Mar 092010
 

 

Dhyana or Meditation is a personal discipline that calms the restless mind and directs the mind to deeper layers of consciousness. It is a self-healing technique that has profound effect on the body and mind and promotes inner peace. Dhyana is a personal experience – it cannot be described just as colours cannot be described to a blind person. It is a unique experience and a powerful tonic that requires strong motivation and commitment for regular practice. The modern medical science acknowledges Dhyana as one of the alternative methods of healing physical and psychological problems.

According to Sage Patanjali, Dhyana must be practiced after attaining certain level of perfection in asanas and pranayama practice. To practice Dhyana, sit in a quiet place, on a chair or on the floor with your spine straight. Close your eyes, and consciously empty your mind of all thoughts, worries and emotions without analyzing them. Though your eyes are closed, you are conscious of all that is going on within. Keep observing the thoughts and gradually bring in a mantra of your choice or focus attention on your breath. These tools will help to let go the fluctuating thoughts. It requires several years of dedicated practice coupled with disciplined lifestyle to accomplish this self discipline.Swami Sivananda, has defined meditation as “Meditation is the royal road to freedom, a mysterious ladder that reaches from earth to heaven, from error to truth, from darkness to light, from pain to bliss, ignorance to knowledge from mortality to immortality.”

Benefits

  • Reduces stress, depression and anxiety
  • Lowers blood pressure, headaches and many psychosomatic illness
  • mproves concentration and clarity
  • Connects to inner peace
  • Relaxes and provides sound sleep in the night

Guidelines for Dhyana

  • The best time for practice is early mornings before sun-rise and evenings at sunset
  • Face the east side in the morning and the west side in the evening
  • Sit in a comfortable posture, either on a chair or on the floor
  • Practice 3 hours after a meal or one hour before a meal
  • Sit in a comfortable position with your back well supported
  • Do not practice lying down
  • Your eyes must be closed and gaze between your eye brows. Do not strain to fix your gaze
  • Your head, neck and spine must be properly aligned
  • Keep Gyana mudra in your fingers, or any mudra of your choice
  • Breathe only through your nose
  • The room must be well ventilated.
  • The room must be clean without clutter; clutter develops negative energies and ill health
  • Meditate in a place where there is no bright light or glare in the room
  • Sit in a quiet place undisturbed by loud music or any other sound
  • The temperature in the room should be congenial for you
  • Practice in the same room and in the same time everyday
  • If your body is stiff and tense, do some stretching asanas to loosen your body
  • Practice Ujjayi and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama before Meditation
 Posted by at 10:10 PM