MEDITATION

Definition of Yoga in Meditation:

     The word “yoga” literally means “union.” It’s defined mainly as a higher state of consciousness, in its general meaning’s sense - not as a series of poses, postures, asanas, or even exercises. This “enlightened” state of consciousness, however, is to be achieved by pursuing a fully rested, relaxed body, and a fully awake, relaxed mind.

     This may best be pursued through the practice of meditation - which we’re going to examine in greater depth in the sections below - covering several of its aspects. Meditation may be practiced in many different ways, by using many different methods. Plus, several different yoga practices and techniques are used, as illustrated below, either in advance of any meditation practices - or after them.

8.1 THE BASICS OF MEDITATION

      Although yoga meditation may utilise several different techniques all at once or at the same time, meditation itself basically relies on the three principles found below: focus or concentration; a quiet and relaxed frame of mind; and living in the “Here and Now.” Finally, having mastered these practices, you will be able to attain meditation’s highest goal: an altered state of consciousness.

Focus or Concentration

         Our concentration in yoga during meditation depends upon the focusing of the attention upon an external or internal object, the latter of which may be imaginary; or the focus may be upon the breathing or the breath. This latter involves breathing practice concentration, such as pranayama. 

          Also, you’re allowed to focus upon a single word, phrase, or syllable, such as the word “Om,” a universal basic term which is called a “mantra.” Chanting a mantra is a highly effective method for concentrating. Finally, you’re also allowed to focus upon a certain sensation you feel in your body, in order to properly concentrate. This is also absolutely required during certain yoga practices.

          Because the practice of meditation involves the senses in a variety of ways, such as the sight, hearing, smell, touch, or the listening to something in general, focusing our meditation causes us to live in the present moment. This is otherwise known as the Here and Now. We must focus - in order to concentrate on the present moment.

Quiet and Relax Mind

          When undertaking the practice of meditation, one of the major goals is the “quieting” of the mind, which involves the cessation of conscious thought. Your thought patterns are supposed to “settle down,” becoming weak and still - and you’re supposed to undergo both mental and physical stillness as well.

           You become detached from stress, your daily problems, and everything else that may be “racing” through your mind. The idea is to stop thinking - to let the mind become at rest, and to relax it completely, emptying yourself of all such thoughts, ideas, problems, emotions, or other troubles and quandries of the mind.

           This may not be as simple as it sounds, as there’s usually a pronounced tendency for the mind to wander, or to “daydream.” Don’t bother yourself about this; just concentrate on something external or repetitive, and make your mind “sit still.” Make sure you’re concentrating on your object of focus, such as your mantra, an external or internal object, or the breathing.

            If you become overly punitive, castigating yourself for thinking, this may interfere with your meditation practice; so simply stop, settle down, and relax your entire mind, so that when you find yourself thinking about something that’s been “haunting” you, you don’t fight back.

             Just acknowledge such thoughts, ideas, and emotions, letting them “pass” through your mind, and then let them “go away.” Keep focusing on your utmost detachment and concentration.

             Thoughts may be quite fleeting, so this will come with practice. Also, meditation doesn’t involve the suppression of thoughts and ideas, nor does it involve “stifling” your emotions. You’re simply getting rid of them at the moment, in order to concentrate better. And if you have trouble getting rid of mental activity, always return to your object of focus, in order to concentrate better.

Living in the “Here and Now”

             One of the most basic ideas behind meditation involves living in the present moment, fully and completely, and not allowing the mind to “wander away” into either the past or the future. Once you’ve fully learned how to concentrate on the present moment, you’re living in the present - at all times.

             You must begin by experiencing each moment and then “letting it go,” while experiencing the next moment of time. This will take practice on your part, as people tend to spend most of their time thinking about the future and making plans, or mentally repeating past incidents, trying to figure out what they “should have done.” You need to concentrate only on the present, and to remain fully alert to everything happening in the present moment.

             Also, when you’re meditating in a room full of other yoga students, you’re able to hear the movements and sounds coming from those around you; you must not allow these to distract you from concentration on the Here and Now. Draw all of your concentration inward.

             Try to concentrate on the sound of the gong, or something else in the room with you, if necessary; or maintain your concentration on your breath. Remember: you’re living in the present moment, so that’s where your attention must be. The one thing you’re allowed to focus on might be your breath; but it should always be just one thing.

             Once you have mastered the three principles above, and are finally practicing meditation, the next goal is to fulfil its highest aims. These mainly involve altering one’s conscious state, so that one’s mind joins with the Universal Whole; the Self is to become completely detached, in order to accomplish this.

Altered State of Consciousness

               By the time you’ve learned to focus on the present moment, you’re beginning to assume an altered, but still alert, stage of consciousness. It’s not like being asleep, as you’re still fully awake to the world around you, unless you’re performing concentration on your inner world. But here, we are considering the state of the brain during meditation techniques.

               Your brain activity is being increased in the areas associated with happiness, positive thoughts and emotions; and your brain waves are altering, from beta to gamma waves. These latter are associated with the higher functioning and a more heightened awareness.

               Research performed upon some Tibetan monks who regularly practice meditation, which compared them to a group of American college students, found that anyone who practices meditation techniques properly and regularly over a long time period may find permanent and positive changes occurring in their brain functioning.

                The idea here is to maintain a steady state of consciousness of the inner mind, which is also known as the Self. Next, the idea is to unify the Self with the concept of the Universal Whole, or infinity. You lose the “wall of separation” between yourself and the greater universe, which allows for a more sustained practice of meditation - which may now last for several hours. You may maintain such a lasting schedule daily.

                Once you’ve attained the higher levels of consciousness, there’s no attachment left to the physical plane, and your consciousness is at peace and at one with the universal consciousness. This may lead to a state of enlightenment, which is sometimes called Nirvana.

                 Sometimes, this is the ultimate goal of meditation. At any rate, your consciousness should lead you to uniting with the Universal Whole of Infinity - a truly altered state of consciousness - which may only be brought about by proper meditation practices.

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