What is meditation? In the Yoga Sutra, patangali expounds how to meditate and describes the factors that constitute meditation practice.
The second verse of the first chapter points out that Yoga (or union) occurs when the mind becomes quiet.
This state of mental stillness is produced by balancing the body, mind and feeling, so as to relax the nervous system.
Patanjali goes on to explain that meditation begins when we find that we can never satisfy our pursuit of things and our desire for entertainment.
When we finally realize this, our external pursuit turns inward, and we have entered the realm of meditation.
Literally, “meditation” refers to reflection, or thinking.
In yoga, meditation is more clearly defined as a state of pure consciousness.
It is the seventh stage of yoga, that is, the concentration of body and consciousness.
Meditation is the final liberation, which is the last step of patangali’s eight limb system.
When we are physically and mentally stable, we are acutely aware of our senses, but at the same time divorced from our feelings.
Without the ability to keep separation and observation, you can’t meditate.
Even if you can concentrate on meditation, meditation is more than just concentration.
It eventually evolved into an expanded state of consciousness.
When we concentrate, we turn our attention to what seems to be something other than ourselves.
We are familiar with this object and establish contact.
However, to enter the field of meditation, we need to intervene in this object.
We need to communicate with them.
Of course, the result of this exchange is a deep awareness that there is no difference between us (as subjects) and the (objects) we focus on or meditate on.
This brought us into Samadhi.
A good way to understand this relationship is to think about the development of the relationship.
First, we met a person, that is, we contacted.
Then, by spending time together, listening and sharing with each other, we build a relationship.
In the next stage, we merge with this person in the form of deep friendship, partnership or marriage.
“You” and “I” become “we”.
At this time, we have established a connection and we can communicate.
Just as yoga has many styles, there are many ways to meditate.
Next, let’s take a closer look.
Mantra is a widely used meditation method in the Yoga system.
It is a simple and effective meditation method to guide the purity of the mind.
Yoga voice has a very special power and function, which can alleviate people’s mental stress, treat mental diseases, and even help people reach the highest and purest state of consciousness.
Yoga pronunciation is called mantra, which is a phrase or sentence composed of Sanskrit syllables.
It is spiritual and allows people to find infinite power in repeated phrases and sentences.
The oldest, most commonly used and most effective voice meditation: OM.
This voice is the oldest voice and the foundation of all voices.
Indian yogis explained that this voice is like the sound of “home” with our mouths closed.
People often recite this voice to have a sense of belonging.
Gazing meditation gazing at fixtures is another method.
Gaze point drishti, which means “view”, “opinion” or “gaze”.
Similarly, the gaze you can use is unlimited.
Candlelight meditation is a popular way.
You can also stare at the flowers, statues or gods in the vase.
Fully or partially open your eyes to gently distract your eyes.
Many classic hatha yoga poses have gaze points, while Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes gaze points.
For example, gaze at the “third eye”, that is, the position between the eyebrows or the tip of the nose.
Breathing meditation, which focuses on breathing, is another method of meditation.
You can do this by actually counting the number of breaths as in the breath control exercise.
Ultimately, however, it means simply observing the breath and not changing it in any way.
In this case, breathing will be the only object of your meditation.
You will observe every nuance of breathing and every feeling it produces: how it moves in your abdomen and trunk, how it feels when it moves inside and outside your nose, quality, temperature, etc.
Although you understand these details, you will not refine or judge them.
You are still separated from what you observe.
What you find is neither good nor bad.
You just let yourself breathe all the time.
Another method of body sensation meditation is to observe the body sensation.
Practice with the same details as when observing breathing.
In this case, you will look deeply or penetrate a specific feeling that attracts your attention, such as how cold your hands feel.
Asanas can improve the sensitivity of the body and give you key points: for example, the strength of the spine or the softness of the lower body.
It is also possible to observe specific emotions or any specific areas of discomfort.
No matter what kind of meditation you choose, it is the focus of the whole exercise.
You may find it more challenging to observe how the body feels than to observe breathing.
Common meditation posture sitting posture this is the most recommended meditation posture.
There are many classic sitting postures, and simple sitting is the most basic.
More flexible practitioners prefer lotus sitting.
You can also sit in a chair.
It works just as well.
It is important that your spine remain upright and feel stable and comfortable, which is necessary for meditation.
To improve comfort, place a cushion or folded blanket under your hips, which helps support the natural bending of your lower back.
Relax your arms and put your hands on your thighs with your palms up or down.
Relax your shoulders and gently lift your chest.
Keep your neck extended and your chin tilted slightly downward.
Natural and free breathing.
Standing posture this is another kind of meditation practice.
It strengthens the body and spirit.
Stand with feet hip width apart..
