Ancient Indian Practice There is, we are told, evidence that methods of deep concentration were practiced in Ancient India. All of us have seen pictures of Rishis and Munis meditating. But, I’m sure, many associated it with a kind of Tapas to achieve some powers. So far as I can remember, ordinary families did not and do not practice meditation at all or much.
Western Approval Suddenly, meditation got a pat on the back from the “West”. The Beatles were meditating, Science endorsed it, etc. In my case, I was slightly lucky as my father was a psychiatrist who was also keenly interested in our traditional lore and wisdom. So I used to see him practice meditation. Sometimes it was so funny as he and his best friend, a neurosurgeon, would cover themselves up in bedsheets and sit with a lit agarbathi. As this was in the evenings it would look like they were pretending to be ghosts.
Community Practice In the Ashram where I grew up there were frequent community meditation sessions. Though we rarely attended most of those, my father would spend a long time in the Puja room meditating without fan and all. Even by the time I was a teenager, he and his best friend would discuss meditation all the time, even during bus journeys. I remember one such time when they were talking about observing the breath.
Meditation to the Rescue When I left home and got married, life became, naturally, challenging and I tried whatever meditation methods I knew. I only knew what I thought was Transcendental Meditation. So I did my version of it: utter mantra aloud for 5 minutes with open eyes, continue another 5 minutes with closed eyes uttering mantra more softly and, finally, closed eyes and silently for 5 minutes. Even this was very calming and energising.
At that time I also did a long and luxurious shavasan. Here I would relax each and every part of the body.
Breath I find it hardest to focus on breath. You may say I am still in a beginner stage for that form of meditation. But, lately, I do use this technique too. Only, I cannot do it for long.
Shorter Meditations All through, it was my father’s teachings of short meditations that helped. He talked of milliseconds.
Be aware of all the points of contact of your body with where you are sitting/lying, with clothes, other parts of the body. It is a quick body scan and is very refreshing.
Just be aware without too many/any words of sounds, sensations, etc.
Cautions Meditation is not harmless! most of us do not introspect much and meditation can make you aware of your inner workings which you normally do not look at. This can be upsetting to a novice. So, it may be better to practice meditation under expert guidance.
Relaxed Awareness The point of meditation is not the acquisition of some powers or control-even over self. At least it should not be unless you are focussed on that. Even then, it is best to be utterly and deliciously relaxed while doing this practice.
When, Where, Why and How You can meditate at any time but if you are too full, digestion may hamper a relaxed state of pure consciousness. You can use afternoon nap time to meditate.
You can do it anywhere but beginners may need privacy and a calm, quiet environment.
You will benefit in many ways: I have seen the face glow after meditation, health improves as we bring consciousness into the body, the calmness makes the mind sharp, fatigue is overcome. These are only a few of the many benefits.
There is no need to sit in padmasana or anything. You can sit comfortably or lie down. You can even do a walking meditation!
All Life is Meditation If you do any work with relaxed concentration, you are meditating. A main advantage is that the extra noise of the mind is reduced and solutions to problems and other help can easily reach the conscious mind from your own subconscious.
Do it Now! So I advise you to read up about it and begin with a few minutes every day. It is more luxurious than a visit to a Spa!
