Yoga and Meditation

In analyzing different materials regarding meditation techniques and practices, and even when working in group meditation programs, the main concern for most is the methodology. Particularly in the West, people are typically most interested in the “technique” of meditation. However, it is crucial to know that the most important aspect of meditation practice is not method. Rather, it is our state of being, the ’spirit’ in which we perform meditation techniques, which is known as the meditation “posture.”

When breathing in, be mindful of breathing in and only identifying with the breath. There is no particular part of the breathing process that you need to focus on, it is simply the process of breathing that matters most.

Also, a sound or a mantra can be used to focus on. My favorite sound to focus on during meditation is the Great ‘Om,’ and my favorite mantra for meditation is the Maha-Mantra! While it can be useful to integrate these things objects of focus into your meditation techniques, at first it’s best to merely be ’spacious,’ like the sky.

There is good or bad weather, but the sky remains unchanged. If you persist being grounded and not being disturbed by your emotions or experiences, then you will develop the stability that is necessary for the real profoundness of meditation to take effect.

There is no particular part of the breathing process that you need to focus on, it is simply the process of breathing that matters most. Only twenty-five percent of your attention should be focused on breathing, while the other seventy-five percent is relaxed. It is important to actually identify with breathing, rather than only monitoring it. You can also choose an object, such as a flower to focus upon. When sitting to meditate, let things calm down allowing all discord within yourself and any unnaturalness to dissolve, and out of that rises your real self. Then you are able to experience that part of yourself which is more genuine, authentic, which is the “real” you! As you progress, you will discover and reconnect with your intrinsic goodness. The entire purpose of meditation is getting used to that part of yourself which may have been lost and forgotten.

David Powell is a yoga meditation specialist who enjoys group meditation practice. For many years, he has assisted others to experience enlightenment in meditation practice. For additional information related to Buddhism and real yoga meditation power visit www.thisispk.org