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following are practical points regarding the basic techniques and
stages of meditation. |
1.
Regularity of time, place and practice are the most important. Regularity
conditions the mind to slow down its activities with a minimum of
delay. |
2.
The most effective times are dawn and dusk, when the atmosphere
is charged with special spiritual force. The preferred time is brahmamuhurta,
the hours between four and six a.m. In these quiet hours after sleep,
the mind is clear and unruffled by activities of the day. |
3.
Try to have a separate room for meditation. If this is
impossible, screen off a portion of a room; do not allow others
to enter it. The area should be used only for meditation, and should
be kept free from other vibrations and associations. Incense should
be burned morning and evening. The focal point of the room should
be a picture or image of the chosen deity or |
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inspirational
figure, with the meditation mat placed before it. In six months
the peace and purity of the atmosphere will be felt; it will have
a magnetic aura. |
| 4.
When sitting, face north or east in order to take advantage of favorable
magnetic vibrations. Sit in a comfortable steady posture, with spine
and neck held erect but not tense. The psychic current must be able
to travel unimpeded from the base of the spine to the top of the head.
It is not necessary to place the legs in padamasana, the classic lotus
posture. Any comfortable cross-legged posture provides a firm base
for the body. |
5.
Keep the breathing rhythmic. Inhale for three seconds and exhale
for three seconds. Regulation of breath also regulates the flow
of prana, the vital energy. |
6.
Do not force the mind to be still. This would set into motion additional
brain waves, hindering meditation. If the mind persists in wandering,
simply disassociate from it, and watch it. |
7.
Select a focal point on which the mind may rest. For those who are
predominantly intellectual, the object of focus should be visualized
in the space between the eyebrows. |
8.
Focus on a neutral or uplifting object or symbol, holding the image
to the place of concentration. If using a Mantra, repeat it mentally,
and coordinate the repetition with the breathing. If you do not
have a personal Mantra, OM may be used. |
9.
Begin the practice of meditation with twenty-minute periods and
increase to one hour. |
