CONTENTS
INNER YOGA
Meditation Methods
J. Krishna Murti says there is no method. Rajneesh says there is method for you. When you reach inner yoga most probably you will realize that though method was not needed it would have been difficult without it. Like you use the boat to cross the river and leave it at the other shore.
But what is the blue print for all this? We don't want to get into debate off Darwinisn vs genesis. We realize that from time immemorial man has been searching for happiness and because he found that he is suffering. In the east where the climate was milder he had more time to think and more time to go inside. In the west climate was harsh so survival was of prime importance so they tried to secure their life and tried to pursue happiness outside.
In the east Buddha and other philosophers propounded theories and gave a plan as to how to reach that state where there is no pain and eternal life, total contentment etc.
In the same way Patanjali who gave a system of yoga called Astang yoga in that he divided the whole thing into 8 parts.
Astang Yoga Components
- Discipline
- Non-violence
- Celibacy
- Truthfulness
- Non-stealing
- Non-attachment
- Observances
- Purity
- Contentment
- Austerity
- Self-study
- Faith In God
- Posture
- Breath Control
- Withdrawal of the senses
- Concentration
- Meditation
- Super Consciousness
Since we identify with our bodies we should start with physical so from gross to subtle like from known to unknown to unknowable.
Try to keep the body healthy by not eating too much or too little or the stuff which does not suit you. Keep a light food habit. Try to give up meat, alcohol, tobacco etc. The point is if it doesn't suit your mind or body, give it up. If you cannot then at least curtail its use. If you cannot do that either please pray. Prayer helps.
Practical Suggestions
1. Start with a short prayer
2. Try to sit for meditation at least 15 minutes every day at the same time
3. Keep your back straight without support if possible if not take support if possible. Lying down straight is okay too.
4. Keep your eyes open if you can't then close but try to open them as much as possible without strain.
5. Meditation cushion should be of natural fiber, silk on one side and wool on the other side (ideally).
6. Scan with your inner eyes where your focus is if you cannot find out then focus on heart.
7. Choose a system, breath control, chanting, gazing, watching thoughts or creative visualization and stick to it if you want help contact us.
8. Try not to move too much while meditating.
9. Try to get into that drowsy state when you are half asleep but try to remain aware of it.
10. Try to sit facing east or north. In the evening or night you can face west but not south.
11. Finish with a prayer of thanks.
Courtesy http://meditation.dk/