Posture and Breathing
Hindu meditation relies on the arrangement of the physical body in order to create the best circumstances for spiritual contemplation. In order to meditate correctly with Hindu practice, it is necessary to take a comfortable seated position on the ground or a pillow, having first removed all unnecessary clothing. The spine should be straight, in order to encourage proper breathing, but not so straight that it becomes rigid. The hands should be relaxed in the lap with the palm facing up. The body should be gently held, allowing the breath to move the chest naturally. Finally, the eyes should be slightly downward, either closed or unfocused.
Once the posture has been taken, the practitioner can begin to focus on the breath. There are three distinct stages to this process which include observation, regulation and absorption. First, one should observe the breath without attempting to control it, becoming aware of its origin, flow, and finish. Then, the practitioner should regulate the breath, ensuring that it is deep and slow, filling the abdomen, chest and expanding the ribcage. Finally, one should absorb themselves in the breath, becoming one with the sensation and letting it calm the mind.
Mantras
Mantras are spiritually charged words, either composed or divinely revealed, that facilitate one’s experience in meditation. Practitioners of Hindu meditation often recite mantras, allowing them to emotionally connect to the sacred all while calming and focusing the mind. However, mantras are not limited to words, but rather can be extended to include tones and chants, either solo or with vocal accompaniment.
The power of mantras is that they can sooth the anguish of the mind and heart, bringing one into alignment with their spiritual identity. They can also encourage union with the divine, leading the practitioner in and out of meditation in a natural and continual fashion. Furthermore, mantras can be used as a form of active prayer, allowing the practitioner to more readily articulate the profound and elusive spiritual journey they are on.
Meditation Rituals
In Hinduism, meditation is more than just the regular practice of breath work and mental clarity. It is a spiritual process and as such requires a certain type of ritual in order to be conducted properly. These rituals generally begin with the offering of flowers, and sometimes also prasadam and incense, to the corresponding deity for that particular meditation session. On some occasions, many practitioners like to burn camphor as a sign of purification. Then the practitioner will place a murti, or an idol, onto a clean piece of cloth and practice pranayama and meditation in the presence of the deity.
These types of rituals are helpful for preparing the practitioner for meditation as they can help to create a sense of reverence and allow one to enter the meditative state more readily. The repetition of the ritual can also help ground the practitioner, providing a reliable go-to in times of mental and emotional chaos.
Removing Mental Obstacles
Meditation can be a tricky practice to pick up and often requires a lot of dedication and effort in order to be successful. A big hurdle for some practitioners is overcoming the mental stumbling blocks that arise. These can include negative thoughts, doubts, and distractions during the exercise. The key to overcoming these obstacles is to not get fixated on these negative thoughts and to take an objective stance. Mentally observe these thoughts as they arise, without judgement and allowing them to pass by.
Once the practitioner has learned to do this the process of meditation becomes easier, as the mind is more relaxed and open to understanding. Furthermore, the practitioner must be patient with their meditation practice, as progress does not come through wishing but rather through dedicated practice over time.
Yogic Practices
Hinduism sees flexibility as essential for living a full and healthy life. This is one of the reasons why yoga is found at the heart of its meditation practice. It is said that in order to unify the body, mind and spirit it is essential to strengthen the physical body. Through the various yogic postures this is possible, as they help to increase flexibility, resilience and strength.
Yoga can also help to increase the body’s internal energy, allowing the practitioner to move through the higher realms of meditation more quickly and with greater ease. One should note however, that yoga is more than just physical postures, it is a discipline that requires vigilance, self-control and dedication.
Practicing Pratyahara
Pratyahara is the fifth limb of yoga according to Patanjali’s yoga sutras, and is the practice of the withdrawal of the senses from the external objects. This part of yogic practice is essential for those wanting to reach higher realms of meditation. Pratyahara helps one to become aware of the internal mental process, allowing them to observe the mind and its movements without judgment.
Contrary to popular belief, pratyahara does not mean the detachment of oneself from the sensory world. Instead, it is the withdrawal of the senses from the external so that the energy can be turned inward, facilitating a deeper understanding of oneself.
Engaging in Dhyana
Dhyana is the ultimate goal of Hindu meditation practice, as it is the practice of true union with the divine. It is this practice that allows one to transcend their physical and mental states, allowing them to access true freedom, peace and understanding. It is in this practice that the practitioner connects to the divine more deeply, allowing them to understand the spiritual nature of the world.
Practitioners engage in dhyana through the awareness of their body, concentrating on the breath and mantra. As the practitioner reaches higher states of consciousness, they will be able to transcend the physical and enter a state of meditation. In this state, the practitioner will be both conscious and unconscious simultaneously, achieving a state of pure union with the divine.
Exploring Samadhi
Samadhi is a state where one experiences the highest form of spiritual consciousness and is often referred to as ecstasy or bliss. One’s perception of the external world is completely blurred and they are in a deep state of peace and equanimity. In essence, the practitioner merges completely with the divine, allowing them to experience liberation and oneness with the spiritual world.
Practitioners of Hindu meditation techniques strive to reach this state through the regular practice of breath work and mental clarity. The aim is to reside in this state for extended periods of time, in order to gain a deeper understanding of and connection with the divine.
Mindfulness and Reflection
Mindfulness is key within Hindu meditation practice, as it helps to keep the practitioner fully present and aware of both themselves, and their environment. It is through this state of awareness that one can become familiar with their innermost thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. Additionally, it allows the practitioner to connect with their soul more deeply, uncovering the true nature of existence and one’s purpose in life.
Practitioners should practice mindful reflection, allowing them to become more aware of how they think and feel, as well as their motivations and intentions. Through this practice they can then begin to observe and detach from any negative thoughts or emotions that lead to suffering, replacing them with positive, life affirming values and beliefs.
Visualization of the Divine
Visualization is key within Hindu meditation, as it facilitates a more tangible understanding of the divine. It also allows the practitioner to experience the divine in a more personal and intimate way, allowing them to make peace with the world and its various principles.
Practitioners should focus on visualizing the divine in a profound and meaningful way, using their awareness and imagination to bring the divine to life in their minds. This practice can help the practitioner to enter a deeper state of meditation, as well as helping them to understand their place within the spiritual world.
Experiencing Oneness
The ultimate aim of Hindu meditation is to experience a state of oneness with the divine. This experience brings peace, understanding and joy to the practitioner, allowing them to become fully integrated with their spiritual identity while still in their material bodies.
This state of union requires the practitioner to maintain a mental clarity and openness, allowing them to surrender to the divine and become one with their highest truth. Practitioners can achieve this by offering gratitude for their connection with the divine, and for the spiritual progress they have made on their journey. It is through such acts of surrender that the journey to oneness is achieved.
