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Introduction to Meditation
The Theory and Purpose of Meditation
Evolution of the Self
The ultimate purpose of meditation is to free us from our limited identity, and to forge a connection between our sense of individuality and our sense of universality, to link to our infinite Self. However, before we can understand our infinite Self, we need to gain control over our finite self.
Meditation has three distinct purposes or stages. Each reflects different levels of personal skill and self development. Each stage evolves from the previous stage and when practiced consistently, enables the evolution of the Self.
The three stages of meditation are:
Self-Regulation
Self-regulation is the capacity to consciously affect how we feel and to influence the functions of our body-mind. Self-regulation techniques include relaxation-meditation and breath awareness. They are used for stress management and for the reduction of anxiety or pain.
Self-regulations allows us to consciously alter our feelings, for example, during stressful situations. If we are feeling anxious or tense we can relax ourselves using relaxation techniques that teach us, for example, to slow our breath and turn on the parasympathetic nervous system. If stress causes us digestive problems, for example, we can improve our own digestion through these methods.
Self-Exploration and Self-Mastery
Once we have learned self-regulation we can apply these meditation techniques to study our own body-mind. Self-exploration arises out of concentration techniques that train us to direct our attention in a relaxed way. These exercises balance and strengthen the mind.We can discover the wonders that lie within us and realize our potential.
Yogic techniques help us to uncover and explore parts of us that are often unconscious. They allow us to get in touch with our feelings. Expanding awareness through meditation supports the development of a healthy ego, one which is able to create meaningful relationships with life.
Self-Liberation or Self-Transcendence
Meditation can be applied to the pursuit of higher consciousness and spiritual realization. In this process we aim to discover our true nature behind the individual personality, and to intuit where we have come from and where we are going after death. Meditation at this level is a process of exploring life (and death) in all its forms: individual existence; universal existence; as well as the transcendent (beyond time and space).
Meditation is a process of awakening and developing higher consciousness and this is available to us all.
Meditation Technique and Stages of Development
Meditation techniques can be divided into two main forms:
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Consistent daily practice of a meditation technique that we can use for relaxation, to manage our minds, and for higher spiritual purpose. This can be performed alone or in a group setting.
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The application of a simple meditation technique in daily life. This can be practiced during any activity, any place, any time.
The development of these two forms of meditative process results in a sense of relaxed calm, strength and confidence, and higher awareness at all times and under all circumstances.
The process of cultivating meditation and attaining all its benefits has three main stages:
Formal Practice of a Meditation Technique
Formal regular practice of a meditation technique removes accumulated stress and tensions. In the same way that regular exercise relaxes and strengthens the body, regular meditation relaxes and strengthens the mind so that we can better handle life’s difficulties and make the most of its joys.
It is best to begin with a basic meditation technique. The application of yoga techniques, such as stretching (asana) and breathing (pranayama), prior to meditation deepen meditation and make the experience more comfortable.
Ideally practice your meditation technique at the same time each day as our whole being derives great nourishment and calmness from routine. However, this is not essential and meditation can be practiced any time that is practical within the demands of our busy lives.
Meditation Technique in Everyday Life
We practice a meditation technique on a daily basis in order to calm and strengthen the body-mind and to develop meditative awareness. Meditative awareness creates a calm, strong, center within us. From this centered place we can deal with all of life’s demands, and stay relaxed and focused even during very busy and stressful times. Meditation helps us to create a sense of self-control, self-confidence and greater wellbeing.
The Experience of Meditation
The process of combining formal daily practice and applying meditative awareness to our outer lives creates a positive feedback loop. Every day, we can experience how easily we can maintain a calm strong mind. We can become more aware of both our strengths and our weaknesses during various interactions. Then we go back into formal meditative practice with the aim of better preparing ourselves to manage the next opportunity.
About the Author(s):
Dr Swami Shankardev Saraswati is an eminent yoga Acharya (authority), medical doctor, yoga therapist and internationally acclaimed author. As a direct disciple of Swami Satyananda Saraswati, he lived in the Bihar School of Yoga India for 10 years (1974-1985), where he trained to teach the highest practices of yoga-tantra.
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