of antar mouna are also widely used in modern psychiatry. It is one of the most direct methods of tracking the problems of mind.Antar mouna is very systematic. Firstly,it increases one's resistance to external disturbances. Then it allows subconscious thoughts and pent up emotions to slowly bubble up to conscious perception. Antar mouna is useful for those people who have mental disturbances.

Six stages of Antar Mouna(AM)

STAGE 1:-AWARENESS OF SENSE PERCEPTIONS

In this initial stage one becomes aware of events in the outer world. One intentionally directs perception to the outer world. Generally the eyes are closed so that sense impressions will be received mainly through the ears in the form of sound. One can also be aware of senses of touch and smell. The purpose of this stage is to reduce the influence of outside impressions on one's perception. It is a case of 'familiarity breeding contempt'. Conscious and intentional perception of the outside world leads automatically to disinterest. The mind ceases to be interested or disturbed by external sounds, etc. This leads automatically to stage 2.

STAGE 2:-AWARENESS OF SPONTANEOUS THOUGHT PROCESS

In this stage one becomes aware of the spontaneous samskaras exploding from the subconscious realms of the mind. This is the stage where the grosser neuroses, phobias and tensions of the mind are released. This is the stage where you will relive many past experiences and experience the eruption of suppressed desires. There should be absolutely no suppression.
This stage should be practiced until the mind becomes reasonably calm and trouble free. Then one should proceed to stage 3.

STAGE 3:-CONSCIOUS CREATION OF THOUGHTS

In this stage one has to create a thought or visualize a scene at will. After dwelling on the thought for some time it is consciously rejected as an object of perception. Then another thought is posed and again rejected after some time. This is repeated with numerous thoughts of any theme. This is a further process of purging the mind of negative data.These created thought stir up associated feelings and ideas that are eventually exhausted. For example, if you create the thought "I wish I could kill Mr.X" and dwell on this thought then many strong emotions and associated thoughts are drawn up from the subconscious realms of the mind. Many suppressed thoughts and feelings can be exhausted in this manner.
After a few weeks or months of practice one should proceed to stage 4.

STAGE 4:- AWARENESS AND DISPOSAL OF SPONTANEOUS THOUGHTS

In this stage one again becomes aware of the spontaneous eruption of thoughts, as in stage 2. However, one should choose prominent thoughts that arise and reflect on them for a short time. Then they should be exhausted on will. Again one should be aware of the spontaneous thought process and again choose a prominent thought. If one has already practiced the previous stage 1-3 to a reasonable degree of perfection then thoughts that arise in this stage will tend to be more subtle. They may even be precognitive or telepathic thoughts. However, these thoughts, no matter how subtle,are still a source of agitation in the mind. Therefore they too must be exhausted. After few weeks or months one should leave stage 4 and proceed to stage 5.

STAGE 5:-THOUGHTLESSNESS

At this stage the mind should be reasonably calm and peaceful. Thoughts will still arise, but they will not be very strong or cause any great emotional upheavals. At this stage, it is therefore justified to suppress all thoughts completely. This should lead to a state of thoughtlessness.