Ask The Master: 04 Feb 2008

What are the benefits of meditation?

Meditation has the power to transform you -- physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually!

On the physical level, the benefits of meditation are well-known. Through meditation, you can regulate your blood pressure and blood sugar. You can increase your body's resistance to disease. Through meditation, it is possible to heal even chronic problems like skin allergies, asthma and arthritis. No disease can escape the power of meditation! Of course, meditation is a complement to medication, not a substitute for it.

On the mental level, meditation enhances clarity of thought and verbalization. The gap between thoughts becomes longer. Meditation is a sure way to improve concentration and memory power. Above all, meditation leads you from intellect to Intelligence. Intelligence is nothing but the ability to respond to a situation in the most creative and constructive way. You cannot learn this art. But with meditation, it flowers naturally.

The spiritual benefits of meditation are too many to list! Meditation puts you in direct touch with the infinite energy of the cosmos. It opens you to the discovery of the Divine that lies latent within each of us. Meditation is truly beyond words. Its benefits are to be experienced, not explained!

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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

Temple/Rituals FAQ: 03 Feb 2008

Pradosham

Coming Monday, Feb 4th is pradosham.

Pradosha is one of the most important poojas performed for Lord Shiva. It was on this day that Lord Shiva recited the Vignana Bairava Tantra or the Shiva sutras to his consort, Devi. During this 2 hour period, Nandi, Lord Shiva's vahana (vehicle), guarded the door so that no one would disturb them. Hence we worship Nandi on this day. It is said that its easier to please Nandi, who is himself a devotee ready to offer whatever he is asked for, on this day.

We observe this day with liquid fast from morning till sunset and break the fast after evening Nithya Aarti. Abhisekam will be offered to Nandi, followed by Vignana Bairava Tantra chanting by everyone present, and finally Arati and Prasad.

In LA Vedic Temple, on this auspicious day, we do Nandi Bahisekam at 6:00pm and followed by Nithya Aarthi at 7:00pm.

Address to LA Vedic Temple:

9720 Central Ave (cross street San Bernardino)
Montclair, CA 91763
Tel:(909)625-1400
www.NithyanandaVedicTemple.org

Ask The Master: 02 Feb 2008

How many hours should I meditate everyday?

There is no question of how many hours!

As I said, meditation is not something that can be added on to your life. It is like asking, How often should I breathe every day?

You cannot say, This many hours every day I will be meditative, and the rest of the day I will continue doing whatever I am doing now!

Meditation requires a tremendous change inside you. Meditation is a complete transformation of your entire way of life. The seed is already there inside you, but for the tree to grow and blossom, the seed first has to rupture!

You have to allow yourself to rupture! When you start practicing meditation sincerely, this will happen on its own. But the willingness to rupture, to be completely transformed, has to be there inside you.

Meditation is nothing short of rebirth! You have to possess the courage to face death -- your own death! -- and to be reborn as someone entirely new.

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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

Ask The Master: 01 Feb 2008

Then why do we need meditation techniques?

Meditation techniques are NOT there to help you achieve. They are there to help you remember.

If i suddenly tell you, Slip into Ananda! -- is it possible?

You are not even aware that Ananda is your natural state. And when you are not aware, the process of meditation can be confusing and frightening.

To enter into meditation is like entering a shoreless ocean. When you are just learning to swim, will you directly enter the ocean on your own?

NO! You need a lifebuoy to keep you afloat, you need a lighthouse to show you the way.

In the same way, when you enter into meditation, you will need a method to show you what to do, to show you the path of meditation that is most natural for you.

Meditation techniques are nothing but lifebuoys. Once meditation becomes your way of life, you will automatically drop the formal techniques!

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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