Technique of Meditation
The technique of meditation is the art of maintaining the mind in focus upon a chosen thought to the exclusion of all other thoughts. It is a skill that requires careful preparation and practice to master.
The Role of the Intellect
A human being stands out from all other living creatures by virtue of possessing both the gross and subtle intellects. The gross intellect operates within the terrestrial realm, dealing with the pairs of opposites in the world. The subtle intellect, on the other hand, transcends the mundane and conceives the eternal, spiritual Reality.
In the practice of meditation, it is the subtle intellect that plays a crucial role. The intellect serves as the observer and supervisor during the meditation process. It maintains awareness of the mind's activity, guiding it to stay focused on the chosen object of meditation.
The mind has a natural tendency to wander, slipping into past memories or future anxieties. It is the intellect's role to rein in the mind, keeping it firmly anchored in the present moment.
Preparing the Mind for Meditation
Before one can embark on the practice of meditation, it is essential to prepare the mind. An agitated, undisciplined mind cannot concentrate. The mind must be calmed and made receptive through a systematic process.
Step 1: Eliminate External Distractions
Choose a quiet, peaceful place for your meditation practice. If a completely silent environment is unavailable, aim for a time of day when the surroundings are relatively peaceful, such as the early morning hours.
Step 2: Attend to the Physical Body
Sit in a comfortable, upright posture that allows your spine to be erect. This helps to maintain alertness and focus during meditation. Gently close your eyes, allowing your gaze to rest comfortably.
Step 3: Regulate the Breath
Practice a few rounds of pranayama, the yogic breathing technique. This helps to calm the mind and establish a steady, rhythmic breathing pattern.
Step 4: Quiet the Mind
Once the body is settled, turn your attention inward. Gently dismiss any thoughts that arise, bringing your focus back to the present moment. This prepares the mind for the meditation practice.
The Meditation Process
With the mind and body prepared, you can now begin the meditation practice. The core of the meditation technique is the repetition of a mantra, a sacred word or phrase.
Step 1: Choose a Mantra
Select a mantra that resonates with you, such as the universal symbol Om or a personal mantra given by a spiritual teacher. The mantra serves as the object of focus during meditation.
Step 2: Chant the Mantra
Begin silently repeating the mantra, synchronizing it with your breath. As you inhale, mentally chant the mantra; as you exhale, allow it to fade. Keep your attention firmly fixed on the mantra.
Step 3: Observe the Mind
When your mind wanders, as it inevitably will, gently bring it back to the mantra. The intellect serves as the witness, observing the mind's activity and redirecting it when necessary.
Step 4: Deepen the Practice
As you become more adept, allow the mantra to gradually fade, settling into the silence that remains. This silence is the ultimate goal, where the mind and intellect cease their activity, and the true Self is revealed.
The Significance of Om
The mantra Om is considered the most powerful and universal symbol of the supreme Reality, Brahman. It is a natural, primordial sound that encompasses the entire range of human expression.
The three syllables of Om - A, U, and M - represent the waking, dream, and deep sleep states of consciousness, respectively. The chanting of Om helps to attune the practitioner to the underlying unity of these three states, ultimately leading to the realization of the pure Consciousness that transcends them.
The silence that arises between two successive chants of Om is known as amatra, a state of pure awareness devoid of thought. This silence is the ultimate goal of meditation.
The Path to Self-Realization
The consistent practice of meditation, with the intellect guiding the mind, gradually erodes the veil of ignorance that obscures one's true nature. As the mind becomes increasingly calm and focused, the practitioner begins to experience the vast, eternal Self within.
This journey of self-discovery, from the surface of one's personality to the innermost core, is the essence of the spiritual path outlined in Vedanta. Through the disciplined practice of meditation, one ultimately attains the state of Self-realization, the ultimate fulfillment of human existence.
Explore the Four Spiritual Disciplines prescribed in Vedanta to further your understanding of the path to enlightenment.