There are so many different types of meditation. How do I know which one to follow?
All the authentic different meditation paths have the same goal: to know your inner self. So no matter which path you choose to follow, it will lead you to the same place.
My recommendation for you is to choose a path and stick with it for a period of time in order to get a feeling of how it works for you.
Because we are different beings with different qualities and personalities, there are different paths. Some paths are complete and can lead you to a state beyond the limits of the mind.
The focus on the breath is not enough to move beyond the mind, but it’s a start. In the beginning, you should develop perfect posture and focus on the breath. Practice and the rest will come.
Should I move if my knees hurt or my legs get numb?
Yes, you can move. Remember meditation is a pleasure practice, and it should remain that way.
In the beginning, you should dedicate some time to developing a good and stable sitting position that you can hold for 15 to 20 minutes. Early on, when your body is not accustomed to being in this position, it is normal to experience some discomfort. However, this will go away with time and you will be able to sit and concentrate on the breath.
Just keep in mind that the more you move, the more distractions you will cause. So it’s advised that you move as little as possible.
What is the best time to meditate?
The best time to meditate relates to the angle between the sun and the earth. The most auspicious times to meditate are at 4 AM and 4 PM, before the sunrise and sunset.
What is Japa? What is the different between Japa and meditation?
Japa is the continuous mental repetition of a mantra. Mantra is a powerful tool for focusing the mind.
Japa can be practiced in any place or situation. This will help a great deal with those times when the mind has a tendency to focus on the outside world. When the recitation of Japa becomes spontaneous, this will bring happiness.
Chanting Japa from the heart and not as a mere repetition will lead to states of ecstasy.
A mala can be used when chanting Japa. A mala is a necklace with beads that help with the count of mantra.
The difference between Japa and mediation is that Japa will bring your mind to a one-pointed state while meditation is pure silence of the mind.
How do I know if I’m making progress?
Spiritual progress is not measured in the same was as progress in the external world. You are making progress when you feel more at peace and content, or when the mind can be one-pointed with ease.
How long will it take to attain the final goal?
There is no set amount of time for graduating from the spiritual school. It all depends on the individual student’s discipline, frequency, and determination.
What really is meditating?
Mediation is the ability to stop the waves of the mind and to bring the mind to silence. There are many tools that can help you get to this state, such as focusing on the breath or chanting a mantra.
Can meditation cure emotional problems?
Meditation is one of the best therapies for emotional problems because it helps you to listen, recognize, and face your fears, traumas, and emotional instabilities.
If you can not find peace within, surrender yourself to the Lord of life. Self surrender is the highest of all the methods.
Is there any risk in meditating?
No there is absolutely no risk in meditating.
Sometimes my meditation is great, and other times I cannot stop the disturbances. How can I deal with this?
You can deal with the disturbances just by accepting what is. Stop fighting with any expectations that you may have.
Before sitting down, cultivate a firm determination not to care about disturbances that may arise (positive or negative) and to keep focused on the breath.
Is it helpful to use music while meditating?
Music keeps the mind focused on the external world. You can listen to music afterwards while relaxing.
Should I use candles and incense when meditating?
Candle light can produce a little tingling on the eyes, which may cause distractions.
If you want to create a nice atmosphere, you can burn incense before meditating but while meditating because the smell may distract your mind.
Do my diet and sexual habits affect my meditation?
Heavy meals take more time to digest and will make you feel sleepy. Eating light and nutritious food will keep your body and mind healthy.
Sex is an essential necessity for the body until a certain age, but it’s advised that you not obsess with sex. The sex energy is a very powerful energy and wasting it is not recommended.
Why do I sometimes feel scared to meditate?
The education system teaches us how to deal with the outside world while meditation teaches us how to deal with the inside world.
When meditating, you present yourself to yourself. This may feel frightening for some people because the unknown, the different, and change can produce fear. But what you are about to know is yourself, so what is there to be scared of?
Do I need a timer when meditating?
It’s up to you. You can use your mental clock and rise 10-20 minutes early to meditate. It’s best to meditate when you have no obligations afterwards, such as early in the morning or at night. It can be unpleasant to finish your meditation with the sound of an alarm clock.
How do I know when I need a teacher, and how do I find one?
When the student finds that the nature of the objects of the outside world no longer interest him, he starts to question the meaning of life and starts searching the scriptures of the sages.
Do not look for a teacher, rather prepare yourself. There is an old and true saying, “when the student is ready, the teacher appears”.
A true teacher is selfless, experienced, and practices meditation. This teacher can lead the student to a true path.
What are the signs of deeper meditation?
The sign of deeper meditation is a one-pointed mind focused inward. When the student practices meditation in a constant and punctual way, the mind becomes penetrating and one-pointed, removing obstacles with ease.
Meditation Table of Contents
- General Overview
- Sitting Positions
- Yoga Positions
- Best Places to Meditate
- Best Time to Meditate
- How Eating, Sex and Sleep Affect Your Meditation
- Breath Control or Pranayama
- Nadis
- Basic Procedures for Alternate Nostril Breathing
- A Specific Program to Get You Started
- Time and Effects During Meditation
- How many days should I do this Meditation for?
- Benefits
- Tips for a Meditative Mental State
- Different Types of Meditation
- Frequent Questions and Answers