Meditation

THE FIVE STATES WITHIN CHITTA:

Chitta translates as mind field.

MUDHA:

In this lowest state, the mind is dominated by tamas guna or inertia. In this state, the mind resides in a dull state. One is not alert even though the person may think they are alert but under the influence of inertia, they make unnecessary mistakes.

KSHIPTA:

In this state of mind field, raja guna predominates, creating restless state in the mind. A person may be disturbed, agitated and unsteady. The thoughts may be jumping from one to another.

VIKSHIPTA:

In this state, rajas and tamas still have the influence but the sattvic guna, a state of a balance is increasing. A person may have more concentration but the former habits pull one back to the dull and restless states.

EKAGRATA:

Sattva guna, state of balance and purity predominates allowing for one-pointed concentration. This state is essential for any success in life. Meditation deepens, giving rise to dispassion and non- attachment to the world of objects. In this state, one is clear, knows the bliss of being and progressively enters deeper into the natural state of Sat-Chitta-Ananda, the Bliss of being.

NIRUDDHA:

The mind attains clarity, and state of peace as rajas and tamas are controlled. In this state, the mind is able to turn away from external involvements to the inward pursuits. At this point, a yogi is able to discriminate between the mind and the Spiritual Self. When the modifications or vritis (thought waves) have come to stop. The cessation of the thought waves is called Chitta Vriti Narodaha.

CHITTA VRITI NARODAHA:

When this is achieved, one is able to dwell in the Transcendental state of Self Awareness.

Through this knowledge, we can observe the mind and learn how to deepen concentration. Sustained concentration is the basis for meditation, a control over the mind, so the qualities of peace and awareness can naturally reveal themselves.

 

Guidelines for sitting:

  • Create the foundation for the sitting posture first. Ground the sitting bones, align pelvis, fold legs into an easy pose or lotus.
  • Use props to set the foundation properly, blanket, meditation stool, or a small pillow.
  • Align arms, shoulders, place your hands comfortably on your lap. Align and extend the spine.
  • Breathe naturally to quiet and energize the mind.
  • Be available to your meditation, keep your heart fully open.
  • Support awake quality of presence
  • Sit quietly for some time 20-60 minutes.
  • Stay relaxed, quiet and alert.

 

Meditation on Breath Awareness:

Breath awareness relaxes the body, muscles and organs, calms the nerves, and centers the mind which brings about peace and a sense of wellbeing.

Breathing is a natural process, the sensations of breath result in the interaction of nerves, heart, mind and lungs. When the mind and nerves are agitated, breathing is affected, when breathing relaxes, the mind and nervous system becomes calm and at peace.

Breathing is influenced by many variables such as stress, emotions, or pain. The intent behind breath awareness meditation is to restore a relaxed pattern of breathing.

Technique:

  • Become aware of your breathing. Feel your breath as a sensation in the body
  • Relax your belly and ribcage, lengthen your spine, feel your breath flowing without effort.
  • Let the breath flow naturally without pauses
  • Continue observing the breath. Your nervous system will become  relaxed. Maintain the smooth flow of breathing and allow your meditation to unfold on its own.

 

Meditation Journal:

Keeping a meditation journal can be very useful to reveal a lot about our life. If we are willing to listen and if we are strong enough, we get outside of our normal mode of functioning, we become honest with ourselves. Meditation journal is about our personal growth. It reminds us of our goal, how we can shape our life to realize who we are, and our sincere interest to achieve fulfillment.

MEDITATION ON INTERDEPENDENCE

“People normally cut reality into compartments, and so we are unable to see the interdependence
of phenomena. to see one in all and all in one is to break through the great barrier which narrows
one’s perception of reality, a barrier which Buddhism calls the attachment of the false view of self.

We have to strip away all the barriers in order to live as part of the universal life. A person isn’t
some private entity traveling through time and space as if sealed off from the rest of the world by a thick shell.
Perhaps one can say that we are only alive when we live the life of the world and so live
the sufferings and joys of others.
Meditaion on inerdependence is to be practiced constantly, not only while sitting, but as an integral
part of our involvement in all ordinary tasks. We must learn that the person infront of us is ourself,
and that we are that person.”
-Thich Nhat Hanh