Top 10 Mudras for Meditation – Meditation Mudras

February 21, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

A mudra is a bodily posture or symbolic gesture. In Buddhist iconography every buddha is depicted with a characteristic gesture of the hands. Such gestures correspond to natural gestures (of teaching, protecting, and so on) and also to certain aspects of the Buddhist teaching or of the particular buddha depicted.

Here mudras accompany the performance of liturgies and the recitation of mantras. They also help to actualize certain inner states in that they anticipate their physical expression; thus they assist in bringing about a connection between the practitioner and the buddha visualized in a given practice.

The most important mudras are:

1.) Dhyani Mudra……………..(gesture of meditation)
2.) Vitarka Mudra…………….(teaching gesture)
3.) Dharmachakra Mudra…..(gesture of turning the wheel of the teaching)
4.) Bhumisparsha Mudra……(gesture of touching the earth)
5.) Abhaya Mudra……………(gesture of fearlessness and granting protection)
6.) Varada Mudra…………….(gesture of granting wishes)
7.) Uttarabodhi Mudra………(gesture of supreme enlightenment)
8.) Mudra of Supreme Wisdom
9.) Anjali Mudra……………….(gesture of greeting and veneration)
10.) Vajrapradama Mudra….(gesture of unshakable confidence)

1.)Dhyani Mudra
In this mudra, the back of the right hand rests on the palm of the other in such a way that the tips of the thumbs lightly touch one another. The hands rest in the lap. The right hand, resting on top, symbolizes the state of enlightenment; the other hand, resting below, the world of appearance. This gesture expresses overcoming the world of appearance through enlightenment, as well as the enlightened state of mind for which samsara and nirvana are one. In a special form of this mudra, the middle, ring, and little fingers of both hands lie on top one another and the thumbs and index finger of each hand, touching each other, form a circle, which here also symbolizes the world of appearance and the true nature of reality.

2.)Vitarka Mudra
The right hand points upward, the left downward; both palms are tuned outward. The thumb and index finger of each hand form a circle. The right hand is at shoulder level, the left at the level of the hips. In a variant of this teaching gesture, the left hand rests palm upward in the lap, and the right hand is raised to shoulder level with its thumb and index finger forming a circle. In a further form of this mudra, the index finger and little fingers of both hands are fully extended, the middle and ring fingers somewhat curved inward. The left hand points upward, the right downward.

3.)Dharmachakra Mudra
The left palm is tuned inward (toward the body), the right outward, and the circles formed by the thumbs and index fingers of each hand touch one another.

4.)Bhumisparsha Mudra
The left hand rests palm upward in the lap; the right hand, hanging over the knee, palm inward, points to the earth. Sometimes the left hand holds a begging bowl. This is the gesture with which the Buddha summoned the Earth as witness to his realization of buddhahood. It is considered a gesture of unshakability; thus Akshobhya (the Unshakable) is usually depicted with this mudra.

5.)Abhaya Mudra
Here the right hand is raised to shoulder height with fingers extended and palm turned outward. This is the gesture of the Buddha Shakyamuni immediately after attaining enlightenment.

6.)Varada Mudra
The right hand, palm facing out, is directed downward. When Shakyamuni is depicted with this mudra, it symbolizes summoning Heaven as witness to his buddhahood. This mudra is also seen in representations of Ratnasambhava. In a variant, the thumb and index finger of the downward extended hand touch one another. Frequently the abhaya and varada mudras are combined: the right hand makes the gesture of fearlessness, the left that of wish granting.

7.)Uttarabodhi Mudra
Both hands are held at the level of the chest, the two raised index fingers touch one another, the remaining fingers are crossed and folded down.; the thumbs touch each other at the tips or are also crossed and folded. This mudra is frequently seen in images of Vairochana.

8.)Mudra of Supreme Wisdom
The right index finger is grasped by the five fingers of the left hand. This mudra, characteristic of Vairochana, is the subject of many interretations in esoteric Buddhism, most which have to do with the relationship between the empirical world of manifoldness and the principle that is its basis-the unified world principle, the realization of unity in the manifold as embodied in Buddha.

9.) Anjali Mudra
The palms are held together at the level of the chest. This is the customary gesture of greeting in India. Used as a mudra, it expresses “suchness” (tahata).

10.)Vajrapradama Mudra
The fingertips of the hands are crossed. This is gesture of unshakable confidence.

Filed Under: Mudras
Tagged: meditation, meditation mudra, mudra, mudra gestures, mudra positions, mudras, top 10

Start Meditation with Mantras – Mantra Meditations

February 21, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Getting Started

Start by picking some aspect of your life you wish to improve or some vexing problem you would like to solve or dissolve. Then pick a mantra which seems, to you, to apply. Offer a prayer to God, in whatever way you relate to God. Ask for God’s blessing in accomplishing your objective in doing this spiritual discipline.

Once you have decided to undertake the discipline and offered your prayers, then pick a place where you will say your mantra for a certain number of times each day. If possible, obtain a rosary of some kind and do your mantras in some multiple of 108. If getting a rosary is not possible, then decide on a certain amount of time you will spend each day saying your mantra. It can be five minutes, ten minutes, twenty minutes or even an hour. For your first experience, any time up to twenty minutes is advisable.

The reason for taking things easy for the first 40 day commitment is due to the cumulative action of the mantra. For the first few days, all will probably go smoothly. Then as you progress, you may find that things start to get in the way of your doing the discipline: You oversleep; there is some minor emergency; you get a cold, whatever. This means that you are beginning to effect the inner ‘something’ for which you undertook the mantra. You are beginning to encounter inner resistance. That inner resistance manifests as outer obstacles to your discipline. It has almost become a joke in many spiritual circles in which the practice of mantra is common, that something of a very surprising nature happened on day 33 or 35 of a 40 day sadhana. It has happened to me and many others with whom I have spoken on innumerable occasions over the last 22 years.

Develop a sense of humor about it, and be thankful. There is no better indication that your efforts are working than to have small upheavals in your life while you are in the midst of a 40 day mantra discipline. Ask anyone who has undertaken one and they will have some interesting stories for you.

Ganesha: Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha

Rough Translation: ‘Om and salutations to the remover of obstacles for which Gum is the seed.’

The story of Ganesha is found in the chapter devoted to this principle. But for your immediate need, you need only know that for seen or unseen obstacles which seem to be standing in the way of your progress or achievement, either specifically or generally, this mantra has proved invaluable. It has been used it with great success not only in India, but here in the West dozens of people have related to me their success in turning things around in their life by using this mantra.

Lakshmi: Om Shrim Mahalakshmiyei Swaha

Rough Translation: ‘Om and salutations to that feminine energy which bestows all manner of wealth, and for which Shrim is the seed’

This mantra has not only been used for the purpose of attracting prosperity, but also for drawing in proper friends, clearing up family misunderstandings and quarrels, and smoothing some health problems. As we all know, there are many different kinds of wealth. As you use this mantra, focus on the kind of wealth you wish to manifest in your life.

Durga: Om Dum Durgayei Namaha

Rough Translation: ‘Om and Salutations to that feminine energy which protects from all manner of negative influences, and for which Dum is the seed.’

Durga is the Divine Protectress. Typically shown riding a lion or a tiger, Durga has a hundred arms, each with a different weapon of destruction. Yet her face is exquisitely beautiful to behold. The interpretation is that to the pious and the sincere seeker after truth, her sight can produce ecstacy and a variety of beautiful forms. But the negative, harmful or demonic, her countenance is as terrible as Kali, except she shows more weapons of destruction than Kali (who is described later).

Saraswati: Om Eim Saraswatyei Swaha

Rough Translation: ‘Om and salutations to that feminine energy which informs all artistic and scholastic endeavor, and for which Eim (pronounced I’m) is the seed.’

Saraswati holds a musical instrument, the vina, in one hand and a rosary in another hand. She spans the world of mundane knowledge and spiritual understanding. Those pursuing any artistic or educational endeavor whatsoever will gain greatly from the practice of this mantra.

Shiva: Om Namah Shivaya

This mantra has no approximate translation. The sounds related directly to the principles which govern each of the first six chakras on the spine…Earth, water, fire, air, ether. Notice that this does not refer to the chakras themselves which have a different set of seed sounds, but rather the principles which govern those chakras in their place. A very rough, non-literal translation could be something like, ‘Om and salutations to that which I am capable of becoming.’ This mantra will start one out on the path of subtle development of spiritual attainments. It is the beginning on the path of Siddha Yoga, or the Yoga of Perfection of the Divine Vehicle.

Rama: Om Sri Rama Jaya Rama, Jaya, Jaya Rama

Rough Translation: ‘Om and Victory to Rama (the self within), victory, victory to Rama.’

Rama was an Avatar who came several thousand years ago. His sole purpose was to show how a person should live a Divine Life while living in a human body. A short story about the esoteric meaning of his life is found in the chapter devoted to him. You will recall from the previous chapter that Mahatma Gandhi practiced this mantra for over 60 years. This mantra will ‘take one across’ the ocean of rebirth. In a more immediate way, it is most powerful in reducing negative karmic effects no matter in which life they might have occurred. I have also had a powerful spiritual healing experience (for another person), while using this mantra intensely.

The Planet Saturn: Om Sri Shanaishwaraya Swaha

Rough translation: ‘Om and salutations to the presiding spirit in the planet Saturn.’

Saturn is the planet of lessons. It is closely related to the karma we may encounter in a given lifetime. It also stands as a gatekeeper to some of the higher vibrations to which we aspire though spiritual development. By offering salutations outwardly, one clears certain internal obstructing energy patterns. But Saturn has received an overly negative reputation from some astrologers. There have been circumstances where very positive things manifested in people’s lives unexpectedly, apparently as a direct result of working with this mantra.

Internally, Saturn energy is predominant in the spleen, knees and skeletal system. However, as Saturn moves through the various astrological signs, it ‘triggers’ karma we may have stored under astrological configurations found in that sign. Therefore, the use of the Saturn mantra can mitigate and even clear certain categories of karma which appear in our lives. This mantra has been used with great success personally. And I have received reports of its efficacy from many other people.

Subramanya: Om Sharavana-bhavaya Namaha

Rough translation, ‘Om and salutations to the son of Shiva, who brings auspiciousness and who is chief of the celestial army.’

The positive effects of this mantra may not be so clearly seen or described as some of the others: a seeming increase in good fortune or luck; the ability to make the best of a set of circumstances which may occur; an increase in positive mental or emotional disposition; an easier route to becoming physically fit. Yet these few phrases do not begin to exhaust the benefits of using this mantra. It seems to brighten or optimize nearly everything in life.

Rama (Healing Mantra):
Om Apadamapa Hataram Dataram Sarva Sampadam
Loka Bhi Ramam Sri Rama Bhuyo Bhuyo Namamyaham

This is a long mantra to put in a chapter for those just starting off, but is placed here because it is the most powerful healing mantra I have ever encountered. The very rough translation is, ‘Om, Oh most compassionate Rama please send your healing energy right here to the earth, to the earth (twice for emphasis.)’

I have seen this mantra completely cure one person from a schizophrenic break who was in a locked ward. The psychiatrist said he would never lead a life on the outside again. In the middle of a 40 day sadhana done in his behalf, he was living in a ‘halfway house’ for those on the road to recovery. After 40 days of a spiritual discipline done on his behalf, he was on his own. He has since graduated from Art School which he attended on scholarship, and is working as an artist.

Another individual who was on medication, took off spurning his pills and disappeared for a time. After a 40 day sadhana done on his behalf, he had stabilized his life and was back on his medication without complaint.

A woman I know was in constant pain for four years. She undertook this discipline and after just a few weeks was in less pain than at any time she could remember over the past several years. She is still doing the mantra an expects to be pain free relatively soon.

Although the mantra is long, it is simple to say phonetically. If you can, say it 108 times in a sitting. If you are just starting out, this may initially take up to one hour. After you are comfortable with the mantra, it will only take you 30 minutes.
Bodhisattwa Avalokiteshwara (Called Chenresig in Tibetan Buddhism):

Om Mani Padme Hum

Rough Translation: ‘Om, salutations to The Jewel of Consciousness (the mind) which has reached the heart’s lotus.’

This mantra is practiced more than any other in the world. It is pre-eminent in producing a state of dynamic compassion in the sayer. Dynamic means that this compassion contains as part of it the ability to powerfully manifest in both subtle and obvious ways. One of the simple yet profound teachings which accompanies this mantra is the concept that when the mind and heart become united, anything is possible. The implications of this simple thought are staggering. If you want to change the world for the better, this mantra should be in your spiritual toolbox.

Filed Under: Mantras
Tagged: mantra, mantra meditation, mantras, meditate, meditation

Meditation Health Benefits

February 21, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

While a meditative state is the natural outcome of yoga and the spiritual benefit of meditation is supreme bliss or enlightenment, these words are unlikely to be understood by many.

However, progress towards meditation and meditative techniques have several benefits at the gross body or material level:

Improvement of body luster and general health-When your mind focuses on a particular part of the body, the blood flow to that part increases and cells receive more oxygen and other nutrients in abundance. Today, many of the film stars and fashion models include meditation in their daily regimen.
Improvement in concentration – Many of the athletes and sports professionals regularly employ meditation methods. Studies have found a direct correlation between concentration exercises (meditation) and the performance level of sports professionals. Meditation strengthens the mind, it comes under control and is able to provide effective guidance to the physical body to effectively execute all its projects. Psychological Exercises are a powerful way of improving concentration and improving mental strength.

Health benefits of Meditation:

Though meditation is usually recognized as a largely spiritual practice, it also has many health benefits. The yoga and meditation techniques are being implemented in management of life threatening diseases; in transformation of molecular and genetic structure; in reversal of mental illnesses, in accelerated learning programs, in perceptions and communications beyond the physical, in solving problems and atomic and nuclear physics; in gaining better ecological understanding; in management of lifestyle and future world problems.

Some benefits of meditation are:

It lowers oxygen consumption.
It decreases respiratory rate.
It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.
Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.
Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal.
Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
Builds self-confidence.
It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.
Helps in chronic diseases like allergies , arthritis etc.
Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome.
Helps in post-operative healing.
Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of ‘natural-killer cells’, which kill bacteria and cancer cells.
Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.

Benefits of meditation on Women’s health and Pregnancy:

Identity of your own – besides daughter, wife, mother etc.-

Women begin life as someone’s daughter, and then someone’s lover, wife, someone’s mother. Yes, but who am I- who am I really? Not only does a woman need an understanding of her body but also needs to connect with the essence of her true self. A true self, which is an identity beyond everyday change- beyond gender, beyond fluctuations of hormones, beyond family expectations and other superimposed personality patterns. Discovering this true self is not as easy. Just when you know who you are , it all changes again.

The process of self discovery involves, stripping off false layers of identity, going back through all the conditionings , realizing- “I am not that, and not that, and not that”, an emptiness out of which arises the realization – “Ah ha! I am that”.

The place for this self discovery is not the psychiatrist’s couch, the matrimonial bed, the mother’s group, or even a yoga retreat, but within your own private meditation times.

Resolve Phobias -

Meditation can help to resolve the deepest of neuroses, fears and conflict which play their part in causing stress and ill health.

For mothers-to-be -

Meditation puts mothers in tune with their babies. Manta Japa is especially appropriate for pregnant women. After birth, daily meditation becomes a precious time to refocus and make sense of the many new thoughts and feelings which can be running through your mind, brought about by the events of childbirth and new motherhood.

Filed Under: Health
Tagged: health, health benefits of meditation, mediation benefits, meditation

Meditation Events in London

February 21, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 20 Feb
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Meditation leads to peace of mind, harmonious relationships and a meaningful life. This popular half-day course is the perfect introduction to meditation, providing the basic techniques that will enable you to experience these benefits for yourself. The course includes guided meditations and practical advice on how meditation helps us to be happy and free from problems in daily life.

Date & time
Sat 20 Feb
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

Understanding life and death – Sat 6 Mar
How to attain everlasting happiness
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

All life’s sufferings arise because we don’t realise we will die. Due to ignorance of death we are strongly attached to all the attractive things of this life alone which causes endless worries, disappointment, frustration and fear. Understanding death according to Buddha’s supremely skilful teachings frees us naturally from suffering and leads us to spiritual paths, the source of all good qualities and happiness in this life and beyond.

Date & time
Sat 6 Mar, 10am – 4pm

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£30 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Southern Dharma Celebration – 19 to 21 Mar
The empowerment of Buddha Maitreya

The Southern Dharma Celebration 2010 is a special opportunity to receive the empowerment of Buddha Maitreya. Kadam Bridget Heyes will grant the empowerment and will also give teachings on loving kindness through which we can maintain a happy and peaceful mind all the time and enjoy an increasingly meaningful and fulfilling life.

Dates
Fri 19 – Sun 21 Mar

Kadam Bridget Heyes

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 27 Mar
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Date & time
Sat 27 Mar
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

Relaxing break in Holland – 23 to 25 Apr
An enjoyable weekend of meditation and relaxation
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

Retreat is a special time to leave our ordinary activities behind, relax, unwind and focus on meditation. Located in the beautiful Dutch countryside of South Limburg, close to the lovely city of Maastricht, Hotel Kadampa Holland is the perfect place for an enjoyable and meaningful weekend within easy reach of London.

Retreat dates
The retreat begins at 8pm on Friday 23 April with an introductory talk and finishes at 1pm on Sunday 25 April with lunch at 1pm.

Retreat venue
Hotel Kadampa Holland
Graafstraat 39
6305 BD Schin op Geul
The Netherlands
See online map

Retreat fees
* Single room £150
* Twin room £125
* Shared room £95

Fees are per person and include accommodation, teachings and all meals (vegetarian) but do not include travel to or from the venue.
KMC Holland – weekend meditation retreat venue
KMC Holland, Maastricht

Medicine Buddha empowerment – Sat 8 May
Health and happiness for ourselves and others
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

The source of all mental and physical pain is the negativity within our own minds. At this empowerment we will make a special connection with Medicine Buddha, a wise and compassionate Buddha doctor, who works to free us from this negativity. By relying upon him we can be released from our suffering permanently and experience the lasting peace and happiness of enlightenment. Everyone is welcome.

Date & time
Sat 8 May, 10.30am – 4.30pm

Venue
Unitarian Church,
311/2 Hoop Lane, Golders Green, London NW11 8BS
(on the corner of Elmcroft Avenue and Hoop Lane)
see map or get directions

Fee
£30 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Medicine Buddha

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 22 May
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Date & time
Sat 22 May
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

Weekend retreat in Spain – 11 to 13 Jun
A meaningful holiday at Hotel Kadampa, Málaga
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

A great opportunity to get away from it all and focus on meditation in the beautiful Hotel Kadampa Spain in Málaga. Guided by John McBretney, the Resident Teacher of Heruka Centre, the retreat is a great way to gain some experience of meditation and learn about Kadampa Buddhism.

Retreat dates
The retreat begins at 8pm on Friday 11 June with an introductory talk and finishes at 1pm on Sunday 13 June with lunch at 1pm.

Retreat venue
Hotel Kadampa Spain
Fuente del Perro s/n
29120 Alhaurín el Grande
Málaga, Spain
See online map

Retreat fees
* Single room £150
* Twin room £125
* Shared room £95

Fees are per person and include accommodation, teachings and all meals (vegetarian) but do not include travel to or from the venue.
KMC Spain – weekend meditation retreat venue
KMC Spain, Málaga

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 19 Jun
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Date & time
Sat 19 Jun
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

The basics of Buddhism – Sat 17 Jul
An introduction to inner peace and meditation
Although our understanding and control of the external world is unprecedented, our understanding and control of the internal world of our own minds is very weak. As a result of this imbalance our lives are unsatisfactory and full of problems and worries. By learning essential truths originally taught by Buddha, we can develop an essential spiritual dimension to our lives through which we will gradually free our minds from all suffering and attain the pure and lasting happiness that material success alone cannot provide.

Date & time
Sat 17 Jul, 10am – 4pm

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£30 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Filed Under: Events
Tagged: Events, events, london meditation, meditation, meditation events in london

Basics of Meditation

February 21, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Before we begin meditation proper there are a few preliminaries we need to master.

1. First, relaxing the body whilst keeping the back straight (not a rigid back).

2. Second, slowing the breathing down so it becomes deep, calm and rhythmic.

3. Third, developing one-pointed concentration. This is a gentle focusing on the object of concentration so we can keep our thoughts at bay, allowing us to experience some quietness, ‘enter’ the object of concentration and, with practice, pass beyond the ‘noisy’ mind.

What is Meditation?

Meditation has a different meaning for different people. Some use it to relax some to help them succeed at sport or in business. Some people meditate to help them deal with emotional upsets, others are looking for mental clarity and to develop concentration.
Meditation can, in time, do all this. It brings our potential to the fore, it calms the mind, helps us get our problems in perspective. It teaches us to focus positively on the task at hand.

And still meditation is more than all this. It is a tool to develop and expand our consciousness. In meditation proper we dive deep within to find our inner treasures – peace, love, delight and more.

“When we can make the mind calm and quiet, we will feel that a new creation is dawning inside us. When the mind is vacant and tranquil and our whole existence becomes an empty vessel, our inner being can invoke infinite peace, light and bliss to enter into the vessel and fill it. This is meditation.”

Filed Under: Basics
Tagged: basic meditation, Basics, how to meditate, meditation, what is meditation

What Types of Meditation Techniques are Best for Me?

January 31, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

What exactly is meditation?

You ask people and they will very likely refer you to the internet to “Google” it. On the internet, you’ll find thousands of web pages defining the exercise of meditating and trying to explain it in their own terms. Unfortunately, a lot of these sites explain meditating in a very complicated and esoteric fashion…extremely difficult to understand and just plain boring.

So far, the site that most clearly defines meditation is Wikipedia. One of the best ways to define this exercise is probably an action or exercise that increases your awareness.

In specific, meditative techniques allow you to achieve an awareness of self. An extremely useful tool for this is following a guided meditation video. If you click on the link on the previous sentence, you’ll see a list of Free Guided Meditations available to you. It does this because meditation techniques focus the mind to pass the clutter of thoughts and jumbled thinking patterns. The idea is to be able to think clearer and become more relaxed. Hence, all these techniques allow us to accomplish this.

The stresses of life can have a dramatic effect on us. As we attempt to deal with all the various problems that come our way, we are mentally worn down. Much in the same way our bodies need proper exercise to remain healthy, so do our minds need proper stimulation to stay efficient. By becoming better attuned with our consciousness, we achieve this. In fact, practicing meditation techniques is really the only way to permanently accomplish this endeavor. If you meditate properly, you free your mind of burdensome and chaotic thought patterns. Who doesn’t want to be less stressed and more focused?

Ok, so basically these techniques will help you become more relaxed, think clearer, concentrate better and more. But these things in and of themselves are not the act of meditating. Concentrating on something is not meditation. Finding one self in a relaxing position or performing certain poses is not it either. There are a number of meditation techniques that will help a person achieve plenty of benefits in their life.

Popular Meditation Techniques

1. Zen – One of the most popular and well known meditation techniques is called Zen Meditation. This meditation technique was developed by Zen monks. Zen is about achieving a state of absolute stillness and emptiness. While Zen meditative techniques are regarded as some of the easiest and most effective to perform, they take time and effort to master. This technique is centered on sitting in the lotus position to achieve a stillness of thought.

2. Mantra – Another well known meditation technique is Mantra. Mantra is an exercise that many people tend to associate with meditating in their minds. Mantra techniques involve chanting or ‘mantra repetition.’ This is a meditation technique that achieves a state of awareness through the use of sound. In fact, one of the most popular techniques in the United States – transcendental meditation (TM)- is an example of a mantra meditation.

3. Vipassana – A third well known technique is Vipassana. Vipassana is a Buddhist technique that focuses on breathing. If we consider the fact that breathing is an every moment occurrence and a necessity for living, then we can begin to see how concentrating on this aspect of life can have a significance. Vipassana is a meditation technique that essentially teaches one to be aware of their breathing, from which (when done properly) there is a state of awareness that is attained.

Other Techniques

There are many other techniques that are available. These three just happen to be the most well known and practiced in the west. What you will notice is that all three have the same goal in mind – which is to attain a higher state of awareness. Remember, one of the most common purposes of meditating is to become better aware of the self, which in turn, produces a healthier mind. It’s interesting that regardless of the differences between meditation techniques, the goal remains the same.

All of the differences in the techniques mentioned in this article are actually examples of how each of them lead to the same goal- that of achieving awareness. It’s like the saying goes “all roads lead to Rome.”

In this case, all these different techniques lead to enlightenment and awareness in addition to many other kinds of mental, psychological, social, and physical benefits.

Whether the meditation technique you use focuses on sitting, walking, laying down, breathing, repeating a mantra, or chanting, it will lead to benefits in your daily life and to benefits in the lives of those around you.

Filed Under: Types
Tagged: mantra, meditate, meditating, meditation, vipassana, zen

Meditation – Thoughtless State of Awareness

January 31, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Proper Breathing Meditation Chakras Healing Kundalini 300x233 Meditation Thoughtless State of Awareness The Indian scriptures describe the following four states of human awareness:

Jagruti – the waking state of consciousness
Swapna – the dreaming state of consciouslness
Sushupti – the state of deep sleep in which the mind, the ego and superego are still
Turya - the state of thoughtless awareness beyond the mind

The first three states of awareness are commonly experienced in our daily lives. The fourth state in which the constant rising and falling of thoughts in the mind comes to an end. At first a gap – vilamba – begins to appear between the thoughts. As this gap grows the thoughts diminish and, with regular practice of meditation, the mind enters easily into thoughtless awareness. The attention becomes still like a lake without any ripples on it and a deep inner peace begins to dawn upon our awareness.

In the state of thoughtless awareness we think neither of the past nor of the future. We are entirely in the present moment, in the state of being and do not waste the precious moments of life thinking about times that are finished forever or yet to come. We start enjoying our Self, our Spirit, our own inner beauty and the beauty of creation. We start to enjoy being.

In this state, we start to feel the vibrations of our chakras and our surroundings (and the effect of our behavior and lifestyle) on our fingertips. As a result we spontaneously and naturally change ourselves and our environment so that we maximize the joy, both for ourselves and for those around us. Shri Mataji has described this as “innate religion”.

Filed Under: Basics
Tagged: awareness, meditate, meditation, spirit, thinking, thoughts

Meditation Beats Depression

January 31, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Clinical depression is far more than feeling blue. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 20 million people in the U.S. have persistant depression that can interfere with everyday life, impact health and even lead to suicide. Now, for the first time, a study has shown that treatment based on meditation is an effective alternative to prescription drugs, even for people suffering from serious, long-term depression.

The research, just published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, found that the group-based psychological treatment called Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) was as good or better as treatment with anti-depressants like Prozac in preventing a relapse of serious depression — and the non-drug therapy was more effective in enhancing quality of life. What’s more, the study concluded MBCT is cost-effective in helping people with a history of depression stay well for the long term.

The research team, which included British investigators from the Mood Disorders Center at the University of Exeter and the Center for Economics of Mental Health (CEMH) at the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College in London, looked at 123 people who had suffered repeated episodes of clinical depression. In a randomized control trial , the research subjects were assigned to one of two groups. Half continued their on-going drug treatment with anti-depressants and the rest participated in an MBCT course and were also given the option of stopping their anti-depressant medications.

MBCT focuses on targeting negative thinking and helps people who are at risk for recurring depression to stop their depressed moods from spiraling out of control into a full episode of depression. During the eight-week trial, groups of between eight and fifteen people attended meetings with a therapist who taught them a range of meditation exercises that they could continue to practice on their own once the course ended. The MBCT exercises were primarily based on Buddhist meditation techniques and helped the study participants learn to focus on the present, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about future tasks.

Although the meditation exercises worked in a different way for each person, many reported more control over their negative thoughts and depressed feelings. Over the 15 months after the trial ended , about 47% of the group following the MBCT course experienced a relapse — but those who continued normal treatment with anti-depressant drugs experienced a much higher, 60 percent relapse rate. In addition, the group practicing the mindfulness meditation techniques learned in the MBCT program reported a far better quality of life, more overall enjoyment and better physical well-being.

In a statement to the media, Professor Willem Kuyken of the University of Exeter , who headed the research, explained that people treated with anti-depressants are highly vulnerable to relapse when they stop their prescription drug therapy. “MBCT takes a different approach – it teaches people skills for life. What we have shown is that when people work at it, these skills for life help keep people well. Our results suggest MBCT may be a viable alternative for some of the 3.5 million people in the UK known to be suffering from this debilitating condition. People who suffer depression have long asked for psychological approaches to help them recover in the long-term and MBCT is a very promising approach. I think we have the basis for offering patients and GPs an alternative to long-term anti-depressant medication. We are planning to conduct a larger trial to put these results to the test and to examine how MBCT works,” Kuvken said.

Filed Under: Health
Tagged: depression cure, depression help, meditate for depression, meditation, meditation cures depression

Meditation Reduces Heart Attack, Stroke and Death in Heart Disease Patients By Half

January 31, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Now a $3.8 million study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has reached a first-ever finding: patients with coronary heart disease who practiced TM had a nearly 50 percent lower rate of heart attack, stroke, and death compared to a matched group that didn’t meditate.

The results of the study, which was conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in collaboration with the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, were presented recently at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando, Florida. “Previous research on Transcendental Meditation has shown reductions in blood pressure, psychological stress, and other risk factors for heart disease, irrespective of ethnicity,” Robert Schneider, M.D., the study’s lead author and director of the Center for Natural Medicine and Prevention, said in a statement to the media. “But this is the first controlled clinical trial to show that long-term practice of this particular stress reduction program reduces the incidence of clinical cardiovascular events, that is heart attacks, strokes and mortality.”

The randomized controlled trial followed 201 African American men and women for nine years. The research subjects had an average age of 59 and all were diagnosed with narrowing of arteries in their hearts. The study participants continued taking their regular medications and continued other usual medical care during the study. But half were randomly assigned to a group that practiced stress reducing TM and the other half were placed in a non-meditating group that received health education classes covering standard cardiovascular risk factors.

In addition to a dramatic reduction in the risk of death, heart attacks, and strokes in the TM group, the researchers found a clinically significant reduction in blood pressure. Mediation also reduced psychological stress in a sub-group of patients who were experiencing high levels of anxiety and other signs of stress.

“This study is an example of the contribution of a lifestyle intervention — stress management — to the prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients,” Theodore Kotchen, M.D., co-author of the study and associate dean for clinical research at the Medical College, said in the press statement.

Filed Under: Health
Tagged: mediation benefits, meditation study, medition reduces heart attack, News

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