Special Topics in Meditation #2
Here we examine some of the overarching aims and ideals of yoga. This set of 8 questions and answers served as the opening segment into our “Special Topics in Meditation” seminar on Mar 21, 2019.
In that session there were 8 flash cards with questions and 8 more with answers. When a question was read then the corresponding answer was offered, and then there was a short period for follow-up discussion and queries. Then we proceeded to the next question and answer.
Below are all 8 questions and answers, and in some cases, as per my memory, I have tried to capture the essence of the follow-up queries and discussion. If anyone who attended the session recalls more from the evening or has new points to raise, kindly write in with your recollections, thoughts, or queries and I will add them here.
Looking ahead: In next month’s session we will address an entirely new set of queries and responses – hope you will join us.
#1: Why meditate?
(A) To feel better;
(B) Because human life is trifarious (physical, psychic, and spiritual) and meditation is the doorway to the spiritual realm.
Follow-up: Just as we exercise our physical bodies to stay fit, and engage in all kinds of study and inquiry to stay sharp mentally, similarly the spiritual aspect of our human personality should also be recognized and developed. And for the yogi, that endeavor is meditation.
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#2: What is the most empowering thing I can do for my meditation practice?
To make the conscious choice on one’s own to sit for meditation without any suggestion from others.
Follow-up: If you stop by a friend’s house to say hello then you strengthen that relationship. It shows how you value that friendship. Similarly, when you set aside time to practice meditation it further establishes you in the practice.
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#3: What is svarashastra?
The science of breath control was first propounded by the great yogi Shiva thousands of years ago.
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#4: Why is breathing (the breath) so important?
The breath is the linking point between the physical and psychic bodies. Although it is a physical process, it is deeply linked with the mind.
Follow-up: Just as a weightlifter uses the breath to maximize their physical strength, the meditator uses the breath to calm and still the mind and delve deeper within.
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#5: What is mantra meditation?
The repetition of a word or phrase while imbibing the meaning, in result, elevating the mind.
Follow-up: While the breath can be looked upon as the base of one’s meditation, in yoga the mantra is the engine. It goads the mind towards a more subtle and sublime state.
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#6: Should the mantra be repeated silently or out loud?
Silently. During meditation, the mantra should be recited internally. In contrast, during kiirtan (collective chanting) the mantra is sung out loud for all to hear.
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#7: What if disturbing thoughts come during my meditation?
That is natural; meditation is a cleansing process. Stray thoughts will come during meditation, but do not entertain those thoughts, rather focus on the meditative process.
Follow-up: A lifelong friend once told me that he does not like to meditate because so many random thoughts come in the mind. However, the random thoughts coming in the mind is not the result of meditating, but rather the result of never meditating. One cannot blame the meditation for lack of concentration or mental propulsion. It is just like if you never floss your teeth and your gums bleed when going to the dentist for a check-up, then you cannot blame the dentist for making your gums bleed. The root cause is not flossing regularly.
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#8: How can I improve my ability to physically sit for meditation?
Sitting regularly is the best formula.
Follow-up: When I first learned meditation back in 1991, I was in good shape by general health standards, but sitting in meditation was torturous for me. My knees and back hurt, and, in general, I was very tense and uncomfortable. Perhaps the biggest turning point came during my first trip to India. The reason being there were no chairs. We sat on the ground to eat; we sat to attend class; we sat while talking; and, of course, we sat during meditation. By so much sitting, my hips opened up and my entire seated posture transformed.
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Thank You & Namaskar!
Thanks for coming out and participating in this second session of “Special Topics in Meditation.” Looking forward to the next one in April….
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