Words From The Master - 06 March 2008

Towards Meditative Living

How to enjoy meditation

Make time

Every day, make sure you keep aside at least half an hour for meditation. Even if you plan on practising anytime-anywhere meditations, always include a half-hour of sit-down meditation.

In the beginning, you need to cultivate discipline in your meditation. Also, you need to practise consciously, in an environment set aside for the practice of meditation.

During this time, ensure that you are undisturbed. Don’t accept any engagements. Let your family and friends know that during this time, it is important for you to be alone. It is preferable to keep the timings the same every day. The body and mind get accustomed to routines very fast. If you practise at the same time every day, you will find that you can slip into the meditative state more easily at that
particular time.

Make space

Choose a clean, uncluttered, silent space for meditation. If you can, set aside a room in your home as the Meditation Room. If you already have a prayer-room in your home, that would be the ideal place. A space that has already been used for worship or meditation will have a high energy level, which will help you meditate better. It is better to meditate in the same place everyday. If the space is indoors, ensure
that there is sufficient sunlight and plenty of ventilation. If you are meditating outdoors, say in the garden, make sure that it is a private space where you won’t be disturbed by ‘garden noises’.

Be comfortable

Unless you are physically comfortable, there is no way you can meditate! Meditation requires you to forget the body, and if the body is putting you in pain, how are you going to forget it and move beyond?

Many techniques require you to squat on the floor. If you are not used to this, use a chair – but keep trying. Use a cushion as a seat if you want. For lie-down techniques, don’t lie on the bare floor. Use a carpet or a straw mat.

Ensure that some time has passed since your last meal - at least two hours.

Initially, you may feel sleepy during meditation. This is the tamas (lethargy) that is weighing down your system. Don’t try to fight the sleep – ultimately, you will be able to neither sleep nor meditate! And don’t feel guilty about feeling sleepy. If you are sleepy, just go to sleep. When you finish sleeping,
you can get up and meditate, that’s all!

(to be continued.)
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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