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This is a free audio broadcast produced by ~Gurudevi, Satguru Shri Mahashaktiananda; founder of the Self-Realization Shala Order which is non-denominational. ~Gurudevi offers spiritual guidance and may be used in conjunction with any church, temple or any set of religious or spiritual beliefs. CONTACT
The Art of Meditation
Meditation is the art of being relaxed and alert. Meditation is a state when the body is deeply relaxed and the mind is calm, alert and focused on the inner space of peace. The mind relaxes when the breathing slows down, and so our thoughts then slow down. Meditating begins with concentration on the breathing with the sensation of the moment and the stillness inside of us. As the body becomes more relaxed, the mind becomes more still and we experience inner peace, spiritual inspiration and feel re-charged with energy.
There is a difference between relaxation and meditation. During relaxation, the mind continues to wander. It may drift between feeling sleepy and having various thoughts. The mind can only think about about one thought at a time. Practice replacing a thought with another thought, to learn how to control the mind. Starting to meditate may feel like you are only half-awake, and you may even fall asleep. Or, your mind might race from one thought to another, unable to calm down. This is not meditating. The mind is out of control even if the thoughts are pleasant ones. Meditation is the experience of the inner cave of silence; where the soul communes with God.
Learning to meditate is a deeper experience than concentration on things such as: listening to music, painting a picture, listening to the rain, arranging flowers, practicing Yoga postures, and more.
Meditation is beyond the level of concentration. To practice meditation is to fine-tune yourself like you would a musical instrument. Over time, with practice, you will be able to relax and be mentally alert. You will be able to focus on the inner self and commune with God. Focusing the mind on the breathing is the very beginning instruction for meditation.
Concentration is the first step to learn how to meditate. Learn how to relax. First, find a comfortable position to sit in; either in a chair or on the floor. Either way, the spine should be straight and not leaning on the back of the chair. It helps to relax if you tense your fists or leg muscles for a moment and then relax them. It helps to rub your neck muscles and move your shoulders in circles to remove tension. Then inhale deeply and exhale with two forced outbreaths saying "ha - ha". In hale and exhale this way five times and then just let the breath flow in and out naturally. Relax and sit still with the eyes closed. Inwardly concentrate on the point between the eyebrows and just above them. This is the place that is called the spiritual eye. Practice sitting still for longer periods of time. Start with 15 minutes.
Listening to soft music may help you to relax. Choose something to think about that is uplifting, such as a beautiful place you remember having been before in your life where you felt peaceful. Try to bring back the memory of this place and inwardly see it in your mind's out-picturing of it. Or you may keep the eyes open and gaze at a candle flame, flowers on an altar or table, or a picture of your favorite spiritual master.
When the mind wanders; just let the thought fall away and replace it with the thought of what you are trying to concentrate on. This will take some practice, and then you will begin to enter into the experience of meditation where the mind has become still and you will feel the peace and bliss of your soul communing with God.
Meditation techniques are for training the mind to keep it from wandering. Yogis teach basic breathing techniques such as pranayama (breathing techniques). Yogis also chant mantras or devotional bhajans to focus the mind on God. Also, there are some very advanced Yogic meditation techniques which are learned directly from a personal Guru; which means spiritual teacher.
Ancient Yogic Teachings and Lineage
The Yogic teachings have been passed down through the lineage of the Himalayan Yoga Masters to ~Gurudevi, Satguru Shri Maha Shaktiananda; direct disciple of ~Premavatar Paramahansa Yogananda; founder of Self-Realization Fellowship in America. ~Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda brought the teachings of Yoga from India to America in 1920. ~Gurudevi developed the Shaktiananda Yoga technique in 1968 and founded Self-Realization Shala Order in 1970 in Canada.
~Gurudevi is a 'Messenger of Love'
"Your experiences of suffering are with me. I feel your burdens and understand your sorrow. You may want to leave this life. But I won’t leave you for a single day. I will leave never you. Once we have once been attracted through our hearts, even though you may make a thousand attempts, I will not be able to blank out the memory of our divine bond. It will remain with me always and your memory will persist for all time." ~Gurudevi
Read More . . .
The Altar / Meditation Practice / The Seven Chakras
Violet Fire Chant - Audio by ~Gurudevi [Vocals & Guitar]
Self-Realization Shala Order P.O. Box 700, Emmett, Idaho, USA 83617
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