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Q: How
does one perform Meditation?
A: To
perform meditation ideally one should sit in Padmasana (Lotus
Posture). If that is not possible, one can sit in any comfortable
posture. Meditation can be done with the eyes opened or closed. It can
be performed with or without the recitation of the holy name. It can
be performed with or without any particular form in mind. It all
depends upon the interest and characteristics of the seeker.
Q: My
mind does not concentrate while performing meditation. What is the
reason for this?
A: This may
be due to many reasons, such as; attraction towards worldly objects,
lack of purity, lack of continuous and sincere practice etc.
If
everybody’s mind is able to focus from the very beginning then what is
the need of meditation? The very purpose of meditation is to
completely engross mind. Leave alone the matter of ordinary persons,
even those who have renounced worldly duties and live in solitude find
it difficult to concentrate their mind. A common man’s mind is engaged
in different worldly activities so it requires time and patience
before their mind is trained to focus. One has to continue the
practice of meditation with enthusiasm.
It is said
in Bhagvad Gita that the mind is very volatile, capricious and is
difficult to control but there is no reason to be dishearten. Mind
will concentrate easily when it will become satvik, when it
will be filled with love for God or the eternal power. So instead of
complaining about the lack of concentration, try to increase your
capabilities.
Q:
Normally what should be the minimum time for the practice of
meditation? What is the maximum? Is it necessary to meditate at a
fixed time and sit on a fixed asana?
A: One
should dedicate at least half an hour in the morning and half an hour
in the evening for the practice of meditation. However, there is no
maximum. One should try wholeheartedly for the attainment of one’s
goal and spend as much time as possible for meditation. In order to
achieve life’s goals, one should practice daily and regularly and make
it a part of one’s life and routine.
Regarding
your second question, it is not mandatory but it is highly desirable
to sit in a fixed posture and at a fixed time. Regular practice plays
important part in the ability of mind to concentrate.
Q: If I
meditate early in the morning, I feel sleepy. What should I do?
A: That may
be the result of getting up too early in the morning. If you feel
heavy-eyed in the morning, take full sleep and then do meditation. If
it still troubles you, wash your eyes, walk for a while and then
resume your meditation. Also try to do japa while performing
meditation. Prayer can also help in a great way.
Lastly, one
important thing: those who want to practice meditation should take
light meals. The amount of food has a profound effect on your sleep.
If you can stay without food in the evening, that would be excellent.
It would help immensely in controlling your sleep.
Q: Can I perform meditation at night?
A: There is no
constraint regarding the timing of meditation. You can do it in the
morning and at night or at the time of sunrise and sunset. Some
experienced persons recommend meditating at night as there is not much
noise to disturb the aspirant. The fact is however that once you’re
interested in meditation, you will love to meditate in whatever time
you can make available.
Q: Is it
compulsory to practice pranayama and mudras while performing
meditation? Should one practice asana, pranayama and mudras before or
after meditation?
A:
No. It
is not inevitably necessary to practice pranayamas or mudras during
meditation. They are performed as an aid in meditation. Meditation is
an independent technique or method. Yet, there are certain benefits of
performing pranayama and mudras.
Depending
upon the interest and habit of an individual, one can practice asana,
pranayama and mudras before, after or during meditation. Normally, it
is beneficial to start meditating after performing asana, pranayama
and mudras.
Q: What is the result of meditation?
A: Samadhi. After
regular and constant practice of meditation, one submerges into the
divine - the eternal force and loses the consciousness of body and
mind. One loses awareness about all external objects – one’s
surroundings, place, time etc. That is the ultimate result of
meditation. |
