Ask The Master: 07 Feb 2008

There are so many meditation techniques. How do I know which one is right for me?

Go by the results!

If a technique appeals to you, simply try it out.

Put your whole energy behind the effort. Try it out with the greatest sincerity, believing fully that it will work for you. In a few days' time, you will know whether this is the technique that is right for you.

In the beginning, I suggest you practice 'doing' techniques rather than 'sitting' techniques. Because right now there is too much disturbance inside you. If you sit still and watch, all you will be witnessing is the tremendous disturbance inside.

So when you are just getting into meditation, choose 'doing' techniques -- because these are cathartic, cleansing techniques. These techniques are outwardly active, but inwardly, they can lead you to an experience of peace, of silence.

Once you have settled into meditation, once you have cleansed out all your old blockages, you can try out any technique you want.

How do you measure the correctness of a technique?

If a technique is helping you feel more relaxed, more centered, more sensitive -- it is working. If it is making you more joyful, helping you expand, feel more energetic -- it is working.

If you find it is not working, simply put it aside, and start working with another technique.

But have patience! Don't be greedy for results and throw away perfectly workable methods.

Usually, among the first five or eight techniques you choose, there will already be one that is right for you.

Locate it.

Pursue it.

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This excerpt has been taken from the book: "Meditation is for You" -- an introduction to the science and art of meditation