Choosing Your Meditation Path

With so many types of meditation available, it can feel like navigating a supermarket – overwhelming and confusing.

Finding Your Purpose

"So first of all, I would suggest that, you know, each one who would like to meditate, they should ask themselves why they want to meditate." This is crucial. Are you seeking stress relief, improved concentration, or deeper relaxation? Your purpose will guide you towards the right meditation practice.

The Scope of Meditation

"I was under the impression that meditation is comprehensive. In the sense, once you meditate, then it will target or address, I should say, all these issues." While meditation offers numerous benefits, it's important to understand that different techniques may be more effective for specific goals.

The Essence of Healing

"Meditation has come from the Latin word 'medery', which means healing." This emphasizes the core essence of meditation: a process of inner healing – physical, mental, and emotional.

The Mind as a Tool

"From my experience, I would define meditation as the right use of the mind." The mind is a powerful tool. Meditation is about learning to use it consciously, to cultivate positive thoughts and direct our energy towards constructive purposes.

Rajyoga Meditation: A Journey Inwards

"The Rajyoga meditation that I practice consists of three steps: journey inward, journey upward, and journey outward." Let's explore the "journey inward."

The Journey Inward: Self-Realization

"So when I talk about journey inwards, which means that first of all, I sit in a relaxed position and I breathe in and out normally. I don't concentrate or pay attention to my breathing." The focus isn't on controlling the breath, but on becoming aware of the self.

"But I first of all need to realize who I am. That is where the journey begins." This is a profound question, one that has been pondered by sages for centuries. It involves introspection, self-reflection, and understanding our true nature beyond the physical body and the limitations of the mind.

The Power of Visualization

"So I begin to visualize myself. Because in the practice of meditation, visualization, positive visualization plays a very important role." Visualization is a powerful tool. By imagining ourselves as beings of light, we begin to connect with our inner essence, our true selves.

Awakening Inner Qualities

"You are able to activate the positive qualities that are already dormant within that point of light." These qualities – peace, love, joy, compassion – are inherent within us. Meditation helps us to awaken and cultivate these qualities.

Beyond the Individual: Embodying the Knowledge

"Knowing is one thing. Accepting is another thing. And being is the final thing." Simply knowing that we are souls is not enough. We need to internalize this knowledge, to truly embody it in our daily lives.

Meditation as a Way of Life

"Meditation is a way of living. It's not something that you need to sit in one place and do it and then you separate your life." Meditation should permeate every aspect of our lives. Our thoughts, words, and actions should reflect the inner peace and awareness cultivated through meditation.

Finding Your Meditation Time

"The best time to meditate is before the sunrise because the vibrations in the atmosphere are conducive for meditation." Early morning, before the distractions of the day begin, can be an ideal time for meditation. However, any time of day can be chosen, as long as it provides a quiet and peaceful environment.

The Joy of Meditation

"You know, I'm just listening to you. And again, another thing that just struck me was I never thought of meditation as being something that you can enjoy." Meditation can be a deeply enriching experience, a source of joy and inner peace.

Inner Companionship

"When we are meditating, we never feel lonely. They may be alone, but there is a feeling of enjoying the company within themselves." Through meditation, we learn to find solace and companionship within ourselves, overcoming the loneliness that often plagues modern society.

Conclusion

Meditation is a journey of self-discovery, a process of cultivating inner peace and connecting with our true selves. It is a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation, enabling us to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

BK Meera, Director of Brahma Kumaris,
South East Asia