Meditation is the ability of the mind to remain on one thought for a prolonged duration without any break. One should meditate to experience the highest rate of concentration leading to a superior state of consciousness. When one reaches the meditative state he has full control over his senses, which in turn helps one maintain good positive health as all the organs function with utmost efficiency. It is not by theory alone that one can realize what meditation is; meditation should be personally experienced by individuals for them to genuinely realise what it encompasses.
How does meditation help?
Meditation increases our awareness of the mind and its nature. It brings us in touch with our feelings, innermost desires and expectations. When a beginner, who is not aware of the different levels of consciousness, meditates, he discovers the changing nature of the mind, the chaotic and disconnected thoughts, and he condemns himself. Stronger the identification with the mind, the greater the self-condemnation. As hidden motivations and suppressions appear the meditator may start to feel guilty. The awareness of many unfulfilled expectations and desires can make the meditator angry and frustrated. This is first stratum of unacceptable qualities that every meditator must go through. Many beginners become afraid at this and stop meditating.
One should, however, grow beyond this stage. We need not keep feeling shame, guilt and regret for our past mistakes, we must understand that for others to forgive us, we must first forgive ourselves. The process of meditation involves going inward. We have calm the mind. There is no other way. The mind is complex and even treacherous. Thus a meditator must be courageous, indeed, he must be a warrior. To reach this goal, a Sadhaka must have determination and a strong desire for knowledge. In meditation, the meditator is alone with the mind. No one can help him. So, it is important that he cultivate a friendship with his mind. The mind is the most powerful instrument but it is not our enemy. (Read: The 10-step meditation guide for beginners)
In the 8 fold path of Ashatnga Yoga meditation is the 7th step. All the previous steps are a preparation for this meditative state. The ethical guidelines of Yamas (retrains) and Niyamas (the observances) are simple and they help to cease the agitation of the mind. They are simple and have to be practiced by one all the time. For instance, ahimsa (non violence), in thought and action, is one of the yamas. Satya (truthfulness) and asteya (non-stealing) are a few of the other yamas in yoga philosophy.
Sauch (purity), Santosh (contentment), tapa (fortitude)and swaydyaya (study of the Self) are some of the important niyams or rules of meditation.
Health benefits of meditation
Meditation makes you more liberal!
Besides conferring health benefits, meditation also fosters liberal attitudes immediately after a session, say Canadian researchers. 'There's great overlap between religious beliefs and political orientations,' says psychology researcher Jordan Peterson of University of Toronto. 'Inducing a spiritual experience through a guided meditation exercise led both liberals and conservatives to endorse more liberal political attitudes,' adds Peterson, a study co-author. 'While religiousness is characterised by devotion to a specific tradition, set of principles, or code of conduct, spirituality is associated with the direct experience of self-transcendence and the feeling that we're all connected,' says Jacob Hirsh of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, who led the study. Read more
Meditation makes you smarter!
Meditation does make the brain smarter, allowing it to process information faster and improve decision making, according to the latest study. Eileen Luders, assistant professor at the University of California Los Angeles Lab of Neuro Imaging, and colleagues have found that long-term meditators have larger amounts of gyrification (folding of the cortex, which may allow the brain to act faster, with a host of benefits) than non-meditators. Read more
Meditation suppresses info overload and eases pain
Mindfulness meditation helps regulate a vital brain wave called the alpha rhythm which suppresses information overload and improves memory, besides easing pain. It involves focusing your mind on the present, which is known to improve mood, decrease stress and boost immune function. The alpha rhythm is particularly active in the cells that process touch, sight and sound in the brain's outmost layer, the cortex, where it helps to turn down distracting sensations and regulate the flow of sensory information among brain regions. Read more about Health benefits of mindful meditation
Here's is how you can start:
To calm and stabilise your mind for meditation the below techniques are useful:
Yogendra Nishpandhbhava The no-movement pose:
Anitya Bhavana
Anitya bhavana helps a practitioner develop a 'bystander' attitude towards life. One must learn to develop a certain level of detachment, be objective, know and understand that everything is impermanent and will pass. This attitude helps us face the challenges of life. But then at the same time detachment doesn't mean that one can withdraw completely. It doesn't imply inaction.
The 3rd step of yoga talks on asanas securing a steady pose, keeping your spine & neck straight. One is advised to sit in a comfortable meditative pose (ex: sukhasana). The idea of sitting in a comfortable pose is to not let your body disturb the mind with its discomfort and pain.
Yogendra Laya thee deep absorption technique:
Pratyahara the 5th step help in controlling the senses. It mentions that pranyama also help in preparation of the meditative states as the energy can be directed consciously to still the mind.
Bhramari the bee technique:
One must always remember that concentration is a matter of habit. There is a practice in yoga called 'Reflection'. In this technique, by the end of the day, you need to recall all the activities that kept you busy from dawn till dusk. If you can't recollect, a certain thing, it means you are not doing it with concentration. We only remember things when we take interest in something and analyze it and think of it again and again. Put in effort. This can also help you improve your focus and you can do any task at hand with better efficiency.
Thus meditation is not only sitting with eyes closed in certain position for an extended period of time but it is a tool with which you can condition your mind.
Photo source: Getty images
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